Posts by Sophia Patane

Zebra mussels are a common aquatic invasive species (AIS) discussed around the SCRA office, but what exactly is a zebra mussel and why does it matter? Recognizable for their distinctive D-shaped bodies and stripes, zebra mussels are filter feeders that take away food from native species and colonize hard surfaces or vegetation in lakes or…

The St. Croix River Association contributed $40,000 to the city of Lakeland’s efforts in Sally Arneson’s neighborhood to stop stormwater erosion and plant native vegetation, all as part of a larger project—one that reduced over 3,000 lbs. of sediment to the Riverway.   Imagine buying a quaint cabin with a sloping bank down to the…

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘oak’? For me, the name is synonymous with a sense of security—every house I have lived in has had an oak nearby, and so I associate them with feeling at home. Each autumn, the sound of acorns plinking down the eaves is a reminder of…

The St. Croix River Association has been following the possible expansion of the old Rybak Mine, now owned by North 40 Resources in Farmington Township near Osceola, Wisconsin. We feel it is important to share this letter here, which expresses our concerns to President Buberl and the Village Board of Osceola.   July 20, 2020…

Everyone has something memorable about their commute to work. Whether it’s a landmark passed during the drive, or having to gently move a cat off an office chair when working from home, there’s something about that routine that sets up the work of the day.   For the staff of the St. Croix River Association,…

Dear River Friends, I write to you today with a heavy heart. The stress we all feel from the coronavirus was enough, but witnessing George Floyd’s death has left so many of us feeling uncertain about our future and what to do. The fear, outrage, trauma, pain, and sadness expressed in the subsequent demonstrations clearly…

Boating on the St. Croix River offers opportunities for creating great memories and enjoying the unforgettable beauty of our National Scenic Riverway. At times like these, getting out onto the water feels like a welcome escape from being inside our homes, and it is possible to enjoy this activity safely in compliance with social distancing…

It’s no secret that big tasks are made easier with the help of friends, and the management and protection of national parks is no exception. On this Friendship Friday of National Park Week 2020, we’d like to take the opportunity to showcase the collaboration between the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, administered by the National…