Hiking Ideas During the Freeze/Thaw Cycle

First snow at
Apple Blossom Overlook Park

This blog post is also the January 2024 edition of  my phenology series "I Spy on the Trails." Phenology is the observation of day-to-day and week-to-week changes in the natural world and the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals.

I have weather whiplash! Snow you want? Snow you get! Bitter cold you want? Bitter cold you get! Hot you want? Hot you get! Oh and did I mention days of fog. Yes, that too!

Well, perhaps you don't want, but that is exactly what January dealt us. A week of snow and then a week of bitter cold. Followed by an extended January thaw with dense fog and overnight temperatures 20-30 degrees above normal to end the month. 

One of the five strongest El Niños since 1950 is having it's way across the nation and the Driftless region is not exempt. Tie that in with a warming climate and we get a winter (or non-winter as the case may be) like this year.

This comes on the heels of last year. 2023 temperatures were sobering. - the hottest in human recorded history. The Washington Post recently had an article on this (and if you can't access it, the Verge also discussed this worrying trend).

Excellent drifts at 
Apple Blossom Overlook Park

We depend on subzero temperatures to kill off invasive insect species larvae during the winter (think emerald ash-borer). I can't say that the polar vortex that descended for a week and kept wind chills in the minus 20s and 30s is actually going to do that bug-killing now that the thaw is extending into February and predicted to bring temps in the 40s-50s.

From my observations and experience, it was a frustrating January. While I could easily hike well into the month on the firm frozen snowless trails, a small snowstorm with "just-barely" snowshoe-worthy snow and a larger storm with awesome 6-8 inches ready-made for snowshoeing were FINALLY just being enjoyed before the polar cold slowed down outdoor play.

Ice on Halfway Creek

With current diminishing snow cover and muddy trails, I am cautious on what trails I pick to hike on. When I leave muddy prints or go off-trail to avoid wet spots, I am contributing to erosion and deterioration of the trails. Traditionally, I confine my hikes to areas that are grassy, paved or graveled during a freeze-thaw cycle I wrote about recently.

Below are some hiking alternatives if the thaw continues and you are leaving muddy prints in the Driftless area. They feature grass, gravel, asphalt or concrete trails. While the freeze/thaw period will never be my favorite hiking time, it gives me a chance to still experience the outdoors and nature while preserving trails.

• Goose Island Park along the roads near Wigwam Slough and down the slough trail south of the campground.
• La Crosse Marsh Trails (access from Myrick Park near the dog park on N. East St off  La Crosse St or by the Nature Place; or at Riverside International Garden for paved trail: [Note: this trail is closed for construction from 7th St to Lang Dr where Willow Trail begins as of January 2024. No word on when the project will be completed.])
• Chad Erickson Park, La Crosse
• Riverside Park, La Crosse
• Pettibone Park roads, La Crosse
• Lytle's Landing, Brice Prairie (or other graveled bike trails in the area)
• Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Dakota MN
• Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI
• McGilvrey 7 Bridges, New Amsterdam WI
• Halfway Creek Park, Holmen WI
• Holland Sand Prairie, Holland WI
• Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge trails (especially the dike trails), Trempealeau WI
• Lake Park Walk, Winona MN
• Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN

Off-trailing at Mertes Slough

I included lots of snowy pictures from the January snow adventures I squeezed in to keep our hopes up.  If you can, think SNOW so we can get out there yet this truncated winter and enjoy some true snowplay on the trails! 

Meanwhile don't let the sloppy weather keep you inside. Hit some of the above trails.

A Month of hikes: Lytle's Landing, Brice Prairie WI; MacGilvray Seven Bridges, New Amsterdam WI; Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Dakota MN; Veteran’s Park, West Salem WI; La Crosse River Conservancy, Onalaska WI; Upper Hixon Forest, Stinky/Chicanery Trails, La Crosse WI; Mertes Slough, Winona MN; Halfway Creek, Holmen WI; La Crosse Marsh trails, La Crosse WI; Riverside Park, La Crosse WI

A pileated woodpecker visits our feeder

Mertes Slough (MN) - Snowshoe

One of the wonderful perks of living along the Mississippi River is the backwater sloughs and floodplain forests that are everywhere along the river. In the cold of winter when the ice is a solid 4 inches, they become highways into the interior of these islands and peninsulas.

On a recent frosty weekend, I joined a number of snowshoe enthusiasts on a guided hike sponsored by Winona Outdoor Collaborative (WOC) at Mertes Slough. Located just south of the Winona bridge, the slough lies in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge. 

WOC folks greeted us with hot cider, coffee and donut holes plus snowshoes and trekking poles for those who needed them. After a demo on how to make sure the ice is thick enough (drill down 4 inches - no water coming up through the hole? Good to go), we were off on a 2 mile-ish tramp.

Much of our snowshoe hike was over the ice. Our snowshoe crampons provided traction. We got up close to a huge eagle’s nest along the shore as well as observed a lot of trees felled by beavers.

We also snowshoed through the snowy floodplain forest -a great off-trailing opportunity. For me, off-trailing and finding the best path from one point to another is my favorite part of snowshoeing. The depth of snow doesn’t matter. Snowshoes help you stay on top of the snow rather than plunging down. The woods are completely open to your wayfinding skills. 

Or, in my case, following the trails that deer make. In winter they are conserving energy so they find the easiest path between two points. Sometimes it takes you under low overhung branches or narrowly between trees but I find it a great way to avoid clots of tangled brush and downed wood.

The hour-long hike was a great chance to see stunning bluff scenery, beautiful frosted ice, a lovely forest and talk to people from all over the area. I highly recommend exploring this area in winter when the ice is thick on the water. You will feel at your wildest.

THE HIKE
Located just south of the Winona Bridge on the way to WI, Mertes Landing is part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This backwater, floodplain forest makes a perfect snowshoe, especially when the slough is frozen over. The snowshoeing is off-trail through the woods and over the ice. You can spot beaver activity, eagle nests, deer track and some spectacular views of the WI bluffs as you wind along the frozen backwaters. Create a loop or your own out-and-back trail of any length you want. The snowshoeing is fairly flat. The shallow slough makes it easy to get on and off the ice from anywhere along the shore.

The Location  S3629 Hwy 54, Winona MN

The landing is on the left hand side of the highway coming off the bridge as you head towards WI. There is ample parking. 

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Thawing Trails - Be Aware

We're in a January thaw big time.

So I want to remind all of us who are actively using trails for skiing, biking , snowshoeing and hiking to be mindful of winter’s freeze-thaw cycle as we decide where and when we are going to get on trails. When we use trails that are down to dirt and muddy, we contribute to erosion and trail degradation. 

Many volunteers put in hours of sweat equity maintaining trails. Ground-in tire and boot tracks are the hardest to repair. Our friends in the Coulee Region' s Outdoor Recreation Alliance created this signage around trails in the Coulee Region that are good reminders to us all.

If we are leaving boot/bike tracks on the muddy trail, let’s turn around and have alternative hiking plans during these warm times.

Let's Get Hiking - and Learning! February 2024

What's on tap? It's time to get these outdoor learning adventures and indoor opportunities on the February calendar. So many choices - what could be better? 

Click on the titles or brown-colored links to find more detailed info.

Guided Tree Identification Walk     

Goose Island County Park (WI)

Friday February 2    1-2:30 pm

Join our very own forester Bruce Henry on a guided tree identification walk at the Goose Island Interpretive Trail, La Crosse County WI, the first event of the 100th Anniversary Interpretive Series. Winter is the best time of year for observing tree structures and offers a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the Refuge's forested areas. As an experienced forester, Bruce will be leading a walk focused on the identification of trees using bark characteristics during winter conditions. All ages and experience levels are welcome Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for weather. The terrain will be an unpaved trail of approximately 1 mile. The Goose Island Interpretive Trail is located as you enter Goose Island, take the first left off County Hwy GI. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge at (608) 779-2398 for questions.

Winterfest  

Perrot State Park (WI)                   

Saturday February 3                     1:00-7:00 pm

Sledding, snowshoeing, s'mores, horse drawn wagon rides, warming fire, snow piles, light refreshments and snacks in nature center plus a candlelight evening hike (suitable for pulling children on a sled or bringing your leashed pet. Call the park office at 608 534-6409 with questions. Vehicle admission sticker required. Check out the Friends of Perrot Face Book page for updates

Sponsor: Friends of Perrot State Park

Snowshoe Saturdays 

Whitewater State Park (MN)        

Saturdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24         10 am-11:30 

Join us at the visitor center each Saturday in February for a winter walk. If there is enough snow, we'll snowshoe. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park's during the program. In the event of poor weather, check the on-line calendar for program cancellations. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Geocaching Adventure
Whitewater State Park (MN)
Saturday, February 3   12-2:30pm
Ever want to get out and explore? During this program we will be going geocaching, looking for things hidden in the woods. What will make this hunt even more exciting is that it will take us off the beaten path into a little used part of the park with some great views. So dress warm, grab your hiking boots, and let's go on an adventure! (Distance: 2 Miles, Elevation Gain: 300ft). To register call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us With adequate snow we will use snowshoes during this program. You can bring your own or borrow a pair of the parks.  Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Winter Walk and Bonfire
Sidie Hollow County Park (WI)

Saturday February 3 3:00-4:00pm
This guided winter walk and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages. Meet at the Main Shelter. The walk begins at 3pm and will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. The Friends of Vernon County Parks encourages walkers to always dress appropriately for the walk and the weather and invite your family and friends. Sponsor: Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests

WI Neighbor Weekend (free admission for residents of La Crosse, Trempealeau and Vernon counties)

International Owl Center, Houston MN

February 3-4 10:00am-4:00pm

Residents of Wisconsin's Trempealeau, Vernon, and La Crosse counties in Wisconsin, including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on this Neighbor Weekend. There are also Neighbor Weekends for counties in Minnesota and Iowa (see link below). See live owls in person, check out the hands-on displays, and stay for the live programs at 11 and 2 each day. Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17. Sponsor: International Owl Center

MN DNR Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Online Webinars

Learn about or sharpen your outdoor skills with these upcoming online webinars in our Minnesota outdoor skills and stewardship series. Each webinar begins at noon on Wednesdays and last less than an hour. These offerings are shorter than in-person opportunities, require no travel and fit into busy schedules. The website also gives you access to recordings of past webinars.

• Winter Deer Behavior and Feeding (online webinar)  Wednesday February 7  Noon-1pm
• White-tailed deer have fascinating behaviors and life cycles, but winter can be tough on them. We will be joined by DNR big game specialists, who will outline the Winter Severity Index (WSI) and discuss recent winters and their impacts on deer. They will also cover some adaptation’s deer have developed that help them to survive winter, and what you could do to help them out. Lastly, the specialist will discuss some of the negative effects of supplementally feeding deer in winter. Sponsor: MN DNR

• A Date with Nature  (online webinar)    Wednesday February 14                     Noon-1pm
• Environmental psychologists, Dr. Christie Manning and Dr. Elise Amel, will share with us how time spent in nature improves our mental health and provides many other benefits. We will also highlight several opportunities and programs available to “make a date” with nature and your significant other or family this winter. Sponsor: MN DNR

• Edible Mushrooms of Minnesota  (online webinar)     Wednesday Feb 21       Noon-1pm
• Mushroom foraging is a fun and healthy way to connect with delicious wild food and the outdoors. Join us for a webinar on the edible mushrooms of Minnesota, presented by the Minnesota Mycological Society. Learn about the wonderous world of mushrooms, their ecology, and foraging some of the best edible mushrooms the state has to offer. Sponsor: MN DNR

Valentine's Snowshoe Hike  

La Crosse River Conservancy (WI)     

Saturday, February 10                    1-3:00pm

You’ll fall in love with the beauty of winter as you explore the La Crosse River Conservancy on a Valentine’s snowshoe hike in Onalaska WI. Even those who’ve never been on snowshoes will have a chance to give it a try. There will be hot chocolate after the hike courtesy of Stoney Creek Inn as well as discounted rooms for those who want to stay over. It’s easy and fun for all ages. There will be a limited number of snowshoes in a wide range of sizes available to borrow.  Participants are advised to dress in layers, wear a hat, warm boots, and warm gloves or mittens. Walking sticks are recommended but not required. If there's not enough snow, we'll hike without snowshoes. For registration, directions and more details, please click the link above. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy/Stoney Creek Hotel

Wilderness Weekends with Emily   

Holzinger Lodge, Winona      

Saturday February 10            9:30-11:30 am (registration required)

Join us for a snowy Saturday morning filled with exploration! We will hike along the beautiful Holzinger trails in Winona while learning about and identifying various animal signs we find along the way. This family-friendly event is a great way to get outside and learn during the winter season! Wilderness Weekends is a program led by environmental educator Emily Gorman, designed to explore and educate participants about the diverse ecosystems and environmental treasures surrounding Winona County, Minnesota. This program offers an exciting opportunity for nature enthusiasts, students, families, and anyone passionate about environmental education to engage with the natural world through immersive activities that invite us to dive deeper into our understanding of nature. Registration required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative                                             

Fur Trade Along the Banks of the Mississippi River in the 1800's 
Whitewater State Park (MN)
Wednesday, February 14         10:00 am - noon

Join Ed Lagace, former ranger with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge. He will be doing a presentation on fur trading in the upper Mississippi as part of the HOP (Healthy Older People) Into the Park series. Check the website nearer to the date for more details. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater (MN) State Park

Animal Adaptations

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau WI

Thursday February 15               6:30pm

Join Scott Lee for an Animal Adaptations Program. Scott is a retired 5th grade teacher from Trempealeau Elementary School. He also taught Environmental Studies at UW La Crosse for 8 years. He will have a variety of animal mounts and talk about how animals have managed to survive from predators, extreme weather conditions and adapt to their environments. *This program will be at the Outdoor Wonders Learning Center at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. *This is a free program, suitable for all ages. *Reservations are not required. Sponsors: Friends of Trempealeau Refuge and the Refuge

Eagles of Red Wing
Lake City (MN) Public Library
Thursday, Feb 15                   6:00 pm
Lake City (MN) Public Library presents one in their winter series of birding programs. Cara Clark and Earl Bye, authors of Eagles of Red Wing, have been visiting Frontenac State Park (FSP) over the past six years to capture pictures of as many kinds of birds as they could find. So far, they have logged 140 bird species in iNaturalist for FSP. Many include extremely close shots showing feather details and beautiful backgrounds. Earl and Cara will share some of their favorite nature stories and pictures of birds seen at Frontenac State Park. Sponsors: Lake City (MN) Public Library and Frontenac State Park Association

Great Backyard Bird Count 

Wherever you are!

February 16-19 
It's easy to do. Join hundreds of thousands of observers across the world in observing birds during these 4 days. Stop here to get the scoop and learn how easy it is to participate and log your observations. Sponsors include: Audubon Society/Cornell ornithology labs

Winona Outdoor Collaborative February Meet-Up

Holzinger Lodge, Winona

Saturday February 17      9:00-Noon

Join Chelsi Low, WOC Board Co-Chair, for a fun morning exploring winter recreation! We'll have a mix of activities available from snowshoe hiking to sledding, craft activities, snow shelters, and so much more. This event is perfect for families or couples looking to spend some time outside in a new, unique way. The program is an open-house style event, so you're welcome to come at any time and enjoy whichever activities call to you most. This event is at Holzinger Lodge on February 17 from 9 am - 12 pm. You can register here.  Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative   

La Crescent Lions

Frozen Apple Candlelight Hike 

CANCELLED

La Crescent (MN) Saturday

Saturday, February 17             5:30-8:30pmEagle Bluff Access Trail will again be lit with over 450 candle luminaries. Start at Veterans Park for this out and back walk along our cozy wooded trail. Fire pits at each end of the trail will help keep you warm, along with hot chocolate and hot cider at Veterans Park. Distance out and back is less than a mile. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed. Winter conditions are unpredictable, so please dress appropriately - ice cleats are encouraged. Note: There are no restrooms in Veterans Park. This is a Free Event, but donations are appreciated for future events. Sponsor: La Crescent (MN) Lions Club

Winter Walk and Bonfire
Duck Egg County Park (WI)
Saturday February 24 3:00-4:00pm

This guided winter walk and bonfire on Lower Duck Egg Trail is for friends and families of all ages. Meet in the lower parking lot of Irish Ridge Road off County Y. The walk begins at 3pm and will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. The Friends of Vernon County Parks encourages walkers to always dress appropriately for the walk and the weather and invite your family and friends. Sponsor: Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests

Luminary Hike
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau WI
Saturday, February 24           5:30-8:30 pm

Catch a glimpse of the refuge at night during this full moon luminary hike. Snowshoe or hike on a self-guided trail. This unique, after dark experience is free, entirely outdoors, and open to all ages. Trail will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. *Snowshoes will be available to borrow for no charge at the refuge office on a first come first serve basis.*Refuge trails and grounds are closed after sunset beyond these special events. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge 

Be sure to check often with local hiking groups, local parks, 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.

Apple Blossom Overlook (MN) Park

A view from the top

Apple Blossom Overlook Park boasts the second highest overlook on the Upper Mississippi (according to a 2004 article in Big River Magazine). And the views of Wisconsin's bluffs, the Mississippi River, Lock and Dam 7, the city of La Crosse and Brice Prairie, Hwy 90 at the top near the parking lot ARE pretty spectacular. 

But that's just the beginning of what makes this Winona County Park just 5 minutes north of La Crescent such a great hike or snowshoe in any season. It also boasts beautiful prairies and forest along with a lovely little wetland plot for the sharp-eyed.

Fall asters and swallowtail butterfly

The 1.5-2 miles of trails are a mixture of dirt and mown grass and have significant ups and downs as they wind their way slowly downward towards the woods. Whether you pick the right or left-hand to begin your hike, the trails quickly descend along the hillside through copious prairies alive with birds, butterflies and dragonflies. The prairie flowers are spectacular through spring, summer and early fall with common and less common prairie plants like rattlesnake master, cup plants and baptisia festooning the hillside 

All trails lead down the slopes gradually to a forested area. The dense tree cover allows for a clearer forest floor in this area and a chance to see views through the trees of the steep slopes of this bluff over the river.

In warm weather, if you pick the right-hand trailhead, keep your eyes peeled on the left for a huge cottonwood and cattails that speak to the lovely wetland depression that stays year-round damp atop the bluff. In cold weather, if you pick the left-hand trailhead, watch for deer and deer sign. There is a very active herd with many trails to follow in the winter on snowshoes off-trail.

Winter beauty

The wooded areas hold two overlooks - an easy and popular one straight down at the central trailhead off the parking lot. The other overlook (Dakota Overlook or "Kick Butt" to the locals) takes you precipitously down a steep hill to the old quarry. That overlook is overgrown but the quarry rocks are great. 

And this trail hides a surprise. Around to the left of the quarry's end is an old overgrown road that heads straight down to the bottom of the bluff where it ends at the new highway. It's a fabulous snowshoe in the winter or hike in late fall when you're not fighting overgrown weeds sprouting on the road.

An ambitious development plan for the park was made 20 years ago. Although only a small part of development is done, the trails are kept mown, the picnic area cared for, new trees planted, the prairies are periodically burned and fallen trees are taken care of. The maps from that development show it's potential as well as its current trails but it is a lovely park just as it it

THE HIKE
This is a great short hike/snowshoe with some elevation gain and loss (about 100 feet) as you hike through prairies and woods to scenic overlooks. The short, intersecting trails make it great for any age/ability to tailor a hike as long or short as you want. There is plenty of opportunity for off-trailing on snowshoes on the north end of the park and it's easy to follow deer tracks to make your way in the best path. It's my go-to nearby snowshoe spot for great trails and off-trailing. It is mosquito-y near the woods in summer so have your bug dope handy!

The Location  - 169 County Hwy 1, Dakota MN
From La Crescent, drive north on Elm St (Apple Blossom Drive) about a mile up the bluff. You will pass Aerie Heights Ln on the right. The park is the next right.

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Break Out the Snowshoes!

Winter has arrived! 

Those in the know understand there is no time to waste once the white stuff hits the ground. We never know in our warming climate whether snow will last. So grab those snowshoes and let's hit the outdoors. 

Snowshoeing is a great aerobic form of exercise. You don't have to be out for hours or long miles to get your heart pumping hard. I'm usually out for an hour or two every day the snow is deep enough - and as soon after a fresh snow as I can. 

I tend to stick to flatter areas with less elevation - and the possibility of fascinating discoveries while off-trailing. You don't just have to use trails marked for snowshoeing or hiking - snowshoes let you tramp and explore anywhere.

If you don't have snowshoes, check with local school districts, universities, ski/bike shops or libraries to see if they rent/lend out a pair. If you in La Crescent, you can contact the La Crescent-Hokah Community Ed Dept 8:30-4 on school days to rent a pair for $5 (507-895-5150). The Winona Outdoor Collaborative rents out snowshoes and microspikes. 

To get you started, here are a few suggestions of great places to do a little snowshoeing on (and off) the trails in the Driftless. They work well for beginners, families and - let's face it - all skill levels!

Apple Blossom Overlook Park  33642 County Rd 1, La Crescent MN    Perfect under 1.5 mile series of loops near the woods and through the prairie areas. Some elevation gain; spectacular views in winter. Plenty of deer trails to explore off the trail as well!

Aghaming Park, Latsch Island, Winona MN    Head over the bridge from Winona towards WI and take the first right you come to on the bridge to Latsch Island. There is a lovely flat 1.5 mile trail along the Mississippi River. Plenty of off-trail opportunities to explore the many sloughs. You can park at the side of the road right by the trailhead after you cross the old historic bridge.

Veteran's Park, N4668 Cty Rd VP, West Salem, WI      Flat trails along the La Crosse River and over to the State Bike Trail provide a quick easy snowshoe in a lovely floodplain. While short, the scenery is worth the snowshoe!    

Root River WMA, Hwy 16, Hokah MN     Located just north of town on the west side of the highway, this flat walk in the Wildlife Management Area is ripe for off-trail exploration in wetlands and wooded areas. You also can snowshoe over to the Root River dike and explore near the river.   

Halfway Creek,  300 Roberts St, Holmen WI (park behind the library to access the trail)   This is a lovely snowshoe along Halfway Creek on a relatively flat trail in an urban forested ravine. Off-trailing lets you follow the creek from bridge to bridge.

Mathy Quarry Snakeroot Trail   N3065 County Road FA, La Crosse     This Mississippi Valley Conservancy has the perfect snowshoe trail - about 1.5 mile loop through woods and along the prairie (see the map: 10-9-8-7-5-6-1) and over a small bridge. Gorgeous in winter.

There are also some great snowshoeing opportunities to your left along both sides of the Root River just as you turn onto Hwy 26 south of La Crescent. I favor the north side of the Root River trail - a great out-and-back adventure. Park to the west of the railroad tracks and explore!

Hopefully, this will give you a few snowshoeing ideas outside of golf courses and state parks. Let me know in the comments where some of your favorite snowshoeing spots are and I'll see you on the trails!

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Sharing Winter Trails

Given weather forecasts for the next few days in the Driftless, it looks like we can seriously say winter is almost here.

And that reminds me of a few courtesy and safety issues when hiking/snowshoeing trails groomed for cross-country-skiers.

This graphic from the Washington Trail Association does a great job of reminding us how best to share the trails. Let's all preserve the integrity (and the hard work that goes into grooming) of these trails for our winter lovers on skis!

Let's Get Hiking - and Learning! January 2024

Happy New Year! With our extended warm temperatures and the pre-winter shoulder season seeming to stretch endlessly, it's been easy to get out on the trails. And while I thought there might not be too many  learning or guided hikes, I was happy to be proven wrong. Check out some of these opportunities to learn - and hike - this month

Forty Years of Prescribed Fire in SE MN State Parks   Wednesday, January 10   10am-noon

As part of Whitewater State Park's HOP program series, Sean Fitcher, Resources Specialist, Minnesota DNR will share a brief history of prescribed fire in SE State Parks from the first burns to the present.  He will describe how we have adjusted to changing constraints and objectives over the years.  A series of success stories will be highlighted.  Lastly, He will discuss what some of the challenges and potential solutions are to managing natural resources with prescribed fire.  If there is time, he can discuss other natural resource management activities in Whitewater State Park or other bluff land state parks as well as share some findings from recent timber rattlesnake radio telemetry work, they have completed. Coffee and lite refreshments available. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater (MN) State Park

Guided Tree Identification Walk     Friday, January 12  1pm – 2:30pm

Ring in the new year and the Refuge’s 100th anniversary by getting outside and learning something new on La Crosse (WI) County Goose Island's Interpretive Trail! Join our very own forester Bruce Henry on a guided tree identification walk, the first event of the 100t Anniversary Interpretive Series. Winter is the best time of year for observing tree structures and offers a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the Refuge's forested areas. As an experienced forester, Bruce will be leading a walk focused on the identification of trees using bark characteristics during winter conditions. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for weather. The terrain will be an unpaved trail of approximately 1 mile. The Goose Island Interpretive Trail is located as you enter Goose Island, take the first left off County Hwy GI. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge -  (608) 779-2398 for questions. 

Winter Festival - Kickapoo Valley Reserve     Saturday January 13     9am-10pm

A family event that happens snow or no snow in the beautiful Kickapoo Valley Reserve. It features outdoor events including wildlife talks and hikes. The final schedule isn't set so check their website closer to the date or call (608) 625-2960! Free. Sponsor: Kickapoo Valley Reserve (WI)

  

Geocaching Adventure             Saturday, January 13        Noon-2:30 pm

Ever want to get out and explore? During this program we will be going geocaching, looking for things hidden in the woods. What will make this hunt even more exciting is that it will take us off the beaten path into a little used part of the park with some great views. So dress warm, grab your hiking boots, and let's go on an adventure! (Distance: 2 Miles, Elevation Gain: 300ft). To register call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us With adequate snow we will use snowshoes during this program. You can bring your own or borrow a pair of the parks.  Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Candlelight Hike/Snowshoe/Ski     Saturday January 13     5:00-9:00pm

Hike, snowshoe or ski a 1.5-mile torchlit trail and warm up around a roaring campfire while gazing at the stars. Refreshments will be available. John Heasley of Driftless Stargazing, LLC will be hosting a stargazing activity, weather permitting. The Crescent Moon, Saturn and Jupiter will all be visible. Bring your binoculars and learn to use them for stargazing.Vehicle Admission Stickers are required. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park.

Free Park Day- Frontenac State Park (MN)       Monday January 15   

If you have Martin Luther King Day off, what better way to spend it then exploring the trails and views at Frontenac State Park when admission is free. Try it, you'll like it. Sponsor: Frontenac (MN) State Park

Hidden History Snowshoe          Saturday, January 27       Noon-2:00 pm

When the leaves are gone and the snow is falling, nature reveals her hidden secrets. Come join us for an afternoon on snowshoes as we find some of these historic relics only visible this time of year. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park's. If there is no snow, we'll hike through the woods! Distance: 1 Mile  Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Lake City Big Year Kickoff            Tuesday January 30     6:00pm   Lake City Library

For those folks not (yet) enmeshed in the birding community, a “Big Year” is one in which a birder tries to see/hear as many species of birds as possible within chosen parameters, such as in a specific geographical area.  The library is sponsoring a month-long series of events to involve the community in nature. The kick-off features Brigette Rol (library director), Steve Dietz and Janet Malotky (Master Naturalist volunteers and local birders, as well as FSPA members) discuss the Lake City Big Year and birding basics. Sponsors: Lake City Library and Friends of the Frontenac (MN) State Park Association

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.