- running until the end of 2026 (ongoing)
- various refuge locations
2026 is America’s 250th anniversary! In honor of this milestone, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge are inviting visitors to participate in the Refuge Relay Challenge. This special event encourages everyone to explore locations where you can enjoy unique recreation and wildlife watching opportunities! Fish and wildlife are resources that belong to all Americans. Working with partners, we strive to ensure that the rich diversity of species found within our national wildlife refuges are sustained for generations to come. Learn more about YOUR national wildlife refuges by independently exploring at least three of fifteen locations listed below where you can find access to bank fishing opportunities, access to a land or water trails, or watch wildlife through the seasons. Take a selfie or identifying photo at that location to prove that you visited. Bring your three photos to one of the
locations in this pdf to show them off and earn a FREE special patch!
Sponsors: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge/Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
- Wednesday, September 2 7:00pm-8:15 pm
- The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
Whether you’re an avid naturalist or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, there are many ways to connect with the natural world. Join Shannon Columb, blind environmental educator and outdoor enthusiast, as she shares trail tales exploring how adapting to vision loss has shaped the way she experiences nature. Through different senses, adaptive tools, and new perspectives, discover how experiencing the outdoors in new ways can deepen curiosity, inspire connection, and help us better understand and protect the places we love. Enviro-Wednesdays is an adult (ages 14+) nature series on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 PM at The Nature Place (unless otherwise noted). Free, no registration necessary. Join us to enhance your nature knowledge. Different topics and speakers every month!
Sponsors:The Nature Place and Friends of the Marsh.
- Thursday, Sept 3 10:00am (repeats weekly on Thursdays-Mondays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Join us for a free ranger-guided hike to Fire Point overlook starting at 10:00 a.m. This hike is a 2-mile roundtrip that will take about 2 hours total. There is a 350ft elevation gain going up 5 switchbacks on the woodchipped trail. There will be frequent stops on this hike as the ranger will be providing information about the resources of the park. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Bringing bug spray is recommended. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Thursday, September 3 9:00am - noon
- Friday, September 4 9:00am - noon
- Saturday, September 5 9:00am - noon
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, 28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau, WI
Have you heard about the amazing and perilous journey of the Monarch butterfly? Hundreds of Monarch butterflies travel through Wisconsin each year on their way to spend the cold months of winter in Mexico. Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is a great stopping point for these small creatures. Come out and help tag Monarchs. Your assistance in the tagging process will help track the migration down to Mexico. Stop in at the refuge contact station during the designated days and times to get your equipment and instructions from a Refuge Ranger, then head out to the designated field to catch Monarchs. Participants must bring back Monarchs to the Contact Station to be tagged by a Refuge Ranger. *Nets, butterfly ID guides and butterfly cages will be provided. *Groups of more than 6 people must call ahead to be accommodated. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
- Friday, Sept 4 1:00pm (repeats weekly on Fridays-Sundays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Join us for a free ranger-guided hike along the Yellow River Boardwalk trail. This hike is a 1-mile roundtrip that will take about 1 hour total. This is a wheelchair accessible trail along a recycled-plastic boardwalk to the Yellow River bridge. There will be frequent stops on this hike as the ranger will be providing information about the resources of the park. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear. Bringing bug spray is recommended.
Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Friday, Sept 4 2:30pm (repeats weekly on Fridays-Sundays until October 31)
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA
Free “Pop-Up” programs are ranger-led activities or talks. These programs can be focused on a variety of topics and are ranger’s choice. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument
Sand Point Bird Walk
- Saturday, September 5 9:00-11:00am- Frontenac (MN) State Park, Meet at the Sand Point parking lot off of US 61, Frontenac, MN
Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Hope to see fall migrating warblers as well as resident birds of the forest, waterfowl, terns, gulls, and shorebirds. Bring binoculars. The trail is well maintained and flat. The full loop is approximately 2 miles long. When birding, this can take 2-4 hours depending upon how many birds we're seeing, but you can leave whenever you would like. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com.
Sponsors: Frontenac State Park, Frontenac State Park Association
- Saturday, September 5 9:30-11:30am
- The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
Join us for a free family event at The Nature Place on the first Saturday of each month. Each event provides a unique seasonal opportunity to learn about the critters and nature patterns found within our region's ecosystem. If you have a question about the event, please reach out to our Community Programs Manager, Steph Hanna at Steph.Hanna@natureplacelacrosse.org **Weather notices or immediate updates regarding one of these events will be shared on our FB stories the day of the event. Sponsor: The Nature Place
- Saturday, September 5 10:00am-noon
- Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario, WI
Become a nature detective by joining the 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: Wisconsin DNR - Saturday, September 5 2:00 - 3:00pm
- Whitewater State Park South Picnic Grounds, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come learn all about nature's architects. We will learn about the adaptations that allow these amazing mammals to thrive in the Whitewater Valley. During the program we will also take a short walk and look at the construction project currently underway. More Information - Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at
Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.
Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
Beavers in the Valley
- Saturday, September 5 7:00 - 8:00pm - Whitewater State Park Visitor's Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Swing by the Naturalist table at the Visitor Center to learn a little about Minnesota's Bats. What kinds of bats do we have? Where do they live? How do they benefit us? What challenges to they face? How do I build a successful bat box? Drop in and talk to park naturalist Jeremy to find the answers to all your bat related questions. More Information - Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at
Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us.
Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, September 5 7:30- 9:30pm
- Wyalusing (WI) State Park, Huser Observatory, , 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WI
- Saturday, September 6 10:00am-noon
- Whitewater State Park Visitor's Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
During this 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. More Information: Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at
Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Sunday, September 6 11:00am - 1:00 pm
- 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. The event will take place right next to the Ranger Station.
Sponsor: Frontenac State Park
- Saturday, September 6 4:00 - 6:00pm
- Whitewater State Park Visitor's Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Drop into the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center to get up close with a live peregrine falcon! Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society will be on hand to answer questions and share about the remarkable recovery of these impressive birds of prey.
More Information: Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
Swift Night Out
- Wednesday, September 9. 6:30-8:00 pm
- Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse St, La Crosse WI
It’s La Crosse’s first Swift Night out! Join American Conservancy/Upper Mississippi Great Lakes Joint Venture volunteers to watch chimney swifts swirl and gather before roosting in the ballroom’s chimney. Chimney sweeps are birds that live almost exclusively on the wing. After a day in the air, they roost or nest in brick chimneys. Before colonization, are believed to have used caves and large hollow trees for roosting. Join us around dusk to watch them roost in the Concordia chimney. Bring your own snacks and drinks (no alcohol). Bring a lawn chair, blanket or binoculars. Restrooms available. Questions, contact Jayme Strange jstrange@abcbirds.org. Sponsor: Friends of the Refuge- Mississippi Pools 7&8
- Thursday, September 10 10:00am
Additional sessions: September 17 and 24th
- Holzinger Lodge, 925 Lake St, Winona MN
This nature-based early literacy program series for ages 3-6 and a caregiver is focused on using natural spaces to practice building blocks of early literacy: talk, write, read, and play! We’ll be outdoors for the whole program, so dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes are important, as we’ll spend part of the time on Holzinger Trail. Adults are required to be with children at all times. No pre-registration required.
Sponsor: Winona Public Library- September 10: Using our five senses outdoors
- September 17: Happy Dancing Turtle
- September 24: Fairy houses & fairy walk
Second Saturday Hike - Ferns!
- Saturday, September 12. 8:00 am
- Hixon Forest Oak Trail trailhead (first parking lot to the left on Bliss Road), La Crosse WI - see map below
Led by Max Sorenson and Jon Rigden, this shady, north facing trail also has a handful of the common ferns found in Hixon Forest. And although neither of us claim to be experts about ferns, we will discuss their basics including how they were one of the first to have a vascular system, how they were once the giants of the forest, but were eventually relegated to the understory by the gymnosperms and angiosperms… and how the ferns cleverly "borrowed" a gene from one of the bryophytes to be able to make the switch and live in the dim light beneath the dominant trees. We will have a few samples before the hike to point out the parts of ferns, including looking at the highly distinctive sori with a dissecting microscope. Then we will set off down the trail for a "fern feast"! We hope that this introductory hike will spur the interest of some to more fully investigate the world of ferns, one of the four major groups of plants within the plant kingdom alongside bryophytes, gymnosperms, and angiosperms...and who knows, maybe a youngster in the group will end up a pteridologist! And although the focus will be on the ferns, other plants we see along the way will be fair game to discuss as well. Last, we will plan to pick up trash along the road and parking area afterwards for those so inclined. If you plan to stay for this, bring gloves. If this needs to be canceled due to rain, an email will be sent out and it will be posted on the Friends of the Blufflands Facebook page. Bring a 10x magnifying lens if you have one, but we will have a few for the group to use.
Sponsor: Friends of the Blufflands
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| Map to the Friends of the Blufflands hiking trailhead |
Driftless Discovery Hike - Saturday, Septermber 12 8:00am-11:00am
- Lost Creek Hiking Trail, Chatfield MN
Join the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail this fall for Driftless Discovery, a hike series. Each month, MDHT will be offering a guided environmental education hike at a location across the trail corridor, followed by a social for hikers to get to know one another, celebrate the progress on the trail, and share in the excitement about this project. We're hosting our first hike on September 12 from 8 - 11 am on the Lost Creek Hiking Trail. Trail Director Alexa Shapiro will lead folks through a guided forest meditation practice. The walk will include a guided meditation followed by a series of prompts that invite hikers to connect with nature through their sensory experience. Hikers will walk approximately 3 - 4 miles on moderately graded trail at a slow pace. Spots are limited and registration is required. To register or for more information for the hike, send us an email to director@mndriftlesshikingtrail.org requesting a spot. You may register yourself and others - if you are signing up others, please be sure to include their names in your email. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Aefintyr! Thank you for supporting our fall hike series - we couldn't do this without you! We hope to catch you at our first Driftless Discovery hike! Sponsor: Driftless Hiking Trail
- Saturday, September 12 10:00am - noon
- The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
Join us for the 2026 Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB)! At these FREE events, experts from our community will be leading field expeditions to teach about specific topics in nature. Each event starts with a brief education about their topic, and then we will go out into the field to identify what we’ve learned about.Barrett Klein, UW – La Crosse professor and entomologist extraordinaire, will talk about insects, and then you can look for some yourself. All ages and skill levels are welcome to learn, observe, and explore with us! We use iNaturalist to identify and upload images to a community science database. Add your observations to iNaturalist and or to your own personal passport that we provide. Get a sticker and a button and help us add more community scientists to Driftless Area BioBlitz.
Sponsor: The Nature Place
- Saturday, September 12 10:00 am - Noon
- Jackson County near Black River Falls*
There’s something magical about slipping on a pair of old shoes or rubber boots, wading into a cool stream, and discovering what lies beneath the water’s surface. Join naturalist Dan Jackson on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to noonin Jackson County for a hands-on mussel survey that combines the joy of exploring a creek with the excitement of real scientific discovery. As you search for freshwater mussels, you’ll experience the simple wonder of turning over rocks and peering into clear water—just like childhood adventures—but with the opportunity to contribute to something much bigger. Freshwater mussels are quiet champions of healthy streams, filtering water, improving clarity, and supporting countless other species. Yet many of Wisconsin’s mussel populations have declined dramatically, and smaller streams remain largely unexplored. By helping survey a waterway, you'll learn the basics of a casual stream survey and potentially provide valuable information that can guide future conservation efforts. A lifelong outdoorsman and conservation advocate, Dan Jackson will inspire the inner child in you as you wade in the water in search of mussels. His enthusiasm for the natural world is contagious, making this a fun and fascinating experience whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about what lives beneath the current. Come ready to get your feet wet, embrace your inner explorer, and discover how citizen science can make a lasting difference. *This event will be held on at a location on the Black River near the airport in Black River Falls in Jackson County, and detailed directions will be sent after registration.
Please register for this free event by September 9, 2026. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy
- Saturday, September 12 Noon - 3:00pm
- Meet at the Carley State Park Flagpole, 50366 Wabasha County Rd 4, Plainview MN*
Join us for a journey down that old country road. We'll be taking a relaxing autumn hike while looking for hints of the past. This 2.6 mile hike will take us into the Whitewater WMA, a large swath of public land just down the road from the park. This often-unexplored area provides opportunities for years of new discoveries and adventures. Distance 2.6 Miles.
Reservations are required. Email jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. *There is road construction north of Whitewater State Park, so the meetup is at Carley
. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, Sept 12 6:30 -9:00pm
-Register by September 9
- FSPA Land - St. Joseph Ridge, W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI
As summer begins to give way to fall, Mississippi Valley Conservancy invites the community to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience an unforgettable evening. Held in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society, this free event combines gardens, scenic hiking, breathtaking views and telescope-guided stargazing into one memorable experience. The evening will begin with a discussion about FSPA's demo garden, where participants will learn about the transition toward a no-till, organic, regenerative gardening model and the many ways they care for the land. Following the no-till garden discussion, guests will enjoy a guided hike through peaceful woodlands to a scenic blufftop overlooking the Driftless Area. As night falls, members of the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will share their knowledge of the night sky and provide telescopes for viewing stars, constellations and other celestial objects visible on a late summer evening. Light refreshments will be available as guests relax and enjoy the peaceful transition from daylight to darkness.
𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭. 𝟗: Advance registration is required for this free event.
Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy/ Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration/ La Crosse Area Astronomical Society
- Tuesday, September 15 4:00-6:00 pm
- Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA -26, Lansing IA
This 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. If you have questions, feel free to email Linda at
Iowisota@gmail.com, or call (563)538-6510. Why a "womens" hike?? Linda was been involved in the Minnesota Womens Woodland Network
(mnwwn.org) for many years, and learned the power and joy of women sharing knowledge of the outdoors with each other. We can capture a similar experience here. Don't worry men, there are other opportunities when we'll welcome you.
Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center,
- Wednesday, September 16 11:00 - 11:45am
- Holmen Library, 121 W.Legion St, Holmen WI
Enjoy nature walks, stories, and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for all ages. Explore the local trails as fall sets in. We'll get to know the Halfway Creek Trail. 45 minutes | Weather permitting. No registration necessary. More info: 608 526-4198.
Sponsor: La Crosse County Library
- Wednesday, September 16 11:30-12:30pm
- Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St, Decorah, IA
This program, for adults over 60 features lunch, and a monthly presentation. This month's program focuses on the benefits of getting out in nature. Marge Loch-Wouters, writer and MN Master Naturalist will share her expertise on the natural world in the Driftless area. Being in nature can help relieve stress, increase joy and inspire wonder at all we see. Taking things slowly and closely observing is one of the best ways to enjoy time outdoors. There are many ways to experience this whether it’s on trails, looking for views, or finding natural areas nearby. We will chat about favorite spots to try that are accessible and full of natural wonders, no matter your age or physical condition. To help with meal planning, please register by the end of the day on Sunday, September 13 at decorahlibrary.org, by stopping in at the library, or by calling 563.382.3717. For more information, please contact Zach Row-Heyveld at Decorah Public Library –
zrow-heyveld@decorahlibrary.org.
- Thursday, September 17 10:00am
Additional session: September 24th
- Holzinger Lodge, 925 Lake St, Winona MN
This nature-based early literacy program series for ages 3-6 and a caregiver is focused on using natural spaces to practice building blocks of early literacy: talk, write, read, and play! We’ll be outdoors for the whole program, so dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes are important, as we’ll spend part of the time on Holzinger Trail. Adults are required to be with children at all times. No pre-registration required.
Sponsor: Winona Public Library- September 17: Happy Dancing Turtle
- September 24: Fairy houses & fairy walk
- Friday, September 18 11:00 - 11:45am
- Great River Landing, 101 Irvin St, Onalaska WI
Enjoy nature walks, stories, and activities designed to foster eco-literacy and fun for all ages. Explore the local trails as fall sets in. We'll explore the Great River State Trail. 45 minutes | Weather permitting. No registration necessary. More info: 608 526-4198.
Sponsor: La Crosse County Library
- Saturday, September 19 11:00 am - 12:30pm
Frontenac (MN) State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a walk to talk about fungi that grow in the park in the fall and their relationship to trees. Fall edible mushrooms include maitake (hen of the woods). We'll hope to find some! Wear closed shoes and socks, long pants and long sleeves, and bring tick and mosquito protection. Questions? Email pamelamarianmiller@gmail.com. Meet at the campground shower building kiosk. 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.
Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association
- Wednesday, September 16 2:15 - 3:45 pm
- McIntosh Memorial Library lobby, 205 S. Rock Ave, Viroqua WI
Darkness is 1/2 of our life. Artificial light impacts tree growth, bird migration and possibly insect population. Learn simple ways to protect and enjoy our dark skies. With Susan Cushing, Astroeducator with Dark Sky Initiative. No registration required
Sponsors: McIntosh memorial Library/Vernon County Over 50.
- Saturday, September 19 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Perrot State Park, 26247 Sullivan Road, Trempealeau, WI 54661
The La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will guide you on a tour of the night sky. Star charts and calendars will be given out along with guidance on how to use them. If the sky is clear, telescopes will be available for viewing. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Event Contact: Steve Banicki,
Steven.Banicki@wisconsin.gov, 608-534-6409 This event will be held rain or shine. S
ponsors: Friends of Perrot State Park
Sunday, September 20 - Registration opens for Saturday October 24 Owl Prowl
October 24 Owl Prowl (5:00-8:00pm)
- International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St., Houston, MNWe start with a 30-45 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. For more detailed information, click here. Sponsor: International Owl Center
- Thursday, September 24 10:00am
- Holzinger Lodge, 925 Lake St, Winona MN
This nature-based early literacy program series for ages 3-6 and a caregiver is focused on using natural spaces to practice building blocks of early literacy: talk, write, read, and play! September 24 program: : Fairy houses & fairy walk
We’ll be outdoors for the whole program, so dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes are important, as we’ll spend part of the time on Holzinger Trail. Adults are required to be with children at all times. No pre-registration required. Sponsor: Winona Public Library
- Saturday, September 26 3:00-8:00pm
- Wyalusing State Park Peterson Center, 13081 State Park Ln, Bagley WI
The Fall Harvest Festival starts at 3:00 p.m. with carving pumpkins at the Peterson Shelter. Followed by a short pumpkin candlelight hike and concludes with live music at the shelter. This event will be held rain or shine. Event Contact: Bruce Klang,
bklang688@gmail.com Sponsor: Friends of Wyalusing
- Saturday, September 26 7:00 pm-9:00pm
-Chickadee Trailhead, West Wincrest Dr, Winona MN
Join us for an evening guided hike as we anticipate the appearance of a full moon! All skill levels and ages are welcome to come along on this night of fun where we will explore the Chickadee Circuit Trail. What better way to welcome the season of fall than a a full moon hike? Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a headlamp or small flashlight. Registration and signed waiver are required. See you on the trail!
Free to attend, registration required . Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
Do you know of other September 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.
