The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is an applied research facility of the University of Minnesota, located in Duluth, Minnesota. A group of researchers focused on natural resources and watersheds are committed to incorporating community science programs into their studies. The establishment of two Chronolog stations in Duluth was funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Natural Resources Research Institute University of Minnesota

Help researchers and land managers monitor the progress of habitat revitalization following a stream restoration project. Mission Creek is located in Fond du Lac neighborhood of western Duluth, Minnesota. This trout stream runs along Mission Parkway and the Superior Hiking Trail, and empties into the St. Louis River just downstream of Chambers Grove Park. During the June 2012 Flood, Mission Creek was severely damaged. The creek created a new channel, caused a lot of erosion and flooded parts of the neighborhood.  In 2019, South Saint Louis Soil and Water Conservation District realigned the stream, created fish habitat, revegetated the stream corridor and stabilized the stream bank to reduce erosion. The restoration project was made possible by a grant provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, through the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund – part of the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment.

Mission Creek Restoration Overlook

The iconic Hartley Pond located in Hartley Park in Duluth, Minnesota. Hartley Pond is a result of a dam along Tischer Creek, a cold-water trout stream which flows to Lake Superior. Hartley Pond is a popular recreation spot, and hosts many waterfowl visitors throughout the year. Hartley Pond is also host to another community science program - CrowdHydrology (the giant ruler you see in the photos). CrowdHydrology allows visitors to text in the water height, helping scientists keep track of stream and lake levels, and monitor for flooding risks. By sending in a photo of Hartley Pond, scientists are able to visually monitor pond water levels as well as track changes in phenology (the change in seasons aka the date the pond freezes over or when the trees drop their leaves). Maybe you will also be fortunate enough to capture wildlife in or around the pond! 

Natural Resources Research Institute University of Minnesota

Minnesota

2 chronologs managed by Natural Resources Research Institute University of Minnesota

Mission Creek Restoration Overlook

Hartley Pond

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