Natural Resources News provides timely information, featured events, helpful resources and deep dives into natural resources and environmental issues.
![A black ash woodland growing in a wet forest plant community.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Photo1.jpg?h=74e4e9da&itok=0lpUsifC)
New document encourages woodland owners in Minnesota to create a Woods Health Scorecard to adapt their property to climate change.
![Rhizosphaera needle cast on spruce.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/M1265-2.jpg?h=cdb464d2&itok=33hUSD7B)
Trees that are stressed from drought, poor planting practices, or other factors are more likely to suffer from needle cast.
![A bee on a thistle flower](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/bee%20on%20thistle.jpg?h=86a17284&itok=CG7EO4Je)
As spring progresses and we follow Governor Walz’s #StayHomeMN order, many people are looking for ways to get outdoors and attract wildlife, particularly pollinators, to their yards and gardens. Luckily, UMN Extension and the UMN Bee Lab are ready for you!
![Wooded area.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/iStock_000001407914XSmall.jpg?h=033dc1d9&itok=Kv0FGIze)
Learn more about the value of trees in the carbon cycle in the Minnesota Tree and Woodland Carbon Capture Challenge.
![Branch of quaking aspen.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/quaking-aspen.jpg?h=6b31535f&itok=DDGTrR8M)
Here are seven native tree species that you can consider for replacing ash trees destroyed by emerald ash borer.
![A woman looks through binoculars](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/woman-with-binoculars.jpg?h=21faab80&itok=SidrTYBs)
A good pair of binoculars can help you tune in to nature and observe the plants, birds and other animals you see around your neighborhood.
![Squill is a small, blue flower that blooms in early spring](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/siberiansquill-60.jpg?h=618ed902&itok=WebOZGit)
People who are looking for things to do while staying close to home can become citizen scientists and help hunt for a potentially troublesome flower.
![Sunlight filtering through trees](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/forestbathing.jpg?h=0e88b891&itok=ebUZG82C)
Are you practicing social distancing, but feeling stressed, worried about cooped-up kids, and wanting to maintain your health through exercise? Here are some ideas.
![Snorkelers in the St. Croix river researching mussels.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/DSC_4317-2.jpg?h=d3241e78&itok=QUAqdeSY)
Master Naturalists make a difference by volunteering for nonprofits, state agencies, nature centers and University research programs. One project they are working on is researching native mussels.
![Volunteers help to build a wooden bike shed](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/20180929_112955.jpg?h=4e1c57e0&itok=DEX7kHmb)
Currently the markets for ash wood are limited, but two recent projects aim to change that by demonstrating innovative ways to use urban and ash wood.