I Spy on the Trails - March 2025

Lunar eclipse 3/14/25 taken
with iPhone 16 Pro Max
through a TeleVue 76 telescope

It's hard to settle on one highlight or observation this month as nature begins her spring wake-up in earnest (we hope!). Subtle and not so subtle signs abound.

• The first blooming Pasque flowers of the season

• The lovely surprise of a butterfly spreading its wings in the sun

• The abundance of eagles on the ice edges and in flight, especially on a blufftop where they sweep past you at eye level

• The return of some of the earliest fungi - scarlet elfin cups

• The raucous calls of geese and trumpeter swans stopping briefly on the newly ice-free waters of the Mississippi River sloughs and La Crescent's Blue Lake to rest before racing on to their summer nesting grounds in the Arctic

• 

  Fuzzy buds

  
  The return of the robins and grackles in great flocks

• Budding trees making the blufftops look fuzzy, a big change from the stark prickly look of winter treetops

• The smoke plumes of prescribed burns on prairies promising lush growth of flowers and grasses in coming months

One of the warm days at Lytle's Landing
Image - Kris Lawson

The temperatures continued their fluctuations in March, flickering day by day between the 30s and 40's and then reaching into the 50s and 60s and even into the 70s before plunging back down. The winds were particularly notable - long-lasting and strong. March came in like a lion and pretty much stayed that way all month.

Weather stayed fairly dry throughout the month with three interesting exceptions. First, unexpected "mud rain" fell overnight on March 15. The phenomenon occurred when strong winds created massive dust storms in Texas and Oklahoma that sucked dust into the troposphere. Anything outdoors here was covered in dirt drops and car washes did land office business. That was followed a few days later by six inches of wet snow accompanied by thundersnow, sleet and hail. Luckily that melted in a few days to return us to sweet warm weather before a final long soaking rain came at the end of the month to green up the joint.

Plant Observations

• Pasque flower

  

  My first Pasque flower of the season
  Holland Sand Prairie, March 25

  
  
• Sprouts
• Littleleaf buttercup
• Meadow buttercup 
• Motherwort 
• Mullein clusters
• Prairie violet 
• White avens
• Yarrow sprouts

• Hexagonal-pored polyphore
• Scarlet elfin cup

Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area, Bernard IA

Ephemerals just emerging  (5/29)

• Bloodroot

  

  Spring beauties 100 miles south!

  
  
• Columbine
• Dutchman’s breeches
• False rue anemone
• Fern moss
• Purple-margined liverwort
• Roundlobe hepatica
• Sharplobe hepatica
• Spring beauty
• Walking fern

Wildlife Observations (seen, heard, detected)

• Eastern Comma butterfly

  

  Eastern Comma

  
  

• American eagle
• Barred owl
• Bluebird
• Dark-eyed junco
• House sparrow
• Canada geese
• Canvasback duck
• Cedar waxwing
• Downy woodpecker
• Great blue heron

  

  Great blue heron

  
  
• Killdeer
• Mallard
• Meadowlark
• Northern cardinal
• Northern flicker
• Northern shrike
• Pelican
• Pileated woodpecker
• Redwinged blackbird

  

  Nesting bluebirds
  Holland Sand Prairie

  
  
• Rusty blackbird
• Sandhill crane
• Song sparrow
• Tree swallow
• Trumpeter swans
• Wild turkey

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

ORA Community Farm trails, La Crosse WI; Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN; Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN (2); City streets of Chicago , IL; Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI; Lytle’s Landing, Brice Prairie WI (2); Reno Quarry, Reno MN; Reno Spillway, Reno MN; Houska Park trail, La Crosse WI; Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area, Bernard, IA, Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI (3); Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau WI

When you hike with your yoga teacher,
you get a whole new view!
Reno Quarry rock formations
Image - Jean Hammons

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.  

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Hiking Advocacy Opportunity in Trempealeau (WI) County

Hi hiking friends in the Driftless areas of MN, WI and IA. 

If you find yourself hiking trails in Trempealeau County WI, you may want to consider coming to this outdoor recreation open house discussion that the county is hosting in early April.

Stakeholders in different segments of the outdoor recreation community (hiking, biking, motorized sports, hunting, paddling) will be there. It's good to have not only residents but users from other nearby areas outside of the county there to support good usage.  

Hiking voices are very important at events like this and since tourism is a focus, we don't need to be shy about attending and providing input/feedback. For those of us who are out-of-town/state hikers, our dollars support local hospitality industries like restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, wineries, distilleries, bakeries as well as grocery stores, shops and gas stations in the areas we hike.

I hope some of you can take time to head over to Whitehall that evening and be listeners AND advocates for hiking and trails in Trempealeau County! 

Wednesday, April 9                 6-8pm

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - April 2025

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, so feel free to stop back for the most updated info.

Minnesota Master Naturalist Certification Course - 

Registration open
- April 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28             10:00am - 3:30pm
- Spring Valley MN Public Library
This two week course exploring the Big Woods, Big River curriculum combines classroom time with outdoor field trips. The Spring Valley MN Master Naturalist course is sponsored by Project Get Outdoors and UM-Extension and will introduce participants to the natural history of the Driftless Area through hands-on activities and field trips. Topics include geology, wildlife, native plant communities, ecology, watersheds, human history and ways to share nature with children. Sessions begin at the library and then move outdoors for immersive tours of local nature areas. All participants complete a small group capstone project to be assigned by the instructor Sara Holger. Registration required (scholarships available). Sara has worked as an environmental educator since 1994, leading programs and activities for a variety of natural resource agencies and organizations. From 1999 - 2023, Sara worked as an Interpretive Naturalist for Minnesota State Parks at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and Whitewater State Park. Sara is the Founder and Program Coordinator for Project Get Outdoors, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides training and resources to help communities implement after school programs that connect low-income youth and children of color to nature exploration. Sponsors: UM-Extension and Project Get Outdoors

Nature Saturday 
- Saturday, April 5    9:30-11:30 am

 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Drive, La Crosse WI

Join us for a FREE family event at The Nature Place on the 1st Saturday of every month. Drop in anytime during the program. Meet our Community Programs team, learn about our critters, and create a nature-focused craft. We're excited to meet you and explore the wonders of the natural world together. More information about each of these events is found here: https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/  Weather notices or immediate updates regarding one of these events will be shared directly on this events page. Sponsor: The Nature Place

Spring Bird Hike

 - Wednesday, April 9        8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

 - Brice Prairie Conservation Association Clubhouse, 8441 Lytle Road, Onalaska, WI 54650.

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, join refuge staff and partners on FREE bird identification walks through the floodplain forest! We often see many birds close by and our pace will be more of a bird “crawl.” We’ll have a few pairs of binoculars available for folks to borrow. We’ll walk along the Great River State Trail. It’ll likely be before the peak spring songbird migration, but birds will be easier to see before tree leaves are fully grown. Early spring arrivals will be here! Please leave pets at home. Parking spaces may fill up; please park close to leave space for other visitors. Walks take place rain or shine but may be cancelled in thunderstorms or heavy rain. Please bring drinking water and wear bug protection – ticks may be out. Trails are mostly flat and we’ll walk about 1 mile. The Great River State Trail is owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR), who are celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System in 2025! Sponsors: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge; Audubon Upper Mississippi River, Brice Prairie Conservation Association, Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 and 8, La Crosse County Forestry, Parks and Recreation, refuge volunteers, WI DNR, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Family Nature Walk

 - Saturday, April 12     10:00 am

 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau, WI

Join Nora & Delaney from Happy Dancing Turtle for a guided nature walk, in partnership with the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge! Meet other nature-loving families & individuals as we take a leisurely hour(ish) walk, learn some fun facts, & search for signs of spring! Meeting location is dependent on weather, conditions, & phenology. Sign up for FREE & the meeting spot will be sent to you! *Spaces are limited, and reservations are required. Register at bit.ly/HDTFamNatureWalk Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Beavers in the Valley

- Saturday, April 12      10-11:00 am

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park South Picnic Area

Come learn all about nature's architects. We will learn about the adaptations that allow these amazing mammals to thrive in the Whitewater Valley. During the program we will also take a short walk and look at the construction project currently underway. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Earth Day at the Driftless Center

 - Saturday, April 12      12:00pm - 4:00pm

 - Driftless Center, 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing IA
Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board and celebrate a pre-Earth Day and partake in crafts centered around the planet! This is a free event that is open for all who walk in. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation

Webinar: Nature Access for Older Adults with Specific Needs

 - Thursday, April 17    1 - 2:00pm

Nature enriches lives at every stage, offering benefits to our health, well-being, and sense of connection. For older adults with specific needs, such as those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, and vision impairment, the challenges of ensuring access to nature can seem daunting. This free webinar offers practical tips and considerations for adapting outdoor experiences to ensure that nature remains accessible and enriching for all. Hear from Minnesota program leaders pioneering inclusive nature engagement, and gain inspiration and practical ideas to create meaningful, safe, and enjoyable outdoor experiences for yourself, loved ones, or those you serve. Register here. Archived webinars on nature and older adults are also available at this webpage.  Sponsor: Age Friendly MN

Why Native Plants Matter

 - Thursday April 17   4pm

 - Trempealeau Public Library, 11455 Fremont St, Trempealeau

Aric Sampson from Driftless Area Natives will present how using native plants in your landscape benefits our local ecology and helps to beautify neighborhoods with plants unique to our Driftless Area! Aric owns Driftless Area Natives and is the lead landscape designer at Coulee Region Ecoscapes LLC. Sponsors: Trempealeau Public Library, Coulee Region Ecoscapes

Off the Beaten Path Hike

Saturday, April 19      9-11:00 am

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center

Grab your camera and join us for hike off the beaten path. During this program we will be leaving the trail system behind and visiting a place very few visitors have seen. A journey over uneven and sometimes muddy ground will lead us to some spectacular views. Hiking boots are highly recommended. Registration is required. To register call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Distance 2 miles, Elevation Gain 300 ft , No dogs allowed Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Signs of Spring Walk

 - Saturday, April 19   9:30-11:30 am

 - Lake Winona Lodge, 113 Lake Park Drive, Winona

Join us for a walk around Lake Winona to look for signs of spring on April 19th from 9:30-11:30. We will meet next to the Lake Lodge and then head out on a morning stroll! All ages are welcome as this is such a nice way to start your weekend as a family and welcome the season of Spring. Registration is required for this free program. Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Bird Walk

 - Saturday, April 19     9-11:00 am

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at campground shower building 

Walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for migrating birds, especially early warblers, along the Mississippi flyway. The trail is mowed grass and is well maintained. Bring your binoculars or borrow some from the park office. No need to register. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Meet at the main campground shower building. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park, Frontenac State Park Association.

Volunteer! Sand Point Trail Clean-up

 - Saturday, April 19    9:00am - noon

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park, Sand Point parking lot

Join the Frontenac State Park Association in a volunteer clean up event for Earth Day! Most years, the park's Sand Point Trail floods, leaving behind lots of debris, and a lot of that is plastic. We'd love your help in cleaning up after the flood. The FSPA will provide information and equipment at the trailhead. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. We'll also be picking up trash along the beach that has floated in. Sand Point is one of the loveliest and most-used trails in the area. Help us keep it beautiful.
The event will take place even if there is light rain or if parts of the area are flooded. Check back on weather cancellation information. This event is free. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association

Driftless Dialogue - Leave No Trace on Shared Public Land

 - Saturday, April 19           10am

 - Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, S3661 Wi-131, La Farge WI

As spring begins calling everyone back outside, it’s important to remember the Leave No Trace principles. We invite you to join us on April 19th at 10am as we host Kristy Brown, a Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator/Level 2 Instructor to discuss LNT principles and how to apply them in your outdoor pursuits. Kristy grew up in a family that was centered on farming and outdoor recreation. “We learned from a very young age to pick up after ourselves, leave the outdoors better than you found it, no one should know we were here type of ethic.” Kristy discovered the Leave No Trace organization as an adult and works to help mentor the importance of outdoor ethics. It seems like common sense and intuitive, yet unfortunately, not everyone grew up with mentors to teach outdoor ethics. Leave No Trace is more than a set of Principals, it is a CHOICE, and is the goal for outdoor activities and truly, daily living. Socializing and brunch refreshments will begin at 9:30am with the talk at 10am. Driftless Dialogue is a free program and open to the public. Sponsor Kickapoo Valley Reserve 

 
Webinar - Bumble Bee Ecology and Conservation
 - Saturday, April 19   2 pm-3:30 pm  
This 1.5-hour webinar will serve as a “crash course” in bumble bee ecology and conservation, providing community scientists with the background knowledge needed to volunteer with the Bumble Bee Atlas. During this webinar, we will discuss the ecology and life history of bumble bees, threats and conservation issues, and what you can do to help support bumble bees. While this webinar is directed toward Atlas volunteers, anyone is welcome to join. Please register for the April 19 webinar at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BVPnKSx-RFGcqSIddPdbBQ

Sponsors: MN Driftless chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts and Xerces Society

Earth Day Volunteer Events All Week

 - Saturday April 19- Saturday, April 26

 - Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center, S3661 Wi-131, La Farge WI

Join us all week to volunteer with garlic mustard gathering, roadside clean-up, Kickapoo River clean-up, and trail clean-up. For more information and to sign up to volunteer: http://kvr.state.wi.us/Get-Involved/Volunteer

• Garlic Mustard Gathering: At their own pace and on their own schdeule, participants will work in the outdoors to hand pull and bag the invasive species - garlic mustard. Training, bags, and locations are provided.
• Roadside Clean-up: At their own pace and on their own schedule, participants will work in the outdoors to hand gather roadside trash along public roadways in and around the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Training, bags, safety vests and location suggestions are provided. Participants will also receive a commemorative gift for volunteering.
• Kickapoo River Clean-up: At their own pace and on their own schedule, participants will work in the outdoors in their own boat to float the Kickapoo River between Ontario and La Farge. Training, bags, safety vests and location suggestions are provided. Participants will also receive a commemorative gift for volunteering.
• Trail Clean-up: At their own pace and on their own schedule, participants will work in the outdoors to hike and survey trails on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Hand tools, bags, safety vests and location suggestions are provided. Participants will also receive a commemorative gift for volunteering. Sponsor Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Conversation Cafe at Driftless Center

 - Wednesday, April 23     9:30-10:30 am

 - Driftless Center, 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing IA

Stop by the Driftless Center  for coffee and a conservation program all about Flowers! One of Assistant Naturalist Becca’s favorite times of the year is spring wildflower season! Come to learn all about Iowa’s Spring Ephemerals, enjoy some conversation, and have a hot beverage To register or receive more information on this event call the ACCB at (563)538-0401. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is available by following the ACCB on Facebook.

Arbor Day Tree Planting

 - Friday, April 25           8:30-11:30 am

 - La Crescent Old Hickory Park

The City of La Crescent is seeking volunteers to assist city staff in planting trees and shrubs for Arbor Day. We will begin the morning with planting at Old Hickory Park. Meeting location will be the south end of the park near Honeygold Court & Jonathan Lane. There are approximately 150 trees and shrubs to be planted including: Hackberry, Honeylocust, Ironwood, White Oak, Black Chokeberry, Amber Jubilee, and Nannyberry. Please be sure to complete the Voluntary Waiver of Liability.  Funding from these trees comes from the ReLeaf Community Forestry Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that was awarded to the City in 2023.

MN Free Park Day

 - Saturday April 26
Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours. The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature. Research shows many health and wellness benefits to spending time in nature. According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Getting outdoors makes exercise more fun and can boost mood and immunity. The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation. Sponsor: MN DNR

Strib Unbound

 - Saturday, April 26          9:00am-3:00pm

 - Theodore Wirth Park trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis

Celebrate the abundant natural resources and recreation opportunities available in Minnesota with Strib Unbound: Outdoor Adventure For All! The Minnesota Star Tribune is pleased to host this FREE event at the Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead from 9 am to 3 pm. Join in community with a shared love of the outdoors with expert presentations, live demos, vendors, food, and music throughout the day. Make sure to RSVP to get future updates on schedule details, transportation, parking, and more.The event will focus on non-motorized sports with an emphasis on biking, camping, hiking and paddling. Attendees can expect various activations related to these sports along with presentations from the Minnesota Star Tribune's Outdoors team, camp cooking demos from local chefs, live music, and a host of other engaging activities. Strib Unbound aims to offer a family-friendly environment free of barriers, open to anyone passionate about the great outdoors or simply interested in having a good time with friends and family in an outdoor setting. Sponsor: Minneapolis Star Tribune

Volunteer Orientation and Recruitment Day

 - Saturday April 26      9:30 am - 11:30 am
 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Outdoor Wonder Learning Center
Join us for a Volunteer Meet and Greet! Volunteers help with a variety of tasks from greeting visitors, assisting with biological surveys, helping maintenance staff, offering interpretation programs, and more! *Registration for the Volunteer Orientation and Recruitment Day is recommended. Call (608) 539-2311 ext. 2 to register. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

4th Annual Spring Outdoor Gear Swap 

 - Saturday, April 26  10:00 am-2:00pm/Sunday April 27   10am - noon

- Green Island Ice Arena, La Crosse
Whether you're looking to buy gently used outdoor gear or sell your own, this event is the perfect opportunity to refresh your gear for the season! We’ll have everything from camping & hiking equipment, bikes, fishing gear, outdoor clothing, to boats and UTVs! (**No firearms, please). 

How It Works:

• Drop off your gear on Friday, April 25 (2:00 PM - 8:00 PM) or Saturday, April 26 (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM).
• A $2 consignment fee applies for each item you wish to sell.
• 20% commission of sales will be donated to the Mt. La Crosse Ski Patrol to support their ongoing safety efforts.

This event is not only a great way to refresh your gear but also a fundraiser for the Mt. La Crosse Ski Patrol, whose volunteers ensure the safety of all visitors at Mt. La Crosse!
Interested in a Booth? We invite local businesses, community groups, and organizations to join us by hosting a table or booth to showcase your products, services, and outdoor programs. If you're passionate about outdoor recreation, safety, or youth programs, this is a great opportunity to connect with the community!
Additional Info:
• Free parking available
• All ages welcome
• Family-friendly event!
• The event will be held indoors and outdoors at the Green Island Ice Arena

For more details and to register your gear, visit our website: https://laxpatrol.org/outdoor-gear-swap-spring or contact us at outdoorgearswap@gmail.com / 608-385-7283. Don’t miss out on this fantastic community event! Let’s come together to gear up for the season and support the great work of the Mt. La Crosse Ski Patrol! Sponsor: Mt La Crosse Ski Patrol

Work Play Earth Day

 - Saturday April 26       9:00am - noon

 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park

Bring along friends and family to join park staff and the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park for this fun annual stewardship event and celebration of Earth Month. Participate in individual and family-friendly activities that help enhance the Wildcat Mountain State Park. Activities may include tree planting, campground and trail clean up, invasive species removal, picnic table maintenance and litter clean-up. Bring sturdy footwear and some work gloves. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park. After volunteering, we encourage you to stay and recreate in the park for the afternoon! Sponsors: Wildcat Mountain State Park, Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park

Post-Fire Ecology - Ranger Walk and Talk

 - Saturday, April 26       10 am - noon

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park Ranger Station

We regularly use prescribed fire at the park to keep our prairies and forests healthy, as fire is crucial in maintaining our ecosystem's stability and diversity. Have you ever wanted to know more about this hot topic? Have you ever wondered what makes a prescribed fire different from a wildfire? Come get these and any other burning questions you may have answered at Frontenac State Park on April 26th! Join a park ranger on a guided hike around the prairie loop to learn about fire's role in resource management at Frontenac State Park. We will meet outside the ranger station at 10 a.m. and hike into an area of the park which has been burned recently to see first-hand how it changes these landscapes. The hike will last about an hour and a half and will include some uneven terrain; coming prepared with water, sunscreen, and bug spray along with sturdy and comfortable shoes is recommended. This event is free and no vehicle permits are required to enter the park, as April 26th is a free park day for MN State Parks! Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. If you have any questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

Guided Astronomy Hike

 - Saturday, April 26    7:30-10:00 pm

 - Eagle Bluff Environmental Center - Discovery Center, Lanesboro MN

 - $10 fee - Register here

Join us for a night of celestial exploration at Eagle Bluff! This unique event begins indoors in our StarLab, where we’ll project the night sky onto an inflatable dome for a clear, up-close look at the stars. A knowledgeable guide will share constellation stories from different cultures, bringing the night sky to life with projected imagery. Then, weather permitting, we’ll head outside to our prairie for a guided night hike. With the help of a high-powered laser, we’ll identify the constellations and planets we explored in the StarLab, now shining in the open sky. If there are clear skies, we can expect to see the following: Jupiter, Mars, Ursa Major + Ursa Minor, Orion, Gemini Cancer The event begins in the Discovery Center at 7:30 PM. The first hour is spent in the StarLab, where we’ll explore the night sky in a controlled environment. The StarLab allows us to superimpose constellation shapes and cultural interpretations onto the stars. At 8:30 PM, we’ll hike to our prairie to observe the real night sky, using a laser pointer to highlight celestial features. The length of the hike can vary, but expect there to be up to a mile of walking in the dark. Headlamps will be provided. The StarLab experience will take place regardless of weather; the outdoor hike depends on conditions. The event will officially end at 10:00 pm. There will be a staff member available to assist if you would like to leave the event earlier than 10.
Dress for the weather, bring your curiosity, and prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars! Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Center

Earth Fair

 - Sunday, April 27    11:00am - 4:00pm

 - Myrick Park, La Crosse WI
Keep checking their webpage for detailed schedule closer to the event. Sponsors: Sustainability Institute

Spring Ephemerals Hike

 - Sunday April 27        1-3:00pm

 - Lost Creek Trail, 18380 County Rd 102, 18380 County Rd 102, Chatfield, MN

Learn about spring ephemerals (the first flowers and plants of the year) in a free, naturalist-guided hike of the Lost Creek Trail west of Chatfield. A Fillmore County naturalist will lead a 3 mile hike of the wooden unpaved trail down to streambeds and along 80-year-old stands of trees. Take pictures, learn to identify flowers, and see how many of Minnesota's earliest bloomers you can spot! This event takes place alongside the Lost Creek Fungi Hunt, a yearlong public art installation by Rochester fiber artist Lydia Hansen. She will be joining the hike to share about the crochet mushrooms hidden along the trail. The hike will pass several pieces in this scavenger hunt, which showcases fungi native to SE MN. This event is free to attend for all ages. RSVPs are optional but encouraged. If you typically hike with a dog, please leave them at home - the section of the trail being hiked is not open to dogs.

Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Community Forum

 - Monday, April 28        5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

-  Whalan MN Museum/Town Hall, 224 2nd Ave
Join us for an engaging evening to discuss the future of the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail!
The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is an effort to establish a 100+ mile backpacking trail, through the Driftless Region of Minnesota, in the style of the National Scenic and Recreational Trail systems, supported by volunteers and operating as an independent organization. MDHT is working privately with willing landowners to establish a publicly accessible, long distance hiking trail. We hope you can join us on the 28th to learn more and share your feedback! We’ll share updates on the trail’s development and provide an open space for your ideas, questions, and feedback. Whether you’re a passionate hiker, a local resident, or simply curious, your voice matters in shaping this exciting project. Refreshments will be served, and no registration is needed! This is the third event in a 3-part series—a perfect opportunity to connect with trail staff, dedicated volunteers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation and help bring the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail to life. See you there!

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

Gearing Up for Spring Ephemeral Season - Part 2

Wild Lupine

In Part 1 of this two part series, I shared some of my very favorite spring ephemeral hikes. 

Now it's time to dig a little deeper into gear and strategies to stay tick-free, to make sure you don't carry invasives seeds in or out of hiking areas as you wander as well as what ephemerals to look for the season progresses. 

Insect Protection
Once temps hit the 40's, ticks become active. So now is definitely the time to protect yourself, especially if you do off-trail hiking through any kind of grass or brush. And, of course, gnats, chiggers, biting flies and mosquitoes are in our hiking future as well. Here are a few suggestions to use to minimize your exposure to insect - and especially tick - bites:

• Wear light colored clothing (easier to find ticks on them)

• Tuck pants into socks

• Spray boots and pants legs with a Picaridin or DEET-containing insect repellent

• After hikes, toss your hiking clothes into the dryer on high for a 10 minute spin (it kills the little beasties)

• Check your body carefully for any tick action post-hike

• Shower/wash hair (usually it takes from 24-36 hours after a tick attaches. A good scrub helps to dislodge them)

• Consider spraying a set of "hiking clothes" with Permethrin Spray

• If you do a lot of off-trailing like me, consider investing in a set of Rynoskin protection underclothes (shirt, pants, socks) or Premethrin -infused InsectShield gaiters. I own both a short and tall pair of gaiters depending on how high the grasses/brush are. They are rugged and not particularly hot.

• If biting bugs like flies, gnats and mosquitoes love your face and head, consider buying a head net. The newer versions aren't too annoying or hot.

Invasives

Boot brush

You will see any number of invasives in the woods during your spring hikes. If there is a boot brush at the trailhead, be sure to use it to avoid carrying seeds in and out. 

You can also stop the spread of invasives by taking a few minutes at the end of each hike to use a hoof pick to clean out dirt and seeds from the bottom of your boots. One end has a sturdy metal pick that can clean out the lugs on your sole. On the other side of that is a set of stiff bristles that brush the rest of the dirt and seeds away. You can find these online for under $4 each. Mine are still going strong after three years.

Ephemerals to Look for

The following broad list is a suggestion of months and ephemerals you may find. Mother Nature has her own rhythm. If spring is early or late, it will effect how soon you will see your first of any wildflower variety. Have fun!

March

Pasque flowers
Skunk cabbage

Spring Beauty

April
Birdsfoot violet

Bloodroot
Bristly buttercup
Common violet
Dutchman’s breeches
False rue anemone
Garlic mustard (invasive) - For control measures, stop here for WI DNR recomendations; for control measures in MN, stop here for MN DNR recommendations
Hepatica
Mayapple
Rue anemone
Spring beauty
Ramps
Wild ginger

Fringed Puccoon

May
Bastard toadflax
Bluebell
Bellwort
Columbine
Cutleaf toothwort
Downy yellow violet
False Solomon’s seal
Fiddleheads, emerging
Fringed puccoon
Hoary Puccoon
Indian paintbrush
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Littleleaf buttercup
Jacob’s ladder
Marsh marigold
Miterwort
Prairie blue-eyed grass
Prairie ragwort
Pussytoes
Shooting star
Showy Orchis
Tall meadow rue
Tall thimbleweed
Trillium
Trout lily
Two leaf miterwort
Wild geranium
Yellow star-grass

Leonard's Skullcap

June
Blue-bead lily
Hoary verbena
Leafy verbena

Leonard's Skullcap
Mountain death camus
Pale spike lobelia
Wild lupine

This two post series is based on a talk I gave to the La Crosse area Natural Arts Garden Club on March 25, 2025. A big thanks go out to them for the invite and the delightful evening spent sharing this information.

• Gearing Up for Spring - Part 1

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Gearing Up for Spring Ephemeral Season - Part 1

Pasque flowers
Holland Sand Prairie

The sight of a skunk cabbage or Pasque flower heralds the beginning of spring ephemerals season. With the first Pasque flowers poking their heads up today, the season of delicate, spring wildflowers is just beginning. I can hardly wait.

While you can find spring ephemerals in any forested area or on the prairies, I have some favorite spots I like to go that are prolific nurturers of early wildflowers. If you are looking for fun (and sometimes challenging) hikes in the Driftless with big ephemeral rewards, try some of the hikes below. Click on the titles for a link to a more detailed description of hikes/locations.

In Part 2, we'll look at some spring gear to make your time in the ticky spring woods go smoothly. 

MINNESOTA

Dutchman's Breeches
Beaver Creek Valley SP

Great River Bluffs State Park 43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)
East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains and has many early spring ephemeral wildflowers and Mississippi views. Kings Bluff trail rewards you with wildflowers along the trail and expansive prairie and stunning views of the Mississippi at its end Approximately 1.5 miles on out and back for each. Pit toilets and well-marked trails. Park map

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia
Cross the bridge and look for the trail marker for Switchback Trail. Cross the creek and head steeply upward through a succession of amazing ephemerals. This trail is challenging but worth it. Or continue past this trailhead and stay on the main trail through the valley on an easy flat trail next to the trout stream (filled with native wild trout) for approximately 2-3 miles on grass trails (can be out and back or use loops to return). A hidden gem. Park Map

Shooting Star
Vetsch Park's Stoney Point

Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent 

This park’s trails can be confusing. The lower slopes past the pollinator gardens by the parking lot are full of ephemerals. But, if you can find your way to Stoney Point (admittedly a challenge!), the early ephemerals are stunning. Ruth Nissan and Betsy Knowles, two La Crescent naturalists created a guide to the wildflower guide that is mounted on the city website. Can you find them all?

Wisconsin
Holland Sand Prairie, W7781 County Road MH, Holmen
Fairly flat with some rolling hills on grass/dirt trails for views of a beautiful sand prairie with abundant wildlife and wildflowers. There is a 1.3 mile boundary trail and a shorter .5 mile trail through the center of the property. Mississippi Valley Conservancy Map

Wild Ginger blossom
Sugar Creek Bluff

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road, Ferryville

You’re almost on the blufftop of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads through an ephemeral-filled forest and out to beautiful prairie with great high views of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. Mississippi Valley Conservancy Map

Bluebells
Duck Egg Park

Duck Egg Park, Vernon County, Irish Road

The spring ephemerals along these trails are stunning - profuse and varied. Worth the sweat on the steep trail at the Upper Trailhead and just as good along the flat streamside trail accessed at the Lower Trailhead. Forest Map

IOWA

 

Maidenhair Fern Fiddlehead
Yellow River State Forest

Yellow River Forest Paint Rock Unit, Hwy 364 Mississippi River trailhead

This trailhead takes you steeply up 300 feet along a steep ravine festooned with spring ephemerals  (some at eye level). The rim trails are also great for spotting spring flora. It is a stunning display in May. Forest Unit Map

And here is the second post in this series suggesting gear and insect protection.

• Gearing Up for Spring Ephemeral Season, Part 2

Thigh-high Jack-in-the-Pulpit (to the  right)
Image - Mike Bonner

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 60 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Become a Volunteer Water Monitor

Exciting Volunteer Opportunity for Community Members

Spring is here and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Volunteer Water Monitoring Program is gearing up for another great season of lake and stream water clarity monitoring across the state. With more than 92,000 miles of streams and over 12,000 lakes in Minnesota, more volunteer monitors are needed to help track the health of our waters.

How does it work?
Volunteers conduct a simple water clarity test in a body of water at least twice a month during the summer. We provide all the equipment and training for free, so no experience is needed. Lake monitors boat or paddle to a designated spot in the lake to check the clarity, while stream monitors record data from the streambank or a bridge crossing.

The MPCA uses the volunteer-collected data to help determine whether lakes and streams are meeting water quality standards, designed to protect aquatic life and recreational activities (like fishing and swimming). In some cases, the information gathered by volunteers is the only monitoring done on a particular lake or stream, making volunteer gather data critical to our work to protect Minnesota waters.

Volunteer Story: A family affair
For the past 36 years, checking Long Lake’s water clarity often involves the whole family for volunteer water monitor Sheri Berg. First, her children helped her check the clarity of the lake in the Detroit Lakes area, and now her grandchildren accompany her.

“They all know how to do it, and sometimes we all go out together on the pontoon,” Berg said.

When they started taking measurements in the mid-1980s, clarity in Long Lake was about 16-17 feet, but it gradually worsened, declining to about 11-12 feet, until recently when it improved again. This was a few years after most of the homes on the lake hooked up to the city sewer.

“We don’t know why but the lake is much clearer now. We even had to ask them to send us a longer rope since we ran out at 25 feet and could still see the disk!” Berg said.

Berg retired from state employment a few years ago after working almost the same number of years as the family has been volunteer monitors. “I probably won’t ever ‘retire’ from monitoring,” Berg says. “We will likely continue to do it because the kids and grandkids love doing it so much, and I’m always curious how the lake is doing.”

Gain experience
This is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in protecting our state’s natural resources! We’d be happy to provide a certificate, letter and/or resume/cover letter language at the end of each monitoring season you participate in to verify your participation in the program.

Interested?

Head to www.mn.gov/volunteerwater to locate open volunteer sites near you and learn more about this important program. Please let us know if you have any questions or would like further information on the program at watervolunteers.mpca@state.mn.us.

[Correction for blog subscribers on the previous post from March 19: I inadvertently moved the decimal point on the trail mileages for Ni Tani and Xe Xete trails in that post. I have edited the post to reflect their correct mileage (.37 mi and .39 miles, respectively). Thanks to Sue K for her sharp eye!]

Hixon Forest (WI) Wilder Way/Xe Xete/Ni Tani Amble

Quarry walls beneath Grandads

I always love to encourage people who are looking for shorter, less challenging hikes to check out some of the blufftops in the areas. There are often trails with a bit of elevation gain or loss that still give you spectacular vistas and interesting rock formations.  So rather than starting at the bottom of a bluff and climbing 500 feet up to experience the top side views, you can access them more easily.

One of the overlook views

Xi Xete ("mountain" in the Ho Chunk language, pronounced hay-hot-a) and the Ni Tani ("three rivers" in the Ho Chunk language, pronounced knee-ta-knee) Gateway trail loops are located in the east and west quarries just beneath Grandad's Bluff in La Crosse.  These shared bike/hike trails perfect for a gentle Amble that is easy on the knees but packed with interest, especially on a weekday when bike traffic is lower.

The parking lot for the Gateway Trails is on the left hand side of the road just before you enter the main parking lot for Grandad blufftop views. Head over to the Pink Wilder Way trailhead (59) for a 1-2 mile hike just below the blufftop.

La Crosse Park and Rec Gateway Trails Map

Wilder Way descends about 75 feet over .34 miles via switchbacks to the quarry floor. Once there you will see a map kiosk at (58). Head towards the right to follow the Green .37 mile Ni Tani trail loop that explores the west quarry. You follow a flat surface along quarry walls (look for climbing anchors) before turning near old quarry works and heading towards a great vista of south La Crosse. 

When you reach the (58) junction, look for (57) and get onto the Yellow .39 mile Xe Xete trail loop. About halfway along this quarry floor trail at (56), you'll come to another great vista that shows you Ebner Coulee and views towards MVC's Dobsen's tract.  From here, you can continue along the loop back, viewing more quarry walls and woods views to Wilder Way and back up and out for a one mile or so hike.

Or.....

Rock formations on War Eagle

...you can use the Black War Eagle connector (56) for .06 miles and head on a slightly hillier portion of the hike to see some great rock formations as you head up to (55). Take a left there and continue climbing .15 miles out of the quarry until you can *just* see the parking lot. Hop through the brush on your left and you will see a wide path (George's trail - unmarked)  Go left out to an outcropping (George's Point) for a great "drone's-eye" view of the two quarries below you. You can end your hike here by following George's trail (or hopping back down to the end portion of War Eagle) to the parking lot for a 1.25 mile hike....

A "drone's-eye" view of the quarry floor from George's Point

Or....

...you can retrace your steps along the rocks back to Xe Xete and finish the Yellow loop back to Wilder Way, up and our,  for a full 2 mile hike.

THE HIKE
This is a pretty, gentle 1- 2 mile hike exploring two short loops. Take the Wilder Way trail from the parking lot down 100 feet on a gentle switchbacking trail to the quarry floor beneath the grand overlook of Grandad's Park in La Crosse. There is a vista overlook on each of two flat loops along with dramatic quarry walls and rocks on this shared hike/bike trail. An additional 75 feet of elevation and extra mileage can be added by hiking the War Eagle Connector up to War Eagle and adding a third vista overlooking the rock quarry floor at George's Point.

The Location - 3020 Grandad Bluff Rd, La Crosse, WI
From La Crosse, head west on Main St and continue straight up Bliss Rd. Turn right at the Alpine Inn and continue on Granddad Bluff Road until you see a large parking lot to your left with a map kiosk and pit toilet (if you reach the main Grandad parking lot, you've gone too far). The Wilder Way trailhead is on the westside of the parking lot near the entrance.

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 60 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Additional posts describing Hixon Forest trails:

• Oak Trail
• Hickory Trail Amble/Hike
• Remnant Prairies Amble/Hike
• Twister/Spill Hill/boB/Chicanery/Stinkys Trails
• Prairie/Twister/Mr. Hyde/Obi/Twister Trails
• Stinkys/Chicanery/Quarry Trails

Selfie time at a vista overlook
Image - Linda Sible