Nature Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Cascade Vacation Rentals

2 01, 2020

Old-Growth Forests
Old-Growth Forests

Old-Growth Forests

Martha Finley2021-08-10T19:48:11+00:00Nature|

There are not many old-growth forests remaining in the state of Minnesota. We on the North Shore are lucky enough to have three of them that can be easily accessed. What is an Old Growth Forest? An old-growth forest is a forest that has not undergone any unnatural changes or major disturbances (e.g. logging) for at least 100 years. These forests contain young, mature, and dead-standing trees and have a multi-layered canopy. They tend to recover from natural damage like wind and fire faster than disturbed forests and create a habitat that is ideal for diverse wildlife. Old-growth forests are [...]

1 01, 2020

Fall Drives
Fall Drives

Fall Drives

Martha Finley2022-09-01T16:38:16+00:00Activities & Attractions, Nature|

Fall is an incredibly beautiful time on the North Shore. Fresh lake breezes blow in from Lake Superior and the hills are ablaze with color. Maple leaves (which are typically found inland) begin to change from green to fiery shades of orange and red while the aspen, poplar, and birch trees add to the display with vibrant shades of yellow. If you're looking for a destination for fall color drives, the North Shore is it! Some of our favorite routes are below. 1. Seven Bridges Road (1.9 miles), Duluth This 4-mile route passes over a series of Amity Creek bridges. [...]

1 01, 2020

Gales of November
Gales of November

Gales of November

Martha Finley2021-10-06T15:32:02+00:00Nature|

You’re wrong if you think there isn't anything to do on the North Shore during the late fall/early winter season. As the season changes and the temperature drops, Lake Superior becomes alive with the Gales of November! Gales are winds that exceed 39MPH, an occurrence that happens usually once a week during the month of November. The differences in air pressure between low-pressure and high-pressure systems cause them. The greater the difference, the higher the wind speeds are. These winds create enormous white caps just like you’d see in the ocean. You haven’t seen Lake Superior until you’ve seen what [...]

1 01, 2020

Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore
Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore

Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore

Martha Finley2021-08-09T14:50:53+00:00Nature, Waterfalls|

Eve and Gary Wallinga are St. Cloud residents who have a healthy obsession with water. This works out well for the artistic couple who love to visit Lake Superior and Minnesota’s North Shore. Showcasing their fascination with the area and its many incredible waterfalls, Eve and Gary published a book on exactly that topic; Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore: A Guide for Sightseers, Hikers, and Romantics The book is titled Waterfalls of Minnesota’s North Shore: A Guide for Sightseers, Hikers, and Romantics. Published by the Northern Wilds Media company based in Grand Marais, the book is a favorite on the [...]

1 01, 2020

Pollution & Global Warming
Pollution & Global Warming

Pollution & Global Warming

Martha Finley2021-08-04T19:26:03+00:00Nature|

Global Warming Although it’s fairly hard to notice the effects pollution & global warming is having on Lake Superior, there is no doubt that the lake is changing. As data is crunched into computers, it becomes apparent that Lake Superior is responding to global climate change. Surface-water temperatures in Lake Superior are one effect that has been observed. It has warmed twice as much as the air above it since 1980. In fact, every decade we are seeing an increase in about 2 degrees Fahrenheit in surface water temperature. While the regional air temperature has increased only one degree. Also, [...]

1 01, 2020

Lupine
Lupine

Lupine

Martha Finley2024-06-18T17:46:25+00:00Nature|

Lupine, the purple, pink, and white flowers that bloom in June and July along the North Shore, are as beautiful as they are controversial. Classified as an invasive species that is not native to the North Shore, they are also a favorite amongst many who welcome their bloom at a symbol of the start of summer. Responsible management is encouraged to go hand in hand while enjoying these beautiful flowers. About Lupines The Lupine, part of the legume family (related to peas!), is a distinct flower that displays beautiful colors during its blooming season. They draw spectators from all [...]