Thursday, March 26, 2026

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - April 2026

Image - Kris Lawson

For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike. 

This post will be updated throughout the month as new events are announced - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.

Late March Events

 - Thursday, March 26         4-5:00 PM
 - La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St
Join Nora and Delaney from Happy Dancing Turtle to discover where our insects go in the cold winter months. Take a closer look at the life cycle of an insect, and dissect a gall to find out what is inside! Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library/Happy Dancing Turtles

 - Saturday, March 28      10-11:30 am
 - Saturday, March 28      1--2:30 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

April Events

 - Wednesday, April 1               7:00-8:15pm
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
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.

 - Saturday, April 4          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

 - Wednesday, April 8              10:00 am - noon
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join us on Wednesday for our monthly A.L.P.'s (Advanced Learning Program - formerly called HOP) facilitated by the Friends of Whitewater State Park! In April, we welcome Christine Johnson, Manager of the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. She will help us understand how climate and the land’s history are shaping the decision-making of today. She will discuss how these influences are impacting the preservation of the historic Marnach House, habitat management, and even the Master Plan for the site. Sponsors: Friends of Whitewater State Park/Whitewater State Park.

 - Wednesday, April 8        4:30-5:30 pm
 - Onalaska Public Library, 741 Oak Ave S, Onalaska, WI
Join us for messy, handmade fun at the Onalaska library. We'll celebrate care of the Earth and each other with nature and recycled art projects inspired by the children's novel Wildoak by C.C. Harrington.
The event will feature a special recorded video message for La Crosse County youth from author C.C. Harrington! Best for ages 7 and up. Registration required. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library

 - Saturday April 11       10:00am - 3:00 pm
 - Perrot State Park, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI
Horse-drawn wagon rides. Enjoy music with Under Paris Skies from 11-3. Learn nature skills and crafts with Happy Dancing Turtles. Make a bird or wren house to take home. Plant native seeds in a pot to start your own butterfly garden. Join a walk with the naturalistLight snacks or bring your own lunch. Thanks to Invenergy for the wagon rides, to Black Oak Land Management for the music, and Happy Dancing Turtle for fun and informative education. As always, thanks to staff at for making this happen. Sponsors: Friends of Perrot State Park/Perrot State Park

 - Saturday April 11               1:00 pm
 - Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center, 1944 Columbus Road, Lansing, IA
The Upper Iowa Audobon Society will present on the impact that artificial lights at night can have during seasonal bird migrations. Local efforts to monitor and control light pollution, as well as what we can do to help combat the issue will be presented. Sponsors: Allamakee County Conservation Board/Upper Iowa Audobon Society

 - Tuesday, April 14       4:30-5:30 pm
 - Hazel Brown Leicht Memorial Library, 702 Industrial Dr, West Salem, WI
Join us for messy, handmade fun at the  library. We'll celebrate care of the Earth and each other with nature and recycled art projects inspired by the children's novel Wildoak by C.C. Harrington.
The event will feature a special recorded video message for La Crosse County youth from author C.C. Harrington! Best for ages 7 and up. Registration required. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library

 - Wednesday, April 15       4:30-5:30 pm
 - John Bosshard Memorial Library, 1706 Henry Johns Blvd, Bangor WI
Join us for messy, handmade fun at the library. We'll celebrate care of the Earth and each other with nature and recycled art projects inspired by the children's novel Wildoak by C.C. Harrington.
The event will feature a special recorded video message for La Crosse County youth from author C.C. Harrington! Best for ages 7 and up. Registration required. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library

 - Wednesday, April 15       4:30-5:30 pm
 - FJ Robers Library, 2548 Lakeshore Dr, La Crosse WI
Join us for messy, handmade fun at the library. We'll celebrate care of the Earth and each other with nature and recycled art projects inspired by the children's novel Wildoak by C.C. Harrington.
The event will feature a special recorded video message for La Crosse County youth from author C.C. Harrington! Best for ages 7 and up. Registration required. Sponsor: La Crosse County Library

 - Monday, April 16          6-7:00 pm
 - online virtual presentation
Explore America's national parks from the comfort of home. Every park has a story. During this virtual series, we’ll connect with people from across the country to talk about special places and complex stories at National Park Service sites. Each hour-long program includes a presentation and time for questions and answers. This week, Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry IA is featured. In the Upper Mississippi River Valley, there were thousands of sacred earthen mounds built by American Indians. During this talk, a ranger from Effigy Mounds National Monument will discuss the cultural landscape within the Monument, which includes over 200 mounds in geometric shapes, as well as bears and birds. This talk will also discuss the continued use of the landscape, including the underexplored industrial history of the site. From a sawmill run by Jefferson Davis, to the web of logging roads and quarries constructed by laborers, the lands that now comprise the park contain thousands of years of human history. Stop here to register for the whole free series and get the link for the Effigy Munds presentation as well! Sponsors: Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor/Effigy Mounds National Monument

 - Saturday, April 18            9 - 11:00 am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the Sand Point parking lot off Hwy 61
Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Hope to see winter resident birds of the forest as well as early spring migrating waterfowl. Bring binoculars. The trail is well maintained and flat. It can be muddy following rain. 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 and Frontenac State Park Association.

- Saturday, April 18           10:00am -noon
- Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor 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. Please bring your own transportation. For more information, please contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. If you need an accommodation, please call or email the event contact listed above by two weeks prior to the event. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park.

 - Saturday, April 18       1-4:00pm
 - Yellow River State Forest Forestry Office , 729 State Rd, Harper's Ferry IA
It’s been said if you had to divide Iowa into two parts there would be Northeast Iowa, and then the rest of the state. The Paleozoic Plateau is what makes our area different… but what exactly does that mean Come learn about the bedrock that makes us unique!  Local geologist Phil Burgess will share is knowledge of the Paleozoic Plateau and answer questions about the geological history of this region.
After the presentation kids and grown-ups alike are welcome to bring any local rock or fossil you have Phil will tell you its fascinating history - which will likely go back more than a million years!
The conversation will be engaging and questions are highly encouraged. Sponsor: Friends of Yellow River State Forest

 - Thursday, April 23         4-5:00 PM
 - La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St
Join Nora and Delaney from Happy Dancing Turtle and explore the wonders of water and how we can help keep it clean. Become a water droplet and take a journey through the water cycle! Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library/Happy Dancing Turtles

 - Saturday, April 25
Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours. The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature. Research shows many health and wellness benefits to spending time in nature. According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Getting outdoors makes exercise more fun and can boost mood and immunity. The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation. Additional dates for free park days in 2026: Saturday, June 13; and Friday, November 27, 2025. Sponsor: MN DNR

 - Saturday, April 25     9:00am- Noon
- Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario, WI
Bring along friends and family to join park staff and the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park for this fun annual stewardship event and celebration of Earth Month. Activities may include tree planting, campground and trail clean up, invasive species removal, picnic table maintenance and litter clean-up. Bring sturdy footwear and some work gloves. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park. After volunteering, we encourage you to stay and recreate in the park for the afternoon! This event is weather-dependent. For more info, contact Emily Alf, emily.alf@wisconsin.gov, 608-337-4775. Sponsors: Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park and Wildcat Mountatin State Park

Signs of Spring Hike
- Saturday, April 25                  10:00am - noon
- Whitewater (MN) State Park, trout Run Trailhead parking lot past the South Picnic Grounds, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Explore the signs of spring and how nature is interconnected at Whitewater State Park on a guided hike. Participants will use their observations and easy-to-use science tools to compare plants, waters, and signs of animals across different habitats, amidst the backdrop of beautiful spring ephemeral wildflowers. This program for ages 8+ features an easy to moderate 1.5 mile hike. No registration necessary.  For more information, contact Jonathan Ismail at 507-312-2300 or by email at jonathan.ismail@state.mn.us. If you need an accommodation, please call or email the event contact listed above by two weeks prior to the event. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park.


 - Sunday, April 26    11:00am-4:00pm
 - Myrick Park and the Nature Place, La Crosse WI
A FREE family-friendly event celebrating Earth Week  Kids activities, Farmers market, Live music, Local artisans, Food vendors, Eco Education, and SO MUCH MORE. Also featuring the Nature Place Critter Mobiles, Sustainability Institute Green Goose Chase Mini Missions, Friends of the Marsh Marsh Walk, Drum Circle, Recycling Relay with Happy Dancing Turtle, Story Times & Activity Stations with La Crosse County Library, Y on the Fly Van, hands-on activities, prizes, live raptor demonstration, and Rainbow Ridge Farm animals! Visit our website for a schedule of events and full list of vendors.Sponsored by the Sustainability Institute

 - Sunday, April 26              11:00am -4:00pm
 - Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse WI
Join Dr. Chuck Lee, Emeritus Professor of History at UWL, for a free and informative hike and discussion about the marsh and all of those who depend on it. This hike is part of Mississippi Valley Conservancy's Linked to the Land series of educational events which are hosted across the Coulee Region. The La Crosse River Marsh, at the confluence of the La Crosse and Mississippi Rivers, is a thousand-acre wetland located in the middle of the City of La Crosse in western Wisconsin.
This marsh not only provides the city with critical flood protection, clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities, but it also helps to create a sense of community and bolsters the local economy. Local organizations, community members, and city government are all working together to protect and care for this vital resource. Bring your binoculars and your questions to make your hike even better. Sign up for this hike here. After the hike, stay for loads of Earth Fair fun for the whole family. There will be hands-on activities, guest speakers, information from many wonderful conservation-minded organizations, food vendors, and opportunities for outdoor play. Visit EarthFairLaCrosse.com to learn more! Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Do you know of other April 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.



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Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Naturalist's Corner - Spring Teaser Weather

I was delighted by this article in the Spring 2026 issue of The Rattlesnake Buzz, a quarterly newsletter from Iowa’s Allamakee County Conservation Board (ACCB).  Ross Geerdes, the Director of the ACCB and the Driftless Area Education and Visitor's Center, wrote a great piece about how spring's fluctuatioin temperatures are both a challenge and a promise to both naturalists and those who love the outdoors. 

By way of introduction of himself, the ACCB and the Center, Ross writes: "I have been with the Allamakee County Conservation Board sine 2013. I was the first full time naturalist with the county. The Allamakee County Conservation Board's education program began offering in-school programs in the fall of 2013 that included live animals, hands on activities, and environmental education programs designed to fit the curriculum and lessons the teachers were already offering to the students. We also began increasing public programming with programs such as kayaking, Fullmoon Snowshoeing, prairie hikes and The Summer Naturalist Speaker series. 

In 2017, with the opening of the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center we continued to work with schools in Allamakee County to offer in school programs while expanding our offerings to schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa to offer field trips to the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center. In 2023, after the retirement of longtime Director Jim Janett, I was promoted to the Director role. We currently oversee the managment of 28 parks, boat landings, and public areas in Allamakee County. Our parks offer users access to the Upper Iowa River, the Yellow River, the Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge, as well as many coldwater trout streams offering year round outdoor activities for residents of Allamakee County and the midwest." You can read more about what the Conservation board and visitor Center offers at their website. This article is reprinted with permission.

Spring Teaser Weather: When Winter Isn’t Quite Done With Us 
by Ross Geerdes

View of Village Creek from the Driftless Center
As I sit down to write this article, the staff from the ACCB is finishing cleaning up from a late winter storm that left the Driftless Area with nearly a foot of snow. This massive snow dump comes in the wake of a February warm spell that saw temperatures reaching 60 degrees for highs and the mid 40s for the overnight low. While warm spells are not uncommon for many of us, they are just a tease; so before you reorganize your closet, remember that spring teasers are famous for keeping us guessing.

A “spring teaser” is a brief stretch of unseasonably warm, pleasant weather that pops up in late winter or very early spring. Temperatures may climb 15–25 degrees above average for a few days, causing the snow to melt away. Fishermen begin to exchange their ice augers for their trolling motors, gardeners may start their indoor seeds and sow their early season seeds like garlic and onions. Even people who don’t maintain a life list of birds begin to notice the arrival of robins and bluebirds while the grass looks just a shade greener. Then as suddenly as the warm air appears the cold air returns, snow blankets the ground, and we rush to protect our newly emerging plants.

Spring teasers are emotionally powerful and the psychological shift is real: longer daylight, warmer temperatures, and birdsong all signal change. Not only is the sun powerful to humans but if you listen to a cardinal sing or see a turkey they seem to have a bit more pep in their step! Perhaps they are saying “We made it!” After months of gray skies and long underwear, even two sunny days can lift moods and spark optimism. Driftless Area residents begin to don shorts, even if it is only 50 degrees, campers open the window to air out the mothballs, runners swap treadmills for trails, and local ice cream shops quietly reopen their windows.

While these warm stretches feel wonderful, they can create a few challenges. Believe it or not, wintertime provides conservation agencies with a chance to do projects that may not be possible at other times of the year.

When the days begin to warm and the sap begins to flow in trees, you may look forward to tapping your sugar maple trees; however, the flowing sap puts an end to timber stand improvement. TSI, as we call it, is the selective cutting of trees to inhibit the growth of other trees. Every fall and winter staff walks our woods with an Iowa DNR Forester and we mark trees to be cut. We do this to help the growth of higher-priority trees, oftentimes oak or walnut.

We also manage some of our forests for white pine trees. White pines are native to Iowa, but most of the white pines around Iowa have been planted 20, 30, or maybe 40 years ago. In areas like Waterville Pines Park and Waterville Farm 55 we have naturally occurring white pine trees that date back prior to Iowa’s statehood. By removing other trees from around these native white pines we can ensure that they are healthy and vigorous to give off seed to provide for the growth of new native strain white pine trees.

Spring’s back-and-forth pattern is part of the seasonal transition. Atmospheric patterns are still battling between lingering winter air masses and strengthening spring warmth. According to the Iowa State Extension office, the annual last frost for Allamakee County is somewhere around April 26 —this means you may not need to wear your long underwear anymore, but the mornings are still frosty. The sun will quickly warm things up after it rises, but the afternoons cool just as quickly when the sun drops below the bluff top. During these times hypothermia is a real concern and dressing in clothing made of materials like wool can keep you warm even if you do work up a sweat. We like to joke about forecasters being wrong all the time, but in the springtime it is important to check forecasts frequently, especially if you’re traveling or have outdoor plans like hiking or fishing.

Spring teasers can feel like nature is playing tricks on us, though they do serve as a promise—spring is coming and SOON. Each warm spell tends to last a little longer. Each cold snap becomes a little less intense. Now it won’t be long before the mushrooms will be popping and the turkeys will be done gobbling!
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Friday, March 6, 2026

Nature Sneak Peek - March 2026

Pasque flower
Now that winter is (mostly) over, I know you are as excited as I am to see spring on the trails. Warmer weather and longer daylight hours are jumpstarting our annual migrations and life is slowly pushing back out. 

I thought I'd put on my naturalist's hat and remind us of what we may encounter on the trails this month. This isn't an exhaustive list; just something to help us get our eyes and ears ready for early spring phenological changes!

Wetlands

Waterfowl
Sandhill Cranes - listen for the raucous calls in wetlands and keep an eye on the sky
Canada Geese - their flying v's will be more obvious as they head north to their nesting grounds
Swans - tundra and trumpeters will begin rushing through this month. They don't stay long since they want to snag prime nesting areas
Pelicans - will be wafting back up to their summer feeding grounds 
Great blue herons - will be heading back so keep an eye out for the first returnees
Ducks  - many species of ducks will be returning, some to nest and some to continue their migration further north

Cable Natural History Museum, Hayward WI
Amphibians/Reptiles
Chorus frogs - the first songs you'll hear are the chorus frogs - think running your finger over a comb
Spring peepers - not far behind, you'll hear the spring peepers which are chirpier To distinguish the calls of these frogs, Cable Museum Natural History Museum has short audio snippets of each frog to help you identify their calls here.
Garter snakes - If the weather runs warm through the month, you may catch a glimpse of these elusive snakes
Painted turtles - will be emerging from their overwintering underwater in mud and sunning to restore body temperature and muscle function 

Forests and Prairies

Songbirds and other birds
American eagle
Woodpeckers - they are starting their territorial drumming in earnest which echoes through the woods
Robins, bluebirds, grackles, starlings and red-winged blackbirds are the first migrants to arrive. Watch for killdeer and meadowlarks and listen to our winter birds (cardinals, nuthatches, chickadees, finches, sparrows) begin their mating and territory songs
American woodcocks - this unusual bird has a spectacular mating dance that begins after sunset in open fields near woods. Prime time is in March and into early April 
Dark-eyed junco - this bird overwinters with us and will soon be leaving for its nesting grounds up north. Enjoy these sprightly birds during their last days in the Driftless
American Finches/Northern Cardinals - the males are starting to molt their winter plumage and grow in their mating colors; watch for bright yellow feathers on finches and more complete fire engine red on cardinals
Eagles - are much in evidence on the river, perched in trees and in their nests as the rivers and sloughs open up


Birdcast graphic

You can follow the daily migration predictions at Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology’s Birdcast (with other partners) through the spring. They even have a dashboard you can use for your county to check the action predicted. Pro tip: during the mid-March through the end of May migration periods turn off outside lights from midnight until dawn to support birds in their nightly migration.
 
Plants/Fungi
Scarlet elfin cup fungi
Skunk Cabbage - a definite early riser in the wetlands
Pasque Flower - the first to put out her blooms on the prairie 
Sprouts - look for the first shoots of wild strawberry, early buttercups and violets
Watercress - available throughout the winter in springfed streams; harvesting in months with an "r" in their name means fewer bugs. The warmer it gets, the buggier (a true biology lesson while cleaning!)
Scarlet elfin cup - this tiny bright red beauty is an early bird...uh, fungi 



Eastern comma butterfly
Insects
Eastern Comma Butterfly - it is common, but these little beauties are a delight to spot 
Mourning Cloak Butterfly - a dark winged butterfly, it is one of the first to emerge
Deer ticks - 'nuff said!



As I made this list I thought, that's alot of change  - and it's just the opener and intro to what's coming in the next few spring months. Keep a sharp eye out - and enjoy!

See you on the trails!

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Trumpeter swans fly over Reno Quarry March 2022

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Yawn...The Ticks Are Awakening

Longtime blog readers expect my frequent posts in late winter warning of muddy trails during freeze/thaw cycles - and alternative "firm trail" hiking suggestions.

And most of you know that hot on the heels of the last winter snows and March's warming temps, I will be sharing my annual alerts on tick re-activation in the woods and fields. 

Along with the robins, grackles and cries of migrating waterfowl, the time of ticks is once more upon us. When temperatures hit the 40s, ticks can become active. They will remain active from now until consistent freezing temperatures return in fall. 

In the Driftless area, it is the blacklegged deer tick that is of most concern. It's bite can transmit Lyme's disease as well as anaplasmosis.  What makes this early spring warming so critical is that not just adults are active, but their nymphs are too - and those little buggers are sneakily small. 

A. Nymph    B. Adult male     C. Adult female
Image/Text - Ohio Department of Health

This isn't to say we shouldn't get out hiking/bushwhacking in woods and fields as they firm up. Instead, it's to remind of us to exercise some common sense precautions for tick-free fun on trails.

When I gear up for spring trail hikes, there are a couple of things that help keep me worry free and tickless:

Pre-hike:

  • Pre-treat hiking clothes and gear with Premethrin which typically lasts for 6 weeks or 6 washes before application needs to be renewed
  • Use insect repellants with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin
  • Choose lightcolored hiking clothes/gear so that ticks can be more easily seen.
  • Spray boots and tuck pants legs into boots OR wear knee-high or ankle-high tick gaiters pre-treated with Premethrin
  • Consider investing in chemical-free Rynoskin, light nylon long sleeve shirt/leggings gathered at wrists, waist and ankles (learned this tip from a Canadian paddler who did lots of spring paddling - and its a keeper)

Post-hike:

  • Toss hiking clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes on high. If clothes need to be washed, do them in hot water
  • Shower/bathe asap once off the trail to more easily wash off ticks
  • Use mirror to do a full body check if returning from ticky areas. Areas to be especially mindful of: hair, behind the knees, between legs, on and around ears, under arms, around the waist
  • Remeber in spring, the nymphs are impossibly small so really be aware as you do body/clothes checks
  • Check gear and boots to make sure ticks haven't hitchad a ride

I typically head out on 50-60 March-May spring hikes with plenty of bushwhacking (any fungi, flower or fern screams at me to leave the trail and come closer) and have had no problems with ticks over the last five years that I've been doing the above routines. 

For more tips on way to prevent tick bites on the trail, on pets and around the outside of your home, check out this brief but excellent brochure from the Ohio Department of Public Health on being tick-smart.

An ounce of prevention and some careful investment can make the difference in spring hiking enjoyment.

See you on the trails!

Not tick bait!
Off-trail amidst the wildflowers
in Rynoskin and knee-high tick gaiters

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


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Saturday, February 28, 2026

I Spy on the Trails - February 2026

February prairie
We entered the month under the full Snow Moon and clearer skies have paraded a host of planets and constellations in our night skies. February is always a transition month. Still wintry, but the tug of spring is felt everywhere. 

Imbolc humor
It's no wonder. For those in the know on Celtic celebrations, Imbolc ushers in the month. This ancient holiday celebrates the halfway point between the winter solstice and upcoming March spring equinox. It heralds a time of longer, lighter days; sometimes wildly varying temperatures and the very earliest mating and migration for many birds. 

Buds getting feisty

Early buds begin to push out and some trees are beginning to display a fuzziness in their crowns as their buds enlarge in response to longer days and more sunlight. For those who have passed red osier dogwoods, their stems are reddening and are a clear and welcome sight against the usual grays and browns of late winter bushes.


Uncertain temperatures abound. After a crisp start, a run of high 40s and 50s mid-month brought a significant thaw over a two-week period. Trails became mushy/muddy and hiking switched over to solid surface trails. The freeze/thaw time is probably hardest for those who like to hit the woods trails. But care, restraint and using alternate trails prevents erosion and degradation, keeping the trails solid once the thaw is out and trails once more are firm. 

Ice shards along the Mississippi River's edge

A late, narrow-band snowstorm at the end of our third week brought 8-10" of welcome snow, perfect for some final winter snowshoeing. And of course after a last week of 10s and 20s, 40's popped back before a final string of 20's to end the month.

On the trails, I've noticed deer, eagles, hawks, chickadees, bluebirds, woodpeckers, starlings, trumpeter swans, beaver action and v-flights of Canada geese. Friends have reported seeing robins, starlings and horned larks. The titmice and dark-eyed juncos still remain but I expect they will be migrating back to their northern nesting grounds shortly. Once ponds, rivers, creeks and other waterways open from the ice, I expect we will see waterfowl migration begin in earnest. 


Looking back over the past 3 months of winter, I enjoyed 41 hikes and snowshoe treks in the Driftless. Despite challenging temperatures and conditions, this past winter held multiple outdoor delights and a fairly consistent snowcover to keep bluffs and coulees gorgeous and white. 

Still, I look forward to March and all the spring changes we'll see as the days lengthen and temperatures climb. It promises to be an exciting month for nature lovers.

A tiny wild strawberry peeks out

     
  A Poem for Imbolc

At the halfway point
between solstice and equinox
spring latches hooks into winter
and pulls us into the light.
        --Megan Schliesman



See you on the trails!


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.
Bluffside Park, Winona MN (3); Mathy Quarry, La Crosse WI (2); Yellow River State Forest Luster Heights Unit, Harper's Ferry IA; Pine View Campground, Sparta WI;  Reno Quarry, Reno MN; Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harper's Ferry IA; Hixon Forest, La Crosse WI (2); Reno Spillway, Reno, MN; Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI; Holland Sand Prairie, Holman, WI; Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN; Ravine Woods, La Crescent, MN; Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor's Center, Brice Prairie WI

Reno Spillway

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.

Image - Kris Lawson
Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless Magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trails Updates 2/23/26

The planning and work towards the 100 mile Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail (MHDT) is really starting to coalesce. As a reminder, the trail is a multi-year effort to create a hiking/backpacking trail in southeastern Minnesota similar to the Ice Age Trail. 

It's been six months since the last update so let's take a peek

The map that the group produced originally has been updated below to show the work that has been accomplished and the coming year's plans. The gray area on the map shows a wide swath of land between Chatfield Mn and the Mississippi River where the trail might go. That gray area contains public land like wildlife and state management areas, state forests, state parks and private lands that could possibly be connected to create the trail. The MDHT group plan is to work with willing landowners and partner with them to procure easements to allow the trail to pass through portions of their land. They are also working with communities to have trails pass through them so hikers can enjoy all that southeastern Minnesota has to offer.

So what's new?

The area in green above shows where the planners have secured access, This area includes the 6.5 mile Lost Creek Hiking Trail near Chatfield as well a designated 2.5 mile trail through Chatfield. 

The area in yellow, which includes Eagle Bluff Environmental  Center and the Big Woods/Newburg area and Beaver Creek Valley State Park to the Caledonia area, are area that are going to be worked on in 2026.

Grant funds secured from the MN Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund in 2024 allowed the group to hire a full-time director and purchase trail building equipment that will make building trails easier. Grant writing is underway to secure additional funds.

To read details of the 2026 plans, please stop here.

To stay updated, you can follow their FB page, stop by their website and/or subscribe to their newsletter. All in all, it's pretty exciting.


Additional posts on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail:

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Monday, February 23, 2026

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - March 2026

For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike. 

I will be updating this post throughout the month as new events are announced - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.

Golden morning sky


March Events

In last month's edition of events listings, we shared some amazing 40 hour training courses for Master Naturalist volunteer certification. All of them occurred during the day and in person. I "get" the challenges this presents for working folks. So I want to share this new online summer MN Master Naturalist training that I noticed coming up this summer with evening sessions and morning sessions!

Registration is now open for an online Big Woods, Big Rivers Minnesota Master Naturalist Course. We offer either a Morning or Evening section which you will be able to choose when you pay.
Summer Morning - Thursdays  from 9:30 - 11:00 am, weekly May 27-August 5  or
Summer Evening - Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm, weekly May 27-August 5
The Big Woods, Big Rivers course explores the natural and cultural history of Minnesota’s temperate deciduous forests – the area that runs from the northwest corner to the southeastern region of the state. The class will cover the same topics (geology, water, plant communities, wildlife, human impacts, interpretation) as an in-person class, but will take place mostly online, using Zoom for class meetings and the learning platform Canvas. One in-person field trip is also REQUIRED in the Twin Cities metro area on either Friday, July 10 or Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 am-5:00pm. The class will meet online every week from May 27 through August 5, 2026. In addition to class meetings, participants are expected to spend an additional 3 hours working independently between online sessions to complete assignments such as reading the text, viewing lecture videos, researching on the internet, visiting a nature location near home, and completing journal entries. To successfully complete the course, participants will be expected to attend all class Zoom sessions, an in-person field trip and complete a small group capstone project. Sponsor: University of Minnesota Extension

 - Sunday, March 1         1:30 pm
 - Forest Hills Tennis Court parking lot
Hixon Forest - Regarded by many, the outdoor gem of La Crosse, known for its extensive trail network. Split into two regions, Upper and Lower, Hixon Forest offers activities for hikers, mountain bikers, runners, birdwatchers, etc. We will enjoy hiking LOWER HIXON in this event. We will have an easy 3 mile option and for those who want a little more a 5.5 mile option. What they include: 3 Mile Option: The lower Bicentennial/Hickory Trails Loop. Includes exploring the Flury Farmstead ruins. 5.5 Mile Option: We will begin on the same route as the 3 Mile, but will climb the bluffs via Savanna Trail to connect with Vista before descending back to our cars. Also includes Flury Farm, Lookout Prairie Overlook and Vista Prairie Overlook. DIFFICULTY: 3 Mile Option: Easy. 5.5 Mile Option: Moderate. Both start at the Lower Hixon Forest Trailhead Parking Lot  (https://maps.app.goo.gl/sm3ixXjTLxnR6ook8) Sponsor: Blufflands Hiking Group

Candlelight Hike. Canceled due to weather and trail conditions
 - Tuesday, March 3              5:00pm
 - Gateway Trailhead, 3020 Grandad Bluff Rd, La Crosse WI
A crowd favorite! ORA will again host a series of candlelit walks! This is a free, all-ages event that begins at 5pm, and lasts until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood! This location utilizes a path that is considered "easy to moderate" to navigate. Candles will light the route, but if you'd like to see clearly where you're stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight. These walks are self-guided. Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s'mores! Sponsor: ORA: Outdoor Recreation Alliance

 - Wednesday, March 4               7:00-8:00pm
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
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! This month’s program: Aditi is a high school senior in Onalaska, WI. She is passionate about Earth and Planetary Sciences. Sustainability work is also important to her. She will talk about her work on her sustainable technology book and her Miyawaki forest projects, both of which she did with funding from the Youth Climate Action Fund. She will also discuss sustainability and climate education in schools and how it is so important for the younger generation to be informed. Aditi loves to see how policy and government intersect Earth and Space, and plans to do an interactive workshop for kids around La Crosse County on this topic, taking them around the bluffs, rivers, and courthouses! Sponsors: The Nature Place and Friends of the Marsh.

- March 6-8            all day
- 126 E. Cedar St, Houston MN
Live owl programs, kids crafts, owl prowls, speakers and other activities plus much more at this event International Owl Center in Houston MN. Sponsor: International Owl Center, Houston MN

 - Saturday, March 7           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

Hands-on maple syrup making at Whitewater (MN) State Park

 - Saturday, March 7       9:00am-noon
- 789 Myrick Park Drive, La Crosse, WI
Join us for La Crosse’s annual celebration of Aldo Leopold and his enduring land ethic — the idea that the land is “a community to which we belong.”This year’s program is held at The Nature Place and will explore how birds and aquatic insects serve as indicators of environmental health, reflecting both the strength and vulnerability of our ecosystems! We have incredible speakers lined up:
-Dan Goltz, Wildlife Biologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will discuss his involvement in sampling eaglet blood to study pollutants such as PFAS and their ecosystem impacts.
-Richie Swanson, Citizen Scientist & Environmental Blogger will teach us how mayfly populations reveal pollution levels and what that means for the birds that rely on them.
-Christine Custer, Research Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey – “Using birds as indicators of contaminant exposure and effects: Perspectives from 50 years of study.”
The morning also includes FREE activities through our usual Nature Saturday’s Program, including the following activities:
-Crafts, and live animals in the Discovery Room
-Readings from A Sand County Almanac
-Additional community outreach tables in the atrium
-A guided marsh walk with Friends of the Marsh
Since 2000, communities across Wisconsin have gathered to honor Leopold’s legacy and reflect on our shared responsibility to care for nature. Partnerships for this event include: Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Friends of the Blufflands, Viterbo University D.B. Reinhart Institute, Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and ORA Trails.
Program Timeline:
-9:00 AM – Doors Open
-9:10 AM – Welcome & first reading from “A Sand County Almanac” - Dave Skoloda & Karen Acker
-9:30–11:30 AM – Nature Saturday’s – FREE Family activities in the Discovery Room offered by The Nature Place
-9:30–10:00 AM – Dan Goltz – “The Impact of PFAS”
-10:05–10:35 AM – Richie Swanson – “Mayfly populations reflect pollution levels”
-10:35–10:55 AM – Break & outreach tables
-11:00–11:30 AM – Christine Custer – “Using birds as indicators of contaminant exposures”
-11:35 AM – Second reading from “A Sand County Almanac” from Pat Wilson
-Noon – Optional marsh walk with Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh

 - Saturday, March 7      10-11:30 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
 
 - Saturday, March 7      1--2:30 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Online webinar - Learn About MN's Wilderness Inquiry
 - Monday, March 9         10:00 am
 - email muse.abdi@olmsteadcounty.gov for Microsoft Teams link
Join presenter Tracy Larson to learn about the impactful work of MN's Wilderness Inquiry. Their mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities and abilities through outdoor adventures - so everyone can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature. Learn about inclusive, nature-based programming; explore partnership opportunities with Wilderness Inquiry and discover how outdoor experiences support health and learning. Tracy Larson is the Education and Day Program Manager at Wilderness Inquiry. She leads the development and planning of outdoor education programs for K-12 schools through WI's Canoemobile program. She collaborates closely with teachers and school districts to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences that support academic success and student wellbeing. Sponsor: Southeast MN Park Rx Coalition

Driftless Eco-Explorers for Children
 - March 11 and March 18     11:00-11:45 am
Sponsor: La Crosse County Library



 - Wednesday, March 11             10:00 am - noon
 Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join us March 11th at 10 am for our monthly A.L.P. at the Whitewater State Park visitor center (Advanced Learning Program) hosted by the Friends of Whitewater State Park! In March, we welcome Jeff Green, retired Hydrogeologist. He will be taking us on a journey through the science behind how the surface and subsurface geology effect the way water moves through the landscape. He will be highlighting the unique features that characterize the Driftless region of Minnesota and how they differ from the rest of the state. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, March 14      10-11:30 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Maple Syrup Fest
- Saturday, March 14              Noon-4:00pm
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN
Be a part of the entire maple syrup making process, from identifying maple trees to a sap boil-off!
Tours will start every half hour between 12-4pm. A tasty treat of maple syrup and mini pancakes awaits you after your tour. Think you know your syrup? Take part in our maple syrup taste test! Cost $10/person; kids 5 and under are free, youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Pre-registration and walk-in registration both welcomed. Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

 - Saturday, March 14      1--2:30 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park


Spring Equinox Sunset Hike (page 4)
 - Friday, March 20th            6:45 PM
 - Yellow River State Forest, Luster Heights Unit
481 Luster Heights Rd., Harpers Ferry IA
Celebrate spring with Assistant Naturalist Melissa on this scenic sunset hike! The hike will start from the Luster Heights Unit and will be approximately 2 miles long. This event is open to all ages, but participants younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Corps


 - Saturday, March 21         9-11:00 am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the Sand Point parking lot off Hwy 61
Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Hope to see winter resident birds of the forest as well as early spring migrating waterfowl. Bring binoculars. The trail is well maintained and flat. It can be muddy following rain. 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 and Frontenac State Park Association.


https://www.facebook.com/Ferryvillewi
 - Saturday, March 21            9:30am-2:00pm
 - Ferryville (WI) Village Hall, 170 Pine St (off Hwy 35), Ferryville WI
Live raptors, educational programs, eagle art by students, kids crafts, hooting contest and bald eagle nest building. Sponsor: Ferryville Tourism

 - Saturday, March 21      10-11:30 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
 
 - Saturday, March 21      1--2:30 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Maple Syrup Making Demonstration
 March 21.       1:00-3:00 pm - TBD 
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 Hwy 26, Lansing, IA
Come join us to learn how maple syrup is made! This is a free demonstration and learning opportunity; we will have a free will donation jar out if you want to contribute toward costs of production and take home a bottle of syrup Programming/participation: No Cost; We ask for an RSVP so we know how many people we might have. This is a small-volume production, with 25-35 tapped maple trees on-site. You will get to observe and/or participate in the steps of making maple syrup: Setting a tap in a tree, collecting sap from the maple trees, reverse osmosis to remove some of the water, boiling the concentrated sap to remove more water and caramelize the sugars, filtering and bottling. And, of course, tasting! We plan to start the short hike at 1:30, followed by demonstrations of the other steps around 2:15; so if you are not able to do the short walk, feel free to join us a bit later. Sap flow is highly temperature dependent, so weather conditions will affect whether sap is flowing during your visit. We expect that you might want to spend up to 2 hours learning about the various steps. Owners Dennis and Linda Haugen are both foresters and will explain the process and answer questions about all the steps, including management of the trees. They have been making syrup on-site since 2014, and Linda has known these woods since 1968. If you would like to do a visit at another time with an after-school or homeschool group, let us know and we can set something up. Maple syrup (limited quantities available): Suggested donation of $18/pint; bring cash or check. The tastings are free: register here. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center

 - Thursday, March 26               10-11:00 am
 - Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 Hwy 76, Harper's Ferry IA
Join a park ranger for a mindfulness walk on the Yellow River Boardwalk. This is one in a winter series offering weekly programing for our new Golden Eagles Club at the park. These programs are intended for mature adults but open to anyone. Programs may be a variety of activities and topics and will run weekly until April. For a full schedule of the weekly presentations (book  discussions, hands-on work and presentations), please visit their events website. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument

 - Thursday, March 26         4-5:00 PM
 - La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St
Join Nora and Delaney from Happy Dancing Turtle to discover where our insects go in the cold winter months. Take a closer look at the life cycle of an insect, and dissect a gall to find out what is inside! Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library/Happy Dancing Turtles

 - Saturday, March 28      10-11:30 am
 - Saturday, March 28      1--2:30 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center,  19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Celebrate spring in Whitewater State Park's sugar bush! This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Reservations are required and space is limited. Sign up by calling 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park


Do you know of other March 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.

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