Whitewater State Park (MN) Hike or Amble

Our Driftless Drifters* Amblers recently enjoyed a great summer hike along the Trout Run Trail in Whitewater State Park near Altura MN.  Our Ambles are on flatter trails, usually at or under 2.5 miles. Our goal is to find wonderful hiking spots in nature where people who prefer a slower pace or are rehabbing from illness or injury can still get up close to nature.

Whitewater River where Trout Creek runs in
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The  2 mile out-and-back trail runs next to the middle branch of the Whitewater River and then turns to follow Trout Run Creek through for the rest of the hike.  The trailhead is in the South Picnic grounds at the site of a former German POW camp that became a CCC camp. Much of the stonework seen in buildings, bridges and signs were built by CCC workers who quarried limestone from quarry at trailsend to build the park structures. A tornado destroyed the structures 70 years ago and the area became the south Picnic grounds.

"Corduroy" (logs) on the trail
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

Like many wetland tails, these trails often are damp, can be muddy after a rain, and are very brushy. There are small parts of the trail that are permanently damp and squishy and had "corduroy" laid down. This dampness also means lush growth into the trails narrowing them considerably during the summer. I always recommend long pants even on warm days because the prolific wetland plants - and nettles - crowd the trail and often overgrow it. 

The trail wound along past an abandoned beaver pond that now hosts a new population of frogs from elsewhere in the park. Bridges of various types cross back and forth over the spring-fed stream and you pass through hardwoods, floodplain forest and the end up in the meadow of the quarry.

Hackberry Emperor butterfly hitched a ride
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

On our hike we saw swarms of butterflies, skippers and dragonflies on plants, on seeps, near and over the water. It made a fun day of looking and identifying them.

What I love about Whitewater is that it has great trails for every ability. There is another Amble-worthy walk on the Meadow Loop in a restored prairie south of the visitor's Center. For those who like challenging climbs, the narrow valley offers a number of options that give you great bluff hikes and even greater views. Therese trails include the 4.2 mile Dakota Trail which takes you up to Eagle Point; Coyote trail at 2.7 miles; and Chimney Point to Inspiration Point at 2.2 miles.

The Dakota Trail which has the Eagle Point Lookout has stromatalite fossils that  you walk right over when you are at the top of the lookout. The circles on the photo to the left are fossilized stromatalites on the trail! The Driftless area was once under a sea (and actually near the equator!). Seeing those fossils as you walk gives you a real sense of the expanse of time.

This park has alot of history surrounded it including tales of how early settlers lost the soil during repeated flooding when prairies with their deep-rooted plants to hold the soil were replaced with shallow-rooted corn and soybeans. The Visitor Center has a graphic (left) on the floor that compares long-rooted prairie plants on the left with short-rooted agricultural plants on the right that replaced them. 

The river became flooded with the lost soil and silted up causing multiple damaging floods each year. Eventually most of the homes and farms lost their value and people left. What was left of the town of Beaver was purchased by the state and made part of a restoration of prairie in the State Park and the nearby Whitewater WMA (Wildlife Management Area).

Richard J. Dorer's grave
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

We ended our hike at the small Beaver Cemetery where we found the grave of Richard J. Dorer. If you are familiar with maps of southeast MN in particular you often see the name of  "Richard J. Dorer hardwood forest" scattered across the forest and bluffland. He died fifty years ago and his rustic marker gives you a sense of his love of the land and his commitment to conservation. He was a main proponent and mover of the restoration of Whitewater Valley. You can read a bit more about him here, here and here.

THE HIKE

An easy in-and-out 2 mile trail that follows the creek through wetlands, forest, floodplain forest and ends in a meadow at the quarry. Great birding and wildlife along the way. A spur to climb up to Inspiration Point is on the trail for those who want to head up. This park has alot of history and the Visitor Center is a must to learn some of it. Other trails that climb up the steep valley walls make this a great destination for those who want mellow tails and/or challenging trails. 

Location: 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910

If you head into the park from the south, you can find the Trout Run Trail beyond the Nature Store parking lot on a road that goes to the South Picnic grounds. Other trails start at the Visitor's Center, North Picnic grounds and near the group camp.

Great spangled fritillary
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.

Bird Banding Adventures (WI & MN)

In the past month, I've had the opportunity to observe and participate in two bird banding experiences. Both were great learning experiences and added to my Master Naturalist knowledge base.

Carefully removing the bird
from collection bag
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

In May, after a 3 year hiatus due to COVID and avian influenza, our La Crescent Natural Resources Advisory Group aka NRAG (I am a member) sponsored a 3 hour World Migratory Bird Day Bird Banding demonstration for our community at Vetsch Park, one of our local blufflands parks. We collaborated with U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Biologists’ Banding Demonstration Team.

Making a precise identification
Image  - Marge Loch-Wouters

21 birds were caught and banded. We had 5 nets set up. The birds included American Redstarts (4), Magnolia Warbler, Song Sparrow, Gray Catbirds (6), Swainson's Thrush, Northern Cardinal (2), Common Yellowthroat, American Goldfinch (2) and Eastern Wood Peewee. 

Each bird was identified, weighed, aged and wings measured. In addition, they were checked for sex, fat stores and general health before they were banded and released. Observers often stayed for an hour watching the action or taking side trips led by NRAG members to see the rare showy orchid blooming on Vetsch's trails.

A very organized banding work space
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

It was the first time I had seen this work and I was very impressed with the process - especially the initial careful work in making an exact identification. Various sized bands were available to be used depending on the size of the bird. 

The data sheets were carefully maintained as the banders quickly worked to complete the banding and data so that the birds had the least amount of stress.

A banded bird ready for release
Image  - Marge Loch-Wouters

In the end the birds were quick to fly off. The data collected means migratory patterns can be tracked as well as information about the breeding and health of the birds, the success of their breeding, whether they arrive in their breeding grounds with sufficient food available and much more. 

In mid-June, I joined a colleague at a Natural Resource of Wisconsin guided field trip to observe a morning of banding at the Beaver Creek Reserve near Fall Creek WI. 

A mist net set up.
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The field trip was described:

"The continent-wide Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) bird banding program is a constant-effort mist netting project created by The Institute for Bird Populations in 1989 to provide  annual estimates of post-fledgling productivity, adult survivorship, and population size for resident breeding bird species.  Beaver Creek Reserve has run a MAPS station at the Henke Farm continuously since 2003. This is a great opportunity for visitors to observe data collection for a long-term project and see birds in the hand. Over the years the Beaver Creek Reserve MAPS program have captured 1,654 birds of 59 species. Species list include gray catbird, golden-winged warbler, indigo bunting, veery, song sparrow ... Join us as we cover the diverse habitats at the Henke farm and see some of Wisconsin's magnificent birds up close."

One of the many amazing banding volunteers
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

We got to observe the crack team of volunteers collecting, identifying and gathering data from each bird that was netted that morning. Participants walked the net lines and were treated to lots of information on migratory birds from the VERY knowledgeable staff and crack volunteer team. There were twelve nets scattered in hardwoods, prairies, wetlands and pine stands. Every 30 minutes, three groups of volunteers, staff and field trip participants split the work of checking nets to recover birds.

Safe from mosquitos, the banders had
2 stations inside to do their work
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The banding team worked in a great "bird cage" structure built by an Eagle Scout. It was completely screened in with a transparent roof giving plenty of light to the data collection and banding work. The screened windows allowed us to observe the banding as banders walked us through notable characteristics of breeding songbirds. We had a fascinating birds-eye view of the banders at their precise work. 

Karen Wittig transferring a warbler to me for release.
Image - Kris Lawson

Some participants also had a chance to gently release the banded birds. I felt lucky to have that privilege.

One of the many highlights of the trip was meeting and talking to Pat Henkes. She and her husband donated the 400 acre Henke farm to the reserve - and Pat made us gingersnaps! The restored prairie is alive with flowers and pollinators and the woods were full of birds including chestnut-sided warblers, common yellow throats, veeery indigo buntings and more.

Learning opportunities like this abound. They stretch our understanding and help focus on on ways we can do citizen science work and help advance everyone's understanding of our natural world.

Magelssen Bluff Hike (MN)

Rushford MN is located in the scenic Root River valley in south eastern MN. It is probably best known by bikers who travel the Root River/Harmony-Preston Valley State bike trails. But it has a special hiking gem there too. If you have traveled along Hwy 16, you probably have seen the bluff that has Rushford's name set in stones high up on a bluff. That bluff is Magelsson Bluff, a city park.

This is a true bluff hike. You can start from the top (accessed off Magelssen Drive which starts you at the top of the bluff with it's park amenities) and hike down almost 500 feet as either an out-and-back or a loop. Or you can start at the bottom and head upward to it's 1174 ft top. The trails are old quarry and logging trails so plenty wide.

Trailhead sign at the base of the bluff

We chose the trailhead at the base of the bluff as our start. Found at the end of W. Winona St, opposite the Oak Grove Cemetery entrance, there is plenty of room for parking at the trailhead. The trail is about 1.8 miles total but while short in mileage, as you can imagine, it is elevation hiking at it's best. It took us about 1.5 hours.

The Oak Grove Trail is a steep initial introduction to the hike. It heads up 200 feet for the first quarter mile with only a turn our two on a dirt and mown grass trail. On these shaded, wooded trails on the north side of the bluff, the ferns were lush and covered the hills all the way up. They gave us resting time to catch our breath on the initial uphill slog and to enjoy and identify ferns (maidenhair, ostrich, lady, bladderwort and interrupted) plus many other fungi and flowers, both blooming and post-bloom.

Ferns were prolific along the slopes

Wide, well-maintained trails

We passed a small old shed and then headed up on the main trail which is wide and well-maintained with rocks and log borders to shore up the trail against erosion on the steep bluffsides. We really appreciated the trail work that had been done. There were also numerous switchbacks to ease the elevation gain which made for a pleasant ascent.

Go right, hikers, go right!

Shortly after we hit this wider trail, we had a decision to make - head to the right to the Quarry Trail or to the left to the Stair-Climber Trail. Our hiking app comments said go right - and we're glad we did. The rolling switchback trail was easy and continued upward, past the old limestone quarry and around to the south side of the bluff where we saw deer and fawns peeking at us.

Once on the top we were treated to spectacular views of surrounding bluffs and Rushford. There are also three outlooks above the "Rushford Rocks" goat prairie. 

You can add an additional 1.25 miles to your hike by walking out-and-back to all of them. You'll see the Rushford Burr Oak, a great-great-great-grandmother of a tree, and can discern a few Indian mounds by some of the overlooks as well. It makes a wonderful "amble" trail for those who want the views but a less strenuous hike. Drive up to the park and walk along the road to the two lookout areas. From there head to the small picnic shelter. Behind it is access to the very last part of the trail. Turn right on the bark-chipped trail and follow it as it gently rises up to the easternmost look-out for an additional .75 miles.

Rushford Burr Oak, reported to be over 200 years old

Going down

We took the Stair-Climber Trail on the way down. The stairs drop for an amazing 250 feet pretty much straight-down with a few turns but nothing resembling a switchback. Again, I admire the trail builders but it is a knee-pounding experience on uneven heights from stair to stair. I can safely say that I would rather go down them rather than up. 

A welcome rest halfway
down the stairs

We rested at a bench near sandstone that lies under the Oneota Dolomite (limestone) that caps the bluff. Then onward!  Once down the stairs, the remainder of that trail again becomes a wide rolling trail around the east and north sides of the bluff. 

Bridge over the ravine

The trail joins the Oak Grove Trail again shortly after passing a bridge crossing a steep ravine.  The waters must really roar during the spring thaw and heavy rains! Before long we were dashing down the final steep 1/4 mile to our start!

THE HIKE

A true bluffhound's dream hike (although you need to feel comfortable with very steep sections to truly enjoy this hike). Lush hardwood forests shade the trails as you gain a quick 200 ft at the base of the bluff on this 1.8 mile loop (or out-and-back trail). The profusion of ferns covering the slopes is simply amazing. The rest of the wide, well-maintained trail leads you through switchbacks up to the top of the bluff where the city park is. Add an additional 1.25 miles to your hike by walking out-and-back to all the lookouts at the top. Return the same way or challenge your knees on the Stair-climber Trail as you drop a quick 250 feet to a lower level of the trail that eventually joins back up with the Oak Grove Trail.

Location:

If hiking from the base, head into Rushford until you come to West Winona St. Turn left and follow it to the parking lot at it's end. The trail head is opposite the Oak Grove cemetery gate. If beginning the hike from the top, head into Rushford, turn left onto Hwy 30 until you come to Magelssen Drive. Turn right and follow the road up to the park at the top of the bluff. The trailhead is down from the parking lot by the east overlook

More ferns...because I was super impressed!

All Images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Let's Get Hiking - and Learning!

It's time for a summer update on adventures, programs and field trips that help you learn more about the geology. ecology and flora, fungi and fauna of the Driftless area. Our first post on guided hikes took us from May through June. What's coming up in July and August?

WHITEWATER STATE PARK (MN)

Fossil Field Trip   Saturday July 1,    10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m 

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.

Medicine Forest Walk   Monday July 3, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Join a naturalist on a short walk to explore some of the medicinal plants of the forest. Learn how many of the medicines synthetically made today originated from plants growing in our area. We'll also learn how the forest provides wellbeing benefits to all who walk among the trees. Meet at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center

Friday Foray - Exploring the Whitewater WMA   Friday July 7,   8:00 -10:00 am

Join us for an early morning trip into the Whitewater WMA. During this program we will learn about the Wildlife Management Area's origins. We will explore a former farmsite and learn how the valley made the transition from farmland to hunting land. Bring Transportation. Hiking Boots and Pants are required.

Guided Forest Bathing Walk - Walk with Ease    Sunday, July 30,   1-3:00pm

Join park naturalist and certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Sara Holger, for our monthly forest bathing walk at Whitewater State Park. These gentle walks incorporate mindfulness activities and meet standards for the Walk with Ease program of the Arthritis Foundation. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301.

FRONTENAC STATE PARK (MN)

Bruce Ause shows bluebird chicks

Saturday Morning Hikes with a Naturalist    Every Saturday through Sept 2, 10-11:00 am

Take a short, guided hike with volunteer naturalist, Bruce Ause! Bruce will lead visitors along trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather and bring sun and tick protection. Binoculars and cameras are nice accessories, but not necessary. The hike will last about an hour. Meet at the Campground Kiosk at 10 a.m

Prairie Loop Bird Walk   Saturday July 8   8:00 - ?

Meet at the Ranger Station Parking Lot. Walk along mixed prairie and forest trails to the Pine Loop and back. Hope to see a wide variety of forest and prairie dwelling birds. Bring binoculars. The mowed trail is well maintained and traverses some elevation change. The full route is approximately 2 miles long. When birding, this can take 2-4 hours depending upon how many birds we are seeing, but you can leave whenever you would like. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. In Partnership With: Frontenac State Park Association.

Public Sky Observation   Saturday, July 29  8:30-10:30pm

Meet at the Picnic shelter. Park in the overflow lot. There will be volunteers on site to assist with directions. Join the Rochester Astronomy Club at 8:30 p.m. in the picnic shelter for a presentation about public sky observation. At 9:30 p.m., the viewing event will take place in the picnic area of the park. Public Sky Observation of the young Moon, 11.7 days after the New Moon. See the planet Saturn, bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance from the Rochester Astronomy Club. More information can be found here at their event website. This event is weather dependent. Check the event website above for updates or call the park at 651-299-3000.

Pine Loop Bird Walk   Saturday August 5  8:00- ?

Meet at the Ranger Station Parking Lot.

Walk along mixed prairie and forest trails to the Pine Loop and back. Hope to see a wide variety of forest and prairie dwelling birds. Bring binoculars. The mowed trail is well maintained and traverses some elevation change. The full route is approximately 2 miles long. When birding, this can take 2-4 hours depending upon how many birds we are seeing, but you can leave whenever you would like. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. In Partnership With: Frontenac State Park Association.

WILDCAT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK (WI)

Astronomy in the Park   Friday, July 14   8:30-11pm

Jeff Moorhouse from the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will be presenting an astronomy program. Telescopes will be available for viewing. Meet at the Amphitheater.

Geology Hike  Saturday August 5    10am-noon

Join Chris Zahm for a geology hike. Learn about the local geology and see some of the rock formations along the Kickapoo River.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY CONSERVANCY (MVC) (WI)

Prairie Polinators Walk   Saturday, August 19      10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m 

La Crosse Blufflands-North: Cty Rd FA Trailhead (Mathy)

Guides for this wildflower walk include Chris Kirkpatrick and several leaders of Friends of the Blufflands, who will share their knowledge of the prairie pollinators and the beneficial roles they play in La Crosse’s bluffland ecology. It's an easy hike out onto one of the northernmost sections of the beautiful La Crosse Blufflands seeing rock outcroppings, blufftop prairies, and the remains of a rock quarry. 

How about some Shakespeare?!? The Summit Players, a troupe of young actors, will be presenting SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: MACBETH at a couple of WI State Parks if you need a little literary fun. "A web of secrets, trickery and danger entangles Macbeth, his wife Lady Macbeth, his rival Macduff and countless others as he claws his way to the top. See the classic Shakespeare play, Macbeth, at Wisconsin State Parks! The Summit Players Theater is a traveling theatre company that presents free, accessible Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences at Wisconsin State Parks. Bring a blanket or chairs! Performances are free. Vehicle admission is required."

Wildcat Mountain State Park  Friday, August 4  5:30-9:00 pm  (The workshop is at 5:30 p.m., recommended for ages 8 and up. Show at 7 p.m.)

Perrot State Park,  Sunday August 6  1-4:30 pm (The workshop is at 1 p.m., recommended for ages 8 and up. Show at 2:30 p.m)                                                                                            

About to release a chestnut-sided warbler
on a recent bird banding field trip with
Natural Resources Foundation of WI. 

Note: There are still openings in the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin for field trips around the state. These low cost field trips are a great way to see new places and gain valuable information that helps you grow as a naturalist. Check out what they have.

Be sure to check local listings for your area preserves, reserves, parks and see what you can learn on the trail!

Make a Hiking Visit to Frontenac State Park (MN)

I wanted to do a special focus on MN's Frontenac State Park, north of Winona and a few miles south of Red Wing. I have only hiked a few trails there so I am by no means an expert but it is a favorite stop when we are traveling the Mississippi River Rd on our way up to the Twin Cities or just because. 

Bruce Ause showing bluebird chicks
 on a Saturday Naturalist hike
Image -  Marge Loch-Wouters

The park features a variety of trails and terrains (prairie, hardwood forests, blufflands, floodplain forests) as well as stunning views of the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. There are birds a plenty and wildlife. 

I have attended two of their awesome programs and can't say enough about how informative and fun they are. Throughout the summer on Saturdays from 10-11am, naturalist Bruce Ause takes you on a nature walk through the ever-changing woods and prairie. Monthly Bird Walks on Saturday mornings at 8am hosted by MN Master Naturalists Janet Malotky and Steve Dietz help you really SEE the birds!

And, for me, best of all, a wonderful free online newsletter that helps me discover all the programs and information I need to make the most of my time there. Written and edited by Pamela Miller, a sister MN Master Naturalist and member of their very active Frontenac State Park Association, each monthly issue highlights the best of the park and it's staff, volunteers, programs and ruminations on what can be found inside the park. Pamela has a great dry sense of humor and every issue is a gem. Subscribe!

I want to share an article, "Trails to Try" from the Frontenac State Park Association's most recent issue that contains some great trail recommendations depending on your situation. :

"One of the many things that makes Frontenac State Park special is the diversity of terrains it enfolds. On a single long hike, you might walk along bluffs, on prairie, and through hardwood and floodplain forests. How to choose a trail? Print out a trail map ahead of time or grab one at one of several handout sites. And consider this cheatsheet:

You don’t have much time, have small kids in strollers, are pushing or in a wheelchair, or of limited mobility: Travel the paved path that runs along the top of the bluff near the main overlook and all the way to the campground. It’ll lead you, gently, past breathtaking views and through mature maple-dominated woodlands.

You like a challenge, your knees are just fine, and your Fitbit is itching for a whole buncha stairs, because that’s how you roll: The Upper and Lower Bluffside Trails are a beautiful challenge. They feature rocky trails with many limestone or wooden stair steps leading to a view of Lake Pepin. Not recommended for little kids, unless you can stuff them into your backpack.

In the Forest at Frontenac
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

You prefer gentler hills, and love mixed woodland and prairie: Follow the Hiking Club Trail, marked in yellow on the park map. Everything about it is just lovely, especially the Eagle Point overlook. We recommend, however, that you use a park map to keep track of whether you’ve passed points F, G, H, I, J, K or L on the trail, because otherwise you might find yourself walking round and round and round in beautiful, familiar circles, sort of like the first time you drove in a roundabout. (Don’t ask us how we know that.)

Bonus loop: Several of the trails mentioned above link to the Pine Loop Trail, an unexpected, quiet, level loop of towering white pines planted long ago by a farmer. Rest on one of the loop’s rustic wooden benches and watch for owls sailing through the pines.

You love bluebirds, meadowlarks and prairie grasses swaying in the wind: Follow the gently rising and falling Prairie Loop trail, which starts on the south side of County Road 2 and curls over to Pleasant Valley Lakelet, which features a nifty wildlife viewing blind that kids, especially, will love. A lot of this trail is under the blazing sun, so wear sunscreen and a good hat, eh.

You want to see a floodplain forest and sandy beach, neon-colored little frogs, and the sometimes rare birds that live in both areas: The Sand Point trail begins away from the main park area. Bike or drive to the small parking area off Hwy. 61 and County Road 2 and follow the signs. It’s especially important to remember your mosquito repellent for this one (don’t ask us how we know that).

Want to see the park’s newest area?: Check your park trail map for the as-yet-unnamed trail southwest of Hill Avenue. It’s a steep loop up to a gorgeous view to the southwest and southeast of what’s historically been known as Waconia Cliffs, acquired by the park in 2020.

You prefer a trail less traveled: Frontenac State Park is a sprawling place, and the park map doesn’t show it all. If you’d like to explore some less-traveled paths, go to the park office and ask for directions to the two trailheads on the north side of Hill Avenue (or you can email pamelamarianmiller@gmail.com for maps and info). Both are moderately challenging hillside climbs that lead to high prairie paths that go northeast to the bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin. One is called the Santelman Firebreak trail, the other the Rattlesnake Bluff trail. Yes, there are some endangered timber rattlesnakes up there. No, you are not likely to be lucky enough to see one."

June 23, 2023 issue. Pamela Miller

Image - Pamela Miller

So head up or over to this great hiking park - and sign up for the free online newsletter too. You'll be glad you did!

I Spy on the Trails - Week of June 11, 2023

We had barely a drop of rain this week by us although other Driftless areas received a bit more. Wildfire smoke still is coming and going, some days worse than others. The temps started out in the 70s but by mid-week were well into the 80s. 

The most fun observation was on the trail in a nearby WMA. On a very overgrown trail, we noticed alot of fresh black bear scat. Then we noticed alot of cow parsnip snipped off about waist high along that part of the trail. Then we noticed three animal bedding areas. Then we noticed a bear paw print in a seep as we were exploring for the stream ahead. We discovered bears do indeed eat the stem and flower of parsnip - and male yearlings are out and about during this time of year looking for territories. We were grateful that no bear appeared!

Wildflowers

Canada anemone
Image-Marge Loch-Wouters

• Black-eyed Susan
• Ferns (maidenhair, lady, interrupted, ostrich, maiden, bulblet)
• Cow parsnip
• Wintercress
• Little bluestem grass
• Purple prairie clover
• Yarrow
• Yellow sweet clover
• Two leaf miterwort
• Cup plant (pre-bloom)
• Giant goldenrod (pre-bloom)
• Canada anemone
• Wild geranium
• Canadian honewort
• Bittersweet nightshade
• Dryad's saddle
• Golden oyser mushroom
• Spring fieldcap musroom
• Watercress (blooming)
• Rugosa rose
• Stickseed
• Jacob's ladder (post bloom)
• teo-leaf miterwort (post-bloom
• jack-in the pulpit (post bloom)
• Hairy sweet cecily
• Virginia creeper

Wildlife (seen/heard/detected)

Giant swallowtail butterfly
Image -Marge Loch-Wouters

• Least flycatcher
• Great crested flycatcher
• Eastern wood pewee
• Red-bellied woodpecker
• Baltimore oriole
• Eastern towhee
• American redstart
• Common yellowthroat
• Indigo bunting
• Rose-breasted grosbeak
• Ruby-throated hummingbird
• Yellow warbler
• Warbling vireo
• Red-eyed vireo
• Veery
• Golden-winged warbler
• Chestnut-sided warbler
• Grey catbird
• House wren
• Song sparrow
• Field sparrow
• White-throated sparrow 
• Grouse
• Detected - Fresh Black bear scat and paw print in seep
• Forktail damselfly
• Grayish fanfoot moth
• Pale beauty moth
• Giant swallowtail

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

This week's hikes: Yucatan Wildlife Management Unit (MN); Whitewater State Park (MN); Henke Acres Research Station - Beaver Creek Reserve, Fall Creek (WI); Maglessen Bluff Hike, Rushford (MN)

Wildfires and Hiking

It looks like we in the Driftless region (as well as others in the eastern northern tier states) may be in for a long summer of wildfire smoke. The Canadian fires just don't create a haze that obscures things far away. Whenever levels of wildfire smoke are high, that very same far-off haze is affecting the air immediately surrounding us and that we are breathing.

While that, of course, seems obvious, if you are also exercising or hiking with increased respiration, you are also increasing the volume of particulate matter that you are inhaling. Levels of PM2.5 are the wildfire particles of particular concern.

There were plenty of comments from campers, hikers, runners and bikers on social media in MN over Memorial Day weekend when many parts of the state experienced high alert days for very poor air quality. People recreating outside reported itchy burning eyes; sore throats, persistent coughs and some reported feeling pressure in their chests. 

There are two very easy things we can do to help protect our lungs and health when hiking and breathing hard on poor air quality days:

1. Be aware of the air quality daily. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has a free website and app, AirNow.gov that lets you check air quality in real time plus a five day forecast; maps tracking smoke; whether the air quality is affected by ozone or wildfires and suggestions for when to be cautious if we are in an at-risk group. Just input your zipcode or the zipcode of where you plan to hike and voila.

2.  Have a KN95 or an N95 mask along on hikes, just in case. While masks are not super comfortable in summer, I note that hikers have managed to continue hikes with soaked boots after stream crossings; no raincoat in a downpour; not enough bug dope while the mosquitoes and deerflies swarm; doinked knees and ankles and elbows and noses and, well, whatever befalls them. Most of us come out bragging at the end of an adverse/uncomfortable hike despite the discomfort. I think a mask is a doable thing to protect our health. We can do it!

Check the resources below for additional information on how to protect yourself.

Resources

The Wildfire Smoke May Be Gone. But the Health Threat Remains. Wen, Leana S. Washington Post, June 12, 2023 A very good, science-based article that cites research on the effects of wildfire smoke. You can access the article for free by putting in your email address.

Wildfire smoke, COVID-19, and striking comparisons. Jetalina, Katelyn. Your Local Epidemiologist. Newsletter, June 9, 2023. A very good article that is science-based and points out the dangers of wildfire smoke and the need to mask up on high alert days. 

Norwegian Ridge (MN) Hike

Our Driftless Drifters hiking club* recently hiked on the Norwegian Ridge Birding and Nature Trails in Spring Grove MN. Although I was unavailable on the day of the club hike, I recently checked out the hike for myself. 

Started and maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers, the first trail was created in 2013 and additional trails were added shortly thereafter. Hikers have an option to hike 1, 2 or 3 mile loops.

A VERY narrow part of the trail
Image-Marge Loch-Wouters

The trails are mowed grass or dirt trails that traverse hardwood forests, oak savanna prairie and wetlands. Some trails are narrow, others follow old roads and snowmobile trails. The hike begins at the top of the ridge and descend up and down through the rolling woods and prairie before heading back up through the woods and prairies. Elevation gain on this hike is just under 200 feet.

As soon as you begin the hike, you run into the first of over 50 trail signs, each dedicated to identifying a bird. They include a picture of both the male and female, common name, scientific name, Norwegian translation of the name, approximate size, nesting habits, eating preferences and a QR code to access their call and other info. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with the migrating birds that come through this birder's hot spot or to tune into birds that are residents of the woods and prairies.

A true troll bridge
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The hardwood forests are fascinating. They have a fairly clear understory which speaks to the woods being well cared for. While most of the spring ephemerals were done blooming when I walked the trail near mid-June, I think it would be riotous with wildflowers in spring. There are a number of bridges that cross spring-fed ponds and small streams. They add interest and fun. 

We eye each other
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

Also of interest was a buck sporting velvet antlers that we saw on the trail. When you are in a group of hikers, it's harder to get close to wildlife, simply because of the noise and chatter. Walking solo or with another hiker quiets the time on the trail and it is a wonder what can be seen!

Tiger swallowtail butterfly
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

The final portion of the hike brought us back to the prairie where we saw lupine, ox-eye daisies, clover, wild chervil, and numerous birds and pollinators among the sunny fields.

Note: they have special free program on Sat June 17. They write: "We will gather at the Trailhead of the Norwegian Ridge Birding and Nature Trails at 10 am, and be guided by Sara Holger, Lead Interpretive Naturalist from Whitewater State Park and founder of a non-profit called Project Get Outdoors. This event will be held rain or shine and will last 1 1/2 hours. Limit 25 people. Event is free but we need you to register. Please email, lane.zaffke@gmail.com with your registration. Trail is not accessible, attendees must be able to navigate the trail system. Looking forward to seeing you on the 17!"

THE HIKE

A great bird and nature trail that lets choose your own adventure depending on your mood - 1, 2 or 3 mile loops. Well cared for, full of informational signs and charm, this hike winds through forest, prairie and wetlands. There are two highway crossings so caution is urged. There is a 197 foot elevation change as you descend from the ridge down into the forest and back up again to the prairie on the rolling trails. The trail is open year round and would be interesting in any season but I would recommend song bird migration in spring and fall as a peak time to visit.

Location: Spring Grove MN

The trail starts right behind Red's IGA on the east side of Spring Grove. Park on the east side of the store's parking lot and walk towards the Gundersen Clinic building. You will see a mowed trail leading down from the store

* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.

Borah Creek Prairie State Natural Area (WI)

Some Driftless Drifters hiking club friends* and I recently took advantage of a guided remnant prairie wildflower walk in the Borah Creek Prairie SNA near Fennimore WI. 

Here is what Mississippi Valley Conservancy wrote about the hike:

"A rare glimpse of the rolling grassland and wildflowers that once carpeted much of this area can be seen on a free guided hike offered to the public by Mississippi ValleyConservancy(MVC) and The Prairie Enthusiasts. Gary Eldred, a founder of The Prairie Enthusiasts, and Chris Kirkpatrick of MVC will identify native grasses and flowers and show where prairie restoration efforts have created more habitat for pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

Image- Marge Loch-Wouters

Borah Creek Prairie includes 181-acres of scenic remnant grassland of the sort that was prevalent throughout the area 200 years ago. The property is a boon for native plant, bird, and butterfly enthusiasts. Grasses include big and little bluestem, Indian grass, side-oats grama, and prairie dropseed, interspersed with wildflowers such as pasqueflower, cream wild indigo, rattlesnake master, rough blazing star, yellow coneflower, bird’s-foot violet, downy gentian. Birders will be treated to a cacophony of grassland birds, including bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks. 

Borah Creek Prairie was discovered by local prairie enthusiast Gary Eldred, who noticed the abundance of native wildflowers on the site and worked with the landowner to manage the prairie with prescribed fire and invasive species control. Borah Creek Prairie was acquired with funding from the Wisconsin DNR's Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Prairie Rose
Image Marge Loch-Wouters

Partners in the permanent protection of the site include Mississippi Valley Conservancy, The Prairie Enthusiasts, Driftless Area Land Conservancy, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Fish and Wildlife Service."

How could we resist? 

Bushwhacking
Image- Marge Loch-Wouters

The two-hour hike took us down mowed paths and up and down the prairie where we bushwhacked right up to a wide variety of plants. Our guides identified many plants, birds, insects and grasses. Each identification included information about the insects/plants/birds and the interdependency of each species upon the other. Invasive plants were pointed as well as the ongoing efforts that are undertaken to control them.

Cream Wild Indigo
Image- Marge Loch-Wouters

The variety of plants was truly stunning. I was also struck by how Gary Eldred and other prairie enthusiasts discovered so many remnant prairies in the mid-80s. Grant and Iowa counties were experiencing a few years of drought. They discovered that the only green in the landscapes were remnant prairies and identified a number of them. 

I know I will return to this lovely prairie area again as the seasons change and new flowers take center stage. What I learned will inform my meanderings on future visits there.

Leadplant
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

THE HIKE

I can't describe it better than MVC did in the quoted description above. The prairie remnant includes rolling hills with lovely views of the prairie and the small creek. You can wander up, down an around for hours. Prepare for bushwhacking to see the best of the wildflowers and grasses. This map provides a general outline of where you can wonder and what you may find!

Location: Borah Creek Prairie State Natural Area, 11949 Mt. Ridge Rd, Fennimore WI

From Fennimore head west on US Hwy 18. Turn left onto Cemetery Rd and right onto Mount Ridge Rd for about 3 miles. The access road into Borah Creek Prairie is on the right. Parking for 6 to 8 cars is available by the property gate. For larger events, the gate is unlocked and parking along the access road is allowed. 

Image- Marge Loch-Wouters

* The Driftless Drifters is a member-led hiking club program sponsored through the La Crescent-Hokah Community Education Department of MN ISD 300. Begun in 2021, the group goes on weekly "under 5 mile" hikes around the Driftless area and weekly "Ambles - shorter hikes on flat surfaces for hikers looking for a slower pace. All hikes feature learning opportunities as they identify flora, fauna and fungi around the area. New members are welcome - the fee for the club is $14 /yr (July through June). Members have access to a weekly newsletter with hike locations and tips as well as additional pop-up hikes. Contact Community Ed at 507 895-5150 to join.