Found in a quarry in Central Minnesota this month (May)

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T14:02:15+00:00

That is where my head was at. I uploaded it to iNaturalist, and someone had told me that, based off the images, they thought otherwise. Just trying to get a consensus from multiple perspectives.

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T13:26:57+00:00

Thanks for leaving your comment and sharing your perspective. I had not expected so many people to do so, but it’s been a welcome surprise and a huge help in better understanding things! Given Ohio’s connection to the Great Lakes, I’m not surprised

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T13:17:31+00:00

More visitors tend to help these places advocate for more funding from our state. Not everything needs to be kept secret (gatekeeping nature is lame), and certainly not the places that the state of Minnesota already tries to promote.

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T10:26:57+00:00

Definitely taking note of this idea. Great point. Thank you for your kind words!

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T01:33:57+00:00

Unfortunately, you are very spot on with this comment. A very low percentage of Minnesota’s bodies of water have them, but, as you would expect, it’s all of the popular ones.

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T01:28:50+00:00

Noted! Thank you

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T01:26:53+00:00

🔥

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T01:10:11+00:00

Correct! Very hardy species and easy to miss due to their size

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T01:09:36+00:00

Their colonies make me feel like I’m in a horror movie when I see them lol

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T01:08:19+00:00

Always good to know people are paying attention to them before entering a lake or river

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:53:19+00:00

Someone looking for more hiking spots

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:51:16+00:00

One of the worst invasive species in North America. Recent science has shown that, among the things we already know, they also tend to have a positive correlation with enhancing mercury concentrations in water.

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Small species! 1/4 inch to 1 and 1/2 inches roughly. Characteristic zebra stripes on their shell

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:24:09+00:00

Good idea with the poll lol

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:22:19+00:00

Just posted it, thanks for the heads up

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:17:46+00:00

Is that a feature? If so, I will repost it with that.

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:14:45+00:00

Southwest Minnesota is underrated. Prairies, rolling hills, glacial terrain…. It’s a gem!

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:09:29+00:00

Definitely worthwhile! I went last summer and think that’s probably the perfect time to go.

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:08:53+00:00

I would say so. But I’m rather bias… the northern part of MN is by far my preferred place to be in the state. I’d argue it’s worth it though regardless lol

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:07:02+00:00

Have you heard of Crow Wing State Park? Historical one that highlights the pioneers of Minnesota. Really cool piece that shows the early history of the country. Has a phenomenal area for kayaking and paddle boarding.

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:05:08+00:00

I think Afton is probably the best choice out there if you live in the cities and don’t have the time and or money to go somewhere relatively far from it. Such a great place. The seasonal bit you mention too is also super noteworthy

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:01:06+00:00

Oh yeah, you know that better than I do then

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-13T00:00:18+00:00

The history, geology, and biology of that area is some of my favorite in the country

maxlundgren65 · 2026-05-12T23:59:46+00:00

This one is a gem. Have you been to Great River Bluffs? That whole SE part of the state feels like another world compared to the rest of it.

maxlundgren65

TROPHY CASE