Ask NRRI

Frequently asked questions get answered by NRRI experts

• "The fall colors seem more striking this year than in past. Is it just my imagination? How long will it last?"
  NRRI Landscape Scientist George Host answers:
• "How are frogs impacted by the early spring?"
  NRRI amphibian expert Jennifer Olker answers:
• "What does it mean now that the wolves are ‘delisted’?"
  NRRI scientist Ron Moen answers:
• "What are the possibilities for using Ash wood after the Ash Borer infestation?"
  NRRI scientist Brian Brashaw answers:
• "How does the far below average amount of snow this winter affect Minnesota water resources?"
  Water resources scientist Rich Axler answers:
• "Any advice for picking out a Christmas tree?"
  NRRI Forestry specialist (and tree grower) Craig Maly answers
• "How long will it take for the wildlife to come back to the Pagami Creek area after the recent forest fire?"
  NRRI Ornithologist Jerry Niemi answers
• "How has the fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area affected moose populations?"
  NRRI Scientist Ron Moen answers
• "This walking stick was purchased from a member of the White Earth tribe in Minnesota. Can you identify and tell me about the wood it’s made from?"
  NRRI Scientist Tom Levar answers
• "How can I keep algae from growing in my backyard pond?"
  NRRI Aquatic Scientist Amy Kireta answers
• "Does the current heat wave have anything to do with climate change?"
  NRRI Scientist Lucinda Johnson answers
• "What’s the difference between a sanitary sewer and a storm sewer?"
  NRRI Scientist Rich Axler answers
• "Why does DEET repel mosquitoes and is there an alternative?"
  NRRI Scientist Subhash Basak answers
• "What bird species in northern Minnesota is in decline and why?"
  NRRI Avian ecologist Anna Peterson answers
• "What is the benefit of natural chemicals over synthetic chemicals?"
  NRRI Chemist Pavel Krasutsky answers
• "Whatever happened to the ‘deformed frogs’ problem?"
  NRRI Research Fellow Jennifer Olker answers
• "How long does it take to breed a superior plant?"
  NRRI forestry program breeding specialist Bernie McMahon answers
• "Where’s the best place to see moose in Minnesota?"
  NRRI Biologist Ron Moen answers
• "If earthworms are an exotic species to the Great Lakes region, how do you explain predators whose diets rely heavily on earthworms, like the northern redbelly snake, star-nosed mole, woodcock, etc?"
  NRRI Scientist Cindy Hale answers
• "I have bats in my attic. What's the best, most humane, way to get rid of them?"
  NRRI Biologist Becky Abel answers
• "I observed a pack of 10 gray wolves on my rural Duluth property. Is this a common pack size?"
  NRRI Biologist Ron Moen answers
• "I just installed a new cedar deck. Should I put a finish on it or leave it natural?"
  NRRI Scientist and Coatings Specialist Victor Krause answers
• "If I have an idea for a new product, what should I do to move it toward commercialization?"
  NRRI business development manager Pam Sarvela answers
• "With all the rain we’ve had this summer, what’s the best way to manage stormwater on my property?"
  NRRI aquatic scientist Val Brady answers
• "How can I identify an agate?"
  NRRI geologist Steve Monson-Geerts answers
• "What is the best way for me to keep birds from hitting my large picture windows?"
  NRRI bird expert Anna Peterson answers
• "What’s the best, most environmentally-friendly, way to compost kitchen scraps and yard waste?"
  NRRI Scientist Cindy Hale answers
• "Is there a non-chemical or natural way for me to get rid of bugs in my garden and rid my yard of large ant hills?"
  NRRI Scientist Tom Levar answers

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