Articles and Stories on the BWCA

Where to look

Look for exposed rocks. Northern Minnesota is known for it's wonderful exposed rock. Some how plants and trees are able to grow in the cracks of these exposed rocks.

Jack Pine trees are good friends of blueberries. Red (Norway) Pine are enemies of blueberries; the acid in the needles kills all plant life under it.

There are other locations that seem to be common among the blueberry patches. Look on the east or southeast side of the rock hill. Blueberries like some sunlight, but do not grow particularly big in direct sunlight. They actually grow best in a lightly shaded sunlight, pull back the top leaves, or look under ferns to find the clusters of berries hanging near the ground.

To keep those pesky bruins at bay, hang your food pack high and dry. When Smokey comes around, convince him he needs to swagger to the next campsite where those kooks just put their food pack under the canoes.

The Problem

The biggest problem with hanging a pack is that it's so darn heavy and needs two guys to hoist it into the air. The traditional food pack hanging guidelines supported by the Forestry Services has two short comings.

How Silva Came To Be

The invention of the compass changed the world. With this revolutionary device, sailors were able to navigate more accurately. Oceans were crossed, and new lands were discovered. Even with today's technological innovations, travelers still depend on compasses to lead them in the right direction.

Being able to use a map and compass is a valuable skill that can be used in numerous outdoor activities. Navigating through the woods is only one situation, but there are many others, such as finding directions on a car trip, accurate navigating across open water while boating, or pinpointing a hot fishing spot. Map and compass abilities are not only fun, they are easily taught to kids and provide skills that will prove useful for years.

If there is one piece of equipment that every outdoor person should always carry, it's the compass. It doesn't matter if you hike the mountains or fish your favorite lake: a compass can get you where you want to go -- and back again.

Map and compass language can leave a novice wondering what it all means. But
navigational terms, such as magnetic declination diagram, hydrographic and
hypsographic features, and orienting lines sound more intimidating than they are.

Backpacking is an enjoyable way to experience nature and access remote terrain. The folks at Camp Trails offer the following tips to help you get started:

Far too often, backpackers plan a wilderness trip with just the equipment and
destination in mind. They fail to consider one of the most important aspects of an enjoyable outing: physical condition. Ask yourself, can you hold up physically to the demands you may encounter? How do you plan a trip around your level of fitness?

Like everything in this high-tech era, outdoor gear can be technically mind-boggling, leaving many to assume it's reserved for the outdoor elite only. Backpacks, in particular, can be saturated with features that only a mountain climber can understand. But for most Americans who cycle, hike or backpack for just a day or two at a time, pricey, rugged gear is not needed. Affordable quality will do.

Backpacking is a healthy, low cost way for your family to enjoy being together in the great outdoors. Here are some meal planning considerations from the experts at Camp Trails that will keep you energized and your kids' taste buds happy.