Visitors travel for miles to see Carley State Park’s wildflowers

blue bell flowers in close up shot

There’s a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers. Each spring, Carley State Park, one of the smallest in the state, draws thousands of flower-seeking visitors. “Bluebells are absolutely what people come to Carley to see,” said Jeremy Darst, interpretive naturalist for the park. The bluebells are nature’s handiwork, and here you’ll find clusters of them as far as the eye can see. Even among the vivid purple, pink and white wildflowers, bluebells stand out, though their time is short. It’s estimated that 50 solid acres of the park is covered in bluebells. And approximately one out of 10,000 of these wildflowers turns out to be white.

After they get pollinated, the bluebells essentially turn into seeds for next year’s bloom. As a flower, they are fleeting, which is why visitors come from across the state to see them. “I’ve been coming here since 1978 just to see the bluebells,” said Rex Lane of Rochester. Karla and Tim Kuisle and their dog Juno traveled from Northfield to catch the bloom. “We looked it up and thought, oh, it’s only an hour. Let’s go check it out,” said Tim Kuisle. Their beauty is aided by the May sun and a light breeze. It’s Mother Nature’s way of saying it’s okay to stop and smell the flowers. “This is kind of a reminder to slow down and breathe in the beauty that nature provides. I think that we get very busy and sometimes we need a reason to go out and really soak nature back in,” said Darst.

Source: Visitors travel for miles to see Carley State Park’s wildflowers – CBS Minnesota

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

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Pests, insects, and bugs are back earlier than usual, experts say

black and red spider on green leaf

As spring and warmer temps ramp up, many people are beginning to find critters in their homes. 36% of Americans have reported seeing ants, and another 21% have seen a cockroach in their home, according to an online survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “Pests are looking for three things. Food, water, and shelter, and one of the most important things inside of a home is going to be humidity and moisture,” said Dr. Michael Bentley, the vice president of Training and Technical Services for the NPMA. They say their early-year appearances can be attributed to the weather.

“Weather is one of the most important drivers for pest pressure in and around our homes and across the country. So, what we’re typically seeing this time of year is we start to see temperatures start to creep up, and we also start to see an increase in rainfall,” said Bentley.  With a mild start to the winter and a drier spring, it is jump-starting pest season, with termites, stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles popping up earlier in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Meanwhile, as temperatures rise, we can expect more ticks and stinging insects. “One of the most important things that homeowners can do is try to identify and eliminate as many standing water conditions as they can around the property,” said Bentley. 

Source: Pests, insects, and bugs are back earlier than usual, experts say – CBS Baltimore

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

First grizzly bear of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass

photo of grizzly bears on a grass field

An image of the sighting showed the massive bear standing over the carcass near Yellowstone Lake.

Source: First grizzly bear of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass – CBS News

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13-14

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