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)
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment