Friday, August 23, 2024

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - September, 2024

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.

Outdoor Classical Music Concert
 - Saturday, Aug 24th            7:00-8:00 PM   (Sunday 25th weather delay, 3:00 PM)
 - Whitewater State Park Amphitheater (behind Visitor Center), 19041 MN-74; Altura, MN 
Join us at the Whitewater State Park visitor center amphitheater to hear the world premiere of Whitewater – composed by Jared Steven Coffin and performed by 10th Wave Chamber Music Collective, a Minnesota based musician-led ensemble. The project explores the soundscape ecology of wildlife-human interaction and the importance of conservation work for the continuation of wildlife habitat. Whitewater is supported by the Eric Stokes Fund, Earth’s Best in Tune award. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Friends of Holland Sand Prairie
 - Saturday August 24
 - 9am - noon
 - Holland Sand Prairie 
 - W7781 Cty Rd MH, Holmen
Join the Friends to learn how this rare and special place is protected and restored. Enthusiasts and experts share information about 
  • Native plants
  • Invasive plants
  • Prescribed burns
  • Prairie management
  • Seed collection and planting
Join guided hike at 10 am
See prescribed burn and restoration equipment demonstrated

Note:
For additional late August events, click here to see last month's edition of the "Hiking and Learning series post)

Registration is now open
- Saturday, October 12               7-9:00pm
- Tunnelville Cliffs Center (intersection of Tunnelville Rd and Husker Hollow Rd
Join us for an evening outdoors with a guided walk to discover the planets, stars, and galaxies of the fall evening sky on the hilltop trail at the Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve in Vernon County. The easy short walk on a relatively flat trail will include observation of night life on the prairie and in the sky. This relaxing and educational twilight walk will be led by Susan Cushing and John Heasley. Susan is a Master Naturalist and experienced Environmental Educator with Kickapoo Valley Reserve. John is the founder of Driftless Stargazing, a popular local online destination for fans of stargazing. He is also the coordinator of the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative which includes the Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve. Tunnelville Cliffs is a 1,118-acre nature preserve with public access on the Kickapoo River near La Farge. The site includes springs, creeks, over 9,000 feet of frontage on the river, forests, cliffs, prairie, sedge meadow, and open grasslands. The property is surrounded by additional protected lands, providing a vast wildlife refuge of 2,278 contiguous acres on the Kickapoo River. The nature preserve is part of a proposed Dark Sky Park of the International Dark Skies Association, and an update on that project and information about the value of dark skies will be shared with participants at this walk. Those who wish to stay beyond 9:00 p.m. are welcome to do so, however camping is not allowed on the property. Also, as a reminder, dogs are not allowed in the nature preserve.
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR Bring curiosity and willingness to explore the quiet and dark of night, red flashlight (if you don’t have one, red film will be provided for use with your regular flashlight), binoculars (optional and some extras will be available), and insect repellent. DRESS WARM! Feel free to bring a folding chair, recliner, or a blanket to prevent neck strain and enjoy the heavens above.
The meet-up is at the corner of Husker Hollow Road and Tunnelville Road, just a couple miles west of La Farge. ANY UPDATES OR CANCELATIONS WILL SENT BY EMAIL THE DAY BEFORE OR OF THE EVENT. Sponsor: Missiippi Valley Conservancy

Registration is open:
 - Oct 15 - Nov 19, Tuesdays  10am-3:30pm plus one Saturday
Lake City Public Library MN

Join local naturalist and Project Get Outdoors Founder, Sara Holger, to learn about the natural history of the Driftless Area of southeast Minnesota. We'll explore local nature locations in and around Lake City and learn through hands-on activities about the people, plants, animals and ecosystems that call this place home. In addition, this introductory course will equip participants with knowledge and skills to share outdoor experiences with youth and families and encourage environmental stewardship in our local communities. The course cost is $295 and includes course manuals and supplies. If the course cost is a hardship, please fill out the scholarship application. After the scholarship is fully processed, you will receive a code to be entered in the on-line registration process. Please wait until you receive that code to complete registration.




 - Sunday, Sept 1          11am- 1pm 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park
The 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. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

 - Sunday, Sept 1     4-5:00 pm
 - Perrot (WI) State Park
Join Abbey and Joe Krumrie from River Valley Raptors for an interactive program with live raptors. Find out about the unique features of each and how they have adapted to survive. Meet at the Nature Center. Contact: Email: Steven.Banicki@wisconsin.gov Phone: tel:+1-608-534-6409. Sponsor: Perrot State Park

 - Sunday Sept. 1         5-6:00pm   
-Whitewater (MN) State Park
The Peregrine falcon has made a remarkable recovery. Jackie Fallon, with the Midwest Peregrine Society, will present this program, with a live Peregrine falcon, to help us understand the past, present and future of Peregrine falcons in Whitewater and the Midwest. Meet at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center. For More Information, Call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, Sept 7         11am- 4pm
 - NOAA, La Crosse, N2788 Cty Rd FA, La Crosse WI
A free, fun, and educational experience for the whole family! Meet the crew of NWS La Crosse and many other NWS partnering agencies and groups who will be on-hand to showcase their equipment, vehicles, and what all their jobs entail. In addition, there will be a variety of kids activities, office tours, warning simulations, and so much more! We can't wait to see you! For More Info Visit: www.weather.gov/arx/openhouse24*WAFER Food Pantry will be here to accept non-perishable food items to help our community! Your voluntary food donations will be greatly appreciated! *No smoking, drugs, alcohol, or weapons allowed on the premises. No pets except for trained service animals. No bags or backpacks allowed inside the facility. Sponsor: NOAA La Crosse

 - Saturdays Sept 7, 14, 21, 28          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

Insects! BioBlitz
 - Saturday, Sept 7   10 am - Noon
 - The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse
A free program of the Driftless Bioblitz  offer an opportunity for nature lovers of all ages to search for and learn about plants and wildlife in the Driftless area. A BioBlitz is a community science effort to record a species within a designated location and time period. You are invited to help record observations of plants and wildlife in the Driftless area. You will learn how to use the iNaturalist app to record your findings. Sponsors:The Nature Place, Mississippi Nature Conservancy, City of La Crosse Park, Rec and Forestry, Viterbo Biology Dept, UW-La Crosse Biology Dept and the Prairie Enthusiasts. 

 - Sunday Sept 8 1-4:00pm
 - Jordan Town Hall, 18380 Cty Rd 102, Chatfield MN (near the Lost Creek Trail) 
The Lost Creek Fungi Hunt (check out the June 8 entry in the June events blog post of this blog for details on that) is hosting a mushroom workshop led by Kalvin of Fiddlehead Knob (a local mushroom farmer)! At this FREE event, learn how to identify mushrooms, get ideas for cooking with them, get tips on how to forage your own, and ask all your mushroom questions to someone who knows their stuff! Following the workshop I'll lead a short hike of the Lost Creek Hiking Trail/Bluff Country Hiking Club where we'll see some of the crochet art I've placed there and Kalvin will help us identify any other mushrooms we spot growing in the wild. This is a FREE event, but RSVP  is required so we can be prepared for attendance size. We're going to have such a good time!

Forest Bathing Walk for Older Adults and Caregivers
 - Wednesday, Sept 11     10am-noon
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park
Join Driftless Naturalist Sara Holger for this deep dive into nature. To sign up for this free event, call 507 951-5885 or email sara.grover@yahoo.com


Fossil Field Trip
 - Saturday, Sept 14     10 am
 - Whitewater 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, then drive out of the park 9 miles to hunt for fossils. Bring transportation. For more information: Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Fungi! BioBlitz
 - Saturday, Sept 14  2pm - 4pm
 - Hixon Forest
A free Driftlees BioBlitz program with Todd Osmundson offers an opportunity for nature lovers of all ages to search for and learn about plants and wildlife in the Driftless area. A BioBlitz is a community science effort to record a species within a designated location and time period. You are invited to help record observations of plants and wildlife in the Driftless area. You will learn how to use the iNaturalist app to record your findings. For additional information on exact meet-up details, please contact The Nature Place608-860-6864  Sponsors:The Nature Place, Mississippi Nature Conservancy, City of La Crosse Park, Rec and Forestry, Viterbo Biology Dept, UW-La Crosse Biology Dept and the Prairie Enthusiasts. 

Art in Nature: Wilderness Weekends with Emily
 - Saturday, Sept 21     9:30-11:30am
 - Lake Winona Lake Lodge, 113 Lake Park Drive
Join us for a child focused event where we will do some fun art projects to kick off the fall season! As we sit down by Lake Winona and observe the changes happening around us we will take some time to complete two art projects. Your child will have the opportunity to design a painted rock in any way they choose in addition to making a fuzzy owl to take home using pine cones and other materials provided.
All art supplies will be readily available at the program provided by the WOC, just be sure to RSVP in advance! 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. Register here. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, Sept 21   6:00pm start
International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St. Houston, MN
Owls live all around us but are very good at evading detection. Come learn how to identify our local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound. Following the indoor portion of the program participants will drive their vehicles following staff to 3-4 known owl territories in and around Houston to call and listen for Eastern Screech-Owls, Barred Owls, and Great Horned Owls. Meet at the International Owl Center no later than the listed time (the Center will open 30 minutes prior to the program start time.) Plan to spend the first 30-45 minutes indoors learning to identify owls by sound before going outdoors. Dress for the weather, and try to wear clothes that don't make noise when you move. You will drive your vehicle following our staff to 3-4 different locations within 10 miles of Houston. Calling will be done from the side of the road, so very little walking is required. Expect to return to the Owl Center roughly 2.5 hours after program start time. Please note that if you want to meet our ambassador owls you should visit the Center during open hours (10:00 - 4:00) as our owls do not live at the Owl Center and will have gone home by the time of the owl prowl program (except for the December program). Programs will be canceled in case of significant wind, rain, temperatures below 0 F, or severe road conditions. Cancellations will be announced at least 24 hours prior to the program time. If we cancel the program we will refund your program fee. No pets, smoking or vaping allowed during the indoor or outdoor portions of the program. Participants must be able to stand quietly in the cold for at least 10 minutes at a time. Owl prowls are not recommended for children under 12. Cost: $10 for members; $15 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and usually sell out quickly. There will be a maximum of 30 people allowed for each date. Registration is only open for one owl prowl at a time, and no more than one month in advance of the date. Click here to register starting August 21

Seed Collecting - Volunteer Stewardship Project
 - Tuesday, September 24  10 am-2pm
 - Kellogg Weaver Dunes State Natural Area(SNA)

Join us in collecting native prairie seed at Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA, an ancient sand prairie near the confluence of the Mississippi, Zumbro, and Chippewa Rivers. Volunteers will help search for and collect native plant seeds.Tools, instructions, and good camaraderie will be provided. Bring water, lunch, and dress for working in the weather. If you have your own gloves you'd like to use, please bring those as well. Footwear appropriate for outdoor work/hiking is recommended. There are no facilities on this site. Directions: From Kellogg 5.5 miles E and S on Co Rd 84. E on Twp Rd 141 about 0.2 mile, stay left at fork and continue about 0.375 mile to parking at end of field road. For more Information: contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. Sponsor: MN DNR

Bring Back John Latsch Day.
 - Tuesday, Sept. 24  3 -5:00 pm 
 - Windom Park, 260 Harriet St, Winona, MN

Join us for a free, fun event for all ages. We'll have history of John Latsch's land donations, literature, games for the kids, an art exploration, and free samples of organic food.  For more information contact janet.lee.hilliker.48@gmail.com. Rain date is Wednesday, Sept. 25) Sponsor: Minnesota Project Get Outdoors (Project G).

Sand Point Bird Walk
 - Saturday Sept 28     9-1`1:00 am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park
Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Look for early fall migrating warblers and shorebirds as well as resident birds of the forest, terns, pelicans, and gulls. Bring binoculars. The trail is well maintained and flat. The full loop is approximately 2 miles long, but you can head back whenever you need to. No need to register. Meet at the Frontenac State Park Sand Point parking lot at 9:00 AM. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park Association.

 - Saturday Sept 28    6:30-800pm
 - Perrot (WI) State Park
The La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will guide you on a tour of the night sky. Star charts and sky calendars will be given out along with guidance on how to use them. If the sky is clear, telescopes will be available for viewing the moon, Jupiter, Saturn and other amazing features of the night sky. Meet at the nature center. Sponsors: Perrot State Park and La Crosse Area Astronomical Society
 - Saturday Sept 28     6:30-7:30pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park
During this program we will walk in the twilight on the search of an evening killer. Bugs beware! Our local bats will be out on the prowl looking to dine on tasty insects. With a little technological assistance, we will listen to the calls of the bats flying around tonight to learn who is out and what they're hunting. For More Information  Call 507-312-2301.  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park


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