Naturalist's Corner - Celebrating Nature

In this beautifully written ode to sense of place and our feelings surrounding nature, Jonathan Rigden calls to mind ways we can move from transitory sorrow to a deeper sense of celebration by embracing nature. Jon is a hero for the prairies and their restoration along with his many colleagues in The Friends of the Blufflands and The Prairie Enthusiasts, both groups he is active in. His dedicated passion for this work and his curiosity about the life and history of these remnants has led him to write deeply researched and quite amazing blog posts at the Friends of the Blufflands website. Jon kindly gave me permission to reprint his most recent and extraordinary December 22, 2025 post.

In 2026, Find Your Place and Celebrate

by Jonathan Rigden

Friends of the Blufflands blog

Sometimes thinking about the past and the natural world can be disheartening. When thoughts percolate about the state of nature in North America before European settlement with its old growth forests and vast prairies rich with wildlife and rivers that ran fast and clean, an intense feeling of distress can occur. These thoughts can become overwhelming, and even produce rage as we witness the decline of monarch butterflies, the steep drop in bird populations, bats fighting for survival, and our postage stamp prairies being engulfed by trees and brush. When we witness these changes occurring at a place we know and love, a feeling of profound sadness can emerge- the ache of solastalgia.

Solastalgia is a relatively new term that combines the concepts of solace and pain. It describes the distress felt when one's place of solace, or comfort, is threatened. A place where you seek peace, sometimes the place you call home, is disappearing. Those with a medical background are well-acquainted with words ending in -algia denoting pain, such as fibromyalgia, arthralgia, or neuralgia. Solastalgia conveys a longing mixed with suffering producing an intense melancholy about a treasured place that is fading away. A homesickness felt at home.

Nostalgia has a slightly different meaning. It comes from the Greek nostos or "homecoming" and again -algia, and can suggest a wistful or sentimental longing for a place, often associated with a sense of happiness or comfort. It can motivate someone to put in long hours to return to or preserve a cherished past while creating social bonds fostering connection and optimism. On the other hand, nostalgia can paint idealized pictures in our minds leading to despair and a longing for days of old that will never be with us again. It can create unrealistic, rosy images with feelings of regret which can paralyze us by focusing on going back rather than forward. Some refer to this as "nostalgic depression" or even "toxic nostalgia". The feeling of nostalgia is often called bittersweet for its combination of positive and negative emotions.

Topophilia is an abiding love for a place despite changes that are occurring. It is derived from the Greek "topo" meaning "place" and "philia" meaning "love" or having an emotional bond and affection for a specific place. Any location can inspire topophilia, but it is more common for those places that are unusual and disappearing. This feeling is often born from childhood experiences but can be captured at any age by immersing oneself deeply in a place. Like a remnant prairie.

 
For someone new on a prairie, topophilia can start by seeing a few plants that are among the first to emerge in the spring. 

Like pasqueflower,

hoary puccoon,

jeweled shooting star,

or bird's foot violet.

Think of these early risers as a string quartet introducing a full symphony to come- Dvořák's No 12, Op 96, "American" followed by Beethoven's Symphony No 9, "Ode to Joy". Stunning displays of life appearing subtly in the spring then exploding through the year from one movement to the next. A feast before the eyes. Then, for full immersion, close your eyes and be free from vision. Hear the birds chatter and the leaves on a bur oak talking to the wind. Feel the breeze in your hair while you pick up the invigorating scent of mountain mint or a whiff of vanilla coming from nearby lady's tresses buried in the grasses. Taste the lemon-sour flavor of a leaf or two of sorrel. Fall in love with the place. Drift into a dream where prairies are thriving across the landscape.

Then, as you dream, think of ecophilia, a combination where topophilia becomes the whole of Earth and biophilia the love of the entire tapestry of life. A way of thinking about and living in harmony with nature through a kinship that allows both humans and the natural world to thrive and become one.

In 2026, recognize that "algia" is important, but don't let it dominate- leave some room for "philia". Find your place and celebrate! At Friends of the Blufflands we have embraced prairie restoration as a big part of our celebration. Come join us and begin 2026 with enthusiastic topophilia for our prairies!

From near to far, Zoerb, Lookout and Vista Prairies
in December 2025 during a work day burning brush piles.

Images, unless noted - Jonathan Rigden

I Spy on the Trails - December 2025

Late afternoon skies at Hixon Forest

An early December snow made a great base for lots of snowshoe fun this year. After the past two brown, warm winters, it was great to have ski-able, snowshoe-able snow to start the month. I managed to get seven excellent snowshoe hikes in during the first half of the month!  

A super subzero cold snap over the weekend of Dec 13-14, coinciding with the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, was followed closely by above freezing temps that degraded those first December days of premier snow-fun snow. Many of us just switched to micro spikes for continuing hiking adventures.

By the way, if you haven't used micro-spikes or ice cleats for winter hiking, they're a game-changer. The grip on icy trails that this "over-the-boot" gear gives you is astounding. You can tackle steep trails and iced over-footprints with ease. Coils are fine on paved surfaces, but over-the-boot microspikes, cleats and crampons give you a stronger grip on trails. I swear by my Kahtoola microspikes that are now heading into their fifth winter with me. While costly, think of what a fall on ice could potentially cost.

Faint lines in the snow reveal 
subnivean zone activity as snow melts!

Oh and those warmer temps melting that first snow uncovered lots of subnivean zone snow tunnels that mice and small critters made under our first excellent snow cover. Hope you caught a glimpse of some as you hiked in these warmer temps!

Full moon over
Rotary Lights display

The warmer temps during the holidays also made walking through holiday light displays like La Crosse’s Rotary Lights and Sparta’s display in Evans Bosshard Park much more pleasant. So there was an upside for all the holiday-happiness people among us!

Winter solstice long shadows

Snow scenes, ice scenes and clear views through trees made the month a truly beautiful one for trail users. We were lucky enough on winter solstice to have sunny skies and an early solstice at 9:03 am. My honey and I caught a snap of our loooonnnggg shadows that resulted. This is our longest shadow we will have all year  timed just right to coincide with the exact moment of solstice.

A final blizzardy snow storm capped off the month just before the New Year arrived. While the snow depths varied wildly, good snowshoeing and cross-country skiing north of us was a welcome return to winter.

I hope the new year is one that finds you on the trails a lot in all seasons enjoying what nature has to offer.

See you on the trails!

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

Ravine Woods, La Crescent MN (6); Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Winona Co MN (2); Riverside Park/Marsh Trails (2), La Crosse WI; Upper Hixon Trails, La Crosse WI; Root River WMA, La Crescent MN; Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN; McGilvray’s 7 Bridges, Holmen WI; Great River Bluffs State Park, Nodine MN 

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

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.

A surprise flyer resting on snow on December 26 - 38F temps!

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

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - January, 2026

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.

 

January Events

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

Whitewater River Valley Annual Christmas Bird Count
 - Thursday, January 1                 8:00 am- noon

 -  Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

Kick off the New Year at Whitewater State Park by helping with the Annual Whitewater River Valley Christmas Bird Count! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Work in small groups to survey locations within our count circle. Reservations are required. To sign up, email jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

First Day Hike - Winter Blufflands series

 - Thursday, January 1             9:00 am

 - Shelby Butterfly Trails, La Crosse WI

It's 2026! And Blufflands Hiking group is starting off with our annual FIRST DAY HIKE at the Shelby Butterfly/Cliffwood Bluff Trails! DIFFICULTY: Moderate Hiking. A steady climb from the parking lot to the top of the cliff, then it's mostly easy, rolling trail. DISTANCE: Approximately 3 miles loop, with some retracing our path back to the parking lot. PARKING: https://maps.app.goo.gl/84pSNhbqDjoKFWhc8 Follow Farnam Street toward the bluffs from Losey Blvd. Follow Farnam to the bluffs and turn left onto Old Vineyard Road. Follow Old Vineyard .28 mile and take hairpin turn and continue to parking lot (about 500') at end of road. Sponsor: Blufflands Hiking Group

First Day Hike

 - Thursday, Jan 1         9:00 am

 - Yellow River State Forest, 745 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry, IA

The hike will begin at the Walnut Wayside, more commonly known as the Paint Creek Bridge. We will start with a warm campfire with hot cocoa, and some light snacks, at Walnut Wayside. The hike will ascend the steps of the Bluff Trail, which will be steep, and follow the trail to view the both Paint Creek Overlooks along the way. We will continue to follow the Bluff Trail to the Overlook Road, and take that back to the overlook, where we will descend the steps back to the Walnut Wayside. There are steep with steps in the beginning, and at the end, because we will end at the same trail. The middle 1.5 miles will be gradual incline and declines in grade. The views of this hike will be spectacular. There could possibly be a Bigfoot sighting, as he's known to hang out in this area.  In case of bad weather, or hazardous conditions on the Bluff Trail steps, we will do the very flat Paint Creek Trail to observe the new streambank improvements. Overall, the hike is a moderate 2.25 miles. The guided hike will be led by YRSF Resource Technician Joe Vastine. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the hike. Visitors are welcome to hike this route anytime on their own (it will be marked Dec. 23 through Jan. 5, 2026.), but they must be present at the end of the hike Jan 1 to be entered into the drawing for prizes. Sponsor: Friends of Yellow River State Forest

First Day Hike

 - Thursday, Jan. 1      11 a.m. - 2 p.m 

 - Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN

Join us for our annual First Day hike celebration. What better way to welcome the new year than with a quiet walk in the park? Then stop by the main picnic shelter between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for greets and treats, courtesy of the Frontenac State Park Association.. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

First Day Hike

 - Thursday, January 1                  2-3:00pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

Start the New Year right! Come out and explore the great outdoors with our park naturalist. We will take a peaceful 1 mile walk along the Whitewater River and look for hints of the old as we celebrate the new. If there is enough snow, we will snowshoe. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow some from the park. To sign up, email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Full Moon Snowshoe at Fish Farm Mounds

 - Friday, January 2               6:30pm

- Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve, New Albin IA

Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board for a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike on Friday, January 2nd, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. The hike will take place in the Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve and will be approximately 2 miles. Participants should meet at the at the Fish Farm Mounds parking area approximately 3 miles south of New Albin on the Great River Road. The Full Moon Snowshoe will be a guided trail hike taking place after dark to enable the participants to see the stars and full moon like they have never seen before. The event requires preregistration for those wishing to use snowshoes provided by the ACCB and is open to all ages. However, anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. In the case of inclement weather or poor snow conditions the Full Moon Snowshoe may be postponed or cancelled and will be announced via the ACCB’s Facebook page. Appropriately sized snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided to individuals who do not have their own equipment with preregistration. Participants should dress for the weather with appropriate layers including outerwear, winter hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. A headlamp or small flashlight is also recommended, but not required. Any dogs must be on leash at all times. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board

Candlelight Hike

 - Saturday, January 3     5:00pm

 - Chad Erickson Veteran's Park, 3601 Park Lane Drive, La Crosse WI

A crowd favorite! ORA will again host a series of candlelit walks! These are free, all-ages events that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood! Each location chosen utilizes a path that is considered "easy to moderate" to navigate. Candles will light the route, but if you'd like to see clearly where you're stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight. These walks are self-guided. Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s'mores! Additional dates: February 7 - Upper Hixon; March 3 - Gateway Trailhead. Sponsor: ORA: Outdoor Recreation Alliance 

Sunday, January 4 - Registration opens for January 31 Owl Prowl 

January 31 Owl Prowl 

 - International Owl Center, Houston MN

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

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

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

Winter Wonder Hike

 - Wednesday January 7                   6:30-7:30 am

 - Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St, Decorah IA

Who says the best part of winter is staying under the covers? Decorah Public Library and Decorah Parks and Recreation Department are inviting early risers and aspiring morning people alike to discover the quiet magic of winter with Winter Wonder Walks, a new program that celebrates the season's cozy darkness and spectacular sunrises. Participants can join free walks on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Each walk will explore a different scenic route through town, parks, and trails, allowing walkers to experience the peaceful beauty of winter mornings while watching the world wake up. After, walkers can head to a coffee shop for warm up drinks. On January 7 we’ll go from the library to Pulpit Rock campground on Dug Road and end up at Impact. On January 21 we’ll start the parking lot at Palisades Park and head along the river before looping back along the road and driving to Magpie for drinks. "We wanted to create something that gets people moving during a season when it's tempting to hibernate," said Zach Row-Heyveld, DPL Assistant Director. "Winter Wonder Walks is about embracing the season instead of just surviving it. Sponsors: Decorah Public Library/Decorah Park and Rec

Kickapoo Valley Reserve Youth Ski Club Orientation Meeting

 - Thursday January 8      4:00pm

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

KVR Youth Ski Club is an opportunity for youth to work on skills and gain confidence on skis in a setting guided by KVR instructors. Those interested in Youth Ski Club are asked to attend a brief Club orientation. Orientation will include: answers to questions;  ski and boot & pole fitting; Ski Club schedule; completion of the membership form and paying membership and rental fees. Registration for KVR Youth Ski Club is now OPEN. Once a week the club will meet at a predetermined location on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. From 3:45 pm to 5:00 pm KVR instructors will mentor the club members on a guided ski on the KVR. This club is an opportunity to learn about cross country skiing and gain confidence on skis. No experience is necessary. A healthy snack will be provided each time we ski. Outside of class, we encourage the whole family to get out and ski together. Adult rentals are available from KVR and local shops, reach out the KVR for more resources. Youth Ski gear rentals are available for children (ages 4-12 years) depending on boot size. Rentals for youth are seasonal from January to when conditions deteriorate.

The Science of Fire: How Controlled Burns Restore Native Prairies and Woodlands

 -  Friday, January 9            6:00-7:00 pm

 - Java Vino, 2311 State Rd, LA Crosse

Did you know that the Driftless landscape you know today looked completely different just 200 years ago? The Driftless Area was once a vibrant mosaic of sun-lit prairies, open oak savannas, and scattered woodlands shaped by the natural rhythm of wildfire. When fire disappeared from the landscape, those ecosystems changed—prairies gave way to brush and trees, and open forests closed in. At JavaVino’s January Science Café presentation, The Science of Fire, you’ll learn from Levi Plath, Land Manager for Mississippi Valley Conservancy, why controlled burning is essential to restoring the health and diversity of the upper Midwest. Discover how burns are planned and carried out, how fire shapes habitat for countless species, and why timing and frequency are key to successful conservation. Register here. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy and UW-La Crosse

Image: Upper Mississippi River National
Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Kids Ice Fishing Day

 - Saturday, January 10                       10:00am - noon

 - McNally Boat Landing, Prairie Island Road, between Prairie Island Campground and the Minnesota City Boat Club (GPS coordinates: Easting 605183, Northing 4881470), Winona MN

*Registration requested* Come fish with us! Children and their families are invited to join in this free event, recommended for children ages 6-13. Children will be paired with experienced ice anglers who will assist them with a hands-on ice fishing experience. Bait, tackle and fishing rods will be available, however, participants are encouraged to bring their own ice fishing supplies if they have them and a bucket or folding chair to sit on while watching their bobber. Children should also be dressed appropriately for ice fishing; hats, mittens, snow pants, boots and winter coats. Hot chocolate, cookies, hot dogs and chips will be provided in a heated tent. All children must be registered for the event by a parent or guardian. A registration station will be available at the McNally Boat Landing on the morning of the event. If the event is cancelled due to weather or unsafe ice conditions, an announcement will be posted here on Facebook. RSVPs are requested but not required. The McNally Boat Landing is located on Prairie Island Road, between Prairie Island Campground and the Minnesota City Boat Club (GPS coordinates: Easting 605183, Northing 4881470). The McNally Boat Landing will be closed to public entry during this event. To RSVP or for additional information, contact Stephanie Edeler at Stephanie_Edeler@fws.gov or call 507-452-4232. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge/Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

Backwaters Snowshoe Hike

 - Saturday, January 10                   10:00am-noon

 -  Mertes Slough, S3629 WI 54, Fountain City WI

Get ready to experience a winter wonderland in Winona! The Winona Outdoor Collaborative welcomes you to a breathtaking snowshoe hike through the picturesque backwaters of the Mississippi River. Our group will embark on a 2-3 mile trek deep into the stunning backwaters. Whether you’re a seasoned or novice snowshoer, this hike suits all abilities and ages. Bring your friends, family, and curiosity for a memorable winter expedition! We will provide snowshoes, trekking poles, and/or microspikes to all participants. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Hot cocoa will be provided post-hike. Free to Attend! Registration Required (sign-up before January 3rd). Parking Instructions: Parking is available at Mertes Slough. Turn into the Mertes Slough boat landing and find parking at any available stall. If the lot is full, additional parking can be found alongside the road leading in and out of Winona east of the Winona Bridge. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Kickapoo Valley Reserve Winter Festival

 - Saturday, January 10      10am -4:00 pm

 - Kickapoo Valley Reserve, La Farge WI

Eagle Viewing Hike

 - Saturday, January 10           11:00 am

 - Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 State Hwy 76, Harpers Ferry IA

Join a park ranger for this hike along the county road in the Heritage Addition to look for bald eagles and golden eagles along the Yellow River. Bring your children to story time at 10 am and then join us for this hike over flat terrain. Please wear warm and weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument

Stagecoach Snowshoe - Visiting the Marnach House

 - Saturday, January 10           11:00 am-2:00 pm

 -  Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

Come take a journey into the past as we snowshoe along the old stagecoach road that connected Winona, MN to Oronoco, MN. Our destination will be the historic Marnach House. Once there we will learn the story of this unique house that has stood the test of time. Distance - 2.6 Miles We will be starting at the Visitor Center and then traveling to the nearby Whitewater WMA to begin our hike. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Wildcat Mountain Candlelight Hike and Ski

 -Saturday, January 10.             5-8:00 pm

 - Wildcat Mountain State Park

Hike, snowshoe or ski a 1.5-mile torchlit trail, warm up around a roaring campfire and gaze up at the stars. Refreshments will be available. From 5–7 p.m., John Heasley of Driftless Stargazing, LLC, will be hosting a stargazing activity, weather permitting. Bring binoculars and learn to use them for stargazing. Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather. For more information, contact Email: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov or call 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park

Minnesota Neighborhood Weekends for Houston and Fillmore county residents

 - January 10-11   

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

Busy Beavers - a H.O.P. Program

 - Wednesday, January 14.              10:00 am -noon

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor’s Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

Have you ever heard the saying “busy as a beaver”? Beavers always have building to do and are continuously shaping the world around them. Come learn more about our local ecosystem engineers. For those who feel energetic, you are invited to stick around after the presentation and visit Whitewater’s very own beaver family lodge and perhaps even spot a beaver! It is just a short walk up Trout Run Creek trail. Join us for our monthly HOP into the Park Program (Healthy Older People). Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Photo credit, Robes Parrish/USFWS

Winter Blufflands Hiking series - Compass and Dobsen Property

 - Saturday, January 17             9:00 am

 -  3020 Grandad Bluff Rd, La Crosse WI

Continuing along the La Crosse Blufflands, we'll hike two different sections at this event. First, we'll stop at Grandad Bluff and hike the Compass Trail Loop. Then we'll go together over to the Dobson Tract and hike the Dobson loop, which is a relatively short, but hilly trail that offers a couple of great overlooks. 

DIFFICULTY: Moderate Hiking. Start at Grandad Bluff's Gateway Parking Lot and we'll hike the easier Compass Loop Trail. Then we drive over to Dobson Trail loop, which is only about 1/2 mile long, but does have a couple of short steep hills. 

DISTANCE: The Compass Loop Trail is 1.5 miles. We get to rest as we drive over together over to the Dobson Tract. The Dobson Trail Loop is about 1/2 mile total. Total hiking mileage for the event is about 2 miles. 

PARKING: We will start at the Grandad Bluff Gateway Trails Parking Lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/d6XfsSm7uiFkquhh7 

See Blufflands Hiking Group Facebook page for details! Sponsor: Blufflands Hiking Group

Winter Sights and Sounds: Wilderness Weekends with Emily

 - Saturday, January 17         9:30-11:30 am

 - Holzinger Trails, 925 W. Lake Blvd, Winona MN

Join us at Holzinger Trails to explore all the sights and sounds that winter has to offer! We will roam the trails along the bluff while immersing ourselves in nature and taking the time to look and listen to our surroundings. Dress warm as we will be stopping at various points to observe and Free to attend. Registration is required. listen to the sounds of the woods. Hot cocoa will also be provided at the start to keep warm throughout! 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

Winter Walk and Bonfire

 - Saturday, January 17          3-5:30pm

 - Sidie Hollow County Park, Main Shelter, E6051 County Rd XX, Viroqua WI

The Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests will again be hosting guided Winter Walks exploring two Vernon County parks! These winter walks are to bring awareness to our amazing county parks in the winter season as well as allow the community to come together! The winter walks and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages and will take place at Sidie Hollow January 17 and Lower Duck Egg Feb 21. See schedule below. Walkers are to meet in the park parking lots. All walks will begin promptly at 3pm, will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. The Friends of Vernon County Parks encourages walkers to always dress appropriately for the walk and the weather and invite your family and friends! Winter Walks & Bonfire locations and dates are as follows:- Sat. January 17 – Sidie Hollow *meet at Main Shelter at 3pm and Sat. February 21 – Lower Duck Egg *meet in parking lot at 3pm. The Friends of Vernon County Parks & Forests is a 501(c)3 organization that aims to celebrate, protect, preserve and enhance the Vernon County Parks and Forests while connecting people to our Driftless Area’s nature and empowering them to positively impact their environment. Sponsor: Friends of Vernon County Parks

Free Minnesota Parks Day

 - Monday, January 19

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. Additional dates for free park days in 2026: Saturday, April 25; Saturday, June 13; and Friday, November 27, 2025. Sponsor: MN DNR

Winter Wonder Hike

 - Wednesday January 21                   6:30-7:30 am

 - Palisades Park parking lot, Park St, Decorah IA

Who says the best part of winter is staying under the covers? Decorah Public Library and Decorah Parks and Recreation Department are inviting early risers and aspiring morning people alike to discover the quiet magic of winter with Winter Wonder Walks, a new program that celebrates the season's cozy darkness and spectacular sunrises. Participants can join free walks on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Each walk will explore a different scenic route through town, parks, and trails, allowing walkers to experience the peaceful beauty of winter mornings while watching the world wake up. After, walkers can head to a coffee shop for warm up drinks. On January 21 we’ll start at the parking lot at Palisades Park and head along the river before looping back along the road and driving to Magpie for drinks. "We wanted to create something that gets people moving during a season when it's tempting to hibernate," said Zach Row-Heyveld, DPL Assistant Director. "Winter Wonder Walks is about embracing the season instead of just surviving it. Sponsors: Decorah Public Library/Decorah Park and Rec

Winter Wonder Woods

 - January 24        10:00 am - noon

 - Prairie Island Nature Trail, 915 Prairie Island Rd, Winona MN

What is the Mississippi floodplain forest like in winter? On a flat, unpaved, one-mile hiking loop, we will play a short game and then explore this ecosystem. Trees look dead now. How do we tell if they are? How do trees make food? Can wild animals use trees through the winter? What other plants live here? What about fungus and lichen? Are floodplain forests good for people? Bundle up and join us for a fun, informative walk to kickstart your weekend! Free to attend! Registration is required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Winona Ice Park

Hidden History Snowshoe

 - Saturday, January 24                    Noon-2:00pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN

When the leaves are gone and the snow is falling, nature reveals her hidden secrets. Come join us for an afternoon on snowshoes as we find some of these historic relics only visible this time of year. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park's. If there is no snow, we'll hike through the woods! Distance: 1 Mile. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

2026 Luminary Hike

 - Thursday, January 29            5:00-7:30pm

 - 902 Parks Ave, Winona MN

Join us for the 2026 Luminary Hike, a captivating winter evening where the beauty of light, ice, and community come together. Guests are invited to stroll along a clear, safe, hard path trail that is a three-quarter–mile loop within Unity Park at East Lake Winona. The hike is designed for all ages to enjoy at their own pace. As you walk, prepare to be amazed by a majestic wall of ice at the Winona Ice Park that will illuminate the night sky in brilliant, shifting colors—a spectacle that is sure to bring the winter season to life. The YMCA is proud to be an in-kind sponsor and host for this special event, offering warm hospitality and support. Cozy up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, or grab a delicious meal from one of our featured food trucks: Chef’s Table and Lino’s Taqueria Food Truck. Indoor seating will be available at the YMCA, providing a comfortable place to relax and savor your food with friends and family before or after hitting the Luminary Trail. Come experience winter in a whole new light at the Recreation Alliance Luminary Hike 2026, a magical night you won’t want to miss. This event is free and open the public. Sponsors: Recreation Alliance of Winona, YMCA, Chef's Table and Linos taqueria food truck

Candlelight Walk/Ski/Snowshoe

 - Saturday, Jan. 31                 6-8:00 p.m.

 - Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN

Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight! Snowshoe, ski, or hike the trail along the bluff top with beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley, lit by dozens of luminaries and the light of the full moon. Warm up at campfires at either end of the trail or enjoy some light refreshments by the wood stove in the warming shelter. Refreshments provided by the Frontenac State Park Association volunteer group. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Skiers 16 and older will need a MN Ski Pass to participate. Ski passes are $10 for a day pass, $25 for the year, or $70 for three years. A limited number of snowshoes will also be available for rent for $6 per pair. Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. For updates, or if you have questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

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

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

Winter Outside the Door

Late afternoon in the ravine woods

One of my favorite parts of living in the home we bought ten years ago is being next to a wild and wooly ravine woods. The woods stretches only a block or so north of our place but it hides the other neighborhood during the growing season. It feels like a secret place.

Situated near the top of a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, this unkempt ravine woods winds from the bluff top down and around a couple of neighborhoods and comes out on the Eagle Bluff Park access trail out of La Crescent's Veteran's Park. There is one small trail that connects our neighborhoods used by runners, dog walkers, kids and bikers that stays open year-round through their use.

While not high quality woods (especially after the black walnut was logged out seven years ago), it still harbors a surprising riot of plant and animal life. The dense and tangled understory is home to deer, squirrels, mice, coyotes, wild turkeys, possums, mice, snakes, voles, moles, fireflies and plenty of ticks. The calls of woodpeckers and barred owls accompany the flocks of other birds year-round. 

A few of our woods next-door neighbors in winter

The woods and it's plant life provide endless fascination (and challenge as the woods is always seeking to move into our yard). From our windows, we see plenty of wildlife action - especially through late fall into early spring's see-through season. 

I seldom get into the woods in spring and summer because the forest floor is so overgrown with brambles and invasives and littered with fallen trees and branches. And then the ticks... 

Deer tracks show me the way

But it is my favorite spot to jump into the winter woods and snowshoe following the deer trails up and down and around to lookouts and steep ravine sides. Following those trails lets me set a snowshoe track all over the woods and even down to the park's access trail. The freedom to slap on snowshoes and hop into the woods to see what I can see - deer beds, deer, turkeys, birds, overlooks and steep bluffsides - makes it a great daily routine.

I hope you find a nearby piece of the wild whether woods, wetlands or prairie (or tame like parks and golf courses) to tramp in when winter graces us with her less often snow cover. It's good for the soul - and the eyes!

Stopping by the woods..

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

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

ORA’s Community Trail Farm is Open!

Hot off the presses! ORA announced at 9 am on Wednesday, December 17 that the Community Trail Farm in La Crosse is now open to hikers/bikers. Check out more info on the Trails, vision and fundraising at ORA’s website. 

🎉 The gate is open! The Community Trail Farm is now officially open for public pedestrian and bicycle access! There is no parking available on site but you may park at Pammel Creek Park and run/walk/ride in. While this opening comes earlier than anticipated, we believe it’s important to welcome the community into the space as soon as possible, inviting public enjoyment while we continue building and restoring the Community Trail Farm.

🚶‍♀️🚲 Pedestrian & bike access only

⏰ Open daily | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM

🚗 No public parking on-site yet

👉 Public parking is available at State Road School and Pammel Creek Park

📍 Walk or bike in using the existing bridge

This project is still actively being built  and restored, and you’re getting to explore it in the early stages. Trails, restoration work, and future amenities will continue to take shape over  the coming months and years. Please follow all posted signage as you explore and help us care for a space that’s still being built.

Thank you to our community of donors, volunteers and change makers who made this vision come to life. This is a true community effort and we are so honored to open this space to the public. 

Check out their FB post announcement here.

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

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

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

The Cool

Northern-facing algific talus limestone cliffs

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

Checking out the cold-air flow

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

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

A chilly 55F in 71F weather

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

Ferns covering a vent

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

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

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

What's under that snow?

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

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

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

Image - Emily Stone
Used with permission

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

No wonder there is abundant life in that warmer zone.

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

Resources

The Cool - Algific Talus Slopes

A Global Treasure

 - Erica Place. Iowa Heritage Foundation. 2025

Karst Topography

 - Winneshiek County Conservation Board

Algific Talus Slopes

 - Wisconsin DNR

The Hot - Subnivean

Below the Snow

 - Ellen Horowitz. Montana Outdoors. March-April 2024

The Subnivean Zone: Shelter in the Snow

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

Five Features of the Secret Ecosystem Under the Snow 

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

 Anaamaagon: Under the Snow: Exhibit Guide 

 - Cable Museum of Natural History, 2024

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

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

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

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

Snowshoeing!

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

Snowshoeing!

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

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

Image -
Lloyd Lorenz

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

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

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

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

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

Image courtesy of ORA

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

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

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

See you on (and off!) the trails!

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Image - Lloyd Lorenz

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