Sunday, May 3, 2026

Nature Sneak Peak - May 2026

Trout lilies

Well, April showers did not disappoint so the end of that month gave us first glimpses of our May - early arrival of dandelions, explosive lawn growth, flowering fruit trees and shrubs - all hallmarks of  the month of May and Mother's Day.

Now that the growing season is upon us, here are a few things to look for in your May hiking and excursions into nature.


Wetlands

Virginia bluebells
Duck Egg County Forest, Viroqua WI
Virginia Bluebells - these lovely blue-and-pink flowered plants love wet feet and are best found in wetlands. Carley (MN) State Park has scads of them as do the lower trails of Duck Egg County Forest near Viroqua WI. 

Trout Lilies - are ready to open and curl back their white or yellow bells. They like damp feet and can be found in profusion near water, floodplains and moist woods

Frogs - The singing continues with wood frogs and leopard frogs joining the peepers and chorus frogs. American toads add their trill for a short time during the month. 

Long-legged Shore Birds - Herons, egrets and sandhill cranes are all back and feasting on fish and amphibians


Thigh-high Jack-in-the-pulpit
South Park, Houston
Image - Mike Bonner

Woods
Jack-in-the-Pulpits
 - are springing up (and in some natural areas, waaaay up) in May. They are fascinating flowers, choosing their gender from year to year. According to the Minnesota Wildflowers website: "Males tend to be smaller than females and have a small hole at the bottom of the spathe (the "hood) which allows pollinators to escape (with their pollen) more easily. Female plants lack the hole and pollinators are more likely to become trapped, better ensuring successful pollination. Sneaky devils."

Trilliums - the short blooming season and carpets of the large-flowered trillium make it a showstopper in the woods. Sharp-eyed hikers can spot the more rare nodding trillium by looking below the leaves to find its white flower with distinctive pinkish purple tips (anthers). Ants are it's pollinators.

Shooting star
Shooting Stars - our Driftless area is rich in these bright purple-pink, limestone-loving ephemerals. Hotspots to find them - blufftops in Wyalusing (WI) State Park, La Crescent's Stoney Point and Perrot (WI) State Park.

Ferns - turning to our showiest greens, ferns are bursting out and gaining height as they unfurl. Look for maidenhair, interrupted, lady, wood, ostrich, cliff, bladder and rock ferns as you walk. My two favorite fern hikes are at Winona's Bluffside Park Wildwood Trail and Rushford's Maglesson's Bluff.  It is fern heaven at a number of places along these trails.


Bishop's cap
Note the 5 tiny fronds
on the tip of each flower

Bishop's Cap  -
aka Two-leaf Miterwort, is a tiny but distinct ephemeral. Each flower on its stalk is shaped like a miter (bishop's cap) with fearthery fronds at the tip. Two distinct opposite leaves halfway up the stalk clinch the identification. One of my personal favorites.

Leaves - and shade are back, baby. May is the time of more fully leafed-out trees that shade our walks and provide energy for each tree's growth year. They are always welcome in the Driftless even if we do have to bid farewll to our sun-loving first ephemerals.



Prairies
Prairie Smoke
- for my money, one of the most beautiful first flowers of the prairies. A breezy day always finds me on prairies like Holland Sand Prairie enjoying their delicate fuzzy pink flower fronds blowing in the wind. They are also known as "old man's whiskers."

A sea of May lupines & puccoons
Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge


Wild Lupine - during certain years, these deeply purple-blue flower stalks create oceans of color on sand prairies. On good bloom years, the best reliable display is found at Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge on their Prairie Edge Loop (driving, hiking, biking) trail. Wowser.



Male field pussytoe

Field Pussytoes - these humble, short, white plants hug the ground. You need a sharp eye to find them. The male and female flowers are distinct. The females appear furrier with five distinct “toes” like their namesakes. The males are less fuzzy with their brownish stamens protruding above their scalier flowers. Keep a sharp eye out to see them above their grayish basal leaves.


Hoary puccoon


Hoary Puccoon - this impossibly bright orange-yellow flower is also impossible to miss on the prairie. Closely related is the Carolina or hairy puccoon - both continue blooming right into the summer.


Birdfoot Violet - this rare species of violet sports a deep purple bloom with neon bright stamen. What sets it apart from the more  common blue violet are its leaves at the base of the plant. They are lobed and remind one of a bird’s foot. Always a delightful find!

Birds
Warbler Migration - continues with many species resting briefly before continuing on to nesting grounds further north. Yellow-rumped, prothonotary, and palm warblers are a few that will remain here to nest and raise their young. Be sure to keep your binoculars handy and your ears sharp. The Merlin app can help you with this!

The Color Guard - rainbow-bright birds like Baltimore orioles, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks and yellowthroats return to begin their nesting season. They bring additional sounds to nature walks.

Orange-crowned warbler, Frontenac (MN) State Park 
Image Steve Dietz


I hope you get out on the trails this month. The weather is bound to warm up, right? 

No matter where you go, be curious. Take some extra time to look and see what you can see along the trail. You’ll be delighted!

Prairie smoke aka Old Man's Whiskers


If you're interested in some great Driftless hiking destinations to find the above May treats, please stop here for my top picks.  See you on the trails! 


Birdfoot violet


\
Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Thursday, April 30, 2026

I Spy on the Trails - April 2026

April wildflowers along the trail
Beaver Creek Valley (MN) State Park
Some weather we’ve been having. Not as much warmth and sun during the first half of the month and succeeding days of horrific storms with high winds, sporadic tornadoes and hail from pea-sized to baseball-sized swirling around the Driftless. A brief cold snap in the second half of the month was followed by welcome warmer temps before a plunge into the 30’s followed by 70s followed by 50s followed by…is your head spinning yet? April showers raised river and creek levels, and jumpstarted leaf, grass and dandelion growth. I went though my full annual panoply of hiking clothes and gear on April hiking adventures!

Meanwhile the woods are waking up throughout the region. There is a colorful palette of early ephemeral risers - bloodroot, ramps, Dutchman's breeches, shooting star, Pasque flower, bishop's cap (twoleaf miterwort), springbeauty, trout lily, hepatica, bellwort as well as hardier plants like pussytoes and rockcress lyreleaf. Every day in woods, wetlands and prairies, there are delights to be found.

My favorite find this month was a small patch of snow trillium, growing a short way up an algific talus slope. These small, very rare, long-lived trillium are most often found on limestone soil in late winter/early spring. Unlike most trillium, they are not found in leaf litter. To actually see this endangered plant blooming is amazing. It was my first-ever sighting and made me feel like my sheroes, the Flower Chasers!

GranstaffCanyon, Moab UT
Image - Kris Lawson



In mid-April, I joined some of my local hiking buddies for a week-long spring hiking trip to Utah. I usually head there in late fall. Going in spring, with so many blooming desert wildflowers, was a revelation - and a real delight for the eyes and senses.



I hope you can get into any nearby woods in the next few weeks to spot/listen for warblers migrating through and the ephemerals poking up into the sun before they are shaded out by leaves. It is truly a glorious time to be hiking!

Plant Observations
Flowering:
  • anemone, false rue
    Bishop's cap
  • anemone, rue
  • anemone, wood
  • bellwort, large-flowered
  • bishop's cap (two-leaf miterwort)
  • bittercress
  • bluebell, Virginia
  • bloodroot
  • buttercup, bristly
  • buttercup, little-leaf
  • buttercup, prairie
  • dutchman's breeches
  • fern brittle bladderwort
  • fern, lady
  • fern, bulblet bladderfern
  • fern, lowland bladder fern
  • fern, ostrich
  • fern, rockcap
    Brittle bladderfern

  • fern, spinulose wood
  • fern, walking
  • hepatica, roundlobe
  • hepatica, sharplobe
  • Jack-in-the-pulpit
  • lyreleaf rockcress
  • moonseed, common
  • orchid, showy
  • Pasque flower
  • phlox, wild blue
  • pussytoes, field 
  • ramps
  • sedge, longbeak
  • sedge, Pennsylvania
  • shooting star
    Birdfoot violet

  • springbeauty
  • toothwort , cutleaf 
  • trillium, white
  • trout lily
  • wakerobin, nodding
  • waterleaf, Virginia
  • violet, birdfoot
  • violet common blue
  • violet, downy yellow
  • wild ginger
Sprouting:
  • anemone, candle
  • avens, white
  • bastard toadflax
  • beardtongue, large
  • beebalm, spotted
  • carrionflower, upright
  • cecily, sweet
  • chervil
  • cohosh, blue
  • columbine
  • fern, northern maidenhair
  • geranium, wild
  • golden alexander
  • goldenrods
  • Jacob's ladder
  • jewelweed
  • leafcup, small flowered
    Rattlesnake plantain

  • mayapple
  • orchis, showy (orchid)
  • plantain, rattlesnake
  • prairie smoke
  • puccoon, hairy
  • rattlesnakeroot, white
  • sedge, white bear
  • snakeroot, black
  • Solomon's seal, false
  • Solomon’s seal, smooth
  • spleenwort, ebony
  • wakerobin, nodding
  • wintercress
  • yarrow
Fungi/Moss/Lichen
  • lichen, great scented liverwort
    Pig's Ear fungi

  • moss, American tree
  • moss, delicate fern
  • moss, haircap
  • moss, silvery thread
  • moss, woodsy-thyme
  • mushroom, Dryad’s saddle
  • mushroom, oyster
  • mushroom, golden oyster
  • mushroom, pig’s ear (gyomitra perlata)
Wildlife observations (seen, heard, detected)
Birds
  • blackbird, red-winged
  • blackbird, rusty
  • bluebird
  • blue jay
  • cardinal, northern
  • chickadee, black-capped
  • cowbird, brown-headed
  • crow, American
  • eagle, bald
  • finch, house
  • flicker, northern
  • gnatcatcher, blue-gray
  • goldfinch
  • grosbeak, rose-breasred
  • hawk, Cooper’s
  • hawk, red-tailed
    Getting a hawks-eye view
    Wyalusing (WI) State Park

  • killdeer
  • kinglet, gold-crowned
  • kinglet, ruby-crowned
  • kingfisher, belted
  • meadowlark, eastern
  • nuthatch, white-breasted
  • owl, barred
  • phoebe, eastern
  • robin, American
  • sparrow, clay-colored
  • sparrow, field
  • sparrow, house
  • sparrow, song
  • sparrow, swamp
  • sparrow, white-throated
  • swallow, northern rough-winged, 
  • swallow, bank
  • swallow, tree
  • titmouse, tufted
  • towhee, eastern
  • turkey, wild
  • warbler, black-and-white
  • warbler, cerulean
  • warbler, golden-winged
  • warbler, palm
  • warbler, yellow
  • warbler, yellow-rumped
  • waterthrush, northern
  • woodpecker, downy
  • woodpecker, hairy
  • woodpecker, pileated
  • woodpecker, red-belllied
  • wren, Carolina
  • wren, northern house
Waterfowl:
  • cormorant, double crested
  • crane, sandhill
  • egret
  • duck, bufflehead
  • duck, mallard
  • duck, northern shoveler
  • goose, Canada
  • grebe, pied-billed
  • heron, blue
  • pelican
  • tern, Caspian
  • wood duck
Mammals
  • Little brown bat
Insects/Arachnids
  • beetle, red-necked false blister
    Juvenal duskywiing butterfly
  • bumblebee, common, queen
  • butterfly, blue azure
  • butterfly, comma
  • butterfly, duskywing, Juvenal
  • butterfly, tiger swallowtail
Utah Hiking Observations
Plants
  • bitterbrush
  • blackbrush
  • bristly fiddleneck
    Claretcup cactus
    Canyonlands Needles district, UT

  • broom snakeweed
  • claret cup cactus
  • desert biscuitroot
  • desert globe mallow
  • desert princesplume
  • evening primrose, birdcage
  • evening primrose, tufted 
  • firecracker penstemon
  • globmallow, gray
  • London rocket
  • mat rock spirea
  • Mormon tea (ephedra)
  • narrowleaf yucca
  • northwestern indian paintbrush
  • redstem stork's bill
  • rose-heath
  • scorpionweed
  • scrub oak
  • shadscale saltbush
  • silky lupine
  • southern maidenhair fern
  • spreading fleabane
  • stemmy four-nerve daisy
  • sweet alyssum
  • tamarisk
  • Utah juniper
  • western tansy mustard
  • western wallflower
  • wooly bluestar

What are YOU seeing on your hikes?

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

Holland Sand Prairie, Holman WI (4); Great River Bluff State Park, Nodine MN; Yellow River State Forest, Harper’s Ferry, IA (2); Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI; Fish Farm Mounds SNA, New Albin, IA, Trollkor’s Trail, Decorah IA; Norwegian Ridge, Spring Grove, MN; Wyalusing State Park, Bridgeport, WI; Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Caledonia MN; Chicago urban hiking, Chicago IL; La Crosse Marsh Trail, La Crosse WI; Duck Egg County Forest, Vernon County WI; 

Utah hikes: Arches National Park, Moab UT; Canyonlands National Park, Moab UT (2); Granstaff Canyon, Moab UT; Goblin Valley State Park, Hanksville UT (2); Fisher Towers, Moab UT

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Trout Run Trail, Decorah IA

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.


Checking out the desert blooms
Fisher Towers, UT

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - May 2026

Prothonotary warbler
Image - Steve Dietz
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.

May

For additional May guided bird hikes, please click here.

 - Friday, May 1                 8:00pm
 - Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 State Hwy 76, Harper's Ferry IA
Join us for a hike on National Space Day! This ranged guided hike departs from the visitor center at 8pm to watch the full moon rising over the bluffs and Mississippi River from Fire Point Overlook. The hike will arrive back down to the visitor center between 9-930 pm. This 2-mile round-trip hike takes place on a wood chipped trail and climbs 350 feet up the bluff. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and bring a light to use on the trail. Stay tuned to the event page for any weather-related details about the event. SPonsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument

 - Saturday, May 2        10:00am-noon 
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
A bioblitz is a community science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. To kick off this year's series, we'll be starting with BEAUTIFUL BIRDS, in honor of National Migratory Bird Day. The Nature Place partners with donors, the Viterbo University Biology Department, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Biology Department, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, and the City of La Crosse Parks, Rec and Forestry on the Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB). DABB uses iNaturalist which is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. It is a social network of naturalists, community scientists, and biologists built on mapping and sharing biodiversity observations across the globe. iNaturalist may be accessed via its website or from its mobile applications. DABB is a free, annual, one-of-a-kind, opportunity for families, students, and all nature lovers to search for and learn about plants and wildlife in the Driftless Area. Sponsor: The Nature Place

 - Saturday, May 2          9 -11:00am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park picnic shelter, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk along the river bluff to the Point No Point Overlook, then continue into mixed prairie and forested habitat. Hope to see migrating birds and birds returning to the park for the breeding season. Bring binoculars. The trail is mowed grass. We'll walk a mile or so, however folks can head back whenever they would like. Meet at the picnic shelter. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park/Frontenac State Park Association.

 - Saturday May 2              9:30-11:30 am
 - Lake Winona, 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona MN
Join us for a walk around Lake Winona to look for signs of spring. We will meet next to the Lake Lodge and then head out on a morning stroll and scavenger hunt! All ages are welcome as this is such a nice way to start your weekend as a family and welcome the season of Spring. 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. Free to Attend! Registration required. Accessible path and parking.  Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, May 2          10:00 - noon
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park Visitor Center, E13660 HWY 33 East, Ontario, WI
Join the staff at Wildcat Mountain for a Wildflower Walk! Meet at the visitor center but be prepared to caravan to the location with the best blooms! Be prepared for a roughly two-mile, rugged hike. This event is weather-dependent. If conditions are rainy, you can contact Brandie Myhre on Saturday morninto check for cancellation. Event Contact: Brandie Myhre, brandie.myhre@wisconsin.gov, 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Saturday, May 2     10-11:00 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join a Park Ranger for exploration of spring ephemeral wildflowers along a segment of Coyote Point and Discovery Loop Trails! We will compare wildflowers in different environments and talk about adaptations of these plants. This hike is 1.5 miles in length with moderately challenging terrain and elevation gain of 300 ft. Recommended for ages 6+. Contact Jonathan with accessibility needs or questions at 507-312-2301 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.us. Meet at Visitor Center. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

 - Saturday, May 2         Noon-2:00 pm
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
We’re excited to host "Nature's Living Room" - an event that reflects the spirit of The Nature Place itself. A welcoming place where everyone is invited to gather, learn and connect on the fact that nature truly is a shared home. We’re partnering with Angie Capwell Photography and Fokus Photo to offer free photo sessions with a suggested donation benefiting The Nature Place. Come dressed to embrace the warmth of the season for this outdoor photoshoot and capture a moment in time surrounded by the beauty of spring, and with those you care about most. While photo sessions are free, we encourage you to sign up in advance to secure a spot on the day of the event. Walk-ups are welcome, but those who register ahead of time will receive priority. Nature’s Living Room will also feature community organizations, small business' and a variety of resources focused on nature-based wellness, parenting support, financial wellbeing, and guidance for those entering or returning to the workforce (so bring your resume!). We'll also have hands-on activities for all ages. Event partners and sponsors to be announced in the coming weeks, so be sure to follow along on our social media and website for updates! ***All donations from "Nature's Living Room" will directly support our ongoing free community programming at The Nature Place. 

 - Saturday, May 2        1-3:00 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Everywhere around us, animals are hidden. How? Why? Drop in the Visitor Center to check out animal pelts, skulls, and activities to learn how camouflage is an amazing animal survival strategy. You will complete part of the MN Parks & Trails Jr. Ranger program, earning points towards your very own Jr. Ranger badge. No registration required. For more information, contact Jonathan Ismail at 507-312-2300 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Turtle Education Programs
 - May 2 and 3 - see flier below for details 
Turtle nesting season is here and the Freinds of Pool 9 committee is posting signs on roadways in the area urging drivers to avoid hitting turtles as they cross roadways seeking nesting locartions. The speaker is an expert on Turtles and will be bringing several live ones. This is a perfect "FREE" opportuntiy to learn about turtles that live in our part of the region around Pool 9.  For questions contact Ric Zarwell @ 563-419-4991. Sponsor: Friends of Pool 9

.

 - Tuesday, May 5                       6:30-8:00 am
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park , La Crosse WI
We will meet at head of main trail at the east side of the Nature Place parking lot. We will walk a loop on the marsh trails and be back at the parking lot around 8:00. All are welcome and it is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society


Image - Grayson Smith, USFWS
Spring Bird Walks on the Refuge
 - Wednesday, May 6      6 - 7:30pm
 - Shady Maple Interpretive Trail at Goose Island County Park, W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard, WI. (As you enter Goose Island County Park, take the first left turn before the flagpoles to find parallel parking for the interpretive trail. If you see Shelter #1, you’ve missed the turn.)
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, join refuge staff and partners on a FREE bird identification walk through the floodplain forest! We’ll walk one mile or less during this informal program. Registration is NOT required. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. We’ll be walking on a mostly flat, unpaved trail. Please bring insect protection and drinking water. Ticks may be present. Please leave pets at home. Questions? Call 608-779-2399.  Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

 - Wednesday, May 6       7:00pm
 - Sobieski Park Lodge, 965 E. 7th St Winona MN
This short documentary by Sustainable Driftless, Inc. captures breath-taking aerial views with raptors soaring over the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge), which is used by about 40% of the nation’s waterfowl as a migratory route. It also shows our bluffs and farm fields with expansive cave systems. And did you know a small town in the Driftless is the sink hole capital of the world? The video will be introduced with an educational component by Tim Yager, a regional expert, who appeared in the first of the three videos on the Driftless, Mysteries of the Driftless. Tim worked as a District Manager in the Driftless Region for the Refuge. He will address, “What Is the Driftless Region?”, and “Why is the Driftless Region so unique and special?” There will also be a Q & A session after the video along with refreshments. We hope you will join us for this educational screening. The Friends are a 501(c)3 volunteer organization based in Winona, MN with members from the surrounding area, both in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Friends host activities throughout the year that bring people onto the Refuge (paddling, fishing, birdwatching), assist refuge staff with biological surveys, and educate and advocate on behalf of the Refuge. Information about how you can become a Friend and get involved in supporting your refuge will be available at the event. For more information, visit friendsoftherefugeheadwaters.org and sustainabledriftless.org. Sponsors: Friends of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge/Sustainable Driftless

 - Thursday, May 7                      6:30-8:00 am
 - Hixon Forest, lower parking lotLa Crosse WI
We will meet at the Hixon Forest parking lot at the end of Milson Court. We will walk a loop on the lower trails that follow the north edge of the golf course. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

 - Saturday, May 9       7-9:00 am
 - Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, Ferryville WI 
In honor of World Migratory Bird Day, Mississippi Valley Conservancy invites the public to a free, guided migratory birding hike. This springtime walk through the blufflands offers a chance to slow down, listen, and observe as migratory birds return to the Driftless Area. In addition to being blown away by the intensity of the birdsong at Sugar Creek Bluff, participants will enjoy learning about the incredible journeys—and conservation needs—of these traveling birds. This year’s hike will be led by an experienced team of birders and naturalists, including Krysten Zummo, Gwyn Calvetti, and Connor Kotte, along with Conservancy staff and volunteers. Guides will share insights on bird identification, habitat, and migration while helping participants spot and hear species along the trail. Bring your cameras and binoculars or just enjoy the experience without the extras. Conservancy staff will have extra binoculars available for your use, as well. We’re also pleased to be joined by our friends from Ferryville Tourism, who will have ideas for exploring the area after the hike. Participants will break into small groups, ensuring an engaging and welcoming experience for birders of all skill levels. Advance registration is required for this free event and must be completed by May 6. There are a limited number of spots for this tour in order for participants to have the best possible experience. Questions? Contact Karen Solverson at karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8. Sponsors: Mississippi Valley Conservancy and Ferryville Tourism

 - Saturday, May 9      7am- 12:30pm
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Reguge Rd, Trempeleau WI
On Saturday, May 9th, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge invites everyone to the Refuge for our Annual Birding Festival to Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)! Each year the Refuge celebrates WMBD to encourage support for migratory bird conservation. The theme for this year’s installment of the annual celebration is “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”. Join us for a few hours or for the whole celebration. This is an event for the whole family! Some of the activities include early bird hikes at 7:00 and 9:00 am and a guided photography hike at 9:00 am. There will also be bird banding demonstrations, a kid’s fun craft station, local organizations will have informational booths, books giveaways, and a native plants garden raffle! And the National Eagle Center will join us with an information booth tooAt the Outdoor Wonder Learning Center, we will have the River Valley Raptor Inc. booth from 9:00 – 11:00 am. They will have live birds on site. Join them for a fun and informative raptor program from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Hiking groups will be limited to twenty participants and ALL guided hikes during WMBD require pre-registration. There will be multiple simultaneous hikes starting at 7:00 am and 9:00 am on the day of the event. Please call (608) 539-2311, ext. 2 or emaildana_schelling@fws.gov to register your spot in the festivities of this year’s WMBD! Kick off this year’s annual birding festival by attending a talk by Craig Thompson, President of the Driftless Birds and retired from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, program about Wisconsin birds. Craig’s 30+ year career focused on migratory bird conservation. Craig is an enthusiastic birder and has a wealth of knowledge, you won't want to miss his presentation! The Friends of Trempealeau Refuge will host Craig for a presentation held the Friday evening before the event, May 8th at Elmaro Vineyard, social 5:30-6:30 pm, with the program starting at 6:30 pm. No registration required. World Migratory Bird Day events take place across our community and across the world to raise awareness for the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. Learn more on our national USFWS World Migratory Bird Day website. For more information regarding the refuge, visit our website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau or call (608)539-2311, ext. 2.
 
 - Saturday, May 9       9:00am - 2:00 pm
Carley State Park, 50366 Wabasha County Rd 4, Plainview, MN
Come celebrate the beauty of our spring bluebells, in abundance at Carley State Park. A variety of activities will be offered throughout the day including a family scavenger hunt, Mother's Day card making for kids, and archery for ages 8 and older. Guided Wildflower walks will start at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.Carley State Park is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Whitewater State Park. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park


Second Saturday Hike with Friends of the Blufflands
 - Saturday, May 9        9:00 am -
 - Eureka Maple Woods (WI) State Natural Area - meet at 6603 Oboe Avenue, Cashton (next door) 
Friends of the Blufflands is launching a series of hikes called Second Saturday Hikes which will be on the second Saturdays of most months through the summer and fall. On May 9th the hike will be at Eureka Maple Woods State Natural Area to witness the amazing array of spring ephemerals. We will meet at 9:00 am at Jon Rigden’s cabin at 6603 Oboe Avenue which is right next to this SNA and proceed from there. More details to follow.  If this needs to be canceled due to rain,it will be posted on the Friends of the Blufflands Facebook page. . Sponsor: Friends of the Blufflands

 - Saturday, May 9          11:00am- 12:30pm
 - Frontenac State Park,  29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a walk to talk about spring wild fungi and their relationship to trees, and see if we can find anything interesting. While May is traditionally a good month to find morels, we guarantee nothing except that you'll learn a few things for searching on your own. Wear closed shoes and socks, long pants and long sleeves, and bring mosquito and tick protection. Meet at the campground shower building kiosk. Questions? Email pamelamarianmiller@gmail.com. 
Sponsors: Frontenac State Park/Frontenac State Park Association.

 - Saturday, May 9                       8:30 pm- 10:30pm
- Wyalusing State Park, Huser Observatory, , 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WIStar Splitters host programs with presentations and telescope viewings. Contact: www.starsplitters.org, starsplitterswsp@gmail.com Sponsors: Star Splitters of Wyalusing

 - Saturday, May 9       6:00-7:00pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join us for a walk and talk of frogs found in Whitewater Valley. We will explore with audio samples and try our observational skills outdoors on the Discovery Trail wetland area. Learn about the mid-season frogs which abound and others found in Minnesota on an easy walk for all ages. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, contact Jonathan Ismail at 507-312-2301 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Tuesday, May 12                 6:30-8:00 am
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park , La Crosse WI
We will meet at head of main trail at the east side of the Nature Place parking lot. We will walk a loop on the marsh trails and be back at the parking lot around 8:00. All are welcome and it is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

 - Thursday, May 14                    6:30-8:00 am
 - Hixon Forest, lower parking lotLa Crosse WI
We will meet at the Hixon Forest parking lot at the end of Milson Court. We will walk a loop on the lower trails that follow the north edge of the golf course. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society



Kids Fishing Day
 - Saturday, May 17         8:45am - Noon
 - Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 Hwy 35, Genoa, WI
Kids ages 5-12 are invited to learn fish and water facts, go fishing in one of the ponds and have a snack after. Poles and bail are provided at this free annual event. For more information, call 608 689-2605 or email erica_rasmussen@fws.gov. Sponsors: Genoa National Fish Hatchery, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Friends of the Upper Mississippi.



 - Saturday, May 16               9:30-11:30am
 - Farmer's Park, RR1 Lewiston MN
We’ll meet at Farmer’s Community Park in Stockton, MN for some wildlife ecology education to start the weekend! Wildlife ecology focuses on the relationship that animals have with their surroundings and how this can impact their survival. Join us for a beginner look at this topic as we observe the landscapes our region has to offer and discuss what animal survival has looked like through changes in the environment over time. This is a family friendly event - we hope to see you there! 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. Free to Attend! Registration Required. Accessible entrance and parking. Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, May 16           10-11:00am
 - Frontneac (MN) State Park,  29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Nature walk with park manager Jake Gaster. Ranger Jake 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. Meet at the shower building in the campground. For more information, contact Amy Jay at 651-299-3000 or by email at amy.jay@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

 - Sunday, May 17.             2:00-4:00pm
Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA-26, Lansing, IA
This is a free guided hike for women. Topic is dependent on what is currently happening in the forest. Format is informal, so that we can learn from each other and enjoy a chance to be out in nature. For this second one of 2026, we will traverse the valley trails to talk about trees and plantsThis is an opportunity to go on a hike in the woods with "the girls" and learn from each other. I may be able to schedule these about once a month in 2026, I'm open to suggestions of time. Location will usually be Iowisota (but might vary over time). Topic will be dependent on what is currently happening in the forest, and what participants are interested in. The format will be informal, so that we can all learn from each other and enjoy a chance to be out together in nature. We'll probably spend up to a couple of hours on a hike, but can vary the time depending on participants interest and schedule. We'll try to keep our group to under 15 people. There is no charge. Linda Haugen (co-owner of Iowisota) will be the leader/host. Register here Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center

Kellogg Weaver Dunes Hike
 - Tuesday May 19                  8:00am
 - Kellogg Weaver Dunes North Unit
We will meet at the Kellogg MN Kwik Trip and caravan to this site on the Lower Sand Prairie, This hike might expose you to poison ivy and will require hiking on sandy hill slopes and uneven ground. This will be a new hike for any repeat hikers, hopefully we will see some blooming New Jersey Tea and violets. This field trip is free and open to the public, but it is limited to 10 people, to register please call, text or email Nancy Falkum at 651-764-5605 or guthrie55981@gmail.com. Sponsor: Bird City Wabasha

 - Thursday, May 21         4-5:00 PM
 - La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St
Join Nora and Delaney from Happy Dancing Turtle and leap into spring by celebrating frogs! Learn about special frog adaptations, types of frogs we have in our region, and try your hand at being a frog. How many insects can you catch in our Frog Frenzy game? Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library/Happy Dancing Turtles

Blufftop Bird Walk
 - Saturday, May 23         9-11:00 am
 - Frontenac State Park picnic shelter,  29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk along the river bluff to the Point No Point Overlook, then continue into mixed prairie and forested habitat. Hope to see migrating birds and birds returning to the park for the breeding season. Bring binoculars. The trail is mowed grass. We'll walk a mile or so, however folks can head back whenever they would like. Meet at the picnic shelter. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park/Frontenac State Park Association.

- Saturday, May 23        10 am-noon
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
During this free program we will go and look for ancient sea life that lived in the area hundreds of millions of years ago. We'll start with a brief introduction at the visitor center, then drive out of the park 9 miles to hunt for fossils. Bring transportation. For moreinformation, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

 - Saturday, May 23        10:00 am - noon
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park Visitor Center, E13660 HWY 33 East, Ontario, WI
Become a nature detective by joining the free nature scavenger hunt at Wildcat Mountain. Search high and low throughout the property to find all the items on the list before time runs out. Meet at the park office. There will be an easy and hard version of the scavenger hunt. This event is weather-dependent. Event Contact: Emily Alf, emily.alf@wisconsin.gov, 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

- Saturday, May 23       8:00-9:00pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join us for a walk and talk of frogs found in Whitewater Valley. We will explore with audio samples and try our observational skills outdoors on the Discovery Trail wetland area. Learn about the mid-season frogs which abound and others found in Minnesota on an easy walk for all ages. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, contact Jonathan Ismail at 507-312-2301 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.usSponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, May 23       3-4:00 pm
 Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Sixteen of Minnesota's seventeen kinds of snakes live in the Blufflands. Learn how we can live, work, and recreate in the Blufflands and still conserve these awesome creatures, each of which has unique adaptations that help them survive! Meet a live fox snake too! For more information, contact Jonathan Ismail at 507-312-2301 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.usSponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Sunday, May 24       11:00am - 1:00pm
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
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. Rain or shine the event will take place. In case of rain, the program will be held in the picnic shelter. For more information, contact Amy Jay at 651-299-3000 or by email at amy.jay@state.mn.us.Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

 - Saturday, May 30         11:00am - 2:00 pm
 - Chatfield Center for the Arts, 405 Main St South, Chatfield MN
Join us for Trail Days — a celebration of community, nature, and the growing vision for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail!  Come explore a recently designated section of the proposed trail with a self-guided or interpretive hike, enjoy outdoor crafts and activities, and enter to win raffle prizes from local and outdoor brands. It’s a fun, easygoing day for hikers, families, and anyone who loves the Driftless Area. Trail Days is also a great chance to learn more about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail project, share your ideas, and connect with the volunteers and partners helping bring this new long-distance trail to life. We'll host our first ever annual meeting in the middle of trail days - at 12:45 PM - for those who are interested in learning more directly from those involved in building this trail!
What to Expect:
Self-guided hikes on recently designated MDHT route
Interpretive hike with Paint & Hike
Raffle prizes from outdoor + local companies
Outdoor crafts + activities for all ages
Opportunities to share feedback and learn about the trail project
The event is free and open to everyone, thanks to the generous support of our sponsor. Let’s celebrate the beauty of the Driftless region and imagine what’s possible together. We’ll see you on the trail! Sponsors: Garage Grown Gear/Abode Outside/Storm Sporting Events/Smooth Toe/MN Driftless Hiking Trail


Do you know of other May 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 IA.


Monday, April 13, 2026

Fish Farm Mounds (IA) Trails

Just south of New Albin IA, you can find a wonderful wild set of forested trails in the Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve. 

Indigenouse burial mounds
at Fish Farm Mounds
The preserve primarily features a group of 30 conical burial mounds from the indigenous Woodland people that you can reach after climbing stone steps next to parking area up to the terrace they were built on. Because they are located on a terrace above the highway, they seem like a hidden treasure - I seldom see people there.

Another hidden hidden treasure are the series of unmarked trails that can be found beside and behind the mounds in the preserve.There are two major trails that I will focus on although there are definitely more. If you want to explore others, it's a great spot to do it!

Both trails begin from the same place, to the immediate north of the mounds terrace. There is a well-worn dirt trail that heads directly west. The terrain takes you over a series of rolling hills and ridges with steep washes and valleys between them. Along the trail you'll see plants, fungi and a wide variety of hardwood trees as the trail climbs and dips. Before long you will come to an intersection. 

Lower valley trail

To do a shorter, easier hike of a little under 2 miles, stay on the main trail you're on at the intersection. Watch on your right hand side for evidence of a badger's den - sandy dirt in piles next to large openings. You will continue to head upwards until you hit a turn to the right in the trail and cross the valley to the other side (about 3/4 mile in). You'll now be heading east and back to your start. The winding path gives you about 350 of elevation gain which makes this loop lots of fun.


About to head way up

The longer trail features additional elevation gain (a total of 570 feet) and some steeper, aerobic trails to reach the blufftop. To get there, at the initial intersection, take a left and follow the trail downward for a bit before heading back up. You will hit the steepest portion of the trail fairly quickly, climbing 330 feet in just over a half mile. On this portion, it's nice to stop and examine moss, fungi, ferns and flowers as well as practice your tree identification skills while you catch your breath along the way.


Stone cairn

Once you reach the bluff top, the terrain is easier but the trail is not. Fewer people use it, so it is faint and leaf covered. You can discern it if you are careful. Head straight-ish until you come to another larger spur trail to your left. You can leave that for later. Keep  following the trail that curves towards the right. You are now on the way to the overlook. A stone cairn marks the spot of the main overlook. 



A view from the overlook
You'll get a great view of the Mississippi River looking south towards Lansing as well as glimpses through the trees of Kains Slough to the east. There is a small wild prairie up there as well. As you head back, take the spur, now on your right to explore some wide trails and stands of woods as well as views of the backside of that bluff. From there you can retrace your steps to the original trail and head back for a 3.1-3.3 mile hike depending on how much you explore the blufftop.

Both hikes are fun and leave you with a real sense of quiet and space in the woods. If the spring and summer are a wet ones, expect mosquito hordes so keep that in mind when planning this adventure.

If you are interested in more information on the burial mounds group, Big River Magazine published a detailed history a few years ago.


Shorter family-friendly hike
All Trails map
THE HIKE

Explore the conical burial mounds of indigenous Woodlands people and then head out on the unmarked trails to the north of the mounds terrace. A short, well-worn 2 mile loop trail heads straight west through forested rolling hills, small valleys and ridges. It is perfect for families and those who want a shorter hike. A second higher hike out-and-back higher to the top of the bluff starts by taking a left at the first trail intersection. This 3.1-3.4 mile hike has great views, a stone cairn, small prairie and wide vistas at the overlook. The trail to the overlook is very faint so caution is urged. There is a wider trail to the northwest of the overlook that joins other short trails for further explanation.

The Location
2692 IA-26, New Albin, IA. 
GPS: 43.456804002316034, -91.27848313569983
Located 6 miles south of New Albin Iowa on the west side of the highway.




3.1 mile hike to the overlook
All trails map



Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

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