summer

What is the summer solstice?

Many people anxiously await the first day of summer and look forward to activities that are tailor-made for warm weather. The first day of summer is known as the summer solstice, which marks the official start of astronomical summer. The solstice features more hours of daylight than any day of the...

Fun ways to celebrate the summer solstice

Summer is a great time to enjoy recreational activities that take advantage of the great outdoors. This year summer arrives on June 20 with the summer solstice, which features the most hours of daylight of any day for the entire year. Celebrants who want to usher in another summer of fun in the sun...

Outdoor activities ideal for summertime

George Gershwin's song "Summertime," from "Porgy and Bess," offers: Summertime and the livin' is easy Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors....

How to safeguard your vision when spending time outdoors

The great outdoors beckons billions of people across the globe every day. There's much to be gained from spending time outdoors. According to the American Psychological Association, exposure to nature has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, improvements in mood, and reduced risk of...

How to find the right fit for summer camp

Many adults fondly recall their days at summer camp. The increase in households with two working parents has made it more important than ever to find a camp to accommodate youngsters who need to remain engaged and entertained throughout over summer vacation. That reality has led to more summer camp...

Prepare your high tunnel for a hot summer

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu After a record setting warm winter, NOAA is continuing to predict above average temperatures in their three month forecast as well as their July-August-September 2024 forecast. With so many new high tunnels in Minnesota we want to make...

Summer camp options abound

Summer camp season will be here before parents know it. While children anxiously await the last day of school, adults know that it can be challenging to keep kids occupied and mentally stimulated when they aren't in the classroom. Although it may be alright to enjoy a few days lounging around and...

Late summer garden checklist

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu The State Fair is going on. Nights are actually getting cooler even after the heat waves we’ve experienced. Our gardens are producing, but we can tell the plants are changing. Still, there's lots of gardening yet to do! Harvest your...

How to avoid food poisoning when grilling this summer

Cooking over an open flame produces a unique flavor that's difficult to match. The smoky flavor of grilled foods is hard to resist, especially on summer nights that seem tailor-made for cooking and dining outside. Cooking over a flame comes with certain safety risks, and those risks are easily...

5 fun facts about the month of July

uly is synonymous with fun in the sun. In the northern hemisphere, July is typically characterized by sunny days, warm weather and long hours of daylight, making it an ideal month to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. Though it might be a great time for some R&R, July also boasts an...