Naturalist's Corner - What's Cool? What's Hot?

You may be expecting a post on the trendiest hiking gear or maybe climate change...

...but instead I want to reflect on two recent curiosities of nature and our seasons that I encountered. It's also about the delight we can find in learning - and learning more - on our hikes and interactions with nature.

The Cool

Northern-facing algific talus limestone cliffs

I spent time recently in Decorah, exploring a loop trail in Phelp's Park, especially at the start of its Trollkor's Trail. As we began our hike, we immediately went past a series of high limestone cliffs with a profusion of broken rock at the bottom and many small crevices and holes. Hmmm, what was this? We soon came upon a kiosk, detailing the algific talus slopes that are quite common in northeast Iowa. 

Checking out the cold-air flow

Then, past the kiosk, we noted large swaths of bright delicate fern moss covering the hillside. While moss isn't unusual at this time of year, the absolute masses we were seeing were. On that first hike on a 39F day, we were puzzled by this proliferation. 

It took a second visit, later in the week in much warmer 70F weather, to put two and two together. We were within touching distance of the north-facing algific (cold producing) talus (loose rock) slopes venting cold air from the beginning of our hike! Cool!

A chilly 55F in 71F weather

On that second warmer weather hike, as we passed the first short broken cliffs and the subsequent mossy slopes, we were blasted with cold air coming out of those vents.  The verdant moss on the hillside surrounded and covered those blast holes which were emitting 55F air. I had to hop into the sun after lingering there while confirming the temp! Our first hike was in air so cold we never felt the cold-air outflow. On a warm day, it was noticeably colder as we passed.

Ferns covering a vent

Living in the Driftless area, I have often heard about these slopes but never experienced them myself. According to the WI DNR biodiversity page, these steep north and east facing slopes occur when water enters through cracks in the limestone, freezes and slowly melts during the summer. It produces an outflow of cold air - a microclimate that supports rare plant and animal life. In general, these slopes are protected and not widely publicized to preserve their fragile ice age ecology.

So it was with great delight that I experienced their frosty air on a warm November day. I can hardly wait to return in spring and summer to observe what rare plants, within touching distance from the trail, prosper on these IA slopes  

THE HOT
Like many of you, with our early December snows, I often take snow cover for granted. It's there for snow fun, right?  But there's something special underneath the snow - the subnivean zone. It's a layer under the snow that retains heat throughout the winter and allows life to continue. Hmm, heat in the outdoors!

What's under that snow?

Subnivean is a such a lovely word that rolls off the tongue - and such an important piece of our winter landscape. The Latin roots of this word (sub and nivis) simply mean "below snow." After reading a recent post on naturalist Emily's Stone's amazing blog Natural Connections from the Cable (WI) Natural History Museum about the subnivean zone, my curiosity was piqued.

Over the years, I have seen spiders and snowfleas atop the snow and small tunnels and faint trails as the snow melts - all evidence that something was happening under the snow I hiked. We've all also probably seen, in nature photos and documentaries, foxes and owls honing in on small rodents beneath the snow cover. This subnivean zone provides an important part of winter survival for living things, from, as Emily Stone writes, "mice to martens, bacteria, fungi, spiders, hibernating insects, frozen wood frogs, and more."

So how does it happen? As the first substantial snow falls, it piles up on rocks, fallen trees, and vegetation that act like umbrellas creating space below. The snow cover creates a kind of thermal blanket and insulates the space. Those open spaces make up the subnivean zone. The temperatures remain constant at about 32F even if the air above the snow is much colder. Water vapor that forms from the earth's residual heat freezes at the bottom of the snowpack to create a type of ceiling.

Image - Emily Stone
Used with permission

In the photo at left from her blog post, Emily Stone writes: "All winter long I will monitor the air temperature and the temperature of a thermometer I recently buried in the Subnivean Zone under the snow. In it’s first day of existence this winter, the Subnivean Zone did not drop below 33 degrees!"

No wonder there is abundant life in that warmer zone.

It was delightful to spend time over the past few weeks learning more about both natural phenomena. If you want to dive a little more deeply, please check out some of the resources below:

Resources

The Cool - Algific Talus Slopes

A Global Treasure

 - Erica Place. Iowa Heritage Foundation. 2025

Karst Topography

 - Winneshiek County Conservation Board

Algific Talus Slopes

 - Wisconsin DNR

The Hot - Subnivean

Below the Snow

 - Ellen Horowitz. Montana Outdoors. March-April 2024

The Subnivean Zone: Shelter in the Snow

 - Barbara Mackay. Northern Woodlands Magazine. December 29, 2014.

Five Features of the Secret Ecosystem Under the Snow 

-Johnathan Pauli and Benjamin Zuckerberg. Grow Magazine, Spring 2024.

 Anaamaagon: Under the Snow: Exhibit Guide 

 - Cable Museum of Natural History, 2024

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Standing in the 71F sunshine to warm up
after exploring the algific talus vents

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

[Note: For those who accessed an unfinished version of this post on Thursday, my apologies. The holiday prep clearly helped me lose track of time and I forget to complete it.]

Snowshoeing!

What have I been doing over the past week instead of blogging?

Snowshoeing!

It's been a long time since we've had ski-able, snowshoe-able snow this early in December. And after two very dry, brown winters with little snow and much melting between each storm, I feel the need to get out as often as I can to enjoy my favorite winter sport.

So what do I love about it? The most obvious is that it keeps me active in even the coldest days as well as during periods of deep snow. Slogging through shin- and knee-deep snow in boots while breaking a trail is not fun. Floating over the same trail in snowshoes as the first person on it after a storm is more my cup of tea.

Image -
Lloyd Lorenz

While I also cross-country ski, I like that I can simply throw on my snowshoes and head out during and immediately after a snowstorm. No waiting for grooming to get my outside fun in!

Plus I am an inveterate off-trailer in the winter snow. Trails are just suggestions. The real fun for me is heading off into the marvelously accessible woods and seeing what I can see. 

During most growing seasons, the density of undergrowth makes most off-trailing arduous. In winter, snow opens up great swaths of that understory to the curious outdoors person. While breaking trail is more tiring, it also has great rewards by letting you get up close and personal to rock formations and running water (or traversing solid ice) to explore areas you can't easily access in the warmer, snowless months.

A pole can be useful as you tramp whether you are on or off trails. Steep climbs or descents are easier with a pole to balance with. If you are off-trailing, you can create your own switchbacks to make steep inclines less fraught.

While that's my jam, you may want to use the hiking trails to keep the energy expenditure low. Hikers and other snowshoers tamp down the snow and make snowshoeing a snap. 

Image courtesy of ORA

If you are using wider shared use trails that are groomed for cross country skiers, please be mindful of best practice though. Stay to the side of the trail and avoid using the tracks for skate and classic skiing. Volunteers spend hours grooming those trails for those of us who also enjoy skiing. Walking, snowshoeing or biking on those tracks degrades them for skiers. 

If you are snowshoeing and cross a cross-country ski trail, please lift your snowshoes over the classic track rather than plow through the track. Sharing trails respectfully means that all our winter-loving outdoor friends can have a great experience pursuing their snowy passions!

Finally, for ultimate snowshoeing fun, when buying snowshoes, look for ones that have easy bindings to get in and out of. In crispy cold weather, you don't want to spend your time with cold hands struggling to get your 'shoes on and off. Spending a bit of time and research before you buy can mean fewer cold fingers and bent backs and more time on the trails!

See you on (and off!) the trails!

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Image - Lloyd Lorenz

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

I Spy on the Trails - November 2025

An awe-inspiring coronal aurora display caught
the night of November 11-12, Duluth MN
 Image - Bob King

November was again a mostly mild month this year, similar to last year. While a hard frost finally hit mid month, much of the time we basked in daytime temps in the 40s and 50s. We even managed a balmy 60s late in the month. There were many cloudy days, a bit of rain here but sunny enough to continue finishing cleaning up gardens, yards and landscaping. We had our first real blow and snow around Thanksgiving to remind us that Winter Solstice is less than a month away. Dropping temps into the 20’s and our first decent measurable/shove-able snow in our final November days (with a last dump of snowshoe-able snow at last -hurray!!) remind us that the lonnnnggggg fall has really come to an end.  Welcome winter!

Pike’s Peak State Park
on a warm day in McGregor IA

Swan migration heated up in mid November, and there were good numbers at most of the spots we like to observe - Shady Maple near Stoddard WI, Brownsville Lookout in MN and Red Oak lookout near Harper's Ferry IA. Now that the government shutdown is over for the moment, you can keep up-to-date on how many waterfowl and raptors are present at the many lookouts monitored the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge at their website here.

Even with clouds,
the viewing was spectacular
Image - Lloyd Lorenz

The big news during the month was the pleasure of enjoying, with so many people around the country and globe, the absolutely stunning auroral displays around Veteran's Day. At our latitude, we seldom see the aurora and when we do, it mostly manifests itself as pale green and white. Only our photos catch the purples and faint reds. This time, the color was deep and readily apparent to the naked eye after the sun's three rapid coronal mass ejections (CME). I am so glad we lived to see this incredible show. If you’d like to read more about the shapes auroras might take, this EarthSky blog post has a great article.

I can see forever…

While I'll miss the long, languorous colorful autumn tree color, I find our "see-through" season just beginning quite fascinating as well. With gun deer hunting seasons throughout November in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, I spent more time hiking and scouting in Iowa this month. Their deer gun season doesn't start until early December. I had the time to scout some new spots in Decorah IA that I know I'll return to throughout the year. With mild temperatures and leaf fall in early November, bluff hiking with spectacular vistas was quite wonderful this month. 

A nice surprise while hiking
Trollkor’s Loop in Decorah IA.
Image - Jean Hammons

In terms of wildlife and plants, I observed many, many of our winter-staying birds like woodpeckers, blue jay, chickadees and nuthatches along with trumpeter and tundra swans, Canada geese and numerous ducks. A few sturdy autumn meadowhawk dragonflies hoarded time in the sun. Eagles and hawks were much in evidence. And a fine buck joined us for part of our ravine hike.

Prairie smoke sprouts

Most plants have gone to seed.  I was surprised on a hike or two to see the green leaves of prairie smoke, spotted bee balm and pasque flower hugging tight to the ground along with a few confused leaves of hepatica, yarrow, small flowered leafcup and false rue anemone coaxed to emerge by sun and warmth. 

Pops of blue wood and hairy asters lingered here and there and northern maidenhair ferns and a few bulbet bladderferns were determined to hold throughout the month. Also hanging in were a Dryad's Saddle shelf mushroom and Ravenel's stink horn (they do reek and flies do love them). 

Pulpit Rock, Decorah IA

Just a reminder, even when gun seasons end, hunters are still out. Please remember to wear blaze orange or other bright colors when hiking on or adjacent to public land. Our hunters want us to be just as safe as we ourselves do! If you are wondering where to hike in the colder weather and the muted colors of late fall and early winter, be sure to drop by my recent blog post with some recommendations for great winter hiking.

What are YOU seeing on your hikes?

A month of hikes
Hikes below in colored, bold type or underlined have links to previous posts OR descriptions/location of the trails found online.

Eagles Bluff Environmental Education Center, Lanesboro MN; Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI; Lytle’s Landing, Brice Prairie WI; Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Caledonia MN; Phelps Park, Decorah IA (4); Pulpit Rock Trail, Decorah IA; Ice Cave Trail, Decorah IA  Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor IA; Goose Island County Park, La Crosse County, WI, urban hiking, downtown Chicago IL; the ravine woods next door to our house (first snowshoe of the season)

A last farewell to autumn color

The "I Spy on the Trails" column is a phenology (the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals) journal to chronicle year-round the weather, plant life and wildlife I observe while hiking. It is very useful in helping me compare observations from year-to-year. The column is published monthly from September through April and then twice-a-month from May through August when warm weather brings the natural world back to vibrant life.

Up close and personal with
 a Ravenel’s stinkhorn mushroom

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Enjoying a REALLY tall live Christmas tree 
while walking down Chicago’s Michigan Ave.
Image - Lloyd Lorenz

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Phelps Park (IA) - Trollkor’s Trail Loop Hike

Some of the stonework on the trail

If you are looking for a great up-and-down trail loop with multiple interesting features, Trollkor's is a great 2.2 mile hike, spring through fall. With gun deer hunting season throughout November in WI and MN (IA's gun season starts in December), I figured it was a great time to swing over to Decorah IA to check the trail out. 

Decorah (population 7500) is rich in trails. According to their Park and Rec Dept., they have over 50 miles of hiking, walking, biking, running, cross country skiing and stroller-ing trails. The extensive trail system, centering on a series of limestone bluffs surrounding the Upper Iowa River, is a gold mine of recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.

There are a number of trailheads to start the Trollkor's loop but my favorite is at its west end off Hwy 52 at Oneota Dr.  There is tiny parking area at the dead end right by the trailhead marked by twin stone columns. This trailhead is on part of the 11-mile Trout Run Trail. It's wide, asphalt path accommodates bikers, runners, and walkers and is part of the Lower Phelp's Park trail as well. 

Upper Iowa River

On the left as you begin, the Upper Iowa River meanders. On the right, are low limestone cliffs full of small openings and broken rock at the base. Within 1/4 mile, there is a trail junction at a ravine near a kiosk with information on these algific talus slopes. You've just passed a few and there are more ahead. On warm days you can feel the cold air coming out of the holes in the limestone and see some amazing plant life on their north facing slopes. A marked trailhead climbs steeply up to the upper trails. But stay on the Trout Run trail for an easier access to the upper trails about 1/2 mile ahead. 

Prolific mosses grow over cold air
openings on algific talus slopes

The rock walls, with their cold air and massive swaths of delicate fern moss, are attention getting as the limestone cliffs began to tower above the trail. There is a lovely sculpture overlooking the river with small butterfly benches right before coming to a junction. Just ahead on the right off the paved trail are two more twin stone columns and a trail marker for the upper Trollkor's loop section.

Intricate herringbone pattern stonework

A quick 1/4 mile, 100 foot climb on a narrow, switch-backing dirt trail brings you to upper Phelp's Park. You are greeted by a short section of road with a fence of short columns stretching ahead with a complex of overlooks and stonework as you get to the main area of the park. The CCC-built rock columns are intricate and carefully crafted. A stone staircase descends down to the bluffside where the stone works (of art) feature carefully placed vertical stones in herringbone patterns and artfully chosen rock columns. 

CCC "LOTR dwarvish" earthworks

After passing through a long gazebo-like area, the rocky dirt trail continues beneath neighborhoods. You soon reach what to my eyes appears to be a series of Lord-of-the-Rings-style stone works. This well-engineered and CCC-built project leads down to a massive stairway and bridge crossing a ravine and following a stone-column railing to a final lookout. Be sure to note how seamlessly the stonework blends into the limestone cliffs. Masterful.

On the limestone cliff trails

Following the narrow cliffside trail west (hiking sticks are a plus on the trail's loose rock) affords great views of the river and prairie trails across the river. You soon come to a small trailhead that takes you steeply down to the Trout run trail. Don't take it, though, if you want to continue a great bluff hike.

Continuing on along the bluffside trail to your left, you cross bridges over ravines and hike upwards through a lovely clear understory. Once you cross a final bridge, you will climb a bit more through a buckthorn-filled part of the trail until you reach the top (you know you're on top because you hear traffic again). You'll then begin to descend slowly for 200 feet in a 1/2 mile along winding switch-backing trails that shift to pavement as you re-enter the neighborhood of Oneota Dr and spot your vehicle again.

THE HIKE
Trollkor's Loop is a 2.2 mile loop trail with a total elevation gain of 276 feet. The loop starts on a fairly flat  paved trail between the Upper Iowa River on the right and algific talus slopes (a naturalist's paradise) that morph to towering limestone cliffs on your left. At the end of the pavement, narrow switchbacks lead up to Phelps's Park and its stunning CCC-built stonework. The narrow rocky trails invite a hiking stick(s) as you walk atop the cliffs through cliffsides and across bridges spanning ravines. The loop ends with a slow descent into pavement that winds down to the Oneota drive neighborhood and your vehicle. This is a lovely trail with lots of features to return to and enjoy.

The Location

613 Park Dr, Decorah IA. There are also trailheads at the end of Main St to access the lower and upper parts of the loop and at Phelps Park above the city to access the upper portion.

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Image  - Jean Hammons

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

A view of the Upper Iowa River
and prairie trails

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

New User Fees Proposed for WI Public Lands?

In recent news, I became aware of a proposal going before the Wisconsin legislature that would add usage fees for hiking, biking, skiing and foraging on state lands It seemed to me to be another attempt to undermine the state parks and make using them more expensive for the average person. I find this distressing. My family used WI state parks frequently when I was growing up. They were jewels - well maintained with amazing programs that promoted love of the outdoors and nature. As time went on, the budget cuts that the state parks in particular have suffered have left them more understaffed, tattered and rough looking. 

When I read this Facebook post by Derrick Mayoleth over on his Skillet Creek Media  page, I thought he did a great job of putting what has been happening at the legislative level over the past 30+ years in sharp perspective. Now is a time, if you are a Wisconsin resident, to be informed, aware and ready for advocacy to support what you think is important in terms of this proposal. Let your representatives in the legislature know what you think. The more we know, the better advocates we can be.

This post is reprinted with permission from the November 25, 2025 Skillet Creek Media Facebook post. You can read the thoughtful responses to his post there.

The DNR Revenue Stream Refresh. Fixing a Problem They Created?

Derrick Mayoleth

The crumbling east bluff trail at Devil's Lake State Park
Image - Skillet Creek Media

I do not enjoy going into politics here, but it is important to keep you up to date on news that affects our public lands. Please share your thoughts with respect or they will be removed. With that in mind, here is the big story and my personal take on it.

There is a new proposal at the [Wisconsin] Capitol to add fees for hiking, biking, skiing, and foraging on state land. The sponsors say they are trying to help close a DNR budget deficit. The proposal includes a $20 hiking fee and $40 fees for skiing, biking, and foraging, along with possible fees for non-motorized boats, kayaks, and similar gear. (This is in addition to your current park sticker). Many of these new fees are higher than the fees required for hunting and fishing. That is the headline.

 
The deeper story is how we got here in the first place. [See links below]

 
This moment did not appear out of nowhere. The erosion of support for Wisconsin’s parks and conservation programs has been building since the mid-1990s (when, by the way, I worked at Devil's Lake myself). What the public sees today, and what this new package claims to fix, in my view, is the result of policy choices that steadily removed the DNR and the state park system from the shared tax base and pushed them onto visitors, volunteers, and user fees.

In the 1990s the DNR received far more support from general state tax funding. That support began to shrink as lawmakers shifted budget priorities. By the late 1990s the Legislature removed the rule that required the state to pay at least half of park operating costs. From that point on, parks were nudged toward a pay your own way model. Every budget cycle after that trimmed a little more from their foundation.

The largest drop came during the Walker years. Those budgets eliminated all state tax funding for park operations and replaced it with higher admission, camping, and trail fees. They also cut staff across the entire DNR, including naturalists, educators, scientists, rangers, trail crews, and other operations staff. The cuts were deep enough that by the late 2010s Wisconsin ranked last in the nation in per visitor park funding. The system stayed running only because of rising visitation, higher fees, and the work of Friends groups and volunteers. You only have to walk the trails at Devil’s Lake State Park to see how that has played out.

That is the backdrop to this year’s proposal. Lawmakers are describing a funding crisis that needs new fees to solve, but the crisis, in my opinion and in the opinion of many who have watched this unfold for decades, is the predictable result of decisions made over thirty years. Tax support was steadily withdrawn. Parks were pushed off the tax base. The workforce was reduced. The public was told that the system should fund itself through stickers and user fees. Now the same policymakers are announcing that the system is underfunded and must find new revenue somewhere else.

It is true that the parks are underfunded and need stable, long-term support. It is also fair to say that the funding model shaped by current lawmakers and those before them created the very gap they are now asking the public to fill.

If we forget that history, as they seem to hope we will, we may see this as smart policy rather than a solution to a problem created by the same philosophy that got us here. And unless something changes, we will be right back here ten years from now, discussing the next round of fee increases to rescue a system that was, as many believe, set up to fail.

Resource Links

• Republican lawmakers propose new fees for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing on state-owned land - https://www.wpr.org/.../republican-proposal-wisconsin...

• Sen. Stafsholt, Rep. Green: Introduce ‘The DNR Revenue Stream Refresh’ - https://www.wispolitics.com/.../sen-stafsholt-rep-green.../

• Wisconsin DNR Sees Job Cuts, Slashed Budget (2017) - https://www.cbsnews.com/minn.../news/wisconsin-dnr-job-cuts/

• The Past and Future of Wisconsin Conservation - https://www.wispolicyforum.org/.../ThisLandIsOurLand...

• Report shows outdoors funding imbalance: Wisconsin collects lots in fees, lags in park funding - https://www.cbs58.com/.../report-shows-outdoors-funding...

Derrick writes (and photographs and films) extensively on the Dells and Baraboo Hills area of WI where the Driftless area ends and both moraines and unglaciated geological formations tower.  He explores and celebrates the incredible landscapes, trails, parks and opportunities and loves connecting people with nature via education, respectful discussion and inspiring visuals of Wisconsin's beauty. You can also find him at Skillet Creek Photography.

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - December 2025

First on a Great River Bluffs SP
Trail after a snowfall

There are fewer Driftless educational opportunities during busy holiday times. But I hope you still take time to get out on the trails as we enter our cold winter times. Get your snowshoes or microspikes/ice cleats on, bundle up, look for sunny days or tree or bluffside protected trails, and head out and enjoy our beautiful frost-tipped bluffs and wetlands!

Need some suggestions for winter hiking destinations? Click here to see a list of recommended winter hikes in the Driftless areas of MN, WI and IA.

For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike. 

I will be updating this post throughout the month as new events are announced - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.

December Events

Registration Open for The Prairie Enthusiasts Virtual Conference

Photos by Catherine McKenzie,
Sarah Barron and Eric Preston

Registration for our annual virtual conference, Biodiversity from the Ground Up, is open Join us online February 18-20, 2026. Our annual virtual conference brings together people of various prairie and savanna knowledge-levels. Whether you have deep roots in prairie restoration or your passion for these habitats has just begun to bloom, there’s a place for you to learn with our community. Early Bird tickets are available until January 5 ($65 general admission; $35 students). Check out our website to learn more about our keynote presentations, confirmed sessions, presenters and ticket options and to register. 


Fireside Crafting
 - Thursday, December 4           1-4:00pm
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy-26, Lansing Iowa

Gather by the fireside at Iowisota to work on your individual projects during an open crafting session Projects may include sewing, fiber work, scrapbooking, or any other portable handiwork. Bring your own supplies, unless you've made other arrangements with Linda. We have good lighting, comfortable seating by the fire and solid worktables. Enjoy some social time and a hot drink as you work on your project. Freewill donation accepted; I'll have a jar on the table by the door if you feel like you want to contribute something. Register here by selecting the date you'd like to attend. We will have a maximum of 10 people working on stuff at one time. If you want to just stop by for part of the time, that is fine. If you want to just stop in and see Iowisota, it is a good opportunity for that too! Why am I doing this? Because I feel so blessed to have a great workspace available, and I want to share it. I live in the downstairs portion of the house, but I personally love working on projects or reading in the upstairs "gathering room" on a winter day. The windows looking out over the backwaters and into the woods are inspiring, and the fireplace is heartwarming. Together, we can make it through another Iowa winter! If you have questions, give Linda Haugen a call at 563-538-6510 or email at Iowisota@gmail.com. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center.

Injured Owl Rescue Class - online

 - Thursday, December 4            7:00 pm

Have you ever found a sick, injured or orphaned owl and didn't know what to do? This program will give you basic information about how to figure out if the owl needs help, how to safely pick it up and transport it if it does need help, where to take it, and some of the laws about what you can and can't do. There is no charge to attend, but donations are welcome. Click here to register. Sponsor: International Owl Center

Guided Prairie Loop Bird Walk 

 - Saturday, December 6            9:30 -11:30 a.m

 - Frontenac State Park - ranger station parking lot. 

What birds can you see in December? We will take a short prairie loop to look for year-round residents such as Pileated Woodpeckers, identify some over-wintering sparrows, such as White-throated Sparrows and Eastern Bluebirds, and perhaps see some late-migrating waterfowl overhead. Sometimes it's mostly just beauty.   Questions? Email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association

Sunday, December 6 - Registration opens for January 3 Owl Prowl
January 3 Owl Prowl
 - International Owl Center, Houston MN
We start with a 30-minute program indoors to teach you how to identify owls by sound and the ethics of calling owls. Then you hop in your vehicle and follow the Owlmobile to about three different locations in rural Houston where Jo, our resident expert owl caller, will imitate owl calls in hopes of getting some responses. The program is capped at 30 participants, and these always sell out in advance. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Due to the need to stand perfectly still for 10 minutes or more at a time, these owl prowls are not recommended for children under age 12. No pets, smoking or vaping allowed either indoors or outdoors . Sponsor: International Owl Center

Advent Candlelight Hike

 - Monday, December 8              6:30-8:00pm

 - Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, W2658 State Road 33, La Crosse WI

All are invited to join us for a peaceful mile-long hike filled with Advent-themed reflections and candle luminaries. All ages are welcome and winter attire is encouraged. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! Hike difficulty: moderate (with some inclines). All participants are welcome to hike at their own pace. No pets, please. A volunteer will be stationed near the entrance to direct you to the parking lot. Sponsor: Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Storytime with the Driftless Children's Program

 - Tuesday, December 9               10:30-11:15am

 - Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library, 401 1st St NW

Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please.  Sponsor: Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board

Afterschool with the Driftless Children's Program
 - Tuesday, December 9               3:30-4:15pm
 - Meehan Memorial (Lansing IA) Library, 515 Main St.
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Tuesday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: Meehan Memorial (Lansing IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board

Rediscover the Night Program
 - Wednesday, December 10                5:30 - 7:30 pm
 - Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Rd 131, La Farge WI

Afterschool with the Driftless Children's Program

- Thursday, December 11               3:30-4:15pm
- New Albin Public Library (IA) Library, 176 Elm St
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: New Albin (IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board

Hass Trails Hike - Winter Blufflands Hiking Series
 - Saturday, December 13                   9:00am
 - Haas Property, 3996 Easter Road, La Crosse WI

Over the course of this 6 month series, hikers will go through the entire La Crosse Blufflands, starting on the south side and moving north. The Juniper property trail (aka Haas trail) is moderate to easy with some uphills. The plan is to hike out and back for approximately 2.5 miles total. Small off-road parking lot. Side of the road parking is narrow. Check out the group's Facebook page events for additional hikes coming up. Sponsor: Blufflands Hiking Group

Fireside Crafting
 - Thursday, December 18             1-4:00pm
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy-26, Lansing Iowa

Gather by the fireside at Iowisota to work on your individual projects during an open crafting session Projects may include sewing, fiber work, scrapbooking, or any other portable handiwork. Bring your own supplies, unless you've made other arrangements with Linda. We have good lighting, comfortable seating by the fire and solid worktables. Enjoy some social time and a hot drink as you work on your project. Freewill donation accepted; I'll have a jar on the table by the door if you feel like you want to contribute something. Register here by selecting the date you'd like to attend. We will have a maximum of 10 people working on stuff at one time. If you want to just stop by for part of the time, that is fine. If you want to just stop in and see Iowisota, it is a good opportunity for that too! Why am I doing this? Because I feel so blessed to have a great workspace available, and I want to share it. I live in the downstairs portion of the house, but I personally love working on projects or reading in the upstairs "gathering room" on a winter day. The windows looking out over the backwaters and into the woods are inspiring, and the fireplace is heartwarming. Together, we can make it through another Iowa winter! If you have questions, give Linda Haugen a call at 563-538-6510 or email at Iowisota@gmail.com. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center.

Winter Blufflands Hiking Series: Chad Erickson/Paul E. Stry Preseserve

- Saturday, December 20 9:00-11:30am
- Chad Erickson Memorial Park, 3601 Park Lane, La Crosse WI

We will start at Chad Erickson Memorial Park, encircle the pond and then take the wooded trail to Pammel Creek Trail north to the Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve before heading back to Chad Erickson Park.   DIFFICULTY: This is an easy hike and trail - suitable for most everyone.  DISTANCE: 2.5 miles total, out and back. PARKING: Parking will be at the Chad Erickson Memorial Park parking lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/VxvXzsL5ayfu83n28

Storytime with the Driftless Children's Program
 - Tuesday, December 23              10:30-11:15am
 - Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library, 401 1st St NW
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board

Iowa Neighborhood Weekends for Allamakee and Winneshiek county residents

 - December 27-28   

 - International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN
Residents of local IA counties, including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on Neighbor Weekends. Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our live programs at 11 and 2 each day. Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17. Sponsor: International Owl Center

Do you know of other December hiking/learning events I should include? Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my web version of the blog.

Wintertime is Hiking Time!

Mathy Quarry Snakeroot Trail
Image -Kris Lawson

With Thanksgiving and the December holiday seasons hard upon us, it's easy to turn inward towards family, warmth, curling up under a blanket to read, craft or just enjoy toasty warmth. But don't forget to find some time to bundle up and get out on the trails!

Here are a few tips as we enter our cold season hiking and snowshoeing over the next few months. Besides layers and good gear mentioned at the post above, it's also time to think of safety during hunting seasons while you are on the trails.

In November and December, check your state's DNR site for various gun hunting seasons. Those seasons in particular have alot of hunters about and they want you safe as much as you do! If you are in the Driftless area, the deer gun seasons are often on different weeks from state to state. If you can, pick hikes in a nearby state that isn't in gun hunting season. If not, for your safety, always wear some blaze orange and choose hiking trails that are not on or near public lands. Here are Minnesota, Wisconsin and  Iowa hunting season calendars to help you. 

As you plan your hikes, think about weather conditions and temperatures. Mild temperatures invite us to explore favorite spots with dramatic features (rocks, running water, great vistas and more). It's see-through season - with no leaves, hidden views are revealed. With the understory more clear and often snow-covered, it's a great time to explore off-trail without the worry of bugs and tripping hazards. 

Colder temps and higher winds shouldn't necessarily stop you. Consider sheltered bluffside hikes or hikes through denser forests to protect you from the worst of the winds. Sunny days with low winds and temps are great times to explore more exposed prairies and blufftops.

If you think about your hiking destinations in some of these terms, you'll find an endless array of possible hikes. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started! Click on the hike title to find directions and descriptions of trails.


MIGRATION HOTSPOTS
Late November hiking affords dramatic migration action from many waterfowl including trumpeter and tundra swans. Hikes where you can look at these waterfowl or stop at an overlook on the way to see them are especially fun. So try:

Swans at Reno Spillway

Reno Quarry (MN) - Stop at Brownsville Overlook to see the last of the swans, geese and ducks as they rest and eat along their migration route. Then hike the quarry for the Mississippi River views and marvel at the rocks on the trail spur north of the quarry.

Reno Spillway (MN) - If the spillway is open, take a walk right along the Mississippi River and see the thousands of ducks between the MN and WI bluffs. This graveled hike is a gentle, flat one.

Sugar Creek Bluff SNA (WI) - Heading south from La Crosse, stop at the Shady Maple Overlook just south of Goose Island to see swans and other migrating waterfowl. Then continue on to this Mississippi Valley property south of Ferryville and enjoy a gentle hike out to outstanding views of the river and woods.

LOOK OUT FOR THOSE ROCKS
There are so many geological formations that are hidden by trees on trails. Fall and winter are ideal times to hike trails that reveal these massive cliffs and rocks. A few trails to try:

"Spinal column" rocks at Reno Quarry

Beaver Valley State Park (MN) - The rim trails of the park are full of dramatic rocks; but so too is the trail that runs on either side of the trout stream. With leaves down, the rocks and narrow valley walls are breathtaking.

Yellow River Forest - Luster Heights Unit (IA) This area is relatively flat with some rolling hills and magnificent views of the Mississippi River. The rocks are pretty spectacular too! This is also a great snowshoe area.

Lost Creek Trail (MN) - This is a fun late fall hike with great stream crossings and lovely views, not least of which is a series of towering limestone cliffs that are hidden during the growing season. The cliffs are about 2.25 miles in and make a great place to turn-around at this out-and-back hike that starts at the Ninebark trailhead. Closed during MN’s gun season.

Greens Coulee/Savannah Oaks (WI) - This Mississippi Valley Conservancy boasts some impressive ups and downs, a view or two and a great mushroom rock formation. Invasive buckthorn makes the trail to this rock tough in the growing season but with no leaves, the rock is easily visible. It’s worth the hike!

VIEWS TO DIE FOR
Ok, not really, but there are some spectacular views to be had when the leaves are off. They show a different face of familiar places and vistas that go on forever. 

Reno Quarry, MN overlooking 
the Mississippi River

Yellow River Forest - Paint Rock Unit (IA) - With its high bluffs and climbing trails to get to the fabulous rim trails, cool weather is a perfect time to tackle these bluffs. The views that greet you of the Mississippi are worth the price of admission.

Great River Bluffs State Park (MN) - Many iconic overlooks await you on these forest trails. The south trails have some steep and rolling spots so cool weather is your friend. It is another off-trail gem of a park for snowshoeing.

Levis-Trow Mounds Recreation Area (WI) - Great shared trails that climb up and down towards the rim. Amazing vistas on these high mounds offer views of the flatter glaciated land with the Driftless area's bluffs rising in the distance. Also has amazing rock formations!


WINTER WONDERLAND
Snowshoeing is so much fun in the Driftless. And half the fun of being on 'shoes is that you can literally go wherever you want. You can stay on trails or explore off-trail to your hearts content. I'm an inveterate off-trailer, seeking deer trails and drifts to follow. A winter day on snowshoes is a day worth living! Try some of these:

Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Dakota MN

Apple Blossom Overlook Park (MN) - A wonder of prairie flowers in the summer and a fun challenging snowshoe in winter. The off-trailing here is great fun . I only attempt the steep Dakota Overlook trail in winter to the little quarry and often follow the old road down to the highway. Owls await the silent.

Mathy Quarry Snakeroot Trail (WI) - a beautiful hiking trail that winds through prairie, pines, birches and woods. A winter wonderland in the snow indeed

Pine View Campground (WI) – Inside Sparta’s Fort McCoy is a lovely winter hike, following the winding, nascent La Crosse River (here just a stream) through the woods to small Trout Falls.

Halfway Creek (WI) - This wide trail is great in summer but in winter it is a snowshoeing off-trail dream. You can follow along the creek, cross the bridges and explore the other side of the winding water. Though some snowshoe on the trail, I say why bother. Let hikers have it while you live the snowshoeing dream.


PROTECTION FROM THE WIND
Trails along bluffsides can be great in the winter. They offer protection from sharp winds. Often these can be bike trails which are far quieter in the winter. Try these:

Checking "bacon ice" at Vetsch Park, La Crescent MN
Image - Bonnie Lyman

Hixon Forest Hiking/Bike Trails (WI) - These trails are really delightful in winter when the snow is on the ground. You can use spikes on tamped down trails or snowshoes in fresh snow. Break it up a bit. Stinky/Chicanary. Another day do Twister/SpillHill/boB. Then try Prairie/Twister/Mr. Hyde. All of these trails are bluffside trails and offering wind protection depending on the direction of the wind.

Hixon Oak Trail (WI) - A hike-only trail that offers alot of rolling hills. I do this one with spikes since it is well tramped down and this gives me needed traction.

Phelps Park (IA) – The limestone cliffs and cliffside ravines of this Decorah city park are a joy to hike in any season but late fall (before the snow flies) provides grand views uninterrupted by leaves - and often a glimpse of deer from it’s narrow trails.


SUNSHINE IN THE OPEN AIR
Sometimes on a mild winter day, it's nice to have some sunshine even if it is a bit weak. Try these to catch some vitamin D’s:

Noon shadow on winter solstice
Bluffside Park, Winona

MacGilvray's Seven Bridges (WI) - A lovely walk or snowshoe across six historic bridges through wetlands and woods near Holmen WI

Wildwood Loop (MN) - High atop Winona’s Holzinger Trail system are these loop trails. On a sunny winter day, you get views of Winona and surrounding bluffs.

Chickadee Trail (MN) – a great snowshoe on this Bluffside Park rim trail in Winona. Add the Troll trail on the winter solstice on a sunny day and, at noon, see your longest shadow of the year!

Holland Sand Prairie (WI) - While the snow-covered prairie sleeps, it’s a wonderful time to step out and explore the open rolling sand dunes of this Mississippi Valley Conservancy property. Deer trails can show you the way on a windless day.

Cedar waxwing in November at Yellow River State Forest IA
Image - Kris Lawson

No matter which type of hike you prefer, I hope you get out during our coldest months. And don't forget to start planning your "First Day Hike" for New Year's Day!

Ice cave at Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Image - Kris Lawson

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Portions of these lists are reprinted from 2024

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.