Wisconsin Life

Spearfishing is a tradition practiced every spring by Ojibwe tribes in northern Wisconsin. It’s a practice that’s been passed on for generations, and it’s part of tribal rights to hunt, fish and gather on lands ceded to the U.S. government under federal treaties. Earlier this month, WPR’s Danielle Kaeding tagged along with a group from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa as they taught tribal youth the time-honored tradition.

Tens of thousands of people turn to fertility clinics every year in the US to help them grow their families. For many of those hopeful parents, the process can be an emotional rollercoaster and expensive. Alexandra Maier of Milwaukee is one mother who tried in vitro fertilization and other methods when she was trying to get pregnant. And then…the pandemic hit. Maier shares her experience as part of the Pandemic Pregnancy Project, which is documenting the stories of families and their babies and how they’ve been affected by COVID-19.

Morel mushrooms are a coveted treat in Wisconsin every spring. But the right conditions for finding them can be as finicky and moody as the state’s spring time weather. Yet the result is well worth the effort. Writer Mark Griffin takes you on a journey to find that elusive morel mushroom.

Lilies of the valley are often considered a beautiful, yet high-maintenance plant. For writer Nancy Jorgenson, they will forever connect her to her beloved grandmother, who found virtue in caring for them. Caregiving was deeply rooted in her grandmother. She dreamed of being a nurse, but society had different plans for a woman of her era. Jorgenson reflects on her grandmother’s devotion to her family, dreams, and flowers.

The oldest known tree in Wisconsin looks nothing like what you might expect. It’s not a huge, majestic tree. In fact, it’s so unremarkable that it’s easy to miss. WPR’s Rob Mentzer has been looking for this tree for years. He brings you the story of his search for this elusive tree.

In a tribute to one of her favorite activities as a new mom, WPR’s Jenny Peek gives us an ode to the bedtime story. She tells us how becoming a mom reignited a love for children’s books she has been missing since she was little.

Muslims all over the world recently wrapped up the holy month of Ramadan, including at the Crescent Learning Center, an Islamic childcare center in Milwaukee. Founder and Director Rafat Arain said the center strives to help refugee children and their parents feel at home. Christina Lieffring brings you the story.

The story of Xai and Sia is a Hmong folk tale of a young woman’s journey to the netherworld to save her husband and bring him back to life. Bao Xiong, author and founder of Moth House Press, expands on this traditional tale in her new book “Folklore,” where she imagines the story behind Sia’s — the wife’s — courage. Xiong told producer Hope Kirwan about her take on the traditional folk tale and the power of belief.

In northeastern Wisconsin, there’s a mysterious and beloved snack called methunky. With humble ingredients — flour, salt, cracklings and sauerkraut — this Czech food resembles a sauerkraut cracker, or as master methunky maker Vonnie Kinjerski lovingly describes it: a “sauerkraut cookie.” A listener wrote into our WHYsconsin project wanting to learn more about the tasty treat. Producer Mary Kate McCoy brings you the story.

You know that bubbling dread you feel as you approach bumper to bumper traffic … or that anxiety and frustration as an aggressive driver cuts you off? It’s safe to say most drivers have unfortunately felt those irritations at one point or another. For writer Mixee Vang of Sun Prairie, nothing brings those emotions out quite like driving on Madison’s notorious Beltline during rush hour.