Featured Research Labs
Program Overview
Research to assess the health and function of natural ecosystems, human impacts, and remediation strategies.
Recent Research
- Major shifts in Great Lakes algae populations were observed following the invasion of quagga mussels and warming temperatures. Research on the impact of the changes in abundance and species composition will continue to understand impacts further up the food web.
- Waterless boat cleaning stations were tested to understand how to most effectively use the tools to optimize cleaning techniques on boat interiors where aquatic invasive species may be hiding and can be moved from lake to lake.
- Next Gen monitoring with environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling techniques has been applied to water research protocols to increase early detection of newly invading species.
Related News
NRRI’s fast-growing, multi-purpose tree varieties captured this silviculturist’s attention.
From the tree tops to boots on the ground, this avian ecologist enjoys his role in informing forest management
More than ‘just the facts,’ researchers lean into ‘acts’ and ‘pacts’ to address challenges of a changing world
Temperatures and habitat changes push species into ‘Zone of Sympatry’ with northern cousins.
NRRI cross-disciplinary research explores availability of food sources for declining species of bug-eating birds.
Expanding the reach and potential of NRRI’s fast-growing hybrid poplar trees.
DEED funding helps entrepreneur launch unique online sales platform for NRRI fast-growing hybrid tree.
Renowned Duluth avian ecologist, former NRRI leader, Jerry Niemi, co-authors The Breeding Birds of Minnesota.
Warm winter weather in northern latitudes can have both positive and negative effects on well-known and beloved resident bird species, like the Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee and Black-capped Chickad
Early NRRI R&D went on ‘rollercoaster ride’ leading to an international effort starring Minnesota’s giving tree, the paper birch
Media Coverage
- – Whatever happened to … birch bark extracts? – Hometown Focus
- – LET IT GROW: Northland research lab creates new way to fight climate change – Northern News Now
- – NRRI’s popular Poplar InnovaTree is helping the environment – WDIO
- – A new species of tree helps remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. You can only get it from a Bayfield farm – Wisconsin Public Radio
- – UMD’s fast-growing Innovatree poses solution for reforestation, environmental cleanup – KSTP-TV
- – A new fast-growing tree species out of Minnesota may be part of a climate change solution – MPR News
- – After 30 years, researchers at the University of Minnesota Duluth have created a new tree – Star Tribune
- – University of Minnesota trademarks fastest-growing poplar tree – Duluth News Tribune