Winter Trail Report for 2/22/2018: The Rainy Lake Ice Road remains open from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center boat ramp to Cranberry Bay with a spur loop around Dryweed Island. The Kabetogama Lake Ice Road remains open from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center boat ramp to the Ash River Visitor Center boat ramp, and the West and East Spur roads remain open. The Kabetogama Lake Sledding Hill and Kabetogama Lake Skating Rink both remain open. All snowmobile trails remain open, groomed, and in good condition. All ski trails and snowshoe trails remain open. Please use caution when traveling on frozen lake surfaces, as pressure ridges remain active. (Image Description: Two vehicles are seen on a plowed, frozen lake surface. There is a line of trees seen in the background.)

American martens are a common carnivore in Voyageurs National Park. Because they have limited body-fat reserves, martens tend to spend portions of the winter in torpor, a period of decreased activity and reduced body temperatures and metabolic rates. During extremely cold temperatures, martens will often tunnel under snow into tangles of tree roots to stay warm. #WildlifeWednesday (Image Description: A marten's head pokes out of a hole. The marten faces forward and there is some vegetation in the foreground.)

Voyageurs National Park is seeking an Administrative Support Assistant. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to support the mission of Voyageurs National Park from "behind the scenes." https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/491748400

This star nosed mole appears to be trying to get into the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. If you watch the video closely, you might notice the mole's Eimer's organs. They are the small, finger-like appendages sticking out of the mole's snout that help it to detect vibrations. Being able to detect vibrations caused by the movement of prey is useful since star nosed moles are functionally blind.

The maintenance staff of Voyageurs National Park works hard all winter to keep our ice roads, snowmobile trails and ski trails in tip-top shape. Take advantage of their hard work with winter visit to the park. #TravelTuesday (Video description: This video shows the point of view of one snowmobile operator following another snowmobile that is grooming the snow-covered trail they are traveling on.)

Join Voyageurs National Park staff and their families at the Kabetogama Lake Sledding Hill on Sunday, February 25 from 2 to 4 pm for an afternoon of sledding. Participants should bring their own sleds. After the program there will be a campfire. This FREE program is recommended for ages 2 and up. (Image Description: A child sits in a saucer sled while an adult holds on. There is snow on the ground.)

Have you ever heard someone say that "it's too cold to snow?" This statement is actually false. While it can certainly be too warm to snow, it can never get too cold to snow. As long as the air temperature is below freezing, all you need is moisture in the atmosphere. However, most heavy snowfalls occur when the air temperature near the ground is around 15 degrees F. That's because warmer air can hold more water vapor than colder air. #ScienceSaturday (Image Description: A ruler is being used to measure deep snow pack.)

Fishing Report for 2/16/2018: On Rainy Lake fisherman have found success around the mouth of Black Bay in the area of Rainy Lake City and just north of Cranberry Bay. The best bet has been a minnow and bobber set up in 22 to 25 feet. Walleyes have been most active later in the day and crappies are showing up any time. #FishingFriday (Image Description: An ice fishing house sits on the surface of a frozen, snow-covered lake. In the background of the photo is a rocky, tree-covered island.)

I think I'm falling for Voyageurs National Park! Check out this historic photo of I.W. Stevens snowshoeing near his Pine Cove Resort. #ThrowbackThursday (Image Description: A man wearing snowshoes lies sprawled in the snow in this black and white image. Trees and buildings in the background.)

Winter Trail Report for 2/14/2018: The Rainy Lake Ice Road remains open from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center boat ramp to Cranberry Bay with a spur loop around Dryweed Island. The Kabetogama Lake Ice Road remains open from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center boat ramp to the Ash River Visitor Center boat ramp, and the West and East Spur roads remain open. Be aware of some slush along the ice roads. The Kabetogama Lake Sledding Hill and Kabetogama Lake Skating Rink both remain open. All snowmobile trails remain open, groomed, and in good condition. All ski trails and snowshoe trails remain open. (Image Description: a group of people stand near snowmobiles on a snow-covered frozen lake surface. High rock cliffs can be seen in the background.)

While Canada lynx are a rare sight in Voyageurs National Park, they become quite active, especially the males, during their mating season in February. Most reported sightings of lynx in Voyageurs National Park happen during this period. With large, snowshoe-like feet, lynx are well adapted to traveling through deep snow in their quest to find a mate. #WildlifeWednesday (Image Description: A lynx prowls from the branches of a tree.)

Happy Valentine's Day! What do you love about Voyageurs National Park? #HappyValentinesDay (Image Description: A pine tree stands on the left in the foreground. In the distance is an island on a snow-covered frozen lake.)