There's lots of great opportunities in May to get outdoors to learn something new and hike as well! I've listed a few events I've come across. Click on the event title to find a link to the event or organization.
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.
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.
I am including a late entry that happens April 23 sponsored by Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Their guided hikes are AMAZING!!
- Tuesday, April 23 6-7:30pm
- Lytle's Landing Canoe Access, Lytle Road, Onalaska, WI 54650. Please park at the Brice Prairie Conservation Association Clubhouse on Lytle Road
n celebration of the upcoming World Migratory Bird Day, join refuge staff and partners on a bird identification walk through the floodplain forest! We’ll walk one mile or less during this FREE, informal program. We often see many birds close by and our pace will be more of a bird “crawl”!
Please help us make this a good experience for all participants by leaving pets at home. Registration is NOT required. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Bird walks take place rain or shine but may be cancelled if there’s a high probability of thunderstorms. We’ll be walking along the Great River State Trail on a mostly flat surface of gravel or wooden boardwalk. World Migratory Bird Day events take place across our community and across the world to raise awareness for the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. This year’s theme is “protect insects, protect birds.” Learn more on our national website: https://www.fws.gov/.../world-
- Saturday, May 4 9-11:00 am
- Frontenac State Park
Free uided bird walk with FSPA members Janet Malotky and Steve Dietz, leaving from campground kiosk. Walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland, looking for resident and early migrating birds that specialize in these areas. The trail is mowed grass and is well maintained. Bring your binoculars or borrow some from the park office. No need to register. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park Association - Saturday May 4 1-3:00pm
- N8327 Amsterdam Prairie Rd, Holmen
Events include trial history, guided hikes , scavanger nature hunt and more at this free event. Vehicles will be available for special needs so all have access to the trail. Email Ruth Scholze at rscholze73@gmail.com if you need special assistance. Sponsor: Friends of McGilvray Road 7 Bridges
- Tuesday, May 7 6-7:30pm
- Shady Maple Interpretive Trail at Goose Island County Park: W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard, WI
n celebration of the upcoming World Migratory Bird Day, join refuge staff and partners on a bird identification walk through the floodplain forest! We’ll walk one mile or less during this FREE, informal program. We often see many birds close by and our pace will be more of a bird “crawl”!
Please help us make this a good experience for all participants by leaving pets at home. Registration is NOT required. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Bird walks take place rain or shine but may be cancelled if there’s a high probability of thunderstorms. We’ll be walking along the Great River State Trail on a mostly flat surface of gravel or wooden boardwalk. World Migratory Bird Day events take place across our community and across the world to raise awareness for the need to conserve migratory birds and their habitats. This year’s theme is “protect insects, protect birds.” Learn more on our national website: https://www.fws.gov/.../world-
- Wednesday, May 8 10 am -noon
- Whitewater State Park
Our monthly H.O.P. program (Healthy Older People). Archaeologist Tom Trow has been working for four years with the Mower County Historical Society and the Dakota Community of Prairie Island at an extraordinary archaeological site east of Austin. Tom will present the latest research about how numerous tribal communities, a thousand years ago, used the “chert” (or flint) from this quarry for making stone tools - and why this once was the most important place in southeastern Minnesota. He will also preview the plans for opening a public walking trail and interpretive signage at the site this summer. Sponsor: the Friends of Whitewater State Park
- Friday, May 10 1-1:45 pm
- Frontenac State Park
Celebrate the fishing opener weekend with a guided hike to the sandy shores of Lake Pepin! Join us at Frontenac State Park’s Sand Point Trail to hike through a floodplain forest and wet meadow while learning about the ecology of the lands adjoining Lake Pepin and the flora and fauna that call them home. The event will begin at the Sand Point parking lot off US 61 at 1:00 p.m.; the total distance hiked will be approximately 1.7 miles over mostly level ground. In the event of intense spring flooding along the Mississippi, an alternate location will be chosen for the event. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. This event is free. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park AssociationMigratory Birding Hike
- Saturday, May 11 9:30-11:30 am
- Winona MN - Location TBD
Come and discover the fascinating aquatic world of Lake Winona and the marvelous creatures that call it home! Our free program will delve into the fundamentals of macro-invertebrates and other aquatic species thriving in the lake. We'll gather samples and conduct observations to identify each species. This event is perfect for families and offers a fun-filled way to get ready for summer while enhancing your critical thinking abilities through hands-on activities! Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
- Saturday May 11 7-9:00 am
- Sugar Creek Bluff SNA
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, a free guided birding walk is being offered to the public. Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring in a beautiful, natural setting as you stroll through the blufflands while learning more about these migratory birds. Guiding this year’s walk will be Krysten Zummo, Gwyn Calvetti and Dr. Stefan Gleissberg, along with staff and volunteers. Participants will be guided in small groups in how to listen for, watch, and identify the various birds that are returning to or passing through the area after wintering as far away as South America. Some binoculars (about a dozen) will be available for those who would like to borrow them. Registration required. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy
- Saturday, May 11 9am - 3pm
- Carley State Park, 4 miles south of Plainview MN on Wabasha Co. Rd. 4.
Come celebrate the beauty of our spring bluebells, in abundance at Carley State Park. A variety of activities will be offered throughout the day including a family scavenger hunt, Mother's Day card making for kids, and archery for ages 8 and older. Guided Wildflower walks will start at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free, no registration. More info, call Jeremy Darst at 507 312-2301 - Saturday May 11 7:00am - 12:30 pm
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau WI
Each year the Refuge celebrates WMBD to encourage support for migratory bird conservation. The theme for this year’s installment of the annual celebration is “Protect Insects, Protect birds”. Join us for a few hours or for the whole celebration! This is an event for the whole family! Sponsor: Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge
- Winona MN - Location TBD
Come and discover the fascinating aquatic world of Lake Winona and the marvelous creatures that call it home! Our free program will delve into the fundamentals of macro-invertebrates and other aquatic species thriving in the lake. We'll gather samples and conduct observations to identify each species. This event is perfect for families and offers a fun-filled way to get ready for summer while enhancing your critical thinking abilities through hands-on activities! Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
- Saturday, May 11 10-11:30 am
- Frontenac State Park
Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a fungi walk from the campground shower building. The walk will focus on fungi species and habitat in the park and the relationship between trees and mushrooms. You’re wondering – will we find any MORELS? Maybe, but don’t count on it – part of the allure of looking for wild mushrooms is that they’re tricky and elusive! This event is free. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park Association
- Saturday May 18 8:30am - noon
- Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 State Hwy 35, Genoa WI
Calling all youth anglers’ ages 5-12 years old! Come and enjoy a morning of learning and fishing @ the Genoa National Fish Hatchery for our Kids Fishing Day! Registration begins 8:30am - 9:00am Event consist of four learning stations focusing on fish ID and habitats, fisheries conservation, boat safety, and mussels. After an hour of learning they will be set loose on a hatchery pond stocked with 2,500 10-14 inch rainbow trout to test their new found fishing knowledge. Poles and bait are provided. No outside bait allowed. Due to safety concerns and space limitations, no artificial lures, fly fishing, and/or treble hooks will be allowed at the event. Hope to see you there! Questions? Please call Erica Rasmussen, 608-689-2605 Sponsors: Genoa National Fish Hatchery and Friends of the Upper Mississippi
Historic Marnach House Open House
- Saturday, May 18 10am-4pm
- Saturday, May 18 10am-4pm
- Elba MN
Wagon rides given at the top of each hour with tours given at the house. Crafters on site and free snack and beverage for all. Come out and enjoy the house and its history and the Whitewater Valley along the way.. The Nicholas Marnach House is the restored home of a Luxembourgian pioneer family in Whitewater Township, Minnesota, United States, built 1857–1860. The house is about 3mi north of Elba, Minnesota, within the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area, a state wildlife preserve adjacent to Whitewater State Park. Updates on the even can be found on this Facebook page
- Saturday, May 18 2:00-5:00pm
- Kiwanis Shelter, Winona Park & Recreation
Join us and Happy Dancing Turtle for an afternoon of environmental education! Each organization will present on environmental education, followed by an open house-style event to engage with activities and materials provided. Registration required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
- Saturday, May 25 10 am
- Frontenac State Park
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. This event is free. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. These hikes continue weekly throughout the summer and into early fall. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park Association - Sunday May 26 11am-1:00pm
- Frontenac State Park
Meet at the Ranger Station. he peregrine falcon has long fascinated people across the globe, known for its dramatic migration and amazing flight. Where 60 years ago there were none, today nearly 350 nesting pairs of falcons make their home in the Upper Midwest. Jackie Fallon, with the Midwest Peregrine Society, will present this program with several live birds to help us understand the past, present and future of peregrine falcons in Frontenac State Park, Minnesota, and Upper Midwest. Make sure to bring your camera for a great opportunity to see these amazing birds. The event will take place right next to the ranger station. This event is free. Vehicles need to display a valid MN State Park Permit upon entering park. Please stop by the office or purchase beforehand. $7 one-day permit, $35 year-round permit. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park AssociationArtists Along the Trail - Plein Air Event
- Saturday June 1 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Come celebrate National Trails Day with us! Over a dozen artist will be set up creating plein-air art along trails at the refuge. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the participating artists creating plein-air art from 7:00 - 11:00 am and see their creative process. Visitors are invited to the Outdoor Wonders Learning Center from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm where artists will set up their easels to share their morning work. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Sponsor: the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge.
Many Artists from the refuge event will be displaying their artwork in the Crush Pad at Elmaro Vineyard & Winery during the Month of June.
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