Natural Resources News provides timely information, featured events, helpful resources and deep dives into natural resources and environmental issues.
![Sign outside of a University of Minnesota building that says Soil Testing](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/soil-lab-sign-umn.jpg?h=2cb0256d&itok=WJ1SzNgK)
Just as in agricultural settings, understanding the fertility of the soils in your woodland is important for selecting, planting, and growing trees that will be healthy in the long term.
![A drought-stressed maple tree has leaves browning from the tips toward the center of the leaf.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Drought%20stressed%20maple%20tree%20-%20Robert%20L.%20Anderson%2C%20USDA%20Forest%20Service%2C%20Bugwood.org_.jpg?h=5a43c567&itok=yM0kJz2W)
This is the third consecutive year of drought across much of the state, and successive years of drought can compound stress on trees. There are steps you can take to reduce drought stress on your woods.
![A rich, deep green forest with a closed canopy and lush understory plants](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Northern%20hardwood%20forest%20stand.png?h=6f9f2036&itok=IBId3-hQ)
Extension foresters provide recommended tree and plant lists for east-central Minnesota.
Find climate-resilient, native trees and plants for the St. Louis Moraines and Tamarack Lowlands regions of Minnesota.
![A five-petaled, pink pale swallow-wort flower next to slender milkweed seed pods.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/pale-swallow-wort.jpg?h=6d448122&itok=Uad1MV-j)
A member of the milkweed family, this plant is toxic to some insects, including monarch butterflies.
![Bee on a willow tree stem with flower.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/willow-early-andrena-HeatherHolm.jpg?h=dcd7f4fc&itok=OM83gSxE)
Focusing on the health of plants and small animals creates a resilient ecosystem where deer, grouse, turkey, bear, wolf, elk and moose can also thrive.
![Larval stage of question mark butterfly, covered with red, branched cuticles resembling spikes. Image by Bruce Watt, Bugwood.org](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/question%20mark%20caterpillar%20-%20Bruce%20Watt%20-%20Bugwood.jpg?h=ccfb729e&itok=yUGDwW_C)
There is so much to learn about the complex ecosystem interactions among the trees, understory plants, and wildlife you might find in your nearest woodland. Here are a few species worth a closer look.
![A field of purple loosestrife in bloom.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/purpleloosestrife_main.jpg?h=c01bc37a&itok=505HR3oJ)
Purple loosestrife can grow up to 7 feet tall and grows in masses that take over the landscape. It disrupts ecosystems, out-competing native plants and creating dense growths that block access to waterways.
![Kiln with branches on fire to make biochar](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/kiln%20of%20fire.jpg?h=174e0aad&itok=0orZcLsU)
Biochar is produced by heating wood chips, plant clippings and other organic waste without oxygen. The end product is a lightweight black charcoal made up of carbon.
Many of those who own or steward woodlands are facing the impacts of one the snowiest winter seasons on record in Minnesota. Learn more about disturbance in forests and managing woodlands affected by winter storms.