Minnesota Sea Grant

What a summer! 🌊 From water safety outreach to aquaculture research, our Minnesota Sea Grant summer interns have been hard at work across the state.

Want to see what they’ve accomplished? Join us for the 2026 MNSG Internship Showcase! Hear directly from our interns about their projects, including Paddle Safe Twin Ports, Minnesota Lake Lookout, Cattail Collaborative, and more. Help support their professional development during the live Q&A!

📅 When: Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. CDT
📍 Where: In-person (Duluth & St. Paul) OR Virtual via Zoom
💵 Cost: Free! No registration required.

🔗 Get all the details and Zoom link: https://z.umn.edu/mnsg-intern-showcase26

Whether you’ve owned your cabin for decades or are managing your family's lake home, keeping your shoreline healthy while staying on the right side of local regulations can sometimes feel confusing.

Join Itasca Waters and Minnesota Sea Grant for a clear, practical, and free online presentation: Volunteer Conservation – What You Can and Can't Do to Your Lakeshore.

We’re cutting through the confusion so you can protect your waterfront investment and preserve the lake for future generations.

In this 1-hour session, you’ll learn:
💧 Clarity on shoreline rules (what's allowed vs. what needs a permit)
💧Simple, voluntary steps to prevent erosion and keep the water clear
💧Local agencies ready to give you free guidance and project help

Featured speaker: Austin Steere, Itasca County Soil & Water Conservation District
Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Cost: FREE (Registration is required to get the viewing link)

👉 Click here to reserve your spot online: https://z.umn.edu/mnsg-pww-volunteer-conservation

Feel free to share this post with your lake association or neighbors around the bay!

Join us for the next Twin Ports Freshwater Folk gathering on Wednesday, August 5! 🌊

This month, we’re hosting Callie Grones, AmeriCorps Member and Lake Superior Outreach Coordinator with the Lake Superior Reserve / Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve. Callie will share stories from her service terms, covering everything from estuary paddling and beach cleanups to the removal of non-local species and cultural fire stewardship in red pine forests. 🌲🔥

Event Details:
🗓 When: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT
📍 In-Person Location: Duluth EPA Lab (Ontonagon Room), 6201 Congdon Blvd, Duluth, MN
💻 Virtual: Zoom

Schedule:
• 11:30 a.m. – Free lunch (sandwiches!), water & networking (in-person only)
• 12:00 p.m. – Announcements & presentation (in-person + virtual)
• 12:50 p.m. – Q&A

This event is free and open to the public! Registration is required for both virtual and in-person attendance.

👉 Register here: https://z.umn.edu/mnsg-tpff-aug26

Planning a day on Lake Superior or the St. Louis River? 🚣‍♂️🌊

Before you launch, make sure you're ready for a fun, stress-free paddle! Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or trying stand-up paddleboarding for the first time, keeping safety front and center ensures everyone makes it back to shore with great memories.

Here are 5 easy steps to enjoy your day on the water:

1️⃣ Share Your Float Plan: Always leave a float plan (where you're going, who you're with, and when you'll be back) with someone trusted on shore.
2️⃣ Keep an Eye on the Weather: Check conditions before you leave, and keep checking throughout your trip. Lake Superior weather can change in a flash! 💨
3️⃣ Know Your Skill Level: Be honest about your abilities. If there's a rescue technique or stroke you don't know, learn and practice it before you head out.
4️⃣ Map Out Your Route: Plan your entry and exit points in advance, and always know where your emergency exit spots are along the way.
5️⃣ Pack the Right Gear: Never leave without the essentials! Wear a properly fitted PFD (life jacket), dress for cold water temperatures, and wear bright clothing so you’re easily seen.

Smart preparation makes for the best adventures. Find more local paddling tips and safety resources at paddlesafetwinports.org!

Looking for a way to get involved in local lake conservation? Come meet Minnesota Sea Grant at Klockow Brewing Company on Monday, August 3, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.!

During this free community gathering, MNSG Water Resources Extension Educator Hilarie Sorensen will introduce Minnesota Lake Lookout. This statewide project equips community volunteers with the tools to monitor chloride pollution and harmful algal blooms. The observations and water samples collected by volunteers go directly to University of Minnesota scientists to help fill essential data gaps in lake health.

The evening will also celebrate Itasca Waters supporters, offer updates on the organization's future, and feature insights from featured speakers:
🎙 John Latimer – Staff Phenologist, KAXE/KBXE
🎙 Hilarie Sorensen – Water Resources Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant
🎙 Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District representative

📍 Location: Klockow Brewing Company (36 S.E. 10th St., Grand Rapids, MN 55744)
🥨 Extras: Light refreshments provided.
🎟 Cost: FREE!

⚠️ RSVP REQUIRED: Register in advance by sending an email to [email protected].

🔗 More info & details: https://z.umn.edu/mnsg-itasca-waters

🔥 Fishing in the heat? Help keep Minnesota’s fish safe! 🎣

During hot weather, warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, which places added stress on fish. Minnesota Sea Grant is amplifying guidance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to help protect our local fisheries during heat waves.

If you're out on the water, take extra care with temperature-sensitive species like northern pike, muskellunge, and walleye:

⏱️ Minimize handling time
📸 Take quick photos (if any!)
💦 Return fish to the water as quickly and gently as possible

🔗 Learn more about warm water fish care and reporting at: mndnr.gov/fishkills

Take advantage of the nice weather and clean air with another three of our incredible Twin Ports launch sites!

If you like a family-friendly option with beautiful views and grassy spaces➡️ Chambers Grove!

While similar to its neighbor Boy Scout Landing, Chambers Grove is much quieter. A little retreat for paddlers, whether you want to kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard. Though it does not offer a dock, it does offer multiple places to launch the paddlesport of your choice. Since it is so quiet, it’s a great place for beginner paddlers to start their journey. Certain amenities also add to the charm of the small paddle launch, such as a luscious park within the wetlands and grills to cook on. Chambers Grove is quite far away from the center of Duluth, but a benefit to that is the amount of wildlife you will see when you visit. Everything from the smallest tadpole to the biggest muskrat; wildlife and lush wetlands surround you in Chambers Grove.

If you like bridges, paddling Lake Superior, and river access ➡️ Lester River Surf and Kayak Shack!

A wide-open view of Lake Superior, in all her glory, is visible from Lester River Surf and Kayak Shack. With two paddle launch areas, one that leads to the mouth of Lester River, and one that opens to Lake Superior, the possibilities are endless. Since it opens directly to the lake, it is recommended that less experienced paddlers save this for later in their journey, as conditions can get risky on Lake Superior. Not to worry, though; there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Lester River Surf and Kayak Shack. Eating at one of the many picnic tables that overlook the lake and finding cool agates on its rocky shores are a few examples. Its lush green spaces and rocky shores are good examples of Lester River Surf and Kayak Shack’s beauty.

If you like sailboats, a larger landing, and multiple docks ➡️ Brighton Beach!

Welcome to the biggest boat launch in Superior, Wisconsin! Not only does it have over 50 parking spots, including some with trailer access, it also has two docks to launch your boat at! It is connected to a large marina that showcases beautiful boats. It is also quite family-friendly, despite the intermediate level paddling. It’s a welcoming place to all, offering things like a fish cleaning station, free lifejackets to borrow for kids (courtesy of the “Kid’s Don’t Float” program), and picnic tables! Loon’s Foot Landing is a great place to visit, no matter what you intend to do.

🛶 Learn more about these launch sites, check real-time conditions, and explore safety resources at: https://www.paddlesafetwinports.org/

🌊 When science meets public service, Minnesota wins.

We are thrilled to announce Minnesota Sea Grant’s 2026–2027 Science and Policy Fellows! Four talented early-career scientists are stepping up to help tackle some of Minnesota’s most pressing water and natural resource challenges.

Over the next year, these fellows will bring fresh, research-backed perspectives to state and local agencies—working directly on critical issues like:
🔹 Assessing drinking water contaminants (PFAS & cyanotoxins)
🔹 Improving wetland water level management
🔹 Combining road maintenance with monarch habitat restoration
🔹 Advancing groundwater sustainability and water conservation

Shoutout to our 2026–2027 cohort:
🔹 Angela Douglass
🔹 Anu Li
🔹 Jared Langer
🔹 Casey Wouters
..and our partner host agencies at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Health, and Anoka County!

Supported by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources), this initiative builds workforce capacity and strengthens science-informed policy across Minnesota.

👉 Read the full news release to learn more about their upcoming projects:

Science Meets Public Service with New Minnesota Sea Grant Fellows | Minnesota Sea Grant DULUTH and ST. PAUL, Minn. – Four early-career scientists are beginning yearlong fellowships focused on some of Minnesota’s most pressing water and natural resource challenges, including drinking water contaminants, wetland management, impaired waters and groundwater sustainability.

Calling all Ports paddlers!

Whether you’re gracefully gliding across the St. Louis River Estuary or spending more time getting your vessel right-side up in the Duluth-Superior Harbor than you’d care to admit, Minnesota Sea Grant wants your input.

We’re trying to make local waters safer and evaluate initiatives like Paddle Safe Twin Ports.

Eligibility: Must be 18+ and have boated, paddled, or sailed in the Duluth-Superior Harbor or St. Louis River Estuary in the last 3 years.

The survey takes 10–15 minutes and is open July 15 and August 15, 2026. Complete it for a chance to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards (which you can immediately spend on more waterproof gear). 🎁👇

📲 Take the survey here: https://z.umn.edu/mnsg-26-pstp-survey

Tags: St. Louis River Alliance DuluthParksMN Duluth SUP Zenith Adventure UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve

Ready to plan your next water adventure? Meet three of our incredible Twin Ports launch sites, perfect for your next day on the water!

If you like lots of launch options, marinas, and swimming ➡️ Barker's Island Boat Launch!

Barker’s Island Boat Launch is one of the biggest boat launches in Superior, WI, second only to Loon’s Foot Landing. In terms of things to do, though, it has Loon’s Foot Landing beat! It boasts not only a motorized boat launch but also swimming and paddling spots. It launches directly onto Lake Superior and is great for beginners and intermediates to paddle on. There are multiple places to launch your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, whatever you prefer. When you’re done, feel free to let your kayak or canoe rest on the kayak stand they offer next to the launch. While it has many ways to engage with the water, it also offers picnic tables, a playground, and even a resort to stay the night in! Overall, whatever you need, Barker’s Island Boat Launch has got you covered.

If you like plant life, shallower waters, and small, calm beaches ➡️ Boy Scout Landing!

Though Boy Scout Landing can be quite busy due to its popularity, it’s popular for a reason! This is one of the calmest spots on the river to launch, with some stunning views. It is popular among boaters and paddlers alike for its easy entry onto the river. It’s a great place for beginner paddlers as there are not as many risks associated with paddling in the river. Though it’s quite secluded out of town, that just means that it’s safer to paddle there! It also offers things such as a boat cleaning station, as well as restrooms and a place to put your litter. If you’re not as interested in boating, it’s a great place to kick back and watch the fish jump, the birds fly, and turtles swim slowly through the water. If you’re looking for a nice little escape into nature, Boy Scout Landing is the place you want to be.

If you like rocky shores, on-shore activities, and are up for a more challenging paddle ➡️ Brighton Beach!

A hidden gem among the paddle launches that exist in the area, Brighton Beach is not only great for paddling but for on-shore activities as well! Things like swings and the colorful rocks are enough to keep anyone distracted without paddling. It’s directly on Lake Superior and offers a nice long shoreline that you can hardly see the end of. It’s an easy paddle launch to stay near the shore, though it may get harder the further you go out on the lake. Overall, Brighton Beach is a fun and exciting place to come paddling, one that’s definitely worth checking out.

🛶 Learn more about these launch sites, check real-time conditions, and explore safety resources at: https://www.paddlesafetwinports.org/