Naturalist's Corner - Unexpected Curiosities

I welcome Jon Rigden back to share another thoughtful column on curiosity and mystery. Jon is a hero for the prairies and their restoration along with his many colleagues in The Friends of the Blufflands and The Prairie Enthusiasts, both groups he is active in. His dedicated passion for this work and his curiosity about the life and history of these remnants has led him to write deeply researched and quite amazing blog posts at the Friends of the Blufflands website. Jon kindly gave me permission to reprint his most recent and extraordinary August 16, 2026 post.

Who Ordered That?

By Johnathan Rigden

Friends of the Blufflands blog

When hiking on the bluffs around La Crosse, it is not uncommon to come across something that seems out of place. When this occurs, I sometimes think , “Who ordered that?". Finding something odd is often followed by doing an internet search which uncovers more about that peculiar sight than if it had been something "familiar". Like the saying goes, "Confusion is the sweat of learning". Without being puzzled, like when we know the name of something and dismiss it as if we know it thoroughly, our curiosity can be dimmed. 

Which reminds me of an occasion long ago when I first started learning about birds with a well-known birder in the La Crosse area. Equipped with a lousy pair of Bushnell binoculars, I saw a very red bird in the distance and initially thought it was a scarlet tanager. But, it turned out to be a cardinal. When the group asked what I was looking at, I uttered the line, "It's just a cardinal" dismissing it as something so familiar that it was hardly worth mentioning. Immediately, I was humorously chastised by the expert birder..."JUST a cardinal???" Since then I have tried to stay humble about the little I truly know about even the most familiar subjects. Which makes me think of line from Socrates- "The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know."

Swamp milkweed

Recently after a morning on Zoerb Prairie, I left via the grassy field above the prairie and I noticed a plant growing with a bunch of bumblebees scurrying about its flowers. 

Initially it threw me off because it seemed to be out of place- is that swamp milkweed? Growing on the bluffs in a field full of reed canary grass and smooth brome? True to this plant, it was a bee magnet with brown belted bumblebees swarming it, but, why was it growing here? Doesn't it grow in wet, swampy areas, hence the name? Who ordered that?

Further up the field, there was another oddity- rattlesnake master.

Rattlesnake master

Where did that come from? This was a cultivated field back when the State of Wisconsin owned it from 1931 to 1962 and where the USDA investigated sustainable farming- the “Experimental Farm”, or, as we learned in a previous post, the “Upper Mississippi Soil Conservation Station" . Since it was plowed and planted with a variety of demonstration crops, it shouldn't be a native plant left over from the original sod. Maybe it was from one of the nearby planted prairies. But, a review of the seed mix for those prairies showed no rattlesnake master. Hmmm....a mystery! Maybe some "Johnny Rattlesnake Seed" threw some seeds out there. Once again, who ordered that?

Rosinweed

Further along in the field this  flower caught my eye.

Ahhh, something familiar! It's good old rosinweed in the genus Silphium! I've looked that up a few times in the past... I can tell you the name, so I know all about it. Right? Not really. Again, I'm humbled every time that I think something is "familiar" and less interesting just because I know its name... like that cardinal. Here is a short video of the great physicist Richard Feynman discussing the difference between knowing the name of something vs knowing about something: https://youtu.be/lFIYKmos3-s?si=oUW2jb-EJwIADYGt And what about all of those insects? I think they are hoverflies and probably the oblique stripetail, Allograpta obliqua, but that's just a name and maybe a rabbit hole to go down some other time!

Cardinal flower

In this same field, a cardinal flower was growing a few years ago. Again, out of place. How was a cardinal flower growing in this field of thick grasses and other tough competitors? And doesn't it like wet spots like along streams? What was it doing here? Who ordered that?

The lesson from this trip through a "field of weeds" is that life is full of mysteries. In 500 BC, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote, "If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail." Be ready to be surprised even in the most "degraded" of places. On your hikes, find interesting tidbits to add to your collection and be willing to include even a few of those most familiar of plants and animals for further thought. But be humble like Isaac Newton when he said, " I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself in the now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."

"Who ordered that?" is a memorable phrase said by the American physicist Isidor Isaac Rabi in 1936. It was his reaction to the discovery of the muon, a cousin to the electron, which at the time had no clear place in atomic theory... it was "out of place". Since then, this line has been repeated frequently in the physics community when something comes up that is completely unexpected. And if you want to learn more about Rabi, a good book to read is "Rabi: Scientist and Citizen" by none other than my father: https://www.aps.org/archives/publications/apsnews/199807/scientist.cfm .

I've taken to co-opting Rabi's line on my hikes when I see something unexpected as a way of saying that mysteries will always surround us. Some are profound, others rather trivial. Some have answers, many do not. But they will always be there, even when walking across an old weedy field. So, the next time you see something and are puzzled, think "Who ordered that?" And, á la Feynman, just because you know the name of something, don't be fooled into thinking you know much about it.

Images - Jonathan Rigden

Lansing Bridge Update - Surprise!

 In this press release, Iowa DOT and WisDOT share some very welcome news.

LANSING, Iowa – Sept. 3, 2026 – The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are announcing that the Iowa 9 / WIS 82 Mississippi River Crossing at Lansing is proceeding well ahead of the original timeline. The agencies expect to open the bridge to traffic in early November 2026, instead of the initial planned opening in spring 2027.

“This is incredible news for Lansing, its neighboring communities in Wisconsin, and everyone who lives and works in the region,” noted Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “I commend Iowa DOT and their colleagues at WisDOT along with all the consultants and contractors – most notably Kraemer North America – for their outstanding teamwork on this critical project. What a wonderful gift, and just in time for the holiday season and winter travel.”

The Mississippi River Crossing project has been proceeding since late 2023. The prior bridge was closed permanently in late 2025 and demolished in December 2025. Project staff credited the early opening plans to the concentrated work of the contractors and subcontractors, which has also been aided by favorable weather and river conditions.

Lansing Bridge

Lansing Bridge deck

Since November 2025, Iowa DOT and WisDOT have provided a free car ferry service through two different operators. In all, the ferry service has carried almost 131,000 vehicles over the river through the end of August 2026.

Motorists who cannot or choose not to use the ferry have used a marked detour route on the U.S. 18 bridge connecting Marquette, Iowa, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, about 30 miles south of the crossing at Lansing.

Photo of car ferry at Lansing Bridge

The exact bridge opening date will not be established for several weeks as construction continues. Even after the bridge opens to traffic, there will be additional work to be completed outside of the main traffic lanes. When the bridge opens to traffic, the car ferry service will be discontinued, and the project will restore the ferry landing areas. Iowa DOT and WisDOT will work closely with the contractors and the local communities to pinpoint the exact opening.

For more information on the construction of the new Mississippi River Bridge at Lansing, go to iowadot.gov/lansingbridge and sign up to receive updates directly to your inbox or check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/LansingBridge/.

Information on the ferry is available at https://iowadot.gov/lansingcarferry.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or X (find links at https://iowadot.gov/travel-tools/iowa-511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device. 

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help with this feature, visit https://511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.

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For questions about this news release, please contact Clayton Burke at 515-290-2376 or clayton.burke@iowadot.us.     

Nature Sneak Peak - September 2026

Grasses and goldenrods dominate

Autumn is just starting. Cooler nights and days, dewier and foggier mornings and some leaves turning red and yellow are all evidence of the change coming this month. The cool temps will also dampen mosquito activity making woodland hikes alot more pleasant!

Here are a few things to watch for this month as you hit the trails.

Prairies

Plants

The colorful blues, pinks and even white asters make their welcome return in September. The tall grasses are dominating the prairies and are lovely on a windy day.  Goldenrods and native purple field thistles still flower and provide needed nectar to bees and migrating butterflies alike. It's not unusal to see a host of insects on thistles this month.

Brown-belted bumblebee
on cutleaf coneflower

Bumblebees
You will be seeing some giant bumblebees as you hike among flowering plants. These are the new, young queens (gynes). They are entering their mating season and will soon begin to dig their hibernaculum to shelter themselves through the winter. This month you may also note bees that have ragged wings and bald spots on their back as well. These are the males and workers of the colony who, along with the old queen, will die as autumn comes. The gynes will be the only survivors when they emerge from diapause next spring and lay their eggs to begin a new colony.

Monarch Butterflies

Their migration south has begun. As their sources of nectar age and dwindle and daylight and temperatures decrease, the butterflies experience a change that sets off their migration instinct. You can stop here to read more about their remarkable life cycle as well as a list of resources on how we can support this lovely butterfly. Be sure to stop by prairies in the heat of the day to watch the action.

Image - Xerces Society

Woods

Shaggy mane inky cap

Fungi

This is another great season for fungi fans. The woods are full of a huge variety of mushrooms and fascinating fungi. Two of my favorites in the Driftless are inky caps and any of the milk caps. The distinguising feature of inky caps is that, at maturity, their gills dissolve into a marvelous soupy black ink. What could be better? And milk caps, when cut, ooze milky latex, often in blue, violet, orange, green or white. They'll bruise those colors as well. Happy 'shrooming!

Early color
on stressed leaves

Plants

A few flowering plants like self-heal, white snakeroot and asters will hang in there along the forest floor. But it is the changing leaves on bushes and trees that are the star in the life cycle of plants in September. Early colors pop up in sumacs, poison ivy (hurray, easier to spot!) and red maples. You might note that trees near roadsides or parking lots often display their colors early or drop brown or yellow leaves first. That is due to the stress from heat generated by pavement, accumulated salt and soil compaction of roadside construction near their roots. 

Orb Spider webs

With dewy and foggy mornings followed by sun, intricate orb spider webs are easily spotted in the woods. With these spiders at their full growth, their webs are also bigger and more noticeable. Dropping temperatures and still abundant prey stimulate increased web-building and feeding activity this month before cold weather ends their life cycle.

Migration

September is always notable for the volume of migrating birds that travel the Mississippi Flyway through the Driftless. You can follow Cornell University's Birdcast to anticipate their flights. You can also subscribe at birdcast to receive alerts when the migration forecast is high.

Waterfowl migration 

The migration south to wintering grounds starts slowly this month for waterfowl. Canada geese are starting to flock. Early duck migrants like blue wing teal, wood ducks, shovelers, widgeons and mallards are starting their journeys. They respond more to length of daylight than low temperaturs to start their migration. It's a great time to see them as you hike our many Driftless wetlands trails. 

Songbird migration  

Songbirds are flocking and have begun their nightly southward journeys. In the past two weeks, in fact, we've had millions of birds passing nightly through our Driftless area. I have noted in my bi-weekly phenology posts the lessening of bird song and one can see why! It's also recommended that you consider turning off any outside lights from 11pm - 6am to help these migrators on their way. Darker skies help them avoid confusion..

Green darner dragonfly
Image - UW- Milwaukee

Migrating green darner dragonflies?

You may have noticed fewer green darner dragonflies lately. That's because some of them migrate, typically July through October. They can fly up to 80 miles in a day with favorable winds. Their descendants will return in spring. For other darners in the Driftless, they will overwinter as naiads under frozen ponds. If you are lucky this month on sunny days, you may catch one of their flying swarms.

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

Indigo milk cap

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

I Spy on the Trails - August 16-31, 2026

Well, that was some of the nicest late August weather I've ever experienced. It felt in many ways like late June, albeit a more humid June, with temps in the 70s and 80s for the most part and some clearer skies and decent air quality despite the number of wildfires burning north and out west. Nights cooled and fog and dew were often early morning companions. 

With cooler nights, I started some of my hikes later to catch the massive butterfly and bumblebee activity. These cold-blooded insects need the sun to warm them to action.  From sunny midmornings on, their presence dominated as they nectared, gathered pollen and, in the case of some butterflies like monarchs, stopped on their southward migration. 

A russula mushroom with a smiling face on it's stem
found by the Jabberwalkers hiking group
Image  - Andrea Mekkelson 

It is clear the wild plant growth of the last few months is winding down. The variety of forbs and birds  slowly decreased this month. The woods displayed more fungi while leaves on trees and bushes began to gray and yellow as cool nights and shorter days signaled chlorophyll production to slow. 

The prairies were sporting the whites of flowering spurge, white gentian and boneset and the yellows of goldenrods and sunflowers. Tall grasses leapt up, towering over other forbs. They will do so for the rest of the season. Pops of color from cardinal flowers, blazing stars and great blue lobelias added welcome hues to the palette. I  enjoyed re-introducing myself to the goldenrods and testing my identification know-how. 

The bum foot is much relieved by a steroid shot so I am looking forward to some bluff hikes for the first time since summer started. With luck I'll be able to tackle some of my favorites for fall leaf-peeping and fungi searching.

See you on the trails!

Plant Observations
Bloomed:

• aster, New England

  

  New England aster

  
  
• aster, smooth blue
• beeblossom, biennial
• blazing star, rough
• boneset, false
• bouncing bet
• brown-eyed Susan
• bushclover, roundheaded
• buttercup, fewleaf
• cardinal flower
• compass plant
• coneflower, cutleaf
• cucumber, wild
• cup plant
• evening primrose, common
• evening primrose, narrowleaf
• fern, interrupted
• fern, lady

  

  Forget-me-not

  
  
• fern, maidenhair
• fern, New York
• fern, ostrich
• fern, sensitive
• fleabane, prairie
• forget-me-not
• gentian, white
• goldenrod, Canada
• goldenrod, elmleaf
• goldenrod, giant
• goldenrod, grass-leaved
• goldenrod, Missouri
• goldenrod, showy
• goldenrod, stiff
• goldenrod, tall
• harebell
• hawkbit, autumn 
• ironweeed, prairie
• Jerusalem artichoke
• jewelweed
• Joe-Pye weed
• lobelia, great blue
• milkweed, whorled

  

  Field thistle

  
  
• partridge pea
• poppy mallow, purple
• prairie clover, silky
• puccoon, Carolina (hairy)
• self-heal
• snakecotton, plains for
• snakeroot, white
• sneezeweed
• spurge, flowering
• sunflower, false
• sunflower, hairy
• sunflower, fewleaf
• sunflower, stiff 
• sunflower, woodland
• thistle, field
• thistle, milk
• verbena, hoary
• wild bergamot
• wild quinine
• yarrow

Grasses/sedges:

• grass, big and little bluestem

  

  The compass plant is one of the few forbs
  that can compete in height with the tall grasses

  
  
• grass, Canada wildrye
• grass, eastern bottlebrush
• grass, purple lovegrass
• grass, sideoats grama
• grass, switchgrass
• grass, yellow indiangrass

Greened/sprouted:

• aster, calico
• aster, white heath
• sagebrush, white

Past Bloom/Fruited

• beebalm, spotted
• blazing star, dwarf
• mint, Virginia mountain 
• prairie rose
• rattlesnake master

Moss/Lichen/Fungi

Lung oyster mushroom

• mushroom, artist's conk
• mushroom, Dryad's saddle
• mushroom, lung oyster
• mushroom, russula, powdered
• mushroom, slippery Jack

Wildlife (seen, heard, detected):
Birds

• blackbird, red-winged
• blue jay
• cardinal
• catbird, grey
• cedar waxwing
• chickadee, black-capped
• crane, sandhill
• crow, American
• finch, house
• flicker, northern
• goldfinch, American

  

  American goldfinch

  
  
• goose, Canada
• hawk, red-shouldered
• hawk, sharp-shinned
• heron, great blue
• killdeer
• kingbird, eastern
• kingfisher, belted
• nuthatch, white-breasted
• phoebe, eastern
• redstart, American
• sparrow, field
• sparrow, house
• sparrow, song
• swallow, barn
• swallow, tree
• titmouse, tufted
• vireo, Bell’s
• vireo, eastern warbling
• vireo, red-eyed
• vireo, yellow-throated
• wood-pewee, eastern
• woodpecker, red-bellied
• wren, northern house
• wren, sedge
• yellowthroat, common

Insects/Arachnids:

• beetle, goldenrod soldier
• bumblebee, black-and- gold

  

  Bee to flower

  
  
• bumblebee, brown-belted
• bumblebee, common eastern
• bumblebee, lemon cuckoo
• butterfly, admiral, red-spotted
• butterfly, comma, eastern
• butterfly, crescent
• butterfly, frittialry, great spangled
• butterfly, Monarch
• damselfly, tule bluet 
• cicada
• crickets
• dragonfly, autumn  meadowhawk
• dragonfly, green darner
• dragonfly, twelve spotted skimmer
• dragonfly, widow skimmer 
• fly, bee
• fly, tufted globetail,
• grasshopper, red-legged
• spider, common garden
• spider, orb-weaver

Reptiles/Amphibians

• frog, leopard
• turtle, snapping

What are YOU seeing on your hikes?

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

Holland Sand Prairie, Holman WI (2); Vetsch Park, La Crescent MN; MacGilvray Seven Bridges, New Amsterdam, WI; Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Winona County, MN; Bluffside Park, Winona MN; 

See you on the trails!

Leaf miner trail - it starts out small
and becomes wider as the insect grows

The "I Spy on the Trails" column is a phenology (the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals) journal to chronicle the weather, plant life and wildlife I observe while hiking year-round. 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.

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Photographing an orb spider's web
Image- Jean Hammons

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

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - September 2026

For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the blue 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.

September Events

Refuge Relay Challenge

 - 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

Nature is More Than Meets the Eye 

 - 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. 

Fire Point Ranger Guided Hike

 - 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 

Monarch Butterfly Journey

 - 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

Yellow River Boardwalk Guided Hike

 - 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

 "Pop-Up" Ranger Program

- 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

Nature Saturday for Families

 - 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

Nature Scavenger Hunt

- 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

Talk with a Naturalist: Bat Chat

 - 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

Star Splitters Astronomy Program

 - Saturday, September 5                    7:30- 9:30pm

- Wyalusing (WI) State Park, Huser Observatory, , 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WI

Star Splitters host free monthly programs during warm months with presentations and telescope viewings. Contact: www.starsplitters.org, starsplitterswsp@gmail.com Sponsors: Star Splitters of Wyalusing

Fossil Field Trip

 - 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

Falcons Live!

 - 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

Live Peregrine Falcon Meet and Greet

 - 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

Growing Sprouts Children's Program

 - 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

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

Incredible Insects Family Program- Driftless Area Bioblitz

 - 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

Science in the Stream: Mussel Survey

 - 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

Whitewater WMA - Autumn Adventure

- 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

Gardens and Gazing on FSPA Land

 - 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

Women's Walk in the Woods - Learning From Each Other

 - 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,

Driftless Eco-Explorers Children's Program

 - 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

Lunch and Learn  - Get Out in Nature  

 - 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.

Growing Sprouts Children's Program

 - 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

Driftless Eco-Explorers Children's Program

 - 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

Fall Fungi Hike

 - 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

Learn to Protect Our Night Sky

 - 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.

Exploring the Night Sky

 - 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. Sponsors: 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  

Growing Sprouts Children's Program

 - 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

Fall Harvest Festival

 - 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

Full Moon Hike

 - 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.