Thursday, May 23, 2024

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - June 2024

So many great opportunities to get out in June. While the ephemerals of early spring are starting to wind down, prairie plants are revving up on the many remnant prairies and wetlands around the Driftless. And the ferns and fungi.... suffice it to say, that chances to learn and get outdoors are numerous. For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike.

Be sure to check often during the month 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's new to help you understand the natural world around you better.

One last late May posting to start us off:

Ben Cosgrove Free Performance at the “Upper Miss” Refuge
 - Friday, May 31         11:00am – 1:00pm
 - La Crosse District Visitor Center  
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (refuge) is celebrating 100 years of conservation and recreation in 2024!  Join us for a live performance from composer-performer Ben Cosgrove who is currently Artist-in-Residence helping to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the refuge. Ben Cosgrove is a traveling composer, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist based in northern New England. He performs regularly all over the country, presenting a unique variety of original instrumental music that explores themes of landscape, geography, and environment while straddling a line between the folk and classical genres. Ben's music and storytelling will transport you throughout landscapes near and far in a way few performers can. Ben has explored the 261 mile refuge along the Mississippi and will share his inspiration and reflections in this performance.  The performance will be casual allowing visitors to come and go at their leisure. Enjoy the beautiful sounds while exploring the exhibits or stop and rest to listen for a while.  We hope you can stop in to enjoy this unique experience and help us celebrate the 100th Anniversary of this gem of a refuge. 

 - Saturday, Sunday, June 1-2
Nodding wakerobin
Head outdoors in Wisconsin for the 12th annual Free Fun Weekend, when state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors. Wisconsin is home to 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. For the first weekend every June, you can explore it all with state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes waived. If you’ve never visited a state park, forest, trail or recreation area, or tried fishing in Wisconsin, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors in our state. Sponsor: WI DNR

Artists 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.


Open Climb at Sugar Loaf Bluff
 - Saturday June 1    10:00 am - 1:00pm
 - Sugarloaf Bluff, 825 East Lake Blvd, Winona
We've heard from some folks that they feel like they're not "outdoorsy" enough for climbing, but we want to assure you that we have options for everyone, from total beginners to those looking for a bit more of a challenge. And don't worry if you've never climbed before! We'll provide all the gear you need, and our awesome guides (who are SPI-certified, by the way) will be right there with you every step of the way. You don't need to bring a partner either - we'll belay you ourselves so you can focus on having fun and enjoying the climb. If you’ve never been to the bluff, don’t fret—we’ll have guided hikes to the top twice throughout the morning, at 10 and 11:30. If you're new to hiking or feeling nervous, this is a wonderful chance to meet some friendly faces and enjoy a leisurely hike to the top. Our volunteer guide will provide some interesting tidbits about the environment and answer any questions you might have. Included: Guided Hikes to the Top (10 & 11:30 am); Harnesses (Youth-One Size and Adult XS-XL); Helmets (Youth-One Size and Adult S/M & M/L); SPI-certified Climbing Guides; Accessibility Information. Free/No Cost. Parking - Yes, the Sugarloaf Trailhead parking lot is south of the Edina Realty parking lot. Bathrooms - No. ADA Accommodations - No. For folks who have never been on this trail and want some support while hiking up into the bluffs, this is a perfect way to get familiar with the trail with the support of experienced, welcoming volunteers and staff. Meet our staff and volunteers at 10 am or 11:30 am at the trailhead, located just beyond the Edina Realty building. While registration isn’t necessary for this event, a liability waiver is. Please complete this online form prior to the event, if possible. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturdays June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29           10-11:00am (ish)
 - Frontenac (MN) 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. Meet at the Campground Kiosk at 10 a.m. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

 - Sunday, June 2      10:00am - noon

This Minnesota Driftless Chapter hike of The Prairie Enthusiasts is close to La Crosse and is a high-quality remnant worth seeing. It would be a great way to get to know our members across the river. The hike will start on the lower slopes and those interested in seeing more can hike to the top. If you'd like to join this field trip, send your RSVP to Laurie Arzaga (laarzaga@gmail.com). Sponsor: Minnesota Driftless Chapter, Prairie Enthusiasts


Sunday June 2
Mississippi Valley Conservancy opens up its Kickapoo Caverns once a year for underground tours for very small groups held Saturday July 13 at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am or12:30 pm. These tours fill up FAST. "Join us for guided cave tours at Kickapoo Caverns to learn about the beneficial role of bats and the importance of protecting their native habitat and Crawford County's karst geology. Kickapoo Caverns, an 83-acre nature preserve near Wauzeka, Wisconsin includes a large cave that serves as hibernation site for several bat species. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Complete one registration form per participant. After sign-up, registrants will receive a confirmation email. PLEASE NOTE: Getting to the cave requires a 20-30 minute-long uphill hike that can be challenging on a hot summer day. Agility and stamina are also required for the cave tours that involve steep stairways and some passages with low overhead. Further details regarding times, accessibility, and certain restrictions may be found in the FAQ section listed under each tour time on our website. Please read them carefully."

Guided Forest Bathing Walk for Military Veterans & Their Spouses and Caregivers
 - Monday, June 3   10 am    
 - Prairie Island City Park, Winona MN
The Japanese practice of Shinri-yoku, also known as forest bathing, involves gentle sensory walks to immerse oneself in nature. These walks offer many well-being benefits including a decreased feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Join the Driftless Naturalist, Sara Grover, to immerse yourself in nature. This walk meets the Arthritis Foundation's "Walk with Ease" standards. To register, email sara.grover@yahoo.com or call 507 9521-5885. Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and MN DAV

Kids Nature Art Class Program
 - Tuesday, June 4   9 - 11:00am
 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Outdoor Wonders Learning Center, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau, WI
Calling all school-age students ages 5-14! Join us for a fun and creative art event at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Spend the morning observing nature and creating a one-of-a-kind collage inspired by the refuge. Under the guidance of art educator Sarah Ford, young artists will learn observation techniques and create nature-themed artwork using paint, marker, and collage in the styles of Eric Carle and Charley Harper. Students will first explore the environment as inspiration before beginning their art. Each participant will take home a finished piece to cherish. Don't miss out on this unique art adventure! For those interested, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the refuge following the class! Art materials will be provided for all the participants. Reservations are required, please call Dana M. Schelling, (608) 539-2311 ext. 1 to reserve your spot - . Sponsor: the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge





Dragonflies Enviro-Wednesdays and Driftless Area BioBlitz Event 
 - Wednesday, June 5   , 6:00 – 8:00 PM
 - Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse WI  
It’s all about the dragonflies of Wisconsin this month with Dan Jackson from the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society presenting. Dan is a native of the Coulee Region with a lifelong passion for nature. He is also an avid birder and nature photographer. From 6:00 – 6:45 PM, we will look for and identify dragonflies outdoors. Dan will then do an indoor presentation about Wisconsin dragonflies( with his photos ) from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Bring the family to one or both of these FREE events. Find out more about the Driftless Area BioBlitz community science effort and how to use iNaturalist to record your dragonfly observations. Sponsor: The Nature Place


 - Saturday June 8
It's a great time of year to hit the trails and discover a new MN state park you haven't been to yet. This is one of 4 days annually (one in each season) that the state parks offer free admission. Sponsor: MN DNR

 - Saturday, June 8    7:00-9:00 am
 - Wildcat Mountain State Park
Join local birder Kelly Rueckheim for a morning of birding. If you want to learn about birding or looking to add a few birds to your life list, you are welcome to join us. All skill levels are welcome to attend. We will be looking for a variety of birds that breed in the area. Please bring your binoculars.
Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Saturday June 8    9-11am
 - Frontenac State Park
Meet at the Frontenac State Park campground shower building at 9:00 AM. and walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for resident 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. 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. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and  the Frontenac State Park Association.

Lost Creek Fungi Hunt Kick-off Reception and Hike
 - Saturday June 8     10:00 am - 
- Jordan Town Hall (near Chatfield MN), 18380 County 102, Chatfield, MN 55923

Fiber Art Fungi!
This scavenger hunt style art installation features crochet art by Rochester fiber artist Lydia Hansen. She has made 15 life size and lifelike crochet models of fungi species native to southeast MN. They are spread along the trail on dead wood and are easily visible from the trail, so keep your eyes open as you hike and see how many you can spot! An art reception and kickoff hike are planned for June 8. Gather at 10am at the Jordan Town Hall to hear more about the project and join a group hike of a section of the trail. There will be an artist talk and presentation by the Bluff Country Hiking Club before the hike. Bring your own picnic or trail snacks to enjoy before the group hike starts at 11:30. Sponsor: Lost Creek Hiking Trails Friends

 - Saturday June 8     1-3:00pm
 - N8327 Amsterdam Prairie Rd, Holmen
Events include trial history, guided hikes , scavenger 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

 - Saturday June 8     1-2:00 pm
 - La Crescent Public Library
Join St Louis-based author Dean Klinkenberg for an hour long presentation. Big rivers are one of nature’s greatest gifts, yet we fundamentally misunderstand them. We see them as a threat when they run high, but otherwise value them mostly for what we can move on top of them. Big rivers are complete systems that move and circulate water and nutrients, creating and sustaining life from the smallest microorganisms to the largest predators. They work because the water, trees, grasses, rocks, and sand provide homes and sustenance for fish, mammals, rodents, insects, birds, and so much more. We need big rivers, for the life they create and sustain, for their beauty, for the sanctuary they offer from the stresses and demands of modern civilization. Big rivers also remind us that we are just one part of a big and complex world, one that we need to take care of for our own survival. Sponsor: La Crescent Public Library

He Mni Can and Red Wing Shoes Hike/Field Trip 
 - Sunday June 9     9:30 am - 
 - Red Wing MN

Starting at 9:30 on June 9th, we’ll meet at the He Mni Can (aka Barn Bluff) parking lot for a trip across the bluff with Nicky Buck. Nicky is a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community and she'll be sharing her knowledge about the native plants at the site and their cultural significance. Nicky was a presenter at the 2023 Prairie Enthusiasts annual conference and she got rave reviews. We’re fortunate she’ll share her time with us on a bluff prairie where we can see first hand the plants she knows intimately. After the He Mni Can portion of the field trip, we’ll visit a prairie reconstruction project at Red Wing Shoes. The prairie reconstruction is part of the company’s sustainability efforts and they’re excited to interact with the Minnesota Driftless chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts. Level of Difficulty: moderate on He Mni Can, easy at Red Wing Shoes. If you plan to attend, wear clothing appropriate for the season, including sturdy footwear suitable for the hike on the bluff. Ticks are out so take necessary precautions, and bring your preferred hydrating fluids and snacks to keep you happy. Sunscreen would probably be good too. Meet at the He Mni Can (aka Barn Bluff) parking lot for a trip across the bluff with Nicky Buck. RSVP to Gabe Ericksen (gtericksen@gmail.com). Be sure to send Gabe your RSVP because if the event has to be adjusted or cancelled, only the people who RSVP’d will be notified. Sponsors: Minnesota Driftless Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts



 - Wednesday June 11    10-11:00 am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park
Join us for this free monthly program series for preschool children  to learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area. We'll read stories, make nature crafts and explore outdoors. Children must be accompanied by an adult. As part of the program, state park vehicle permits will be provided when you arrive at the picnic shelter. Additional dates: July 9, Aug 13; Sept 10; Oct 8Sponsors: MN DNR, Project Get Outdoors; Frontenac State Park Association, Lake City and Red Wing Public Libraries

Lower Kickapoo Valley Birding Hike
 - Saturday, June 15      8:30am-10:30 am
 - Plum Creek Conservation area, Wauzeka
Located in Crawford County near Wauzeka, the Plum Creek Conservation Area's property includes over five and a half miles of frontage along the west bank of the Kickapoo River and over two miles along both banks of Plum Creek, a Class I trout stream. It is next to DNR's 1,927-acre Kickapoo Wildlife Area-Wauzeka Unit that includes the 635-acre Kickapoo Wild Woods State Natural Area. These protected areas, now enlarged by the MVC purchase, support one of the highest concentrations of rare forest-interior breeding birds in southern Wisconsin, including many considered high conservation priorities in eastern North America, according to Craig Thompson of the WI-DNR. Participants will be part of the first public viewing of this newly acquired property. Local expert guides will discuss the many ways this protected property provides a refuge for rare and threatened species, and assist hikers in identifying a variety of nesting birds. Some binoculars (about a dozen) will be available for those who would like to borrow them. Registration Required. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Marowski Bluff Prairie Hike
 - Saturday, June 15     10:00 am -noon
 - Marowski Bluff Prairie, 61675 Grand Vista Rd, Ferryville WI
This is the first hike of this new The Prarie Enthusiasts property, acquired last December, and they have already started restoring it. Come see the progress or come for the workday before the hike and help with the restoration! This prairie is strategically located between Rush Creek SNA bluff prairies (WI-DNR) and Sugar Creek Bluff (Mississippi Valley Conservancy). The site has a full complement of bluff prairie plant species to look at. The view over the Mississippi River from the site is spectacular. RSVP to Jim Rogala (jrogala58@gmail.com). Sponsors: Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts

 - Saturday June 22     10 am
 - Visitor's Center,  N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska WI 54650
Join us for a special event celebrating the refuge's 100th birthday! We'll be hosting an open-house style event with presentations and activities for people of all ages, including: opening ceremony and birthday cake cutting; live animal programs; outreach tables with activities for children and adults; an exhibition of the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters photo contest winners; boat tours; tours and trails. Sponsors: Friends of the Refuge Mississippi River Pools 7&8; Big River Magazine

Prairie Bird Walk
 - Saturday, June 22   9-11 am
 - Frontenac State Park
Meet at the Frontenac State Park ranger station parking lot at 9:00 AM and walk the Prairie Trail looking and listening for birds of the prairie including meadowlarks, Dicksissels, bluebirds, raptors, various sparrows, and other grassland birds. The trail is mowed grass without much elevation change. Bring your binoculars or borrow some from the park office. No need to register. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. 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. Sponsors Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park.

 - Saturday June 22       9:30-am-11:30 am
 - Holzinger Lower Trails (by Oak Grove Cemetery entrance), Winona

Join us for a kid-friendly event where children will learn about the basics of survival and what happens to the human body when facing adverse survival situations! Participants will learn about the basic needs of humans, how to choose which items are essential in a survival situation, and work together to build a shelter based on the survival scenario they are given. This fun, adventure based class is a great way to engage children of all ages while applying essential team building skills! 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. Free/No Cost - Please register at their website. Parking and bathrooms available. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Shakespeare in the State Parks - Midsummer's Night Dream
- Saturday June 22          5:30 workshop; 7-9:00 pm performance
Wildcat (WI) State Park
Kings, queens, fairies, lovers and sprites all collide in an enchanted forest one midsummer night, proving that “the course of true love never did run smooth.” One of Shakespeare's most popular comedies takes us on a beguiling odyssey full of mistaken identities, misguided passions, love potions and magic spells. The Summit Players Theater is a traveling theatre company that presents free, accessible Shakespeare workshops and performances to audiences at Wisconsin state parks. The workshop is at 5:30 p.m., recommended for ages 8 and up. The show is at 7 p.m. Location: Amphitheater Bring a blanket or chairs! Sponsor: Wildcat State Park
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