For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike. I will be updating this post periodically during October as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back!
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.
Note:
For additional late September events, click here to see last month's edition of the "Hiking and Learning series post)
October Events
- 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.
-Friday, Oct 4. 9-10:30 am
- Goose Island
Join our partners from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Audubon Upper Mississippi River for a guided hike and learn more about forest management on the refuge. The hike is part of the 100th Anniversary Interpretive Series and will focus on partnerships and management practices. The walk will take at the Shady Maple Interpretive Trail on Goose Island. As one of the longest stretches of continuous floodplain forests in the world, forests and trees are a critical component of the habitat on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. They are also the focus of a unique partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The hike will fittingly take place at Goose Island, as it is a great showcase of this forestry partnership in action. Over the past 20 years, work has been done to control woody invasives and restore native forest in the area. Forestry experts will discuss the land use history of the area, and the impacts of invasives on the native forest. Plus, some fun forestry facts sprinkled in! The walk will take place outdoors and on an unpaved trail traversing approximately 1 mile. Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for the weather. The Shady Maple Interpretive Trail is located as you enter Goose Island, take the first left off County Hwy GI. Please contact the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge at (608) 779-2398 for questions.
- Saturday Oct 5 1-4:00pm
- Whitewater State Park
Join us on a crisp fall hike to points unknown. Whitewater has a few spectacular views that have remained hidden from even the most seasoned visitor. During this hike we will leave the trails behind us, as we venture out into a little used part of the park. No dogs allowed. Distance ? 3.2 Miles, Elev. Gain 350ft Reservations are required Email Jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park - Saturdays Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 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
Star Party Program
- Saturday, October 5 6:45-10:00pm
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge
Join the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society (LCAAS) for a stargazing event at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. LCAAS members will provide a variety of telescopes for public use, offering a chance to observe some of the best solar system and deep sky objects. Arrive early to catch the Moon and Venus in the western twilight just after sunset. Club members will guide you through the night sky, pointing out constellations, stars, and planets like Saturn rising in the southeast. Don’t miss the chance to view the Andromeda Galaxy and Cassiopeia as they brighten the autumn skies. *Event will be at the Observation Deck area. *Stop by anytime during the duration of the event. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Facebook PageNature Explorers: Trees
- Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10-11 a.m
- Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10-11 a.m
- Frontenac State Park
Join us for this final free program in our 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: Sept 10; Oct 8. Sponsors: MN DNR, Project Get Outdoors; Frontenac State Park Association, Lake City and Red Wing Public Libraries
Seed Collecting
Seed Collecting
- Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-noon
- Frontenac (MN) State Park
Help us hand-collect native grass and wildflower seeds from a section of restored prairie in Frontenac State Park! The seeds you collect will later be planted in other areas of the prairie to restore the habitat and enhance biodiversity. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training.
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Happy Dancing Turtle is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer Family Nature Walks at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy an hour of family-friendly fun exploring nature and learning about the seasonal changes in plants and wildlife. All ages are welcome! *Spaces are limited, and reservations are required. Please register at bit.ly/FamNatureWalks. Meeting location will vary based on conditions and phenology. You will be emailed a meeting location the week of the walk. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
- Saturday October 12 Noon-1pm - Frontenac (MN) State ParkVolunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a fungi walk from the campground shower building. We'll hope to see a few beautiful maitake (hen of the woods) and other late risers. It all depends on rain. If there is no rain and thus no fungi, we will still have a lovely walk in the park! Meet at the campground shower building. 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 Association. Canceled due to dry conditions resulting in very few fungi
- Saturday Oct 12 9:30-11:30 am
- Holzinger Trail Systems 925 West Lake Blvd, Winona
Fall is here! This season is such a wonderful time to get outside and explore in Winona as the leaves have started to change and the air is becoming crisp. For the last free Wilderness Weekend of the 2024 season we will take some time to get out on the trails one last time to observe the changes that fall brings, while also looking for fungi that may pop up as the weather changes and discuss how they play a vital role in our ecosystem and the process of decomposition. This family friendly event will be a fun, educational way to start off a fall filled weekend! 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 Collaborativ
- Saturday, Oct 12 10 am - noon
Immerse your senses in the autumn forest during a guided forest bathing walk at Wykoff Balsam Fir SNA near Spring Valley MN. We'll explore nature with our senses in the calming setting of the colorful hardwood forests, towering limestone cliffs and the meandering Spring Valley Creek. Bring water and snacks. Long socks and pants, a hat, and footwear appropriate for outdoor hiking is recommended. Directions: From Spring Valley 5 miles NE on Co Hwy 8, then about 0.8 mile SE on Good Earth Village entrance road. For More Information Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. Sponsors: MN DNR and Driftless Naturalist - Saturday October 19 7-9:00 pm
- Tunnelville Cliffs Center Access, La Farge WIJoin 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. Register here. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy
Do you want to see owls in the wild? Join us for an expert-led owl prowl
Owl Prowl
- Saturday, October 19 5:00 -7:30 pm
- International Owl Center, Houston MN
We start with a 30-minute program indoors to teach you how to identify owls by sound and the ethics of calling owls. Then you hop in your vehicle and follow the Owlmobile to about three different locations in rural Houston where Jo, our resident expert owl caller, will imitate owl calls in hopes of getting some responses. The program is capped at 30 participants, and these always sell out in advance. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Due to the need to stand perfectly still for 10 minutes or more at a time, these owl prowls are not recommended for children under age 12. No pets, smoking or vaping allowed either indoors or outdoors. Registration required. Registration opens Sept 22. Sponsor: International Owl Center
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