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‘My portrait is priceless’: The view from the Wisconsin cabin

Many of us have that special spot in our homes where we feel at peace. Maybe it’s when you park ...

The lindens: Discovering natural beauty in ordinary places

Sometimes, we can take the world’s beauty for granted. We don’t notice these natural works of wonder that are in ...

‘No matter where you are, you can find them’: The joys of bird watching

There's a certain point each spring in Wisconsin when it seems like winter is finally gone for good. We put ...

Painting the landscape: Earth Day in the Heartland

Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson helped organize the first Earth Day in 1970, after growing concerns for the environment. Since then, it’s ...

Where does the ‘Driftless Area’ get its name? The history, boundaries of the southwest Wisconsin region

As people enter the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, they're transported from a relatively flat region to a sudden maze ...

Under bridges: A parent finds peace in independence and letting go

You don’t have to travel far to find adventure. Writer Jill Sisson Quinn and her son recently spent an afternoon ...

Wisconsin farmer reflects on a life in agriculture in book of poems

The poetry in Daniel Smith’s book “Ancestral” reflects on life and farming in the Driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin. WPR’s ...

Bless these pests: Welcoming the garden invaders

Ever feel like you’re constantly battling garden invaders? Dealing with the weeds, bugs, and critters can be a never-ending, daunting ...

One tough rock: Central Wisconsin’s Rib Mountain survived volcanoes, erosion and glaciers

There's a rumor that Rib Mountain in central Wisconsin is an extinct volcano. It seems somewhat reasonable...You can see it ...

Why are most Wisconsin waterfalls up north?

Tom Hornung from Madison reached out to WHYsconsin wondering why most waterfalls in Wisconsin are in the northern part of ...

My weekend with the doe

Though sunny weather was forecast, my Memorial Day weekend plans did not include picnics or fishing. Yard chores and planting ...

To morel or not to morel

Morel mushrooms are a coveted treat in Wisconsin every spring. But the right conditions for finding them can be as ...

After a yearslong search, Wisconsin’s oldest tree is revealed. Sort of.

Close your eyes and imagine the oldest tree in Wisconsin. When I would do this, I used to picture something ...

In Sauk County, a conservationist helps farmers transition to managed grazing

Serge Koenig has served Sauk County, Wisconsin, for nearly 30 years as a county conservationist. He’s seen numerous changes throughout ...

A squirrel tale: A chance encounter offers a reflection on the importance of play

I opened my jacket as I walked, odd for mid-winter, but the warmth of a January thaw was welcome. I ...