Community Voices

view from bluffs looking at river valley and beyond

ESSAY | Hiking Wisconsin’s Driftless Bluffs and Prairies

Our scenic blufflands, valleys and trails aren’t restricted to Southeast Minnesota alone, as a day’s hike into Western Wisconsin’s Driftless Area will prove!

two kids playing in muddy water

Essay | Creative Skills and Kids

Essayist Renee Bergstrom’s formula for a “lifetime of joy” includes being creative – and it begins in our youth.

man looking at gathered people in community setting

Root River Diary | An Extraordinary Kindness

Just how special can a delivery person be? Steve Harris and Diane Knight share observations from a community sendoff to UPS driver Josh Merchlewitz.

Root River area towns have stories to tell. (Map courtesy of <a href="https://www.rootrivertrail.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Root River Trail Towns</a>)

Root River Diary

This recurring series features original short stories based on observations and experiences of what makes our rural communities uniquely special. Learn more and submit YOUR story!

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">Maiden Hair Fern (Adiantum) flourishes in full shade or dappled sunlight. (Photo by Renee Bergstrom)</span>

June Arrives

Renee Bergstrom’s photographs capture recent spring arrivals.

NICOL PHOTO

Poetry | Yggdrasil…Turning green…the voice

Poetry by John B. Nicol.

Connection with a neighbor and quick action by a local ambulance crew brought aid to Don Bell.

Root River Diary | Counting on Your Neighbors

Lanesboro’s Don Bell can count on his neighbors. This is an entry in our Root River Diary.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b;"><em>High School baseball is in full force during May. In this picture, the batter makes contact with the baseball while the catcher is still poised to receive the pitch. (Photo by Craig Johnson)</em> </span>

Prelude to Summer

Craig Johnson and Renee Bergstrom capture the full essence of May.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; ">The author’s favorite ephemeral is the Showy Orchis. This exquisite member of the orchid family has won acclaim from some Morel mushroom hunters as a reliable signal for when the Morels will appear. Unfortunately, it is also well known for being extremely hard to find anywhere. So if you find it, celebrate your good luck. (Photos by Loni Kemp) </span>

Ephemeral Wildflowers Blanket The Woods — Quick, Look Now!

Loni Kemp, an avid gardener and nature lover, explores the diversity and beauty of our short-lived spring ephemeral wildflowers.

<span style="font-size: 14px; color: #6c6b6b; "><em>Geese and goslings float in the water on a sunny spring day. (Photo by Renee Bergstrom)</em></span>

Seasonal Photos

Spring Nature: Craig Johnson and Renee Bergstrom capture the emergence of animal life in April.

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