The Joy of November on the Trails

When we think of great times to hike, spring, summer and early fall often are the times we most love to be out exploring. The weather, the plant, insect and animal life, the color; the lushness and variety of sights along the trailside make every step along the way a delight.

I find, though, that it is in the late fall - the cold days of November when the autumn leaves are long gone and the air is crisp and often near or below freezing - that I experience some of my greatest joy while hiking. It is a time of quiet, less crowded trails; endless vistas;  and sights hidden by lush growth displayed once more for those who hike the trails.

While it is a cat-and-mouse game to find trails during the various gun deer seasons, being tri-state-al (living in MN near the borders of WI and IA) helps alot. It is worth the effort to find safe hiking spots to enjoy all November has to offer.

Here are a few favorite moments and sights from these last lovely few weeks of hiking and the secrets revealed.

A flock of cedar waxwings flew away from a red cedar we were near. We stayed quiet and they returned to feast on the berries while we stood quietly beneath them on top a bluff. A rare treat.

Water droplets from an overnight rain glisten on an oak leaf on an early morning hike.

Way finding on oak-leaf covered trails we've never been on is challenging but fun. We can discern a faint outline of slightly crushed leaves. The blazes on trees and trusty app keep us on track though.

I also freely admit that shooshing through dry oak leaves as I hike is one of my top favorite parts of late fall hiking.

The surprise of seeing bright green - maidenhair ferns, wood ferns, rock ferns, waterleaf - nestled among the sea of fallen leaves - even after frost - is always a delight. 

Tamarack is the only conifer in MN to shed all its leaves annually. They hang on even longer than the oaks before shedding. The orange-yellow hue stands out as some of the last color left in the forests.

Fungi and lichen still can be found before the frost hugging close to the ground amidst the fallen leaves. After the frost, the shelf fungi hang on in their slow work of breaking down the tree they perch on.

Rock formations hidden from view by lush undergrowth and leaves are suddenly spied. They tell the story of upheaval and long erosion, only revealed in the late fall and winter months.

The last subtle colors of the forest before the winds sweep the leaves away for the winter.

We get almost uninterrupted views of the Mississippi River from the blufftops as we hike along the eastern rim trails. 

The fall migration of tundra and trumpeter swans along with many other waterfowl along the Mississippi flyway is a highlight of November.

I hope you too have been hiking and enjoying the special sights along the trail this November. It's a great month to be hiking!

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

I Spy on the Trails - Weeks of Nov 12 and Nov 19, 2023

The past two weeks continued the long, slow stretch of fall weather with temps in the 40s and 50s. While rain was predicted here and there, only a bit of mist ever got near us. For the last four days, the temperatures have gotten colder - 20s overnight and mid-30s to mid-40s for daytime temps. So we had our first hard frost finally, far later than usual. Prime hiking weather.

The swan and waterfowl migration has been in full swing. The raucous gathering of tundra and trumpeter swans have been amazing. The Canada geese, ducks and waterfowl (that I still have a difficult time distinguishing) were legion. A friend told us about a new quiet spot to see resting/feeding swans near a small IA creek's delta on the Mississippi - we have had great close-up views of the migratory action. You can see weekly updates to the sightings on the US Fish and Wildlife's website. So head out as soon as you can. The migration through our area is near its end.

A view of the Mississippi from
Yellow River State Forest IA

The gun deer hunting seasons in both MN and WI occurred during this last week. I always keep safety in mind for these this particular hunting season. Often the hunters are using higher power rifles and many are infrequent hunters. While we wear blaze orange and neon yellow on fall hikes and avoid hiking in these states - even in city/state parks that often border private lands during the deer gun season - you can't be too careful.  Luckily, we are near Iowa, so their trails received alot of my attention! It was a joy to explore these great forests within an hour of where I live.

This time of year is one of my favorite hiking times. With undergrowth died back and leaves down, the views and landforms are revealed. Surprising bright patches of waterleaf and ferns pop up among the leaves along the trails. Fungi are everywhere yet. Trail-finding is a fun challenge in the scads of leaves covering trails and the crunch of oak leaves is a delight. The blufftop views of the Mississippi, sloughs, floodplain forests and nearby states on these crisp November days are spectacular.

Bellflower spotted!
Image - Nola Larson

Plants

• Rock fern
• Wood fern
• Maidenhair fern
• Intermediate wood fern
• Water leaf
• Bellflower (spotted by Nola)
• Spikemoss

Wildlife (seen/heard/ detected)

Cedar waxwing on a blufftop red cedar
Image - Kris Lawson

• Cedar waxwing
• Tundra swans
• Trumpeter swans
• Eagles
• Red-tailed hawk
• Goshawk
• Mallards
• Canada geese
• so many ducks (sorry, my ID ability on these paddlers is the worst)
• Red headed woodpecker
• Pileated woodpecker
• Blue Jay
• Chickadee

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

Two weeks of hikes: Vetsch Park, La Crescent MN; Reno Rocks and Reno Spillway, Reno, WI; Fish Farm Mounds, New Albin IA; Forester /White Pine Trails - Yellow River State Forest, New Albin IA; Riverside Park, La Crosse WI; Luster Heights trails - Yellow River State Forest, New Albin IA; Paint Rock/Mississippi trails - Yellow River State Forest, New Albin IA

The sloughs and floodplain forests of the Mississippi River
as seen from IA with WI bluffs in the background

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Lost Creek Trail (MN) Hike

I recently had the opportunity to join a couple of friends to celebrate fall and hike at the Lost Creek Trail near Chatfield MN. An article in the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine earlier this year alerted me to this incredible resource. I knew I wanted to get there.

Bluff Country Hiking Club, which maintains the Lost Creek Trail, sent out a general invite for an October 28 event. Hikers and runners were invited to meet at the newly renovated Jordan Town Hall near the westernmost Nine Bark trailhead. and explore the trail. Cider and donuts were available in the morning as hikers stopped by to admire the new flooring and restored wall lamps and see the soon-to-be installed wood stove. Hikers could also chat with landowners and pick up maps and information. Then we hit the trail!

On the Thorn Apple Hill path
Tim/Susan Gossman property

What makes this hike so special is that the trail was developed by landowners collaborating to make parts of their properties available to hikers at no cost. Opened in 2011, this trail winds through woodlands, wetlands, over streams, up and down hills and valleys and along connecting farm fields and a few road sections. 

The other  trailhead in Chatfield is located at Groen Park where parking is available for the easternmost portion of the trail. The first mile or so of this trailhead is along the shoulder of County Highway 2 until you cross over into the first property and head up. 

Crossing a small streamlet

Our hike started at the western Ninebark trailhead on Ninebark Rd. We did the first half of the trail for an out-and-back 4.5 mile hike. After a brief walk along old farm fields, we entered a lovely rolling forested area. The trail soon dipped down to cross a small stream and then back up again to gain some stellar views of forests and land across and below us. We continued in this valley and to a bridge over Lost Creek in a more open, grassy wetlands area.

A sinkhole in the Bailey Bros. section

We continued up and down through forestland with signs explaining how and why trees were chosen for selective cutting for the health of the forest.  As we passed, signs also indicated an impressive sinkhole in this karst area and limestone cliffs along the trail. We turned around at about the halfway point to retrace our steps.

Lost Creek winding beneath limestone cliffs

Each segment of the trail is carefully managed by the landowners and Bluff Country Hiking Club. It's a real pleasure to hike these trails. The trails are well marked with blazes and signs indicating the direction to each trailhead. Landowners request that hikers only use the dedicated trails. The trail is closed during November for the fall gun deer hunting seasons.

We look forward to doing a thru-hike on this trail . When we do, I'll report out the adventure!

THE HIKE

A long, moderate-to challenging hike with rolling hills, stream and creek crossings and a variety of landscapes to hike through. The trail is the result of nearby landowners collaborating to open their land to make a trail that connects from Chatfield MN to Jordan Township, 6.5 miles away. There are two short segments on roads and a mile hike to/from Chatfield on the shoulder of  Cty Hwy 2. Hikes can begin at either trailhead for an out-and-back or thru-hike.

LOCATION

The eastern trailhead is at Chatfield's Groen Park. The first mile is on the shoulder of Cty Highway 2 until you come to Mind Dr. Carefully cross the highway to the the small footbridge a bit east of your crossing. The western Ninebark trailhead is out of Chatfield on W. 3rd  St SW (past Groen Park) and out Cty Hwy 2 to Ninebark Rd. Turn left and follow it to the trailhead on the left. You can also park along the side of that road.

I Spy on the Trails - Weeks of Oct 29 and November 5, 2023

Our first snow hit Halloween eve and into Halloween Tuesday leaving roads icy and trails packed with sloppy wet snow. But like all early snows, streets, lawns and trails quickly reemerged and temperatures slowly crept up into the 60s. It's odd to have such long stretches of warm weather in November. The final part of this week was still an unseasonably warm high 40s and low 50s.

I was out on the long trails a little less these past two weeks. Instead I was reliving alot of the past 2 years of hiking as I put together last Wednesday's program on hiking trails and seasonal trails and hiking tips. I appreciated the attendees and their sharing at the program.

Wood ferns still around

With the leaves down on most trees and the undergrowth died down, the views on hikes have been spectacular. Rocks, hillocks, and wildlife are more easily visible and lend even the most familiar trails new to my eyes. It's why I love hiking in the cold late fall and winter months. There is still so much to see.

The tundra swan and other waterfowl migration is in full swing along our part of the Mississippi River flyway. Thousands of birds are resting before they continue their migration through to their wintering grounds. Tens of thousands more will be heading through in the next few weeks. The overlooks are crowded with observers and photographers. It's a special time!

Plants/Fungi

The subtle colors of late fall

• Coral-pink merulius fungi
• Mustard yellow polypore
• Ocher bracket 
• Turkeytail
• False turkeytail
• Honey mushroom 
• Wood fern
• Maidenhair fern
• Northern oak fern
• Common bonnet mushroom

Wildlife (seen/heard/detected)

• Whitetail deer
• Blue jay
• Tick
• Tundra swans
• Canada geese
• Trumpeter swan
• Herons
• American coot
• Diving and dabbling ducks
• Bald eagles
• Pelicans

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

Two weeks of hikes: Wildwood Trail, Winona MN; Fish Farm Mounds, New Albin, IA; Riverside Park, La Crosse WI, Reno Spillway and Reno Quarry, Reno MN; Vetsch Park, La Crescent MN; North and South Compass Trails, Hixon Gateway, La Crosse WI; Butterfly Trails, Shelby WI

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

And.....It's Still Tick Time

Hunters and hikers will tell you. Tick time is still with us. With high temperatures and warm nights, ticks are turning up - and on people  again.  While undergrowth has died back, there are enough long grasses and brush to help remind us that ticks are active in fall in these unusally high warm temps.

The black-legged deer tick is the primary carrier of Lyme's disease. But don't despair. Usually, a tick has to be attached to you 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. If you remove a tick quickly (usually within the first 24 hours), you reduce your chances of getting Lyme disease.

The good news is that the ticks are almost all adults so you can see them more easily than when they are in their nymph stage. And there are great ways to protect yourself!

Here are a few quick pre- and post-hike prevention tips that can help with peace of mind and no ticks attached to you!

• Wear light colored clothing (easier to find ticks on them).
• Tuck pants into socks. 
• Spray boots and pants legs with a Picaridin or DEET-containing insect repellent.
• Pro tip from WI DNR -after hikes, toss your hiking clothes into the dryer on high for a 10 minute spin (it kills the little beasties)
• Check your body carefully for any tick action post-hike
• Shower/wash hair (usually it takes from 24-36 hours after a tick attaches. A good scrub helps to dislodge them).
• Consider spraying a set of "hiking clothes" with Permethrin. 

I also have a set of Rynoskin tops and bottoms that work well during high tick seasons (they are also effective in preventing mosquitoes from drilling into you). They are easy to use, non-chemical way of giving you protection against your skin.

Don't let ticks stop you from enjoying hikes in these amazing November temperatures. Let's get out there!

Resources from Nov 8 Driftless Trails Presentation

For folks who were able to attend the Nov 8 talk on hiking trails in the Driftless area at Whitewater (MN) State Park, below are resources  - with links in brown to click for websites and blog posts -  I mentioned in the presentation. They are all just a click away. A huge thanks to the Friends of Whitewater State Park for the invite to present! It was a blast!

The Driftless Area. Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey in partnership with Illinois State, Iowa and Minnesota Geological Surveys. A brief, 2 page overview of what actually constitutes the Driftless area  and what is "driftless-style topography". See also this post from the blog.

Hiking Gear mentioned

    Rynoskin
    Premethrin fabric and gear spray
    Tick gaiters
    Head net

    Trace Minerals PowerPak
    Microspikes
    

Tech on the Trail blog post

State Parks - a bit of everything for hikers

• MN State Parks - Great River Bluffs; Whitewater; Beaver Creek Valley Carley Forestville
• WI State Parks - Perrot State Park, Wildcat Mountain

Blufflands Hikes

• Butterfly Trails,  Shelby, WI
• Vetsch Park,  La Crescent MN
• Greens Coulee,  Onalaska WI
• Mississippi Valley Conservancy bluffs, La Crosse WI

Rim Hikes

• Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville, WI
• Wildwood Trail, Winona MN
• Magelssen Bluff, Rushford MN

Bluffsides

• Eagles Bluff, La Crescent MN, 422 Red Apple Dr.
• Stinky/Chicanary/Quarry Trails, Upper Hixon, La Crosse WI
• Hickory Trail, Lower Hixon, La Crosse WI
• Oak Trail, Lower Hixon, La Crosse WI

Prairies

• Holland Sand Prairie, Holland WI
• Brice Prairie Visitor's Center, Brice Prairie WI
• Upper Hixon Forest   - ["String of Pearls" map], La Crosse WI

River/Creek Walks

• Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN
• Lytle's Landing,  Brice Prairie WI
• McGilvray Seven Bridges, New Amsterdam - Friends of McGilvray website

Flat and Fun

• Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau WI
• Marsh Trails, La Crosse WI  - map
• Goose Island, La Crosse WI
• Root River WMA, Hokah MN

All Around Fun Hikes

• Lost Creek Trail, Chatfield MN
• Norwegian Ridge, Spring Grove MN
• LevisTrow Mounds Recreation Area
• Reno Quarry and Reno Spillway

Finding New Hikes

• Facebook Groups - Women Who Hike MN; Blufflands Hiking
• MN State Parks Hiking Club
• Winona Outdoor Collaborative
• Meet-up

MN Driftless Hiking Backpack Trail

Blog post about MDHT

Slide deck of the 11/8/23 presentation

Naturalist's Corner - Tons of Tundra Swans

Today we dig a little more deeply into the fall migration of tundra swans, a wonder along the Mississippi River!

Just as the trees have dropped their colorful autumn leaves and the dominant color in woods and fields are greys and browns, the tundra swan migration goes into high gear along the Mississippi River flyway near where we live in southeastern MN. Those brilliant white birds are like another party getting started!

This annual tundra swan fall migration hits our area just about the beginning of November and lasts until the end of the month. Shallow pools along the river sloughs are filled with their raucous calls. We see tens of thousands stopping on their migration routes. 

The most numerous species in North America, tundra swans (also called whistling swans) are slightly smaller than mute or trumpeter swans. They are white with a black bill which often has a spot of yellow on it near their eye.

Image courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service

They are dabblers - they upend themselves to eat their favored tubers - up to 6 lbs of "duck potatoes" a day.

I had always thought that the migrations from their summer nesting grounds to their winter grounds in the Chesapeake Bay area in the eastern United States and back again in spring were quick runs. I was surprised that studies tracking swans suggest that the swans spend over 4 month each year in their migration! 

The fall migration from the Arctic circle to Chesapeake Bay area is a journey of over 3000 miles. According to a study tracking a small sample of tundra swans written by Khristi A. Wilkins et al published in Wildfowl (2010) 60: 20–37, each of the 3 or 4 stops the swans make along the way lasts for 2-3 weeks as they rest and refuel before the next stop. The swans don't leave together and all at once, but rather there are staggered flights beginning from early September through early October. 

The green line shows the tundra swan migration path on the map

The swans can often stay in the Upper Mississippi river for a few weeks at a time before heading, in their final lap, to their Chesapeake Bay area wintering grounds. They take a sharp easternly turn and head directly there, with the final swans arriving from November through December. That's why habitats with a good food supply and vast areas where the migrating waterfowl can rest is so critical.

It speaks to the importance of all their resting stops. Healthy natural areas can support the migrations - especially in times of climate change. I will be watching in coming years to see what kind of impacts the warming temperatures might have on this important migration.

Meanwhile, now is the time to join the tundra swans' raucous migration party. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is sponsoring a number of staffed weekend viewings in the next few weeks to help you learn about and identify the swans and other waterfowl and birds migrating through.  Read on:

Swan Migration at Brownsville Overlook    

Saturdays/Sundays  Nov 11/12 and Nov 18/19   10am-2pm

Come enjoy the fall migration! As the seasons turn colder, thousands of swans, ducks and other water birds move through the refuge, finding a place to rest, relax and refuel before moving further south for the winter. A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers!  Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers are posted weekly on the refuge website.  For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399 (Tues-Fri 9am-3pm) 

The Friends of the Upper Mississippi will join the refuge on Saturday Nov 11 for Waterfowl Observation Day: Come join the Friends of the Upper Mississippi (FUM), Friends of the Refuge –Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78) and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge to celebrate the fall migration! Spotting scopes and bird identification guides will be available for visitors to enjoy. Refuge staff, and members of FUM and FOR78 will assist with bird ID and related questions. Please dress for chilly weather! Light refreshments will be available while supplies last, during this event only. All donations for refreshments will benefit FUM. Members of FUM and FOR78 will have wildlife-themed items available for purchase. The Brownsville Overlook is one of the best places along the river to view hundreds of tundra swans, ducks, pelicans and bald eagles. The overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, MN along MN Highway 26.

You can read more about the tundra swans spring migration and habits in this recent post by Charlotte Lukes.

A huge thank you to Katie Julian of the US Fish and Wildlife Service who shared the research that helped me write this post!

Let's Get Hiking - and Learning! November 2023

Now THAT'S geology!
Image -  Marge-Loch-Wouters

November is a great hiking month - and great for learning too! With leaves off the trees, you often get a chance to view hidden rocks and geological formations that can escape our view during the lush foliage months.  Check out some of the opportunities available this month to hike, learn and swap.

Tundra Swan Field Trip  Saturday November 4     1-3pm  

Whitewater (MN) State Park. Each November, thousands of migrating tundra swans stop at the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge on their way to Chesapeake Bay. Join a naturalist caravan through the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area to Weaver Bottoms on the Mississippi River to observe tundra swans. Binoculars, spotting scopes and handouts will be available. Bring your own transportation. Meet at the Visitor Center. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park 

Swan Migration at Brownsville Overlook    Saturday/Sunday November 4 and 5    10am-2pm

Come enjoy the fall migration! As the seasons turn colder, thousands of swans, ducks and other water birds move through the refuge, finding a place to rest, relax and refuel before moving further south for the winter. A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers!  Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers are posted weekly on the refuge website.  For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399 (Tues-Fri 9am-3pm)  Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge 

Winter Gear Swap        Sunday November 5           10am-3pm

The Winona Outdoor Cooperative. Is your puffy losing insulation, or have you found an extra hole or two in your favorite pair of mittens? Now’s the time to gear up before snow begins to blanket the bluffs! Join the Winona Outdoor Collaborative, in partnership with Curiosi-Tea House, at our second annual Gear Swap this November. This season’s gear swap will focus on winter clothing and gear to help fuel you for your cold-season adventures. We will also have some out-of-season items available for sale. Don’t forget to check out our dollar bins where you can find outdoor clothing at affordable prices ($2 - $5), and swing by our gear table to find some great deals on thrifted outdoor equipment waiting for it’s second chance at life. Visit our website to learn more about how to sell your gear at our swap! 

Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative and Curiosi-Tea

Hiking the Driftless Area Presentation   Wednesday, November 8      10 am - noon

Whitewater (MN) State Park. I'll be presenting at the H.O.P. into the Park (Healthy Older People) series this month!  Discover well-known as well as more obscure trails that can be found in our nearby state parks, communities and rural areas. From bluffs to prairies, from wetlands to river's edge, from paved and flat to wild, rocky and steep, there's a trail perfect for everyone to hike in our area of MN and nearby in WI. We'll take a look at hikes perfect for retirees; families; active bluff and goat prairie climber/hikers; people recovering from illness and injury and more. And we'll touch on the wonders of hiking year-round. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Swan Migration at Brownsville Overlook    Saturday/Sunday November 11/12   10am-2pm

Come enjoy the fall migration! As the seasons turn colder, thousands of swans, ducks and other water birds move through the refuge, finding a place to rest, relax and refuel before moving further south for the winter. A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers!  Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers are posted weekly on the refuge website.  For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399 (Tues-Fri 9am-3pm)  Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge 

Fossil Field Trip  - Saturday, November 11      10am - noon

Whitewater (MN) State Park.

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 your own transportation. [Marge note: you almost ALWAYS find a fossil at this very productive limestone site. Dress warmly - it can be cold if the wind is whipping!] Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Waterfowl Observation Day Saturday, November 11 10am -2pm

Come join the Friends of the Upper Mississippi (FUM), Friends of the Refuge –Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78) and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge to celebrate the fall migration! Spotting scopes and bird identification guides will be available for visitors to enjoy. Refuge staff, and members of FUM and FOR78 will assist with bird ID and related questions. Please dress for chilly weather! Light refreshments will be available while supplies last, during this event only. All donations for refreshments will benefit FUM. Members of FUM and FOR78 will have wildlife-themed items available for purchase. The Brownsville Overlook is one of the best places along the river to view hundreds of tundra swans, ducks, pelicans and bald eagles. The overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, MN along MN Highway 26.

Swan Migration at Brownsville Overlook    Sunday November 12   10am-2pm

Come enjoy the fall migration! As the seasons turn colder, thousands of swans, ducks and other water birds move through the refuge, finding a place to rest, relax and refuel before moving further south for the winter. A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers!  Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers are posted weekly on the refuge website.  For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399 (Tues-Fri 9am-3pm)  Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge 

Swan Migration at Brownsville Overlook    Saturday/Sunday November 18/19   10am-2pm

Come enjoy the fall migration! As the seasons turn colder, thousands of swans, ducks and other water birds move through the refuge, finding a place to rest, relax and refuel before moving further south for the winter. A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers!  Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers are posted weekly on the refuge website.  For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399 (Tues-Fri 9am-3pm)  Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge 

Guided Forest Bathing Gratitude Walk        Friday, November 24   10am - noon

Whitewater (MN) State Park. Finding appreciation for the little, everyday things that provide joy is an important practice for wellbeing. Join park naturalist and certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Sara Holger, for a forest bathing walk centered around gratitude. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Be sure to check often with local hiking groups, universities, naturalist-interest groups, nature conservancies, nature centers and their Friends groups, state parks, US Fish and Wildlife centers and others in your area to see what is on offer to help you understand the natural world around you better.