Volunteers star as the next generation in lake conservation
Starry Trek is a statewide aquatic invasive species detection event that invites volunteers to explore local lakes and rivers in search of early invaders like starry stonewort. The Lake of the Woods outing, hosted by Mike Hirst, resource conservationist with Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District, brought together members of the community to learn how to spot and report invasive species that threaten Minnesota’s waters. Participants received training and then headed out to nearby access points, such as Zippel Bay, to conduct surveys.
Starry Trek is more than just a day of detection; it’s a celebration of local stewardship. Hirst’s leadership ensures that volunteers not only learn about invasive species but also understand the unique challenges the area is facing.
By highlighting local lakes and connecting residents to hands-on science, Starry Trek in Lake of the Woods builds community connection, awareness and a stronger defense against aquatic invaders.
Highlights
- RSDP impact: Working with Empowering Small Minnesota Communities, the city of Baudette, in collaboration with the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, will build on a recent Community Action Plan to prioritize business development, workforce training and other community needs into an actionable community strategy.
- U of M Farm Family of the Year: Big Bear Farms (2026)
- Canola producers across the Red River Valley region were invited to attend the Canola Symposium, co-hosted by the Minnesota Canola Council and University of Minnesota Extension.
- 4-H in Lake of the Woods County prepared youth for 4-H officer roles, whether they were new to the roles or wanted more advanced training. Hands-on activities helped them train and practice various leadership roles.
- William Castle of the Lucky Clover 4-H Club earned Community Impact recognition at the Minnesota State Fair for his food preservation project.
- Volunteers with the Climate-Ready Woodlands Tree Trackers project used iNaturalist and written journals to make observations of tree migration in Lake of the Woods County, providing insights into which trees may eventually thrive in Region 1 — the Agassiz Lowlands and Littlefork-Vermillion Uplands.
Lake of the Woods County office
Extension has 14 regional offices supporting all 87 counties in Minnesota.
Lake of the Woods County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. More about Extension in our county.
About the Minnesota 87 project
Spend time in any Minnesota county, and you will almost certainly encounter University of Minnesota Extension. Our faculty and staff, volunteers, participants, alumni and partners are woven into the fabric of rural, urban and suburban Minnesota life. This project showcases Extension in action through photos, stories and a sampling of the many ways Extension has touched the lives of people in every county.