Thursday, July 24, 2025

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - August 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 - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.

Late July Events

Ferryville River Bluff Days Nature Hike
 - Saturday, July 26               8:30 am meetup
 - Meet at the Ferryville Boat Landing at 8:30 to carpool to the trail head.
Join a guided Nature hike atop Sugar Creek Bluff during River Bluff Daze. This is a 1.5 mile gradual hike through woods out to the restored prairie remnant. Wear long pants and bring bug spray. 

 - Saturday, July 26          10-11 a.m. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Chicken of the woods mushroom

Fungi Walk with a Master Naturalist
 - Saturday, July 26                      11am - 12:30pm
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a walk to talk about fungi that grow in the park in mid-summer. Summer mushrooms include chanterelles and chicken of the woods. We'll talk about their relationships with trees and weather, and MAYBE we'll find some; edible mushrooms are elusive and fickle, but what you learn on the hike may help you find some later. Note: Wear closed shoes and long pants and bring bug spray! Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

 -Saturday, July 26          7-8:30pm
 -Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come on a fun hike with a Naturalist and learn about the variety of plants and wildlife in Whitewater! We will start with a short indoor program, then hike to Coyote Point, which is 1.4 miles one way and will be about half of it will be uphill. Once we reach Coyote Point, it will be the end point to our program. Stay after to watch the sunset on top of Coyote Point or head back, if your stay remember to bring a flashlight in case it gets dark. For more info, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Tuesday, July 29            10am
 - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Visitor Center, N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska WI
Come celebrate World Watercolor Month with us! This FREE program encourages artistic expression and the celebration of the beauty and significance of rivers such as the Mississippi. Join us as we read "A River," written and illustrated by Marc Martin. Participants will learn about the different landscapes that rivers wind through. Together, we will use watercolor paints to create landscapes that remind us of the role that the river plays in our own lives. Recommended for ages 4+, but all ages welcome!

 - Wednesday, July 30               9-11:00 am
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy 26, Lansing IA
We will go outdoors to talk about textures in nature and collect materials for our project. Indoors, we will learn how to work with clay and each child will create their own pocket vase from slabs of clay. The instructors will demonstrate and assist so that each child is able to complete their own unique piece of functional art. A snack will be provided mid-workshop. The entire project will be completed within the workshop but will still need to be fired in the kiln to be finished. The instructors will fire the completed projects and have them available for pick-up approximately 2 weeks after the workshop.
We will have you sign a waiver for your child to participate. Parents are not expected to stay during the workshop. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay on-site and observe for all or part of the activity, but they will not be working with the children. About the teachers: Joel Shoemaker is a potter who retired from a career as a librarian and teacher in the Iowa City Community Schools. Becky Kobos taught elementary art in Iowa City.  Linda Haugen has been making pottery as a hobby for over 35 years, incorporating patterns and designs from nature into most of her functional stoneware. Linda retired from a career in natural resources; she has worked extensively as a volunteer with youth. Linda, Becky and Joel are excited to share their gifts and provide a creative opportunity to the children in the local community. Programming Cost: $25/person, including the materials. Start registration by clicking the RSVP link; After you submit a registration, we will send you an invoice for payment. If cost is a concern, let us know about the need for scholarship/assistance. Maximum of 10 participants. Location: In the Gathering Room at “Iowisota”, 2472 IA-26, Lansing, Iowa. Midway between Lansing and New Albin. Entrance to the education space is on the upper level on the back side of the “house”. How to sign up and pay: This is intended for children age 8-10. Registration is limited to 10 participants. Click the link for registration and then fill out the registration form. This will hold your space. Once you have completed the form, we will email you an invoice that you can pay by cash, check, credit card, or PayPal. Feel free to send any questions to iowisota@gmail.com. Register here Sponsor: Iowisota Education and Retreat Center

 -Wednesday, July 30              Noon - 1:00 pm
 - Online: Please RSVP to get the LINK:
https://www.mnwic.org/event-details/webinar-beneficial-birds-with-wild-farm-alliance 
When supported, birds can reduce pest insects, rodents and pest birds. While nest boxes, perches and farm management strategies will be discussed, we will focus on keystone native plants that birds prefer that are commonly used in field borders and other farmscaping.  These plants give birds what they need to survive and thrive–food, cover and nesting habitat.  Courtney Tchida of the Wild Farm Alliance will share information from their  Beneficial Bird Native Plant chart for the Upper Midwest  and the What and Where Beneficial songbirds eat and nest for Minnesota / Wisconsin table. Since 2000, Wild Farm Alliance has been working with farmers to achieve healthy, viable agriculture that protects and restores wild nature. Join Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) for a Welcoming Wednesday Webinar on the fascinating topic of Beneficial Birds and what you can do to attract them! These interactive Zooms are intended to provide relevant and actionable information about land and water stewardship, while also connecting like-minded women over lunch hour conversations. They recur on the fourth week each month.  Feel free to join the Zoom with lunch, pets, or children - this is a casual virtual gathering - and expect to find friendly faces and news you can use!  Webinar Hosts: Burke Murphy, Renewing the Countryside, MNWiC State Coordinator and Conservation Expert Courtney Tchida, Wild Farm Alliance, brings over 20 years of experience as an organic farmer, community organizer, educator, researcher and collaborator to her work at Wild Farm Alliance. She played a pivotal role in founding and managing the Cornercopia Student Organic Farm at the University of Minnesota. She also co-created the MN SEED Project to help connect people to free, locally adapted, native seeds. Throughout her career Courtney has been dedicated to imparting knowledge about farming and  environmental stewardship to the next generation. At WFA she is connecting farmers in the Midwest to resources and information on how to make farms more friendly to wildlife.  She is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota with degrees in Environmental Horticulture (B.S.) and Agriculture Education (M.Ed). Whether you are a beginner at caretaking land, an experienced land steward, or a professional working in the field - there will be something for everyone to learn. Ask a friend to join you! Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) is a project of Renewing the Countryside in partnership with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). MNWiC's mission is to engage women in conservation conversations, connecting them with the tools and resources needed to develop their own goals. We facilitate Regional Networks  to help all women of every experience level to learn and to implement practices in their own spaces, both urban both rural.  We are here to nurture land and community. Join us!

August Events
Coyote Point Sunset Hike
-Saturday, August 1          7-8:30pm
 -Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come on a fun hike with a Naturalist and learn about the variety of plants and wildlife in Whitewater! We will start with a short indoor program, then hike to Coyote Point, which is 1.4 miles one way and will be about half of it will be uphill. Once we reach Coyote Point, it will be the end point to our program. Stay after to watch the sunset on top of Coyote Point or head back, if your stay remember to bring a flashlight in case it gets dark. For more info, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park


Fire Effects at Brownsville Bluff
 -Saturday, August 2              10am -2 pm
 - Brownsville Community Center Parking Lot – 104 6th Street North, Brownsville, MN. Google Maps link
Led by Justin Nooker and Laurie Arzaga, this is the second in a series of hikes to explore the effects of burning. After a 15-year absence, a portion of the prairie was burned this past March. Come see how beautifully the prairie plants have responded and learn why fire plays such an important role in the health and resilience of prairie ecosystems. You will also get to see the progress that has been made with the first phase of the restoration project that began in the fall of 2023 and wrapped up in December of 2024. This ongoing project is a partnership with The Prairie Enthusiasts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and Minnesota Land Trust. WHAT TO BRING: Water, sun protection, insect repellent, and hat, long pants and hiking shoes are recommended. A walking stick would also come in handy. RSVP Laarzaga@gmail.com DIFFICULTY: Moderate to difficult going up the slope, but we will be going slow with lots of stops along the way to talk and enjoy the beauty of the prairie. Sponsor: The Prairie Enthusiasts

Ranger Walk and Talk: Post-Fire Ecology
 - Saturday, August 2          10am -12 pm. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet outside the 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. 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. 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

 - Saturday, August 2           10-11 a.m. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

 - Saturday, August 2.               4:30-5:30 pm
 - Janky Gear, 611 N. Broadway Ave, Rochester MN
Curious about backpacking but don’t know where to start? Join us this summer for Trail Talks, a two-part event series designed to spark inspiration, build skills, and connect our community around the growing world of backpacking and trails in southeast Minnesota. Part 1: Backpacking 101 Workshop - August 2. 4:30 pm; Part 2: intro to the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail -August 16, 4:30 pm. These events are open to everyone and especially valuable for local residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in conservation, trail building, or regional development. This workshop is donation-based and open to all. Bring a friend or two and come learn all about backpacking and the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail! Funding provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Sponsors: Driftless Hiking Trail, Janky Gear

 - Saturday, August 2              4:30-5:30pm
 - Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN
Mammals have many adaptations, or traits that have changed to enable them to survive in their environment. Many of these adaptations shape the habitat these mammals live in. Explore some of these adaptations from their fur to their teeth and even more at this program. Make observations, interact with specimens, and participate in hands-on activities to learn more about the magnificent mammals that shape Southern Minnesota! For more info, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, August 2            6-7:00pm
 - Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN
Come join us for an evening presentation as we learn about the science, history, classification, and folklore of the various celestial bodies that make up our wondrous solar system!  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Our Cosmic Constellations
 - Sunday, August 3                         10-11am
 - Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN
Have you ever looked up at the sky and seen images in the stars? Well, you are not alone; people have been seeing pictures in the night sky for thousands of years! Learn about the constellations in our night sky, what purposes they serve, and even create your own constellation with a naturalist! For more info, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

International Owl Awareness Day Celebration 
 - Monday August 4                     9:30am- 5:00pm
 - International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN
We will have an OPEN HOUSE at the Owl Center in honor of International Owl Awareness Day plus other activities around Houston! Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable food items for the Houston Community Food Shelf are appreciated. There will be short programs at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00. Then we'll have our special Great Horned Owl Soap Opera program covering our director's vocal research on Great Horned Owls at 3:00 (about 75 minutes). *Please note that many programs may be standing room only, with the morning programs expected to be the most crowded and those later in the day the least crowded. There will be door prizes at the Owl Center, owl-themed beverages at Barista's Coffee Shop, hand-dipped ice cream with owl faces at River Valley Convenience Store, and owl-themed burgers at JT's Bar & Grill. *Please note that many programs may be standing room only, with the morning programs expected to be the most crowded and those later in the day the least crowded. Sponsor: International Owl Center

Nature Explorers: Make a Walking Stick
 - Tuesday August 5     10-11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park
This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional sessions: Sept 2 (Catch a Butterfly), Oct 7 (Spooky Critters). Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association

 - Wednesday, August 6      10am
 - Houston (MN) Nature Center Trailhead Park, 215 W. Plum St, Houston MN
Naturalist Amy Simso Dean presents Bird-focused games and activities for kids and their grownups! Explore Trailhead Park, look for birds, and learn about birds with a migration game, owl pellet dissection, bird scavenger hunt, and craft projects along with the Friends of the Nature Center. Sponsors: Houston Public Library, Friends of the Nature Center. 

Monarch butterfly

 - Friday, August 9       6-7:30pm
 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Outdoors Wonder Learning Center, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau WI
Have you heard about the amazing and perilous journey of the Monarch butterfly? Hundreds of Monarch butterflies travel through Wisconsin each year on their way to spend the cold months of winter in Mexico. Join us as Allene Horton shares information about her wonderful trip to Mexico and her experience of seeing the monarchs in their winter sanctuary. She will also talk about how we can help monarchs in our community. Following her presentation, participants are invited to head out to the prairie to see and catch monarchs and other butterfly species and insects. *Nets will be provided.
Sponsors: Friends of Trempealeau Refuge, Shirley M. Wright (Trempealeau) Memorial Library.

 - Saturday, August 9       10:00am-noon
 - New Amsterdam Grasslands, N7555 Rotterdam Ave, Holland WI
Join us Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m.–noon for a free guided hike through a unique prairie bursting with wildflowers, native grasses, and pollinators! With over 300 acres to explore, New Amsterdam Grasslands is truly a gem, and to be able to explore it with a person who has logged hundreds of hours on this property will be a truly educational experience. Led by conservationist and one of the Conservancy's founders, Pat Caffrey, you’ll learn about prairie restoration, native species, and the birds, bees, and butterflies that depend on this unique habitat. Don’t miss this glimpse into what the Driftless grasslands looked like 200 years ago! What to bring and wear...
  • Print out the property brochure and map ahead of time to be sure you know where to go.
  • Consider loading the free Merlin app on your phone to help you identify birds by sound.
  • Wear good walking shoes, and consider spraying your shoes and pants for ticks ahead of time.
  • Binoculars and a walking stick are optional items you may wish to bring along.
Please register here. The meet-up is at the Rotterdam Avenue gate at 9:45 a.m. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

 - Saturday, August 9       9 - 10:00 am
 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park
Want to learn more about wild plants and how to identify them? Join the Kickapoo Valley Plant Lookers on their monthly plant study along the Hemlock Trail. The study will focus on the floodplain forest, the wet cliff and the hemlock relicts. Each month, the same trail/route will be used to observe the same plants in different stages of growth. The Hemlock trail is moderate to difficult with some steep sections leading up to the overlook. The trail can be wet and slippery. Sturdy shoes and bug repellent are recommended. The event will be held rain or shine. Please meet in the Lower Picnic area parking lot. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Saturday, August 9           10:00 am-noon
 - Lower Hixon Trailhead,  2600 Old Quarry Rd, La Crosse, WI
Join us for the free  Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB), a community science project inviting nature lovers of all ages to explore, observe, and help document the incredible biodiversity of the Driftless Area!
A bioblitz is a collaborative effort to record as many species as possible within a specific area and timeframe. Through DABB, you can contribute to real scientific research simply by observing the natural world around you. Participants are invited to use the iNaturalist app to submit observations of wild plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms anywhere within the Driftless Area. iNaturalist is a global biodiversity platform used to connect naturalists and community scientists through shared observations that support research and conservation worldwide. This region is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the Midwest! Additional Date & Location: September 13th - Insects of the Earth at The Nature Place. Sponsor: The Nature Place

Geology of the Driftless
 - Saturday, August 9              10am-11:30am
 - Forestville Mystery Cave Park Visitor Center
Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. Sponsor: Forestville/Mystery Cave (MN) State Park

 - Saturday, August 9           10-11 a.m. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

 - Saturday, August 16           10-11 a.m. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

- Saturday, August 16           4-5:00 pm 
 - Perrot State Park Interpretive Center, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661

Join Abbey and Joe Krumrie from River Valley Raptors for an interactive program with live raptors. Learn about each bird's unique features and how it has adapted to survive. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Sponsor: Perrot State Park


 - Saturday, August 16               4:30-5:30 pm
 - Janky Gear, 611 N. Broadway Ave, Rochester MN
Curious about backpacking but don’t know where to start? Join us this summer for Trail Talk, the second event in a series designed to spark inspiration, build skills, and connect our community around the growing world of backpacking and trails in southeast Minnesota. This event is open to everyone and especially valuable for local residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in conservation, trail building, or regional development. This workshop is donation-based and open to all. Bring a friend or two and come learn all about backpacking and the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail! Funding provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Sponsors: Driftless Hiking Trail, Janky Gear

Milky Way
Image - Lloyd Lorenz

Night Sky 
 - Saturday, August 16                8-9:00 pm
 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park
Become a “backyard astronomer” with help from the Northwest Suburban Astronomers. Observe deep sky objects through telescopes. Learn to use constellations and other “landmarks” to find space objects. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Saturday, August 16            8:30-11:00 pm (watch Facebook for weather updates)
 - Yellow River State Park, 925 Forest Rd, Harper's Ferry IA
Come watch shooting stars and be amazed by the Perseid Meteor Showers in the wonderfully dark sky at Yellow River State Forest! PLEASE BRING A BLANKET OR CHAIRS, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks if you wish, and meet between 8:30 and 9:00 pm at the old red barn at 952 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry IA (this is the site of the barn/ windmill on the end of State Forest Rd nearest to the Lansing/ Harpers Road.) We ask everyone to try to be there no later than 9 pm so we can all be settled in and we don’t have to worry about headlights ruining night vision and vehicles moving around. We will help direct you where to park. The party will wrap up about 10:30 p.m. but individuals are welcome to stay later. This is a great spot for star-gazing anytime and open to the public 24/7. Yellow River State Forest is known for it's dark skies! There are no restrooms at this site. Sorry for any inconvenience.
MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS OF WHERE EVENT IS LOCATED:: If you are coming from Highway 76 onto State Forest Road you will travel about 5.8 miles and the red barn and windmill will be on your left. If you are coming from the Lansing Harpers Rd onto State Forest Road, the red barn/ windmill will be about a half mile down the road on the right.  We can’t guarantee what all you will see that night, but the Perseid Meteor showers rarely disappoint. You don't need to RSVP, but if you would please click "going" if you are going to attend that would help us plan. If you bring a flashlight or use your phone light, red cellophane is recommended to help keep your night vision at its peak. We also encourage the downloading of Sky Map or other night sky apps to your phone, to help learn star names and constellations. Sponsor: Friends of Yellow River State Forest.

 - Sunday, August 17       1 - 4:00 pm
 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park
Join the Northwest Suburban Astronomers to view the sun. Look through special telescope lenses to get a glimpse of the sun’s surface. Drop in at the group camp anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. to view the sun. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Wednesday, August 20      5:30-7:30pm
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse, WI
This monthly walk at The Nature Place occurs on the 3rd Wednesday, May through October. Walks begin at 5:30pm and typically last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Join for one, a few, or all! We will walk less than a mile on relatively level ground. This program is appropriate for ages 16+ and can be modified to accommodate all physical abilities. Sessions are co-guided by certified Forest Therapy Guides Kati Thompson and Char Peterson. Fee for the walk is $15/participant. 25% of proceeds go back to The Nature Place for youth programming. Sponsor: The Nature Place, RejuveNature Forest Bathing

 - Saturday, August 23        6 - 7:00am
 - Lake Lodge parking lot, 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona MN
Join us for an early morning, sunrise stroll around the Little Lake on Saturday, August 23rd to enjoy the summer weather, take in a beautiful sunrise, and enjoy exploring the ecosystem around the lake! Grab your water bottle and join us for a memorable morning. We’ll meet at the Lake Lodge parking lot before walking the small lake. 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. Register here.
Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Indigo bunting   
Image -Daniel Irons. Merlin Bird ID

Bird Walk
 - Saturday, August 23               9-11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for nesting birds that specialize in these areas, including Baltimore Orioles and perhaps some Orchard Orioles as well as Eastern Bluebirds, Clay-colored Sparrows and up to 6 species of woodpeckers. 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. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park


 - Saturday, August 23           10-11 a.m. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause. Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Wildlife in Your Backyard
- Saturday, August 30            7-8:00 pm
 - Perrot State Park Interpretive Center, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661
Part comedian, part naturalist and part scientist, David Stokes brings you in close with reptiles and amphibians. You’ll laugh and learn as David uses live creatures and animal artifacts with songs and short stories. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Sponsor: Perrot State Park

Falcons Live!
 - Sunday, August 31     11 am.-1 pm
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park next to the ranger station
The peregrine falcon has long fascinated people across the globe, known for its dramatic migration and amazing flight. Where 60 years ago there were none, today nearly 350 nesting pairs of falcons make their home in the Upper Midwest. Jackie Fallon, with the Midwest Peregrine Society, will present this program with several live birds to help us understand the past, present and future of peregrine falcons in Frontenac State Park, Minnesota, and the Upper Midwest. Make sure to bring your camera for a great opportunity to see these amazing birds. The event will take place right next to the ranger station. This event is free. Vehicles need to display a valid MN State Park Permit upon entering park. Please stop by the office or purchase beforehand. $7 one-day permit, $35 year-round permit. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

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

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters
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Monday, July 21, 2025

Amble - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center Prairie

Prairies surround the Visitor's Center
 (in the background)

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a 261 mile-long habitat for migratory birds, fish wildlife it just celebrated its 100 year anniversary. The La Crosse district which stretches from La Crosse WI to Reno MN (pools 7-8) includes a fantastic Visitor Center in Brice Prairie WI. - a welcoming space with interactive displays, a nature store, knowledgeable staff and volunteers. 

While the name of this prairie is a mouthful, it features a gentle hike on a restored 180 acre sand prairie surrounding the La Crosse District Visitor Center. The prairie is a must-see throughout the late spring, summer and fall blooming seasons. And as an ADA-accessible site, it's perfect for anyone of any ability or age.


Big sky over the prairie
Although I love the Visitor Center, what really calls me back again and again is their large sand prairie. Radiating out to the north, south and west of this beautiful building, the prairie has over 2 miles of multiple flat, connecting trails perfect for slow walking. Some are stroller- and walker-friendly paved asphalt and some are grass and gravel. The trails are also open for running, aerobic walking, biking and dog walking (with poop bags available at each parking lot).

A brown-belted bumblebee
on a wild bergamot
At intervals, near the Visitor Center, signs are posted identifying some patches of native prairie flowers and their blooming seasons. The trail edges are mowed to allow up-close examination and observation of the abundant prairie forbs, birds and insect life. Dragonflies, butterflies, beetles, damselflies are much in evidence as are a variety of nesting birds including the dickcissel, sparrows, vireos and orioles. 


The overlook
The main paved trail winds from the Visitor Center through the midst of the trails to the Lake Onalaska Overlook. You pass the small west parking lot, cross Hwy ZB and arrive at a kiosk surrounded by a native prairie flower garden. There is a bench and viewing scope as you look out at the views of the Mississippi River, Minnesota bluffs and waterfowl.

An active Friends group help staff the Visitor Center, maintain the gardens near the Visitor Center and Overlook and support the programming of the Center. 

Trail map
The prairie trails are open all year long dawn to dusk. In winter, the trails are open to cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Another great feature is outdoor restrooms that are available at the back of the building. 

The Visitor Center and gift shop have more limited hours so check the website or call ahead  (608 779-2399) to confirm if you are planning to enjoy their interactive displays, indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, "Let's Go Outside" backpacks, Nature Store and more.




Rough blazing star and
Black-eyed Susan
THE HIKE:
2.5 miles of flat, interconnecting asphalt and grass trails make it a snap to tailor this hike to any length and ability. The expansive 180 acre restored sand prairie is alive with native nesting songbirds and abundant insect life from late spring to early fall. Choose the ZB parking lot to explore the river overlook and the west side trails or the main parking lot to admire native pollinator plantings next to the Visitor Center. Trails are ADA accessible.

The Location:
N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI
The Visitor Center is located by the large main east parking lot off Hwy Z in Brice Prairie.  You can access these roads from HWY 35 north off Hwy 90. Turn left at the lights at Hwy OT; left at first stop sign (Cty ZN). Follow that to next stop sign and turn right onto Cyty Z. The entrance is to your immediate left within .1 miles. There is a smaller lot on Hwy ZB that gives access to the west-side trails near the river.

The view of Mississippi River backwaters from the overlook

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!

A buckeye butterfly on the gravel trails

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters
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Wednesday, July 16, 2025

I Spy on the Trails - July 1-15, 2025

July came in with a bang, as it usually does. Fireworks, fireflies, heat and knee-high (wait, make that shoulder-high) corn by the 4th of July were back suggesting a more typical pattern to this month's adventures. 

Tule bluet damselfly
Image - Earl Bye, https://rwwild.com

Our temps stayed in the mid-to high 80's with fairly high humidity most days.  Abundant and frequent rain earlier this month in parts of the MN, IA and WI Driftless areas encouraged lush plant growth, higher river levels and faster currents, massive mosquito hatches and the annual return of the mayfly. We ended up with about 1.5 - 2 inches of rain over this two weeks.

Stoney Point prairie remnant (MN)


The mosquitoes made woods hiking challenging during the latter part of these two weeks. Without bug repellent, head nets - and for me, my Rynoskin shirt - we would have reluctantly donated alot of blood to the female mosquito's reproductive cycle. A recent hike had swarms of mosquitoes surrounding us as we hiked through a woods towards our prairie destination. Talk about aerobic hiking! Once out on the sunny, open prairie, we enjoyed virtually mosquito-free time exploring. Prairies forever!

From July 11-13, we had significant degraded air quality in MN and over in WI from Canadian wildfires. The north and central part of the state had very high levels of particulates, while our Driftless area had slightly less. To check air quality, you can use the EPA Air Now app or website: https://www.airnow.gov/ . It will help you determine the risk of outdoor activity during poor air quality times.

Holland Sand Prairie (WI)
As an oldster, I hike with an N95 mask when the air quality deteriorates to the “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Do I love it? Nope. But as a thinking human being, I know that the smoky haze I see in the distance is surrounding me as well. I prefer to ease things for my lungs and body systems by masking up and staying on mellow trails - if I head out at all.

Grant Park, Chicago


I spent some time away from the woods during these two weeks in downtown Chicago. While classical music concerts and museums were on the agenda, I didn't have to leave nature far behind. The city parks and sidewalks were festooned with gorgeous planters and gardens that are only open in summer. 

Rory McEwan print


And a real treat was an exhibition of artist/musician Rory McEwen's amazing botanical drawings from the 1960s -1980s. It was wonderful to still feel connected to nature despite being surrounded by high rises, crowds and concrete.


As we enter the second half of the month, the woods are full of fungi and mosquitoes, the prairies are awash in flowers - and sometimes gnats. It's a great time, especially in the morning to get out and see all the amazing life - not just the plants but the bees, dragonflies, damselflies and other insects that are much in evidence.

See you on the trails!

Plant Observations
Flowering/Mature plants:
  • agrimony, tall hairy
  • alyssum, hoary
  • anemone, candle (cylindrical thimble weed)
  • avens, white
  • beebalm, spotted
    Spotted beebalm flowers
  • bergamot, wild
  • black-eyed Susan
  • campion, starry
  • cinquefoil, sulphur
  • cinquefoil, tall
  • cliffbrake, dwarf
  • clover, purple prairie
  • clover, white prairie
  • columbine
  • compassplant
  • coneflower, gray-headed 
  • coneflower purple
  • coreopsis, prairie
  • Culver's root
  • Deptford pink
  • devil's paintbrush
  • fern, bracken
  • fern, interrupted
  • fern lady
  • fern, maidenhair
  • fern, ostrich
  • fern, wood
  • fleabane, daisy
  • fleabane, prairie
  • flax, grooved
  • germander, American
  • harebell 
  • hawksbeard, narrowleaf
  • hawkweed, hairy
  • hyssop, anise
  • indigo, wild white
  • leadplant
  • lobelia, palespike
  • milkvetch, Canadian
  • milkweed, butterfly 
  • milkweed, common
  • milkweed, green comet
    Whorled milkweed
  • milkweed, whorled
  • mint, Virginia mountain
  • New Jersey tea
  • plantain, ribwort
  • poppy mallow, purple
  • primrose, common evening-
  • puccoon, haory
  • rockcress, lyreleaf 
  • rose, prairie
  • spiderwort, Ohio
  • spurge, flowering
  • St. John's wort
  • sunflower, false
  • thimbleweed, tall
  • toadflax, yellow
  • vervain, blue
  • vervain, hoary
  • yarrow
Sprouts/unbloomed/past bloom:
  • aster, aromatic
  • aster, Drummond's
  • aster, hairy
  • aster, western silver
  • aster, white heath
  • blacksnakeroot, clustered 
  • blazing star, dense
  • blazingstar, dwarf
  • blazing star, rough
    Roundhead bushclover (WI)
  • boneset, false
  • bushclover, roundhead
  • camus, mountain death
  • cecily, sweet
  • coneflower, cutleaf 
  • Culver’s root
  • cup plant
  • feverwort
  • goldenrod, elmleaf
  • goldenrod, early
  • goldenrod, giant
  • goldenrod, gray
  • goldenrod, prairie
  • goldenrod, showy
  • goldenrod, stiff
  • goldenrod, tall
  • horse-gentian, orangefruit 
  • honewort, Canadian
  • lettuce, Canadian
  • mayapple
  • mint, mountain
  • pussytoes, plantain
  • rattlesnake master
  • sunflower, stiff
  • sunflower, woodland
  • Pasqueflower 
  • white sagebrush
  • wild ginger
  • wood betony
Grasses/Sedges:
  • alfalfa
  • bluestem, big
  • bluestem, little
  • brome, prairie
  • brome, smooth 
  • ryegrass, Virginia wild 
  • grass, eastern bottle-brush 
  • grass, Canada wildrye
  • grass, beardless
  • grass, deertongue
  • grass, sideoats grama
  • grass, switch
  • indiangrass, yellow
  • panicgrass, Scribner's

Fungi/Moss/Lichen:
  • forkmoss, broom 
    Jellied false coral fungus (IA)
  • fungus, jellied false coral
  • fungus, scrambled egg slime
  • fungus, white jelly
  • mushroom, clay-gilled milkcap
  • mushroom, mustard-yellow polypore
  • mushroom, oysterling 
  • mushroom platterful
  • mushroom, puffball
  • mushroom, ruby bolete
  • mushroom, scarlet elfen cup
  • mushroom, veiled-bulb aminita
  • mushroom, weeping milkcup
  • moss, American tree
  • moss, silvery thread 
  • thyme-moss, woodsy 

Wildlife Observations (seen, heard, detected)
Birds:
  • blackbird, red-winged
  • blue jay
  • bobolink
  • cardinal, northern
  • catbird, gray
  • cedar waxwing
  • chickadee, black-capped
  • cowbird, brown-headed
    Great-crested flycatcher
    Image - Scott Martin,     Merlin Bird ID
  • eagle
  • dickcissel
  • finch, purple
  • finch, house
  • flicker, northern
  • flycatcher, Acadian 
  • flycatcher, great-crested
  • gnatcatcher, blue-gray 
  • eagle
  • finch, house
  • flicker, northern
  • grosbeak, rose-breasted
  • hawk, redtail
  • indigo bunting
  • goldfinch, American
  • kingbird, eastern
  • meadowlark, eastern
  • meadowlark, western
  • nuthatch, white-breasted
  • oriole, Baltimore
  • oriole, orchard
  • pewee, eastern wood
  • purple martin
  • redstart, American
  • robin, American
  • sandpiper, spotted
  • sapsucker, yellow-bellied
  • scarlet tananger
  • shrike, loggerhead
  • sparrow, clay-colored
    Warbling vireo
    Image - Dan Danko, Merlin Bird ID
  • sparrow, field
  • sparrow, house
  • sparrow, song
  • swallow, barn
  • swallow, cliff
  • swallow, tree
  • swift, chimney
  • titmouse, tufted
  • towhee, eastern 
  • vireo, Bell's
  • vireo, red-eyed
  • vireo, warbling
  • vireo, yellow-throated
  • vulture, turkey
  • warbler, cerulean
  • warbler, yellow
  • wild turkey 
  • woodpecker, downy
  • woodpecker, hairy
  • woodpecker, pileated
  • woodpecker, red-bellied
  • wood-pewee, eastern 
  • wood thrush
  • wren, house
  • wren, sedge
  • yellowthroat, common

Waterfowl:

  • sandhill crane

Black-and-gold bumblebee (WI)

Insects:
  • beetle, American rose chafer
  • bumblebee, black-and-gold
  • bumblebee, common eastern 
  • butterfly, great spangled fritillary
  • butterfly, monarch
  • butterfly, pearl crescent
  • butterfly, silver-spotted skipper
  • butterfly, silvery checkerspot
  • butterfly, tiger swallowtail
  • damselfly, bluet
  • damselfly, tule bluet 
  • dragonfly, blue dasher 
  • draginfly, Halloween pennant
  • dragonfly, twelve-spotted skimmer
  • dragonfly, widow
  • moth, hummingbird clearwing
Two great spangled fritillary butterflies on a butterfly weed (IA)


What are YOU seeing on your hikes?

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

IOWISOTA bluff, Lansing IA;  Vetsch/Stoney Point Park, La Crescent, MN;  Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor's Center, Brice Prairie WI (2); Yellow River State Forest, Harper's Ferry IA; Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI (2); Mathy Quarry, La Crosse WI; downtown Chicago sidewalks, Chicago IL (3); Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Winona County MN

Iowisota (IA) bluff prairie view 
of the Mississippi River

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.

Compass plant, Apple Blossom Overlook Park MN

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters


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Monday, July 14, 2025

Snakes (Keep Them) Alive

 July 16 is World Snake Day. I want to share two recent Facebook posts from WI's Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA) and the WI DNR with some info on rattlesnakes and snake encounters. With warm sunny weather, snakes are more apt to be seeking spots in the sun along trails and asphalt near woods. 

On July 11, 2025, the ORA wrote:
It’s that sunny time of year again where sometimes we see all types of trail friends using the trails - Even the sunbathing, slithering kind! Because we've been hearing a few snake reports lately in Hixon, we wanted to remind trail users that there are a few ways to make sure we all stay comfortable when sharing natural spaces with wild animals. Even our slithering friends. 


In the rare event a bite occurs, seek medical help. Local groups, like Friends of the La Crosse Marsh can be great resources if you're looking for more information on wildlife and native species, and helped develop these tips.



To read more about rattlesnakes in the Driftless, check out this WI DNR information shared July 16, 2025 on Facebook:

It's World Snake Day, and to celebrate, we want to tell you about Wisconsin's two species of rattlesnakes.

They're the only venomous snakes in the state, but most people will go their whole lives without seeing one, which is precisely what these snakes prefer! They're not aggressive and will choose to hide or slither away before risking their lives confronting a creature 70 times their size (us).

Timber rattlesnakes are larger (3 to 5 feet long), have dark brown rings and are a species of Special Concern (protected wild animal). They're found in bluff prairies and nearby forests in the southwest, south central and western parts of the state.

Massasauga rattlesnakes are smaller (2 to 3 feet long) with brown saddle-shaped markings on their back and spots along their sides. They are endangered in Wisconsin and federally threatened. They live in more specialized wetland habitats across a diagonal band from the southeast to the west-central part of the state. Due to habitat loss and a historic rattlesnake bounty, they only remain at eight sites in Wisconsin.

There are many snakes you're more likely to see that will imitate a rattlesnake in an attempt to avoid becoming prey! Many of these imitators are much more aggressive than rattlesnakes and may pretend to rattle their tail or strike if approached, because they are nonvenomous – it's all an act.

Rattlesnakes try to conserve their venom for actual prey and usually choose to hide or flee. They are ambush predators, so they wait patiently along downed woody debris and on movement corridors for small mammals to cross their path and capture a meal.

Learn more about Wisconsin's rattlesnakes and their mimics: https://widnr.widen.net/s/5kskcl2gcl/nh0944
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Saturday, July 12, 2025

MN Driftless Hiking Trail July 2025 Update

The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is continuing it's growth and evolution. Here is the most recent newsletter from the group that updates what they are doing and planning. If you'd like to get involved in volunteering and helping to develop this proposed 100 + mile backpacking/hiking trail (similar to the Ice Age Trail in WI), head over to their webpage for even more information - and to sign up for this occasional newsletter!

Happy July!


With the first half of the year behind us, we’re stepping into a new season of work for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail.


In the early months of  2025, our focus was on outreach, education, and engagement throughout the trail corridor. As someone still relatively new to the project, having been hired last fall, it’s been a meaningful opportunity to connect with people across the region and hear directly from residents about their hopes and concerns for the trail.


Thank you to everyone who attended a forum, visited us at a public event, or welcomed us for a presentation. We’ve felt incredibly supported in every community we’ve visited–proof that Minnesota hospitality is alive and well.


Looking ahead, we’re turning our focus to building landowner partnerships and working with local communities to establish access agreements. This project has so many layers, so in this issue, we’re sharing more about that process and how landowners can get involved. We hope you’ll take a look!


Wishing you a wonderful summer,


Alexa Shapiro

Trail Director

Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail


Conversations Shape the Trail Ahead

Over the past few months, we had the opportunity to host community forums in Chatfield, Caledonia, and Whalan. These gatherings brought together over 60 community members and sparked meaningful conversations about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail. We were grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and share. Each session helped us better understand local hopes and concerns, and gave us space to talk about the many potential benefits the trail could bring to rural communities—like increased tourism, more opportunities for youth and families to access nature, stronger protections for our unique Driftless landscape, support for local businesses, and the chance to showcase the distinct culture of this region to new visitors.

Of course, these conversations also highlighted some of the tough—but important—questions our project must continue to address. We appreciated the deep interest and thoughtful questions raised. It’s clear that people want to fully understand what the trail could mean for their communities and their land. Concerns ranged from the use of eminent domain to the potential impacts of increased foot traffic. We heard questions about litter, trailhead use, and how this project will respect the landowners who view their properties as places of refuge. We also heard important questions about how the trail might affect local hunters and how we plan to build this project in a way that strengthens, rather than disrupts, existing recreational use. These forums underscored the need for more clear communication from us. That’s why we’ve created a new FAQ document to provide more transparency and clarity about some of the key topics we heard at the forums about landowner partnerships and how hunting will be factored into planning.

Despite the tough questions, the forums ended on an incredibly hopeful note. In each community, we saw a spark of excitement—an eagerness to start thinking about what comes next. From new ideas about how to welcome hikers with campgrounds, showers, and supplies, to conversations about funding opportunities and community partnerships, the energy was contagious. One question in Whalan captured the tone perfectly: “What can we start doing now to prepare to welcome hikers?” The answers that followed reflected a genuine sense of local pride and future-minded optimism.

We walked away from each forum feeling more committed than ever to building this trail with communities, not just through them. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to share ideas, voice concerns, and offer support. We’re looking forward to offering more opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback, and shape this trail together. The path forward is clearer—and more inspiring—thanks to you.


Interested in Having the Trail Cross Your Land? Here’s How It Works.


Becoming a landowner on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is a collaborative, thoughtful process rooted in mutual respect. It starts with a conversation–about your goal for the land and the vision of the trail. From there, we move step by step:


  1. Intro Conversation – We learn about your property and your vision for your land, and discuss how that could fit into the plans for the trail.

  2. Letter of Intent – A non-binding document that simply says you’d like to keep the conversation going.

  3. Site Visit & Mapping – We walk the land with you, learn how it’s used, and begin shaping what a trail route could look like.

  4. Access Agreements – These vary by property and your preferences–more details coming throughout July on social media and our website!

  5. Trail Designation & Build – We finalize the route and prepare it for hikers.

  6. Public Access Begins – You’re now part of a lasting public asset that benefits your community and the region!


If you’re curious about what this could look like for your land, we’d love to talk. Keep an eye on our social media and website this July as we highlight landowner stories and walk through each step in more detail.

Voices From the Land


📖Do you love a good short story?


Then you won’t want to miss our July Series – Voices from the Land. We’re highlighting some of the landowners who make the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail possible. These are the farmers, foresters, and families who’ve said yes to welcoming the trail across their land. In this special series, they share what they love about the Driftless, why they chose to partner with the trail, and what it means to care for the land–today and for future generations.


To catch the series, follow @hikemndriftless on Facebook, Instagram, or X. The series begins Friday July 11!


Help Build the Trail

One Conversation at a Time

Building the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is about more than clearing brush or placing signs–it starts with relationships. From meeting with local and state leaders to walking the land with property owners, this trail is being built through trust, dialogue, and shared vision.


If you’re someone who knows the land, the people, and the value of community connection, we need your help. We’re seeking volunteers to support our Landowner Partnerships–trusted voices who can talk with neighbors, share the vision of the trail, and help us connect with landowners interested in learning more.


Whether you’re a lifelong resident or someone who’s deeply rooted in the region, your experience and relationships can help lay the foundation for a trail that reflects the heart of the Driftless.


Want to get involved? Send us a message–we’d love to hear from you.



P.S. We had a great time on Sunday helping our friends at the Lost Creek Hiking Trail with building a bridge to cross an area that has become washed out from the recent rain. A big thank you to our volunteers for helping with the project – we’re so grateful for your support! Next time you’re on the Lost Creek Hiking Trail, keep an eye out for the new bridge (pictured below)!

We are grateful to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center for serving as our fiscal sponsor for the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCRM) through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Their support enables us to carry out our efforts to build a 100+ mile backpacking trail, fostering greater access to and appreciation for Minnesota’s natural landscapes.


Additional posts on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail:


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