![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.
![Illustration of a Somali mother and her baby](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/40-day-project-illustration-mother-and-baby.jpg?h=00e18867&itok=5_jnOWOO)
Becoming a new parent can be a transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming — especially for those facing isolation or lacking support. The 40-Day Project supports Somali parents during the first five weeks after birth.
![Sawirka hooyo Soomaaliyeed iyo ilmaheeda](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/40-day-project-illustration-mother-and-baby.png?h=00e18867&itok=lFk-K_1c)
Noqoshada waalid cusub waxay noqon kartaa waayo-aragnimo isbedel leh, laakiin sidoo kale waxay noqon kartaa mid culus - gaar ahaan kuwa wajahaya go'doon ama taageero la'aan. Mashruuca 40-ka maalmood ah wuxuu taageeraa waalidiinta Soomaaliyeed shanta toddobaad ee ugu horreeya dhalashada kadib.
![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.
![Minnesota Gophers mailbox with farm in background.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/U-of-M-mailbox.jpg?h=5bcd39c6&itok=Fgr85BJk)
Families and growers from all of Minnesota’s 87 counties will be represented as the University of Minnesota honors them in the 2023 Farm Family of the Year ceremony.
![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.
![community garden plot with stakes for veggies like carrots](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/community%20garden%20plot%20Maia%20Homstad%20credit%20required.jpg?h=05aef8c1&itok=1i8gAr20)
A food co-op board member reflects on collaborating with U of M Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
![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.
![Rumbi Masawi water produce in the Giving Garden.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Rumbi%20watering.jpg?h=4ac80bbf&itok=rVx_NBs8)
The St. Mark Giving Garden in Duluth grows produce, from tomatoes and sweet peppers to eggplants, garlic, herbs and pollinator plants on a rocky and hardscrabble piece of land.
![A woman presenting to a group of youth sitting in chairs.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Becca-Turnquist-Resilience-TEEL%20.jpg?h=5c82a863&itok=25C7c4fJ)
Extension Educators Aly Kloeckner and Becca Turnquist are helping with rural youth resiliency in more than 50 counties through their Bend, Don't Break initiative project.
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