Macro of the month: What “EPT” taxa tell us about stream health
These insects, known for their sensitivity to pollution, offer invaluable insights into the health of freshwater ecosystems.
A peek inside the process: Designing a trout stream improvement project
Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on May 13, 20242026-04-14T15:42:53+00:00by Dr. Jennifer Biederman Stream restoration projects are essential for the rehabilitation of freshwater ecosystems, particularly for species such as trout, which are sensitive to environmental changes. Designing an effective trout stream restoration project involves a blend of ecological science, hydrological understanding, and community engagement. MNTU stream projects not only...
By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on May 13, 2024
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Macro of the month: Little Sallies
Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on May 13, 20242026-05-01T20:02:45+00:00https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbxddda_z0g Stoneflies, belonging to the order Plecoptera, play an important role in freshwater ecosystems and are especially significant to anglers. These aquatic macroinvertebrates are a prime food source for many fish species, especially trout, making them a key focus for fly fishing enthusiasts. Stoneflies are characterized by their elongated bodies, two...
By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on May 13, 2024
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Macro of the month: Little sister sedge
Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on April 7, 20242026-05-01T20:07:15+00:00Little Sister Sedge April marks the onset of more vibrant seasonal activity in trout streams, with increasing diversity of emerging insect life. This surge in insect activity not only breathes life into the aquatic ecosystem but also signals prime time for both trout and anglers. The increase in available food sources...
By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on April 7, 2024
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Navigating climate challenges for brook trout on Lake Superior’s North Shore
Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on April 7, 20242026-05-01T20:08:45+00:00In northeastern Minnesota, where clear streams carve through thick forests and rocky ridges, the brook trout—a symbol of pristine waters—faces an uncertain future. Climate change, manifesting through rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, is reshaping the habitat these fish have thrived in for millennia. Flows of these streams are fueled...
By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on April 7, 2024
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Macro of the month: Baetis a.k.a. the blue-winged olive
Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on March 8, 20242026-05-01T20:14:11+00:00Emerging first from Minnesota streams in early March, this mayfly plays a crucial role in the delicate balance of coldwater stream ecosystems, capturing the fascination of scientists and anglers alike.
By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on March 8, 2024
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What does our habitat program do during the cold Minnesota months?
Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on March 8, 20242026-05-01T20:17:05+00:00A pre-construction bid meeting on Mill Creek in December ‘23, with MNTU’s contracted design engineers, MNDNR, MNTU habitat staff and potential construction firms. While late winter and early spring might not seem like the peak time for trout stream restoration in Minnesota, MNTU's habitat program is anything but dormant. Though fieldwork...
By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on March 8, 2024
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Macro of the month: Winter-emerging midges
Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on February 7, 20242026-05-01T20:59:12+00:00Winter-Emerging Midges Photo credit: Chironomidae Research Group In the frigid heart of winter, a hidden world of resilience unfolds beneath the icy surfaces of Minnesota's streams. Enter the winter-emerging chironomids (aka “midges”), tiny aquatic flies belonging to the Chironomidae family. Resembling miniature black mosquitoes, some types of these resilient insects defy...
By Jennifer Biederman - MNTU Habitat Director on February 7, 2024
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