Here in Minnesota, scientists say we are sitting on a climate change superhero.

Peatlands, a type of wetland, cover more than 10% of the state — that’s the most of any in the lower 48. But over time, peatlands have been misunderstood and mistreated. Now some are trying to change that.

“You might feel like we’ve jumped into a Dr. Suess novel,” said Mark Felice, a peatland scientist with The Nature Conservancy.

At the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, truffle top black spruces, cotton grass puffs, colorful mosses and carnivorous plants fill in where glacial lakes retreated.

“It’s just like a whole little world,” said Eric Seabloom, interim director of Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.

Except in this world each step squishes shaking the ground around it.

“It feels like walking on a water bed,” said Felice.

Scientists say the moss-carpeted wetland is pure magic.

“Peatlands are basically areas where as plants die they fall on the ground and then slowly decompose like your compost pile,” said Seabloom.

When that happens, it pulls carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and stores it in the soil.

“So slowly little by little, layer by layer, we’ve built up the soil we’re standing on,” said Felice.

And while peatlands occupy just 3% of Earth’s land surface, scientists say they store about 30% of the planet’s land-based carbon. That’s more than double held by the world’s forests, according to the Nature Conservancy.

To capture their power, Felice brings along his portable greenhouse gas analyzer, which he says reminds him of R2D2 from “Star Wars.” He also carries with him laser sensors that detect methane and carbon dioxide emissions.

“Peat soil can hold about 20 times its weight in water,” said Felice

It acts like a sponge for both carbon and water, and can provide flood protection and water filtration.

“They’re sort of a hidden treasure that we don’t really think about,” said Seabloom. “Now we can understand better how these are really important, huge stores of carbon. We definitely need them.”

But over time scientists say peatlands have been misunderstood, drained for development or agriculture and scientists are now learning why that was a mistake and how we can fix it.

“People always thought of peatlands or wetlands as sort of a menace to society or something in the way to be drained away,” said Chris Lenhart, a restorationist at The Nature Conservancy. “We’re right along Cedar Creek here. This is the part that’s been straightened about 100 to 120 years ago.”

The Nature Conservancy says up to one sixth of Minnesota’s peatlands were drained in the early 20th century. 

The soil of a drained peatland looks a lot like dirt.

“It’s breaking down the organic matter and releasing the carbon dioxide as opposed to holding it in place,” said Lenhart.

To fix it, restoration teams will take a straightened section of the stream and rewiggle it to it’s original form. 

Restoring the stream to its original form slows the water, raises the levels, and rewets the peat soils on the shores, emitting less carbon dioxide and accumulating valuable peat once again.

The Nature Conservancy says restoring and rewetting farmed and partially-drained peatlands in Minnesota could cut roughly 6.36 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, which is like getting rid of nearly 1.5 million gas powered cars for a year. 

“We can have a lot of impact by managing and taking care of a pretty small blueprint,” said Felice.

“Even around the world people know about Minnesota I’d say for peatland and wetland science and protection,” said Lenhart.

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is owned by the University of Minnesota. It’s an area with many active research studies and restoration projects. It’s also known nationally for its research. 

(FOX 9) – A Twin Cities family is trying to bring a loved one home after a tragic loss over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The family said the man died after being struck by lightning while mountain biking in Peru.

Navigating unimaginable loss

The backstory:

Yuri Botelho is a Brazil native and the son of a former local elected official in Brazil. He had recently become a U.S. citizen.

Yuri and his wife Kelsey and 15-month-old son Tyson had moved to Minnesota this year to be closer to Kelsey’s family. Yuri worked as an engineering technician for the City of St. Louis Park.

What we know:

Loved ones said Yuri and Kelsey shared a love for the outdoors.

“This year, they had decided to go down to Peru and to hike Machu Picchu. They always go with another couple. Now they both had little ones in tow,” said Mandy Skoog, Yuri’s sister-in-law.

They were nearing the end of their Thanksgiving holiday trip in Peru, when family members got the call Wednesday that Yuri had died after he had been struck by lightning that afternoon.

“They were mountain biking, Yuri, James, his friend who is in critical condition, and the guide,” said Skoog.

Now, the family is rallying around Kelsey and Tyson to help them return with Yuri’s remains. Immediately upon hearing the news, Kelsey’s brother and a friend flew to Peru to help.

“Kelsey is one of the strongest women I know. Trying to take it on by herself and not ask for help. She needs to realize we’re all there to help her. So, I’m worried she won’t be able to grieve how she needs to,” said Erika Kastamo, Kelsey’s sister.

What they’re saying:

The family said what is getting them through this unimaginable loss is faith and one another.

The family is sharing their story to help Yuri’s memory become a lasting legacy.

“What’s not to love about Yuri. Yuri walks into a room and grabs everyone’s attention. He has a big smile, a big personality. Overall, very happy, loves everyone,” said Skoog. “Just spreading Yuri’s kindness.”

“I want Tyson to know that his dad loved him more than anything,” said Kastamo. “That he loved Tyson more than anything. He was so proud to be a father.”

A spokesperson for the City of St. Louis Park sent this statement about Yuri’s sudden passing.

“We at the City of St. Louis Park are aware of the very tragic news about Yuri Botelho. This is a tremendous loss for his family, his friends and for all of us as his colleagues. Yuri had only been with the city for a short time but was already a trusted and valued employee and friend. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

What’s next:

The family said they have met with the embassy and is hopeful they will be able to return with Yuri’s ashes as soon as Tuesday. The family said his body has been cremated in Peru.

The family said Hamel Jiu Jitsu is planning to honor Yuri. His family from Brazil is also coordinating plans to make a trip to Minnesota.

What you can do:

There is a fundraiser to support Kelsey through this tragic time with unexpected travel and medical expenses.