Thursday, January 23, 2025

Let’s Get Hiking and Learning - February 2025

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 February as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back! 

February Events


Kids’ Ice Fishing Day 

 -  Saturday, February 1      8:30 am - 

 - Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S 3652 Hwy 35, Genoa

Free event for kids ages 5-12. Sponsor: Genoa National Fish Hatchery


Nature Saturday @The Nature Place
 - Saturday, February 1        9:30-11:30 am
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Drive, La Crosse WI
Join us for a FREE family event at The Nature Place on the 1st Saturday of every month. Drop in anytime during the program. Meet our Community Programs team, learn about our critters, and create a nature-focused craft. We're excited to meet you and explore the wonders of the natural world together. More information about each of these events is found here: https://natureplacelacrosse.org/calendar/  Weather notices or immediate updates regarding one of these events will be shared directly on this events page. Sponsor: The Nature Place

Winterfest
- Saturday February 1             5:00-7:00 pm
- Merrick (WI) State Park Nature Center, W1081 Smokeys Ln, Fountain City
Please join us at the Merrick State Park's Nature Center for our annual Winterfest! We will have an easy candlelit loop that can be used for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. Inside the Nature Center, we will be providing hot cocoa and s'mores with a bonfire to roast them right outside. Professor Jennifer Anderson from WSU will be joining us with telescopes to help you enjoy the night sky. Free event, but a valid vehicle sticker is required to enter the park. The contact station will be open during the event to purchase passes, or you can skip the line by purchasing it online. Pets welcome! Sponsor: Merrick State Park Turtles

From the Secrets of the Universe Facebook page


 - Sunday, February 2     1:00-4:00pm
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center,  2472 IA-26, Lansing, IA 52151, USA
This is an "open house style" opportunity to enjoy the “Gathering Room” at Iowisota Retreat and Education Center. No programming provided. Come enjoy the Gathering Room at Iowisota, a lovely space.  There is a warm stone fireplace, comfortable seating, good lighting, sturdy worktables, and a wide selection of tea choices. It is a perfect place for a workshop or meeting. But during this quiet season when we don’t have many workshops scheduled, we can offer an open house style opportunity for you to escape winter for a bit and come “dream by the fire”. The sessions are 3-hour blocks of time; you can come for the whole time or come for just a bit. You can come to one session or come to them all. There is no expected fee, but we will accept free-will donations. We ask you to RSVP, so we know how many people we might have at each session.
The options of what to do are rather endless…
·     Bring a friend and have a cup of tea/coffee and chat.
·     If you’re curious about the retreat or accommodation spaces, we’ll give you a tour.
·     Bring a project to work on or a book to read.
·     Crack some black walnuts to take home (we have a bunch!).
·     Watch the birds at the feeder.
·     Or just sit and dream by the fire!
If you have questions, just email Linda at Iowisota@gmail.com. Or put a comment/question on your RSVP form. Cost: Free will donations accepted.

Snowshoeing into the Past
 - Saturday, February 8     Noon-2:30pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park
During this program we will journey down the old stagecoach road to a house from another time. The old stone house stands as a testament to the Luxembourg immigrants that erected it over a 160 years ago. Participants are welcome to use the park's snowshoes during the program. If we don't have enough snow, we will take a hike instead. Distance 2.6 miles. Registration required. To register call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Candlelight Walk/Ski/Snowshoe
 - Saturday, Feb. 8.       6 to 8 p.m 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park
Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight. Walk, snowshoe or ski the trail along the blufftop, with beautiful views of the Mississippi River. Warm up at campfires at either end of the trail and enjoy some light refreshments provided by Frontenac State Park Association volunteers by the wood stove in the main picnic shelter. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. For updates, or if you have questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000. Sponsors: Frontenac (MN) State Park and Frontenac State Park Association.

 - Saturday, February 8  4:30-
 - 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. Sponsor: International Owl Center 


 - February 12-15, 2025
Our annual virtual conference brings together people of various prairie and savanna knowledge-levels. Whether they’re just discovering prairies or are looking to deepen their skillset, we strive to provide opportunities for all to connect and learn. The 2024 conference had 568 attendees come together to learn, share and find a prairie community. Our 2025 “Finding Your Place in the Prairie” conference will focus on:
  • Examining individual species examinations, connections, dependence
  • Engaging volunteers and supporters to partake in land stewardship
  • Showcasing the uniqueness of prairie ecosystems
  • Providing opportunities to connect with fellow Prairie Enthusiasts
Registration Link. Sponsor: The Prairie Enthusiasts


 - Wednesday, February 12        5 - 7:00pm
 - Lower Hixon Park, La Crosse
A crowd favorite! ORA will again host a series of candlelit walks when the moon is fullest each month. These are free, all-ages events that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood!  Additional hike: March 13, 2025 - Gateway Trails, Grandad Bluff Park. Each location chosen utilizes a path that is considered "easy to moderate" to navigate by foot, stroller or wheelchair. Candles will light the route, but if you'd like to see clearly where you're stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight. Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s'mores! Consider volunteering for this event here: https://signup.com/go/atqotKm   Sponsor: ORA Trails (Outdoor Recreation Alliance)


Yellow River State Forest Moonlight Hike/Snowshoe
- Wednesday, February 12            6:30 pm
- Yellow River Forest Fire Tower
The Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center invite you to a moonlight hike/snowshoe this winter! FREE! If anyone needs snowshoes they need to register with the ACCB at (563) 538-0403 before noon on February 12. Watch for Allamakee County Conservation Fb page for update and details. Sponsors: Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center.

 - Thursday, February 13    9:00 am-12:00pm
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center,  2472 IA-26, Lansing, IA 52151, USA
This is an "open house style" opportunity to enjoy the “Gathering Room” at Iowisota Retreat and Education Center. No programming provided. Come enjoy the Gathering Room at Iowisota, a lovely space.  There is a warm stone fireplace, comfortable seating, good lighting, sturdy worktables, and a wide selection of tea choices. It is a perfect place for a workshop or meeting. But during this quiet season when we don’t have many workshops scheduled, we can offer an open house style opportunity for you to escape winter for a bit and come “dream by the fire”. The sessions are 3-hour blocks of time; you can come for the whole time or come for just a bit. You can come to one session or come to them all. There is no expected fee, but we will accept free-will donations. We ask you to RSVP, so we know how many people we might have at each session.

The options of what to do are rather endless…
·     Bring a friend and have a cup of tea/coffee and chat.
·     If you’re curious about the retreat or accommodation spaces, we’ll give you a tour.
·     Bring a project to work on or a book to read.
·     Crack some black walnuts to take home (we have a bunch!).
·     Watch the birds at the feeder.
·     Or just sit and dream by the fire!
If you have questions, just email Linda at Iowisota@gmail.com. Or put a comment/question on your RSVP form. Cost: Free will donations accepted.

 - Saturday, February 15       9-10:00 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park
Looking for a way to stay active in the winter? Come join us and learn about the outstanding outdoor activity of snowshoeing. We'll walk you through the basic and then hit the trail for a short trip through the woods. During the program participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or borrow a pair of the parks. If we don't have enough snow, we will hike instead. In the event of poor weather, check the on-line calendar for program cancellations. For more info, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, February 15.        10-11:30 am
 - Prairie Island Nature Trail, 915 Prairie Island Rd N, Winona, MN 
What is the Mississippi floodplain forest like in winter? On a flat, unpaved, one-mile hiking loop, we will play a short game and then explore this ecosystem. Trees look dead now. How do we tell if they are? How do trees make food? Can wild animals use trees through the winter? What other plants live here? What about fungus and lichen? Are floodplain forests good for people? Bundle up and join us for a fun, informative guided hike with Janet Hilliker to kickstart your weekend!  For more information, and to sign up, visit our website: https://www.winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com/events/feb-winter-wonder-woods    Sponsor:Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, February 15          Noon-3:00pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park
Winter is one of the best times to go to the amazing Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. This huge piece of public land often goes unexplored by the residents of Southeastern Minnesota. During this program we will highlight a great beginner level hike that can get you started on discovering this vast space. The wildlife, history, and scenery make this an ideal place to spend time in nature for years to come. Participants are welcome to use the park's snowshoes during the program. If we don't have enough snow, we will take a hike instead. Distance 3 miles. Registration required. To register call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

International Owl Center Wisconsin Neighbor Weekends
- February 15-16
- International Owl Center, Houston MN
Residents of local WI counties (La Crosse, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties) , including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on Neighbor Weekends. Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our 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



La Crescent Lions Frozen Apple Candlelit Hike
- Saturday, February 15           5:30-8:30pm
- Veteran’s Park, 595 Veteran’s Parkway, La Crescent
Eagle Bluff Access Trail will be lit with over 450 candle luminaries. Start at Veterans Park (595 Veterans Parkway) 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. See the MAP in comments and under the discussion tab for details. 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. Pray for snow and invite your friends! Sponsor: La Crescent MN Lions Club


How to Create Habitat for Native Bees
- February 20, 2025              5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
- La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St
Join local biologist Danielle Hudson for an exploration of the incredible diversity and ecological importance of native bees in the Driftless Area. During this FREE presentation, participants will discover practical methods of creating bee-friendly habitats, helping to conserve these essential pollinators and the ecosystems they support. As a local biologist who has studied the native bee population in La Crosse County extensively, Danielle has a passion for preserving local lands and the species that thrive within them. She will walk participants through the steps that each person can take, so that no matter the size of their property, everyone will leave with a plan for how they can support the bees we depend on. As more and more land is developed, it is more critical than ever that landowners and homeowners create these pockets of habitat for native bees which support the growth of the food we eat and the ecosystems that are critical to the survival of so many species in the Driftless Area. A former intern at Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Danielle focused her master’s research at UW-La Crosse on native bee conservation. Also at this event, Heather Miller, Adult Programming & Volunteer Coordinator at the La Crosse Public Library, will share information about the library’s Tool Lending Library and its Creation Space. Advance registration is REQUIRED for this free event by end of day on Friday, February 14th. Contact Karen Solverson with questions: karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org. Sponsors: Mississippi Valley Conservancy and La Crosse Public Library

Luminary Hike
 - Friday, February 21, 5:30 - 8:30 pm.
 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Join us for a luminary hike at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge! Enjoy the great winter activities of snowshoeing or hiking by enjoying a self-guided hike on the Woods Trail. Catch a glimpse of the refuge at night during this luminary hike.
*This unique, after dark experience is free, entirely outdoors, and open to all ages.
*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
*As a courtesy of Friends of Trempealeau Refuge, we will have hot cocoa and cookies available for participants while it last at the Outdoor Wonders Learning Center




Winter Walk and Bonfire
- Saturday, February 22              3-5:30pm
- Duck Egg County Park, Vernon County
The walk begins promptly at 3pm and will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. The winter walks and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages and at Lower Duck Egg. A few reminders about Duck Egg. There are NO public restrooms at Lower Duck Egg, you can do your best to go before you come, use the restroom at UPPER Duck Egg or pee in the woods. If you have never been to Lower Duck Egg, drive right on past the sign that says "Duck Egg County Park" and continue down the hill. Once you get to the bottom of the hill the lower parking lot will be on the left side. Walkers are to meet in the park parking lot. 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: The Friends of Vernon County Parks

 - Tuesday, February 25.       10-11am  
 -Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 S 6th St, La Crosse
Connect2Nature is a free monthly program where guest speakers explore a variety of topics related to nature and how the natural world impacts the health and well-being of communities. Join Thomas Schlesinger to talk about what we can do to fight climate change. After retiring from Gundersen Health, he helped found The Climate Alliance for the Common Good where he serves as Executive Director.  This La Crosse-based nonprofit focuses on raising public awareness of climate change and the actions we can take to fight it. In the class you will briefly discuss climate change, how we know it's really happening, and why it's increasingly in the news. Most of the time will be spent discussing what actions individuals can take that will make the largest impact in reducing the emissions that are causing climate change. Tom holds a Ph.D. in Political Science, specializing in Health Care Policy. He worked for twenty years in strategic planning at the Gundersen Health System.  He also holds a master’s in political science specializing in International Environmental Policy. Ages 18+ Registration Deadline: February 14, 2025. To register, call us at 608.789.7533

 - Wednesday February 26,         5:00-6:00 pm
- The Nature Place, Myrick Park, 789 Myrick Park Drive, La Crosse
Gather around The Nature Place fireplace and enjoy the warmth of connection at our Fireside Stories event series. Join us for a FREE family event at The Nature Place on the 1st Saturday of every month.
Each evening will begin with a story read by our Community Programs team, followed by a charming Winter tale told by our special guest storytellers! Special guest storyteller Michael Scott, La Crosse storyteller and performer, will bring their unique touch to this experience. Families can also enjoy Light snacks and warm beverages will be provided to keep the evening cozy. For children ages 2-10, a brief scavenger hunt will follow the stories, adding a bit of fun and adventure. We're excited to meet you and explore the wonders of the natural world together. The program is free and no registration is required. Sponsor: Nature Place 


Aldo Leopold Days 2025 Celebration
A Visit from Will Dilg
- Thursday, February 27 7:30 pm
-Viterbo Recital Hall, 929 Jackson St, La Crosse
This is a Steve Marking performance presented by D.B. Reinhart Institute. Steven Marking plays Will Dilg in an inspiring, one-man performance. An avid trout fisherman and Chicago advertising executive, Will Dilg and his wife spent their summers on a houseboat in Winona, Minn. After suffering from the drowning death of his son in the early 1920’s, Dilg rose from the depths of depression to save a 261 mile stretch of Mississippi River backwaters from drainage for agriculture. This stretch of river is now known as the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Through Dilg’s creation of the Izaak Walton League of America and successful engagement of private and public organizations, Dilg petitioned Congress for this stretch of the river to become the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The refuge is one of more than 500 national wildlife refuges offering high quality wildlife habitat and opportunities for public recreation.

-  Saturday, March 1    9:00-noon
 - The Nature Place, Myrick Park, La Crosse
Following the lessons of Aldo Leopold's work in the Coon Creek Watershed Project in the 1930s to reduce erosion, Mississippi Valley Conservancy and many of our landowner friends are always thinking of ways to slow the movement of water. This is ever more important in these times of weather extremes, when a deluge of rain can take away valuable topsoil and damage downstream communities. Our local conservation partners are also thinking of ways to mitigate the effects of a changing climate, so, when planning this year's La Crosse Leopold Days Celebration, we easily agreed on WATER as a central theme. Conservancy President Gretchen Pfeiffer will share examples of things landowners are doing to slow water at the Leopold Day event in La Crosse on March 1 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at The Nature Place in Myrick Park to illustrate the relationship between land management and water. Many local experts will also be at the event to present information and strategies for managing water from heavy rains. Family activities will also be offered. The Conservancy annually works with partner conservation and environmental organizations to hold the Leopold event as a way of building on Leopold’s work that informs collective efforts to protect the lands and waters of the Driftless Area. MARK YOUR CALENDAR. 

ORA Community Trail Farm Exploration
- Saturday, March 1. 2:00-4:30 pm
 - W5701–W5725 WIS-33, La Crosse
Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA) invites the community to extend the celebration at the Community Trail Farm with exploration and walking tours. Discover the connections between Aldo Leopold and Louis H. Pammel and their impacts on land ethics and conservation, and how these principles relate to the Community Trail Farm and surrounding areas today. Learn about stream ecology, understand the importance of restoration efforts, and enjoy engaging activities around a fire. 2-4:30 p.m. Learn more about the Community Trail Farm here: https://www.oratrails.org/trail-farm/
Sponsors: Mississippi Valley Conservancy, ORA, Friends of the Blufflands, Viterbo University, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service


UPCOMING EVENTS

Master Naturalist Certification Course - Registration open
- April 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28             10:00am - 3:30pm
- Spring Valley MN Public Library
This two week course exploring the Big Woods, Big River curriculum combines classroom time with outdoor field trips. The Spring Valley Master Naturalist course is sponsored by Project Get Outdoors and will introduce participants to the natural history of the Driftless Area through hands-on activities and field trips. Topics include geology, wildlife, native plant communities, ecology, watersheds, human history and ways to share nature with children. Sessions begin at the library and then move outdoors for immersive tours of local nature areas. All participants complete a small group capstone project to be assigned by the instructor Sara Holger. Sara has worked as an environmental educator since 1994, leading programs and activities for a variety of natural resource agencies and organizations. From 1999 - 2023, Sara worked as an Interpretive Naturalist for Minnesota State Parks at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and Whitewater State Park. Sara is the Founder and Program Coordinator for Project Get Outdoors, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides training and resources to help communities implement after school programs that connect low-income youth and children of color to nature exploration. Sponsors: UM-Extension and Project Get Outdoors

Ferryville Eagle Day
- Saturday March 1       9:30am-2:00 pm
- Ferryville Village Hall, 170 Pine St (off Hwy 35)
Live raptors, educational programs, eagle art by students, kids crafts, hooting contest and bald eagle nest building. Sponsor: Ferryville Tourism

International Festival of Owls
- March 7-9
- International Owl Center, Houston MN
We are still working out the final details, but the tentative festival schedule is now posted and registration is open! Pre-registration is required for:
-Owl prowls on Friday, March 7 (the adult owl prowl usually sells out quickly, so don't procrastinate!)

-World Owl Hall of Fame award presentation and keynote address by Scott Rashid of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute on Saturday, March 8

-Birding, Natural History and Geology Bus Trip on Sunday, March 9
You can also purchase your admission for Saturday or Sunday online in advance so you can skip the longer payment line at the Festival. Other special speakers this year include two readings of "Owl Music" by author Kat Beaulieu (signed first edition copies will be on sale), and, if all goes well, past World Owl Hall of Fame winner Raju Acharya from Nepal will also attend. There will still be more tweaks to the festival schedule and several of the event pages still need updating, but event registration is good to go! Sponsor: International Owl Center

Do you know of other February events I should include?  Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my website.
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