Sharing Space with Wildlife on the Water

As the fall waterfowl migration starts, here is an important note I saw last year that pertains to all migration seasons from the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Tell your boater and paddling friends and family. 

Don’t you hate it when you JUST sat down for a snack and suddenly have to get right back up again? Migrating ducks land on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge for a much-needed rest and refuel. Each time they are forced to take flight burns calories they don’t always have to lose. Just one hour of unnecessary flight time means these tired travelers need to eat almost a quarter more calories each day to make up for lost energy.  

We’re asking boaters of all kinds to share space on the water this fall to give wildlife space to survive and thrive! Here are some ways we can best boat around birds! 

Watch for special “voluntary waterfowl avoidance areas” (VWAAs) on the Mississippi River. In the La Crosse District from October 15 through mid-November, boaters are asked to avoid entering the Lake Onalaska VWAA on Navigation Pool 7 near Onalaska, WI. From October 15 through the end of the state waterfowl hunting season, boaters are asked to avoid the Goose Island No Hunting Zone on Navigation Pool 8 near Stoddard, WI and Wisconsin Islands Closed Area on Navigation Pool 8 near Brownsville, MN. Orange-and-white buoys mark the boundaries of the Lake Onalaska VWAA and Wisconsin Islands Closed Area. These locations can be found on the refuge pool maps on our website:https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river.   

If you see birds resting and feeding outside of these areas, please throttle down and move slowly and steadily to avoid startling them. Slower speeds are less noisy and steady movement is less threatening than sudden changes in direction.  

How close is too close? Look for signs that birds are noticing you. If they swim away from you, flutter their wings, bob their heads, or call to one another, these are all signs that we’re making them uncomfortable. Bring binoculars or a long-distance lens to view them from a distance instead of moving physically closer. Thanks for allowing them to get the rest and food they need and for being a part of our conservation community! 

Upper Hixon (WI) Loop Hike - Prairie/Twister/Mr. Hyde/Obi/Twister Trails

Rock formations along Mr. Hyde trail

Continuing  my recent exploration of fun hiking loops in Hixon Forest introduced by friend Kris Lawson, a group of friends and I recently accompanied her on another great circuit at the Upper Hixon Forest trailhead.

The morning sun lights up Mr. Hyde trail

This 2.7 mile shared hiking/biking trail loop started from the map kiosk at the east end of the parking lot next to NOAA La Crosse weather station off La Crosse County FA. The  trailhead leads you to a series of trails on the southeast side of Hixon Forest's bluffs. This is a rockier loop trail with plenty of switchbacks, dramatic bluffside hills, a vista or three and and total elevation gain of 328 feet. I would say this is a moderate hike with sharp declines and more gentle inclines. Along the way there are beautiful rocks and lush deciduous forest with a sprinkling of pines.

Access the city map here

Early morning fog in the river valley
Thompson Prairie on the Prairie Loop trail

We started from the map kiosk heading east on the Prairie Loop (1) past Thompson Prairie. The glory of the summer prairie is definitely past in late September. From this blufftop trail, we were able to snatch some vista views of the early morning fog boiling up from the river valley to the west. We dropped down a short spur (21) to the right onto Twister trail (22) where we made a left hand turn. We followed this trail until we came to the trail junction for Mr. Hyde (43) and turned right.

Eastern vistas from Obi trail

Mr. Hyde is a wonderful rocky trail that winds you around below the bluff top through a lovely woods on a fairly flat trail. As you hike, you pass a fun rock formation or two amidst the forested trail. It also takes you to the easternmost point of the trail complex and some great views towards the northeast.

At the trail junction (42), we emerged right onto Obi, a screaming fun trail that descends sharply around numerous switchbacks as you continue to descend and then re-ascend along the forest's eastern border. The trails were rock-filled and the hillsides still lush with ferns and understory greenery. I can't say whether Obi or Mr. Hyde were my favorite - both were pretty sweet!

Heading down Obi trail

At trail junction (27) we made a right and came back on Twister and followed that to a small spur near the weatherball and popped back up to the map kiosk trailhead where we began.

AllTrails map of the hike

Rough road

In this complex of short trails there are other trails to put together into loops. Now that the weather is cooler, I hope to get back and see what else is in there (surprises in the "Star Wars"-named trails I'm told.)

While these were shared trails, we hiked during the week and only encountered one group of mountain bikers who had continuously ringing bells which we appreciated. It made our meeting pleasant because we knew they were coming on the narrow, twisty trails. Thanks bikers!

THE HIKE
Enjoy more of the lush, forested bluffsides of Hixon Forest in this series of rocky, narrow trails, rolling switchbacks and paths that wind around and up and down along the southeast sides of the forest's bluffs. There are multiple short trails that weave in and out throughout this complex of over 20 miles of trails for shared use and hiking. Some of the loop is challenging as you head up and down the bluffsides, but if one takes their time, these 2.5-2.7 trails that make up the loop will delight you. Stop here to see ORA/City of La Crosse maps of the multiple trail systems available for outdoorspeople.

The Location - N2788 County Road FA - La Crosse, WI 54601
From La Crosse, head up Bliss Road east towards Grandad's Bluff. Keep left at the Alpine Inn at the top and drive about 1/2 mile to Cty FA on your left.  Turn right at the NOAA weather station by the radar "weatherball." There are three trailheads from this parking lot.(and one across the road that leads to the Prairie hikes.)

Fern heaven on the bluffside trails

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

I Spy on the Trails - September 2024

Looking at the Minnesota bluffs above the Mississippi
Reno Spillway

As we approached the fall equinox, the trees and flowers seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief. The vibrant greens of blossom and leaf full summer have slowly grayed and browned out and only a few trees in this drier weather have begun to turn colors. 

This has been a hotter month than usual and drier as well. Those with gardens can see the stress as the growing season slows down. We hit the high 80s mid-month which is unusual. Luckily during our last week, we had welcome 60s which made hiking extra nice. 

While I'll miss the flowers of spring and summer, I look forward to these cooler temperatures, coming fall color and subsequent leaf fall. Once the leaves are down and brush has died back, viewscapes and overlooks open up  more widely to the river, rocks and landforms of the Driftless area. I also relish the cooler weather for longer, higher hikes!.

Levis Trow Mounds rock formations

There will be fewer observations listed this month. I spent a week off the grid paddling in Quetico Provincial Park's wilderness with friends and driving out to the Southwest for some early October hiking. The few weeks I've been home are full of unpacking, re-packing, appointments and meetings. It left me lots less time to hit the trails!

In the meantime, do check out this recent post on great fall color hikes in the Driftless area and enjoy the autumn beauty that is still coming our way!

Plant Life

• Little bluestem 

  

  New England aster
  Wagon Wheel Trail

  
  
• Butterfly weed 
• Common evening primrose 
• Showy goldenrod 
• Stiff goldenrod 
• Zigzag goldenrod
• Mullein 
• American water lily 
• Pickerel weed 
• Purple prairie clover 
• White praise clover
• Spotted bee balm
• Hoary verbena
• Jewelweed
• White snakeroot
• Sweet coneflower
• Joe Pye Weed, past bloom
• Jack in the pulpit seeds
• Oak fern
• Rockcap fern
• Interrupted fern
• Lady fern
• Maidenhair fern

  

  Northern maidenhair fern
  Hixon Forest

• Bracket fern
• Jelly fungi
• Honey mushroom
• Artist’s conk fungi
• Pincushion moss
• Shining clubmoss
• Wintergreen
• American burnweed
• Partridge pea
• Spiderwort
• Highbush cranberry
• New England aster
• Calico aster
• Hairy aster
• Sneezeweed
• 
  

Wildlife (seen, hear, detected)

• American pelican
  
• Great blue heron
• Yellow-throated vireo
• Eagle
• Blue jay
• Monarch butterfly 
• Ruby-throated hummingbird
• Eastern wood pewee
• Sandhill cranes
• American goldfinch
• Brown thrush.q.
• Mourning clock butterfly
• Pearl crescent butterfly
• Monarch butterfly
• Barred owl

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

A month of hikes:

Hikes below in bold color or underlined have links to previous posts with descriptions/location of the trails

Reno Spillway, Reno MN; Eagle Bluff Access Ravine Trail, La Crescent MN; Bike/Pedestrian Bridge Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent, MN; Levis Trow Mounds, Black River WI; Wagon Wheel Trail Sportsmen’s Landing, La Crescent MN; Upper Hixon Forest, La Crosse WI (3); Quetico Provincial Park Wilderness, Ontario Canada

Sunset on a small island in Pickerel Lake
Quetico Provincial Park
Image - Michele Besant

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Upper Hixon (WI) Loop Hike- Twister/Spill Hill/boB/Chicanery/Stinkys Trails

A lovely, windy climb up Chicanery

Whew, that was a mouthful. But the warren of trails in La Crosse's Upper Hixon Forest are worth learning and exploring, especially for incredible bluffside hiking.

The City of La Crosse, in collaboration over the years with Human Powered Trails followed by ORA (Outdoor Recreation Alliance), has a large complex of fairly short trails in Upper and Lower Hixon Forest. There are over 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Some of the trails are shared and some hike only. They provide a year-round series of interesting combinations that take you up, down, and around and around the beautiful Hixon Forest.

I was introduced to this particular combination of trails by my friend Kris Lawson. An avid hiker and WI Master Naturalist volunteer, she has an unerring sense of direction and was a great guide.

This particular loop gives you plenty of switchbacks, rolling hills, lush hillsides full of ferns, fungi and forests, ravines and lovely random rocks along the bluffsides. It's 2.5-2.7 miles depending on your ending and you gain 308 total feet in elevation. The trails can be narrow. Be aware of bike traffic especially on weekends. This is also a great snowshoe trail.

Access this city map here

The hike starts of County FA behind the NOAA weather station whose radar is affectionately referred to as "the weatherball." You can't miss it's great white radar apparatus crowning the Hixon Forest bluff. Once parked, you see a pump track near picnic tables behind the weatherball. Your trail starts just west of that area.

Head down the narrow and slightly eroded path and take a right at the junction onto Prairie Loop (I know, I couldn't bring myself to include this short segment in the title above).  Follow that until you come to a trail intersection (9) for Twister. Turn left on it and follow it a short way to Still Hill (10) and take another left. 

Some of the MANY ferns on boB

Continue along Still Hill until you reach trail junction (11) which heads to the left for just a jog. Then you'll be at boB (12). Take a left and continue around the bluffsides where you'll intersect Chicanery (16) and turn to your right. More switchbacks and the trail heads up towards the top of the bluff . You will emerge at Quarry (15) trail. Take a left there and continue to follow Chicanery. 

Keep your eyes peeled for a small trail to your right that takes you on a bridge over a small ravine. You will rejoin the main trail at (37). The forest here is less dense as you make your way to another series of small trail junctions. At Stinky's (35) keep heading straight and enjoy some easy switchbacks that bring you back to junction (8) up to Prairie Loop (9). Take a right and head back to the weatherball trailhead.

AllTrails map of the hike

I recommend taking a map or app like AllTrails with you to keep you oriented. It's pretty easy to get on other trails since some of the trail markers are missing or not clear. I use my AllTrails to keep me going where I want to go.

I also want to give a shout-out to the trail builders and maintainers - historically from Human Powered Trails and currently from ORA - who do tremendous work on developing and keeping the trails in good shape. Hikers who wish to pitch in on work days are most welcome. Contact ORA to volunteer.

THE HIKE
Enjoy the lush, forested bluffsides of Hixon Forest in this series of rolling switchbacks and trails that wind around the sides of the forest's bluffs. There are multiple short trails that weave in and out throughout this complex of over 20 miles of trails for shared use and hiking. Some of the loop is challenging as you head up and down the bluffsides, but if one takes their time, these 2.5-2.7 trails that make up the loop will delight you. Stop here to see ORA/City of La Crosse maps of the multiple trail systems available for outdoorspeople.

The Location - N2788 County Road FA - La Crosse, WI 54601
From La Crosse, head up Bliss Road east towards Grandad's Bluff. Keep left at the Alpine Inn at the top and drive about 1/2 mile to Cty FA on your left.  Turn right at the NOAA weather station by the radar "weatherball." There are three trailheads from this parking lot.(and one across the road that leads to the Prairie hikes.)

Maidenhair ferns

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Vote for the MN Outdoors on November 5

This year in Minnesota, when we go to the polls in November, voters will once again be deciding whether a portion of our state's lottery proceeds will continue, as it has since 1991, to go towards funding the preservation of outdoor spaces until 2050. 

I hope: 1) you vote on Nov. 5 and 2) you vote YES on the constitutional amendment before you.

In both 1990 and 1998, Minnesotans voted by a huge percentage to use some of the lottery proceeds to preserve wild areas and restore them. The money is placed in the state's Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. According to an article by Tony Kennedy in the September 8, 2024 edition of the Minnesota Star Tribune, over $1 billion since 1991 has been delivered "for the purchase of land, construction of trails, environmental research, fish and wildlife habitat projects, clean water initiatives and more."

This system, administered through the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, recommends millions of dollars in grant money each fiscal year to fund projects that benefit hikes, bikers, hunters, fishers, campers, skiers and all Minnesotans who use the outdoors. The Driftless Hiking Trail group recently received over $400,00 from this fund to help them hire an executive director, buy trail building equipment and fund mapmaking for the trail. That's just one of over 100 projects funded this year!

The measure needs more than 50% of voters approving for this amazing fund to continue. Without that approval, funds to support our outdoor spaces and resource management areas would go back to the legislature and not through the citizen's committee. Let's not leave the outdoors to the whim of politics at the state level. We love our beautiful MN outdoors too much for that.

Here is the ballot language you will see. It's important to note that if you leave the box blank on this constitutional amendment, that is the same as voting no.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?

Yes

No

To read more about this, head to 

Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors webpage

Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund webpage

Fall Color Hikes in the Driftless

Image - friendly stranger

Happy autumn equinox! Despite warm temperatures, autumn colors are just around the corner (we hope!). Here are some of my favorite fall color blufftop hikes in the Driftless region. These favorites usually have fewer views of houses, big box stores and cities and more of bluffs, rivers and natural areas. 

And check out state leaf color forecasts and real-time reports for Minnesota from MN DNR here; Wisconsin from WI DNR here; and Iowa from  IA DNR  here!

Have a great fall!

[Note: Click on the brown titles in bold below to go to a blog post link describing the hikes listed]

Great River Bluffs State Park   43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)

This leaf-peepers dream park has moderate trails to many amazing overlooks. These hikes during the fall color season are spectacular. Easy hikes to North and South Overlooks give sweeping views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs. East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains has glimpses MN bluffs AND Mississippi views. The King's Bluff trails on the north side and Kern lookout off the walk-in campsites also have amazing views and easy trails. Park website. Family friendly.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia

Head up onto the rim trails - Hole in the Rock has expansive views of the west rim and northwestern rim; Steep Rock Trail and Switchback trails are both narrow and very steep but the views of the valley and park from the top of each are well worth the climbs. Park website

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

Head south on Hwy 35 until about 1 mile south of town and turn left on N. Buck Road. Drive up about a mile until you see a Mississippi Valley Conservancy kiosk on the left.

You start almost at the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a spectacular high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs in full fall color. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. MVC website Family friendly.

Stoney Point Trail, Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent, MN

Put on those serious hiking boots to scramble up to this iconic La Crescent Overlook. To reach Stoney, you get to hike a large part of the park's trails - always a good thing but you will be going steadily and sometimes steeply up. The views of nearby MN bluffs and Blue Lake as well as my city make this a special fall view and well worth the hike. Website

Apple Blossom Overlook Park, 33642 Cty Rd 1, La Crescent MN
This Winona Co park has a magnificent view of the Mississippi River, WI bluffs, the city of La Crosse, Lock and Dam 7 and the municipal airport. There are also a few outlooks to explore on this oak savannah and hardwood short 2 mile trail system. Be sure to head north after leaving the park on Apple Blossom Scenic Byway - it takes you along the blufftop for more fall color views all the way to Great River Bluffs State Park. Family friendly.

Mathy Quarry, N3065 Cty Road FA, La Crosse WI

The rim trails here give some clear views to the southeast portion on La Crosse County and the fall colors can be breathtaking from the numerous lookouts around the rim. This is easy hiking with a great autumn reward. Family friendly. MVC website

Perrot Park Brady's Bluff Trail, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI
The climb is worth the reward. Sweeping views up and down the Mississippi River and over to the MN bluffs covered in a riot of color are breathtaking. Park website

Buena Vista Overlook, on Buena Vista Rd off Cty Rd E, Alma, WI

You can drive up to the top to enjoy colorful views of MN bluffs and the Mississippi River and Alma's lock and dam (family friendly) or hike up from the town below and earn the view! Website

Frontenac State Park, 29223 Cty Rd 28 Blvd, Frontenac MN

Unbelievably wide views of Lake Pepin and the WI and MN bluffs are available at a number of lookouts near the rim parking area and trails connecting from there. Park website. Family friendly.

Yellow River State Forest, Harper's Ferry, IA

The Paint Rock unit and Luster Heights (family friendly) unit have great overlooks with spectacular views of the river and WI bluffs around Harpers Ferry area. The hiking is great as well!

Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA

Drive up to the top of this city park and walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs in a riot of color. Walk along the quiet park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. There are also a few challenging trails with significant elevation gains. Rim walk - family friendly.

Magelssen Bluff, Magelssen, off Hwy 30 east and right on Magelssen Bluff Rd in Rushford MN

You can hike from the bottom to the top or simply drive to the top (family friendly) and gawk at the amazing fall leaf colorama of Rushford and points southeast to southwest at three lookouts. One lookout is just above the "Rushford " letters on the bluff's south slope. But do take time to hike some or all of this well-maintained trail system to enjoy the fall woods (access from the bottom, head to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rushford and park opposite the gate near the trailhead). Rim trails/lookouts are family friendly.

Well, you see I could go on! Suffice it to say that any blufftop hike will wow you. Check out this Big River Magazine article for the many, MANY overlooks on the Upper Mississippi River.

Additional hikes nearby in the Driftless that give you colorful fall views along with views of cities include:

Crown Blvd, La Crosse WI

Greens Coulee, Onalaska WI

Shelby Butterfly Trails, 3701 Old Vineyard Rd, La Crosse, WI 

Miller's Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

Easter Rd (Hass), La Crosse WI

Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN

Grandad Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

If you don't see YOUR favorite autumn hike/outlook in the list or the Big River Magazine article, please share it in the comments. I love adding to the list and finding new places for some breath-taking leaf-peeping.

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - October 2024

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 periodically during October as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back!

Be sure to check often during the month with local hiking groups, universities, naturalist-interest groups, nature conservancies, nature centers and their Friends groups, state parks, US Fish and Wildlife centers and others in your area to see what's new to help you understand the natural world around you better.

Note:

For additional late September events, click here to see last month's edition of the "Hiking and Learning series post)

October Events

MN Master Naturalist Big Woods, Big River Training

 - Oct 15 - Nov 19, Tuesdays  10am-3:30pm plus one Saturday

 - Lake City Public Library MN

Join local naturalist and Project Get Outdoors Founder, Sara Holger, to learn about the natural history of the Driftless Area of southeast Minnesota. We'll explore local nature locations in and around Lake City and learn through hands-on activities about the people, plants, animals and ecosystems that call this place home. In addition, this introductory course will equip participants with knowledge and skills to share outdoor experiences with youth and families and encourage environmental stewardship in our local communities. The course cost is $295 and includes course manuals and supplies. If the course cost is a hardship, please fill out the scholarship application. After the scholarship is fully processed, you will receive a code to be entered in the on-line registration process. Please wait until you receive that code to complete registration.

 

Guided Forestry Management Hike

 -Friday, Oct 4.   9-10:30 am

 - Goose Island

Join our partners from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Audubon Upper Mississippi River for a guided hike and learn more about forest management on the refuge. The hike is part of the 100th Anniversary Interpretive Series and will focus on partnerships and management practices. The walk will take at the Shady Maple Interpretive Trail on Goose Island. As one of the longest stretches of continuous floodplain forests in the world, forests and trees are a critical component of the habitat on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. They are also the focus of a unique partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The hike will fittingly take place at Goose Island, as it is a great showcase of this forestry partnership in action. Over the past 20 years, work has been done to control woody invasives and restore native forest in the area. Forestry experts will discuss the land use history of the area, and the impacts of invasives on the native forest. Plus, some fun forestry facts sprinkled in! The walk will take place outdoors and on an unpaved trail traversing approximately 1 mile. Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for the weather. The Shady Maple Interpretive Trail is located as you enter Goose Island, take the first left off County Hwy GI. Please contact the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge at (608) 779-2398 for questions.

Off the Beaten Path Hike

 - Saturday Oct 5    1-4:00pm

 - Whitewater State Park

Join us on a crisp fall hike to points unknown. Whitewater has a few spectacular views that have remained hidden from even the most seasoned visitor. During this hike we will leave the trails behind us, as we venture out into a little used part of the park. No dogs allowed. Distance ? 3.2 Miles, Elev. Gain 350ft Reservations are required Email Jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Saturday Morning Hikes with a Naturalist

 - Saturdays Oct 5, 12, 19, 26         10-11:00am (ish)

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

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. This event is free. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Meet at the Campground Kiosk at 10 a.m. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

Star Party Program

 - Saturday, October 5    6:45-10:00pm

 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge

Join the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society (LCAAS) for a stargazing event at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. LCAAS members will provide a variety of telescopes for public use, offering a chance to observe some of the best solar system and deep sky objects. Arrive early to catch the Moon and Venus in the western twilight just after sunset. Club members will guide you through the night sky, pointing out constellations, stars, and planets like Saturn rising in the southeast. Don’t miss the chance to view the Andromeda Galaxy and Cassiopeia as they brighten the autumn skies. *Event will be at the Observation Deck area. *Stop by anytime during the duration of the event. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge  Facebook Page

Nature Explorers: Trees
 - Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10-11 a.m

 - Frontenac State Park 

Join us for this final free program in our monthly program series for preschool children  to learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area. We'll read stories, make nature crafts and explore outdoors. Children must be accompanied by an adult. As part of the program, state park vehicle permits will be provided when you arrive at the picnic shelter. Additional dates: Sept 10; Oct 8. Sponsors: MN DNR, Project Get Outdoors; Frontenac State Park Association, Lake City and Red Wing Public Libraries

Seed Collecting

 - Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-noon

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

Help us hand-collect native grass and wildflower seeds from a section of restored prairie in Frontenac State Park! The seeds you collect will later be planted in other areas of the prairie to restore the habitat and enhance biodiversity. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training.

Family Nature Walk

 - Saturday October 12       10:00 am
 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Happy Dancing Turtle is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer Family Nature Walks at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy an hour of family-friendly fun exploring nature and learning about the seasonal changes in plants and wildlife. All ages are welcome! *Spaces are limited, and reservations are required. Please register at bit.ly/FamNatureWalks. Meeting location will vary based on conditions and phenology. You will be emailed a meeting location the week of the walk. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge 

Fungi and Decomposers: Wilderness Weekends with Emily

 - Saturday Oct 12    9:30-11:30 am

- Holzinger Trail Systems 925 West Lake Blvd, Winona

Fall is here! This season is such a wonderful time to get outside and explore in Winona as the leaves have started to change and the air is becoming crisp. For the last free Wilderness Weekend of the 2024 season we will take some time to get out on the trails one last time to observe the changes that fall brings, while also looking for fungi that may pop up as the weather changes and discuss how they play a vital role in our ecosystem and the process of decomposition. This family friendly event will be a fun, educational way to start off a fall filled weekend!  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 Collaborativ

Fall Colors Forest Bathing Walk

 - Saturday, Oct 12  10 am - noon

 - Wykoff Balsam Fir SNA

Immerse your senses in the autumn forest during a guided forest bathing walk at Wykoff Balsam Fir SNA near Spring Valley MN. We'll explore nature with our senses in the calming setting of the colorful hardwood forests, towering limestone cliffs and the meandering Spring Valley Creek. Bring water and snacks. Long socks and pants, a hat, and footwear appropriate for outdoor hiking is recommended. Directions: From Spring Valley 5 miles NE on Co Hwy 8, then about 0.8 mile SE on Good Earth Village entrance road. For More Information Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. Sponsors: MN DNR and Driftless Naturalist

Fungi Walk with a Naturalist

 - Saturday October 12   Noon-1pm

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a fungi walk from the campground shower building. We'll hope to see a few beautiful maitake (hen of the woods) and other late risers. It all depends on rain. If there is no rain and thus no fungi, we will still have a lovely walk in the park! Meet at the campground shower building. 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 and Frontenac State Park Association. Canceled due to dry conditions resulting in very few fungi

2024 Prairie Stargazing Walk

 - Saturday October 12    7-9:00 pm

 - Tunnelville Cliffs Center Access, La Farge WI
Join us for an evening outdoors with a guided walk to discover the planets, stars, and galaxies of the fall evening sky on the hilltop trail at the Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve in Vernon County. The easy short walk on a relatively flat trail will include observation of night life on the prairie and in the sky. 
This relaxing and educational twilight walk will be led by Susan Cushing and John Heasley. Susan is a Master Naturalist and experienced Environmental Educator with Kickapoo Valley Reserve. John is the founder of Driftless Stargazing, a popular local online destination for fans of stargazing. He is also the coordinator of the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative which includes the Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve. Tunnelville Cliffs is a 1,118-acre nature preserve with public access on the Kickapoo River near La Farge. The site includes springs, creeks, over 9,000 feet of frontage on the river, forests, cliffs, prairie, sedge meadow, and open grasslands. The property is surrounded by additional protected lands, providing a vast wildlife refuge of 2,278 contiguous acres on the Kickapoo River. The nature preserve is part of a proposed Dark Sky Park of the International Dark Skies Association, and an update on that project and information about the value of dark skies will be shared with participants at this walk. Those who wish to stay beyond 9:00 p.m. are welcome to do so, however camping is not allowed on the property. Also, as a reminder, dogs are not allowed in the nature preserve. WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR: Bring curiosity and willingness to explore the quiet and dark of night, red flashlight (if you don’t have one, red film will be provided for use with your regular flashlight), binoculars (optional and some extras will be available), and insect repellent. DRESS WARM! Feel free to bring a folding chair, recliner, or a blanket to prevent neck strain and enjoy the heavens above. The meet-up is at the corner of Husker Hollow Road and Tunnelville Road, just a couple miles west of La Farge. ANY UPDATES OR CANCELATIONS WILL SENT BY EMAIL THE DAY BEFORE OR OF THE EVENT. Register here. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Do you want to see owls in the wild? Join us for an expert-led owl prowl 
Owl Prowl

 - Saturday, October 19    5:00 -7:30 pm 

 - 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. Registration required. Registration opens Sept 22. Sponsor: International Owl Center