Let's Get Hiking and Learning - May 2025

May is a big month for the return of songbirds from down south The listings of events below are full of celebrations, guided hikes and opportunities to see and hear them. You can also follow their radar-tracked, nightly migration flights into our area at the Birdcast website.

For more information on the events, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike. I will be updating this post throughout the month as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back for the most updated info.

Rescheduled Arbor Day Tree Planting

 - Friday, May 2          8:30-11:30 am

 - La Crescent Old Hickory Park

The City of La Crescent is seeking volunteers to assist city staff in planting trees and shrubs for Arbor Day. We will begin the morning with planting at Old Hickory Park. Meeting location will be the south end of the park near Honeygold Court & Jonathan Lane. There are approximately 150 trees and shrubs to be planted including: Hackberry, Honeylocust, Ironwood, White Oak, Black Chokeberry, Amber Jubilee, and Nannyberry. Please be sure to complete the Voluntary Waiver of Liability.  Funding from these trees comes from the ReLeaf Community Forestry Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that was awarded to the City in 2023. Sponsor: City of La Crescent MN

ID Birds - How to Use eBird and Merlin
- Saturday, May 3          10 a.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, Picnic shelter at the top of the park
This is a workshop for people who want to learn how to use the fun, free apps Merlin and eBird to deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of birds. Merlin helps you learn to identify the birds you are hearing and seeing. eBird keeps track of your sightings, helps you figure out where others are seeing birds, and functions as a global citizen science project focused on birds. At this workshop, we’ll learn how to navigate the apps on our phones and then we’ll go outside to use them. The workshop is free but limited to 15 participants. Register here. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association

Fossil Field Trip
- Saturday, May 3          10am- noon
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Gooseberry Glen

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 Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Wild Edibles: Introduction to Foraging in the Driftless
 - Saturday, May 3             1:00-4:30pm    or

 - Sunday, May 4                 1:00-4:30 pm
 - Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN
Discover nature's free grocery store! The forests and valleys of Southeastern Minnesota can provide a plethora of palatable plants and mushrooms. We'll learn the basics of how confidently and safely identify, gather and prepare some common edible species, then we will hit the trails! We will prepare some tasty treats using what we've gathered entirely on-site. It's fresh, local, organic, and fun! Be prepared to explore off-trail areas. Registration fee: $45 per person. PLEASE NOTE: This class is designed for participants new to foraging, and will accordingly cover the basics of identifying wild edible plants and mushrooms. This event is open to ages 12 and up. Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Tuesday May 6           6:30-8:00am

 - La Crosse River Marsh - meet at Myrick/Hixon Eco Park parking lot

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Nature Explorers: Dragonflies
- Tuesday May 6               10-11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park
This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional sessions: June 3(Fish of MN), July 1 (Rocks Rock), August 5 (Make a Walking Stick), Sept 2 (Catch a Butterfly), Oct 7 (Spooky Critters). Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Spring Bird Walk
- Tuesday, May 6             6:00 - 7:30 pm
- Shady Maple Interpretive Trail, Goose Island County Park, W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, join refuge staff and partners on a bird identification walk through the floodplain forest! We often see many birds close by and our pace will be more of a bird “crawl”! We'll have a few extra pairs of binoculars for folks to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. For the comfort of all visitors and to help us see more wildlife, please leave pets at home. As you enter the park, the trail is located off of the first left turn by the flagpoles. If you see picnic shelter #1, you've driven too far and missed the turn. Please parallel park along the road, leaving as much room as possible for other visitors. Walks take place rain or shine but may be cancelled for high probability of thunderstorms or heavy rain. We’ll be walking along a mostly flat, unpaved trail. We recommend bringing drinking water and bug protection if you'd like it. Ticks may be out at this time of year. World Migratory Bird Day events take place across the world! This year’s theme is “shared spaces: creating bird friendly cities and communities.” Learn more on our national website: https://www.fws.gov/story/2025-03/world-migratory-bird-day-2025 Sponsors: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge; Audubon Upper Mississippi River; the Friends of the Refuge - Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8; La Crosse County Forestry, Parks and Recreation (who help us maintain this lovely trail!) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-St. Paul District.

Guided Migratory Bird Hike - Advance registration is required and space is filling up
- Saturday, May 10            7-9:00 am
- Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, a free guided birding walk is being offered to the public by Mississippi Valley Conservancy. 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. Sugar Creek Bluff, a 440-acre bluffland nature preserve near Ferryville, Wisconsin, rises from the banks of Sugar Creek near the Mississippi River. With its beautiful meadows, forests, and prairies the property provides much needed habitat for rare and threatened bird species. Birds seen on previous hikes through this State Natural Area have included the red shouldered hawk, the whip-poor-will, the grasshopper sparrow, the cerulean warbler, and the blue-winged warbler. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Thursday May 8           6:30-8:00am

 - Hixon Forest, La Crosse - meet at lower Hixon Trail parking lot, off Milson Ct.

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Webinar: Discovering Purpose, Meaning and Creativity Thru Nature As We Age
- Thursday, May 8              1 - 2:00pm

Nature enriches lives at every stage, offering benefits to our health, well-being, and sense of connection. In this free webinar, five inspiring leaders from across Minnesota share how they are finding purpose, meaning, and creativity in nature as they age. Their stories highlight ways to build community and protect the health of the natural world. You’ll also explore resources from Age-Friendly Minnesota’s online Nature Resource Center. Join us to discover how nature can inspire flourishing—for yourself and for the world around you. Register here Archived webinars on nature and older adults are also available at this webpage. Sponsor: Age Friendly MN

Childcare Training: Enhancing Wellbeing Through Nature-Based Mindfullness
- Thursday, May 8              6-8:00pm
- La Crescent (MN) Public Library
Join Project Get Outdoors to learn how nature connection supports healthy bodies and brains. We'll practice nature-based mindfulness activities to share with children. Dress to be outdoors. To register for this FREE event, contact: saragrover@yahoo.com Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and La Crescent Public Library.

World Migratory Bird Day Festival
- Saturday May 10              7:00 am - 12:30 pm
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Rd, 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! Some of the activities include early bird hikes at 7:00 and 9:00 am and a guided photography hike at 10:30 am. There will also be bird banding demonstrations, a DIY fun and easy bird feeder station, local organizations will have informational booths, books giveaways, and a native plants garden raffle! River Valley Raptors will have live birds on site. At the Outdoor Wonder Learning Center, we will have the 2024 Best of Refuge Photo Contest Exhibition for participants to admire 8:00 – 9:00 am. Additionally, we will also have three presentations as follows: “Birds and Windows” at 9:00 am, “Dark Skies” at 10:00 am and “River Valley Raptors” at 11:00 am. Hiking groups will be limited to twenty participants and ALL bird hikes during WMBD require pre-registration. There will be multiple simultaneous hikes starting at 7:00 am and 9:00 am the day of the event. Please call (608) 539-2311, ext. 2 to register your spot in the festivities of this year’s WMBD! Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Carley State Park Bluebell Festival          
- Saturday, May 10            9:00 am -3pm                  
- Carley (MN) State Park

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. Carley State Park is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Whitewater State Park on Wabasha County Road 4. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Sand Point Bird Walk
- Saturday May 10               9 - 11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, meet at the Sand Point parking lot

Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Warbler migration! We will look for migrants such as the Blackburnian Warbler and Northern Waterthrush as well as residents such as the Prothonotary Warbler and American Redstart. Listen for the ethereal call of a Wood Thrush. 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. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Hemlock Trail Plant Walk
- Saturday, May 10                  9- 10:00 am
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park

Want to learn more about wild plants and how to identify them? Join the Kickapoo Valley Plant Lookers on their monthly plant study along the Hemlock Trail. The study will focus on the floodplain forest, the wet cliff and the hemlock relicts. Each month, the same trail/route will be used to observe the same plants in different stages of growth. The Hemlock trail is moderate to difficult with some steep sections leading up to the overlook. The trail can be wet and slippery. Sturdy shoes and bug repellent are recommended. The event will be held rain or shine. Please meet in the Lower Picnic area parking lot. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

Wildlife Ecology - Wilderness Weekends with Emily
- Saturday, May 10                    9:30-11:30am
- Farmer's Community Park, Winona

We’ll meet at Farmer’s Community Park for wildlife ecology education. More details to come in April 2025. 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. This program offers an exciting opportunity for nature enthusiasts, students, families, and anyone passionate about environmental education to engage with the natural world through immersive activities that invite us to dive deeper into our understanding of nature. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Registration required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Magnificent Mammals
- Saturday May 10                        10-11:00 am
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Nature Store

Mammals have many adaptations, or traits that have changed to enable them to survive in their environment. Many of these adaptations shape the habitat these mammals live in. Explore some of these adaptations from their fur to their teeth and even more at this program. Make observations, interact with specimens, and participate in hands-on activities to learn more about the magnificent mammals that shape Southern Minnesota! For more information, Contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Wild Edibles: Introduction to Foraging in the Driftless
- Saturday, May 10             1:00-4:30pm    or

- Sunday, May 11                1:00-4:30 pm
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 

          28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN
Discover nature's free grocery store! The forests and valleys of Southeastern Minnesota can provide a plethora of palatable plants and mushrooms. We'll learn the basics of how confidently and safely identify, gather and prepare some common edible species, then we will hit the trails! We will prepare some tasty treats using what we've gathered entirely on-site. It's fresh, local, organic, and fun! Be prepared to explore off-trail areas. Registration fee: $45 per person. PLEASE NOTE: This class is designed for participants new to foraging, and will accordingly cover the basics of identifying wild edible plants and mushrooms. This event is open to ages 12 and up. Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Mother's Day Wildflower Hike
 - Sunday, May 11          10am
 - Mt. Hosmer Park, Lansing IA
This hike is created to give moms an opportunity for a little outdoor relaxation break while also exploring Iowa’s spring wildflowers. We will meet at the Mount Hosmer Overlook. The Mother’s Day Hike will be a guided trail hike for participants to explore Iowa’s short-lived wildflowers. Participants should dress for the weather with appropriate layers and outerwear. Any dogs must be on a leash at all times. In the case of inclement weather the hike will be cancelled and announced via the ACCB’s Facebook page. There is no registration require and for more information on this event call the ACCB at (563)538-0401. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is available by following the ACCB on Facebook or on our website https://www.allamakeecountyconservation.org/event-directory. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Tuesday May 13           6:30-8:00am

 - La Crosse River Marsh, La Crosse - meet at Myrick/Hixon Eco Park parking lot

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Climate Ready Woodlands 
- Wednesday, May 14          10:00 am - noon
- Whitewater State (MN) Gooseberry Glen shelter (see park map)

Join us for our monthly H.O.P. into the Park program (Healthy Older People with Angela Gupta from the UofM extension office, as she describes work underway to help land managers improve the resilience of Minnesota's woods to climate change. As Minnesota’s climate changes, forests will face increasing pressure from tree diseases and pests, heavier and more frequent rainfalls, warmer temperatures, and prolonged drought. New research in forest management, especially around climate change and invasive species, has highlighted the need for updated recommendations for tree selection. Using modeled climate response data from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service Climate Change Tree Atlas, University of Minnesota Extension created, piloted and updated a suite of regionally specific recommendation lists of climate-resilient trees and plants and through iterative feedback updated that work in the fall of 2024 (z.umn.edu/climateready). These lists also incorporate the benefits of trees and understory plants for charismatic microfauna, such as insects, which are often overlooked during planting decisions despite fulfilling critical roles in forest ecosystems. Through adoption of these recommendation lists, managers and stewards can holistically improve forest health by enhancing the resilience of Minnesota’s woods to climate change. As usual we will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the park but as many of you know the office has been closed due to unforeseen circumstances, so we will be meeting at the Gooseberry Glen Shelter. We are not expecting inclement weather, but plan to meet rain or shine. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Nature in the Neighborhood: An Urban Exploration

 - Thursday, May 15          4:30-5:30pm

 - Meet at the Winona Senior High School parking lot, 901 Gilmore Ave, Winona, MN

Happy Dancing Turtles and the Winona Area Public Schools Community Ed are partnering for a walk around the neighborhood to discover all the neat nature right in our backyards! Join Delaney  to take a leisurely stroll around the Winona neighborhood and discover the wildlife that is all around us, but we may not notice! These walks are geared towards adults in the Winona area. Registration is $10 and can be found here, Sponsors: Happy Dancing Turtles and the Winona Area Public Schools Community Ed

Refuge Strong Event

 - Wednesday May 14           7:00-8:00pm

 - Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse St, La Crosse WI

Learn how to take steps to support our local Refuges. We are inviting environmental groups to discuss problems, create plans, and seek ways to network more effectively. Multiple experts and volunteers will provide brief narratives with time for questions and answers. Learn about current data about local staff, budgets, and closing offices. Learn how to be Refuge Strong. We are the Friends group for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - La Crosse District. The La Crosse District is one of four districts in the 261-mile-long Refuge and encompasses Refuge properties between lock and dam # 6 in Trempealeau and lock and dam # 8 in Genoa. The waters between these dams are Pool 7 and Pool 8. Our mission is to serve as a bridge between the Refuge and the surrounding communities. We are dedicated to building awareness, enjoyment and support of the Refuge through; engagement, environmental experiences, education, and habitat enhancement. The Board of FOR78 is starting an advocacy effort to support our Refuge and staff during these times of decreasing staff, slashing budgets, closing of offices, and privatization of public lands. Sponsor: Friends of the Refuge - Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Thursday May 15           6:30-8:00am

 - Hixon Forest, La Crosse - meet at lower Hixon Trail parking lot, off Milson Ct.

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Springtime Photography Hike

- Friday, May 16        5:00pm

 - Luster Heights Unit, Yellow River Forest, Harper's Ferry IA

Spring is in the air! Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board for a Springtime Photography Hike on Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The Springtime Photography program will be a guided hike for participants to explore the landscape that is bursting with new life! Join Assistant Naturalist Becca for a hike looking for all the new subjects for photography. Bring a camera (phone or professional) to explore what spring has in store! Meet at the Luster Heights Unit of Yellow River State Forest. Located 5 miles South of Harpers Ferry on the Great River Road (Hwy 364) on the East side of the Road. Turn onto Luster Height Road; there is a parking lot 1 mile on the left. To register or receive more information on this event call the ACCB at (563)538-0401. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is available by following the ACCB on Facebook or on our website: 
https://www.allamakeecountyconservation.org/event-directory  Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board

Bird Banding Demonstrations
- Saturday May 17           7 - 11:00 am
- The Shady Maple Trail at Goose Island County Park

           W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard WI

As you enter the park, the trail is located off of the first left turn near the flagpoles. If you pass Shelter #1, you’ve driven too far and missed the turn. Parallel parking is available along the road; please park in a way that leaves maximum space for other visitors. Stop by anytime during this time frame! Bird banders will set up nets in the early morning and bring birds back to a station to be banded. Enjoy a rare close-up view of residential and migratory birds while quietly watching as banders measure, weigh, band and safely release birds. A variety of experts will be on-site to help identify birds and explain how and why we band them. Please leave pets at home. Bug protection, long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Birding is an interactive and immersive way to experience wildlife on the Refuge! The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is situated in world-class birding territory along the Mississippi Flyway, making it one of the most popular activities for locals and destination birders alike. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Outdoor Skills Open House

 - Saturday, May 17          10am - 2:00 pm

 - Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN

This free event gives you and your family the chance to come and sample the outdoor activities & skills that Eagle Bluff has to offer! Some activity options include: GPS exploration; Compass Use; Archery; Fire Building; Rock Climbing (indoor); Shelter Building Stop by anytime from 10 AM - 2 PM, and please RSVP if you are able, but walk-ins are welcome as well! This event is open to all ages, though anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We want to ensure all are able to access enjoyable outdoor skills, so we don't require any fees for attending this event. That said, we have a suggested donation of $5 to continue to allow us to offer this and other great events. Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Fungi Walk with a Master Naturalist
- Sunday, May 18                  

 - 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, meet at the campground shower building
On this guided fungi walk, we’ll talk about wild fungi and their relationship to trees, and see if we can find anything interesting. While May is traditionally a good month to find morels, we guarantee nothing except that you’ll learn a few things for searching on your own, too. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and sleeves, and bring tick protection. Questions? Email Pamela Miller at pamelamarianmiller@gmail.com. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Tuesday May 20           6:30-8:00am

 - La Crosse River Marsh, La Crosse - meet at Myrick/Hixon Eco Park parking lot

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Injured Owl Rescue Class

 - Wednesday May 21    7-8:00 pm

 - International Owl Center, 126 Cedar St, Houston, MN

Although the International Owl Center is not licensed to rehabilitate wildlife, the nearest rehabilitators in Minnesota are over an hour away and we can't send birds across state lines to Iowa or Wisconsin. Because of this distance, we are often called to help injured owls (and other raptors), so we've developed a network of volunteers to pick up and transport birds to get them the care they need. We'd love to add you to our list of trained volunteers! In this free class you'll find out about laws around helping wildlife, possible disease transmission, how to assess if an owl needs help, how to safely pick up and transport an injured raptor, and identification of different owl species in the area (adults and young). If you are willing to become part of our list of volunteers, we'll collect your contact, location and availability information. We could especially use volunteers in La Crescent, Caledonia, Spring Grove and Brownsville. We may do an online program at another time.

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Thursday May 22           6:30-8:00am

 - Hixon Forest, La Crosse - meet at lower Hixon Trail parking lot, off Milson Ct.

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause
- Saturday, May 24            10-11 a.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
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 Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Snakes of the Blufflands
- Saturday, May 24              2-3:00pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center
Sixteen of Minnesota's seventeen kinds of snakes live in the Blufflands. Learn how we can live, work, and recreate in the Blufflands and still conserve these awesome creatures. See a live fox snake. Bring a camera for a picture of your loved one touching a live snake!  For more info, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507 312-2301 or carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Falcons Live!
- Sunday, May 25            11 am.-1 pm
- Frontenac (MN) State Park next to the ranger station
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 the 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 Association and Frontenac State Park

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause
- Saturday, May 24             10-11 a.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
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 Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Nature Explorers: Baby Animals

- Wednesday, May 28             10-11:00 am
- Lake City (MN) Public Library
This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional sessions: July 23 (Nature at Night), Sept 10 (Migrating Animals). Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Do you know of other May hiking/learning events I should include?  Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on the blog's web version.

When Did That Bird Get Here?!?!

Birdcast -The Cornell Lab

You may have noticed in the April "Let's Get Hiking and Learning" post, that there were quite a few bird related hiking and learning opportunities. Hold onto your hats though - the May events post publishing on April 25 is chockfull of even more Driftless guided bird-related events sponsored by multiple organizations and agencies. They are ready to celebrate the great spring bird migrations with you!

What's the timing on this migration?

The early arrival of robins, red-winged blackbirds and grackles in March prepares us for the massive influx of songbirds arriving again to nest here or to continue to nesting grounds further north. April is the month that songbird migration really begins to build. New arrivals pop up every day. 

Who doesn't love being outdoors and recognizing the song of a newly returned -or migrating through -meadowlark, Eastern phoebe, Eastern towhee, ruby- and gold-crowned kinglet and the always amazing variety of warbler songs? These returns heat up in April and continue to swell into May and June.

Most of the migration occurs at night. This information and so much more is available on Birdcast . If you haven't used this website yet, I highly recommend it.

The Cornell Lab, Colorado State University, UMassAmherst and a host of partners developed Birdcast, a bird migration online mapping tool and dashboard. It's an amazing online tool to help you not just access live daily forecast across the U.S. of migrating birds through June 15, but also see localized updates of your area (based on NOAA radar stations data). 

Below is a chart of La Crosse WI action on April 21, 2025. The page also includes the predicted species of birds migrating through the area and also the numbers of birds as the night goes on and migration heats up. Data is updated every 6 hours.

The robust website also delves into the history of the project, project partners, the importance of low lighting or turning off lights during migration seasons, and more. They have a particularly clear explanation of how they use the radar data combined with algorithms to arrive at each forecast. 

If you haven't used The Cornell Lab's Birdcast website yet, I highly recommend it. It can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the birds that fill up the spring woods and soundscape around you.

Frogs Are Awake!

Image - Cable Natural History Museum

In another sign of spring, frogs and toads have started their raucous mating call season.  Over the past week of wetland hikes, their lovely sound has been in the air. 

True confession: I have a tin ear. So while I am hearing spring peepers, my hiking friends are also distinguishing wood frogs and boreal chorus frogs in that soundscape. I'm impressed by their skill - and also hopeful I can learn those calls better.

So far, I have been relying on last year's blog post with a short video of WI frog/toad calls. When I'm on the trail, I just search for "frogs" and the post comes up. I listen to the video but it goes so quickly, I'm not sure I am identifying the frog/toad species correctly while I'm out in the wetlands or near ponds.

Naturalist Emily Stone of the Cable (WI) Natural History Museum to the rescue! On the Museum's website, there is a frog call identification post based on a program they developed for first grade field visits. Along with the short 22 second video of the calls (image posted above), each frog call has a luxurious 15-20 second clip alongside a picture and identifying details of the amphibian.

This will be my new go-to. As a former children's librarian, I always believed that any adult learner, working on a new skill, can benefit from looking at/reading (and listening to!) children's educational materials. 

So here goes!

Leave No Trace Hiking - When Nature Calls

My mom always asked us kids before leaving the house for a car trip, "Did you check to the bathroom?' in the vain hope there would be fewer stops along the way.

Even as adults, no matter how we time things and even if we stop at a pit toilet at the trailhead, we often need a nature break along our hikes. There's a way to be more mindful about this to truly leave no trace on the trails.

Leaving traces
Image - Dana Hendricks

How many times have you seen little sodden piles of facial tissue along the trails? While those handy little packs of tissues are a convenient way to carry and take care of business while hiking, they are a lasting reminder of your nature break. Why?

An engineering friend of mine who worked at one of the big paper companies explained that those products are designed to be used more than once for things like tears and nose dabbing. They are specifically manufactured to be far sturdier and resistant to breakdown than toilet paper tissue. Hence the persistence of facial tissue along trail sides that seems to take forever (never?) to break down.

It's another reminder that when nature calls, we have responsibilities on the trails if we want to practice “leave no trace” hiking.

Here a couple of ideas to wean us from using facial tissues that litter the trail and woods. They aren't the only ones, but it will get you started.

Pack It Out
Bring a small plastic or wax paper bag and pack the used tissue out to dispose of at home. Positive: nothing left behind

Reusable Cloths
Use an old bandana, cut your own from tshirt rags or buy a Kula cloth - small reusable antimicrobial pee cloths that can snap on the outside of your backpack to dry and can be laundered. Positives: no waste.

Pee Funnels
Stand up and go - what's not to like? Carry these in a plastic bag or try this handy little origami-like number that unfolds and fits in your pocket in its own packet. Positives: no waste

Catholes

Pack a small kit with trowel and TP (take out the core) and hand sanitizer or purchase small kits that can help when you need to dig a cathole. Deposit solid waste in a cathole dug 6-8" down, and at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Bury toilet paper deep in a cathole or pack the toilet paper out along with hygiene products.

Pack Out Dog Doo

Really. Do It. Leave the trail better than you found it.

Being mindful of trail integrity and caring about other hikers who use the trails after us is a great way to leave no trace and preserve our beautiful outdoor resources.

Frequently Asked Blog Questions - Answered!

For those new to the blog or simply curious, here is a small tour of content, tips on using the different functions and a bit of history. Let me know if you have other questions and I’ll keep updating these FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

Commenting on Posts

I welcome comments. You'll be given a choice to "Comment as" followed by a black arrow. Click on that for a drop down menu -you have a choice to comment anonymously, with a Google account or with your name/url. It defaults to anonymous if you don't use the drop down menu. If you want to use your name, choose "name/url" option and type in your name. Just leave the the "url" box blank. Then type in your comment. I will see it and publish it. 

Subscribing

If you don’t use an RSS feed and want to make sure you receive each post as it is published, go to the subscribe box near the top  right and share your email. My subscription service is follow.it. You will automatically receive an email from Follow.it each time a post is published. 

Searching the Blog
If you want to search for something, it’s easiest to use the web version of the blog. If you are using a computer, you always see the web version and it’s easier to navigate.

You can use the search box near the top of the post which may bring waaaay more useless results than you’d like. Or you can take advantage of the “Labels,” or subject headings, I assign to each post (found on the right hand side of the post). Clicking on any of the labels will bring you to the relevant posts you are searching for.

Home Button

This is a handy little feature located on the bottom of each post. On your mobile phone, it displays a thumbnail list of posts with title, picture, date that you can quickly scroll through to find content you want to return to or read. Clicking on that small snapshot brings you to the post. On the web version, you see full post content. I love the mobile phone version best because it is so compact.

Using Mobile Phone vs Computer Web Version

Mobile phone works fine for reading the blog. However if you want to access some of the search and archival functions, the web version of the blog more easily gives you access to them. You can find a link to the web version on your phone at the bottom of each post,  It’s klunky to use on your phone though because the web version is so tiny. The computer web version gives you full size text and maneuverability in the page to access functions like the following:

Blog Archives

This is another fast way to quickly look through posts by date and then title in each month of a year. Click on the black arrow to the left of the year and it will display all the months of the year. Click the black arrow by any month and all blog titles for that month will appear. Click on any title to go to that blog post.

My Blog List

This is a list of hiking blogs or nature blogs that explore the natural world. I recommend all of them. Clicking on any title will bring you to that blog site.

Contact Form

If you want to get a hold of me, just fill in the form and I’ll get back to you via email.

Following the Blog

As far as I can tell, following the blog is more akin to liking a post on social media. You don’t receive posts as a follower but I can see you generally approve of it. Subscribing to the blog directly or through your feed is the only way to receive each post as it is published.

Columns/Regular Features:

• Driftless Area Trail News - programs, advocacy opportunities, special events and other news of note for Driftless hikers

• Trail Reviews/Descriptions - over 50 reviewed trails and many lists of recommended hikes by season, ability, and type (prairie, bluff, etc) - Use the label "find-a-hike" to search for hikes 

• Gear Recommendations - based on seasons. Use the label "gear" to search for seasonal recommendations

• Let's Get Hiking and Learning - monthly column listing of guided hikes, webinars, programs and opportunities for hikers around the Driftless region.

• Naturalist's Corner - occasional column, often featuring guest naturalists digging deeper into an outdoor subject of interest to hikers. Got an idea for a a column? Reach out to me at lochwouters@gmail.com

• I Spy on the Trails - monthly or bimonthly depending on season - a phenology listing of flora, fauna and weather observations from the trails during that month. Use the Label "I Spy on the Trails" to search for specific months.

History
Launched in April 2023, the blog came about because I wanted to combine my Master Naturalist volunteer training and learning with my background as a career librarian. There was so much I had learned from being part of hiking groups (Driftless Drifters, Jabberwalkers,  Blufflands Hiking group);  going on guided hikes offered through Driftless organizations and groups (federal refuge system, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, The Prairie Enthusiasts, the Friends of the Blufflands); and from following and learning from individuals online and IRL - I just HAD to share.

If you haven't already figured it out, there's nothing a librarian loves more than connecting people with information. I was also passionate about encouraging people to try new places and just get outside and explore all nature has to offer us, all year long.

I truly believe that no matter your age or ability you can always find a way to get into nature. Every hike doesn’t have to be bold and hard to be a fantastic hike. It can be flat, slow and gentle and still get you to small wonders and beautiful sights to fill your soul.

And so the blog was born. Here it is two years later - the blog has over 200 posts and 39,000+ views. I hope you share it with others who want to discover a new Driftless trail to hike and a way to be close to nature and tread lightly on the trails all year long.

Volunteers for Nature Needed

Garlic mustard is overspreading many natural spaces. This tall, fast-growing, and huge seed-spreading plant outcompetes native plant species and quickly takes over areas. 

Early spring in the Midwest, when garlic mustard emerges -and before it sets seed - is the best time to go out and pull this invasive species. It’s pretty easy work. And it can yield some tasty tender leaves for garlic mustard pesto, a popular forager's delight!

If you see a call like the one below sponsored by my City of La Crescent, please consider pitching in as a volunteer for nature. It’s amazing how much we can beat back an invasive like this with a short hour of work together. 

And it’s a great way that we, as hikers, can contribute to the ongoing health and beauty of local natural areas we hike in. 

I'll be at this garlic mustard pulling project - and hope I can pull this invasive alongside you!

Naturalist's Corner: Woodcocks - Dance Like No One's Watching

In this month's column, our guest is Janet Malotky, a bird watcher extraordinaire who was part of my 2022 Master Naturalist volunteer cohort. She is also a member of the Frontenac State Park Association. As an avid birder, she enjoys nothing more than getting outside, binoculars in hand, to revel in the amazing natural world around us. In this article, Janet looks at the antics and foibles of the woodcock in April. This article first appeared in the April 2025 edition of the Frontenac State Park Association newsletter,

Every April, a wacky bird glides into the forest edges of Frontenac State Park to once again bid for a mate and the continuation of the species –- long may they live! I’m talking about the American Woodcock, also known as the Timberdoodle, among other nicknames. They arrive from their wintering grounds in the southeastern United States and hit the ground … strutting? If you want to be delighted, click on this link to see the Woodcock taking a stroll.

The reason for this fancy walking style is not understood, though some wonder whether the rhythm drives their underground prey (worms, larvae, insects) to reveal themselves somehow. It doesn’t seem to be related to courtship rituals, as Woodcocks have acrobatic aerial displays for that purpose. But hey, it’s springtime, and maybe they’re just feeling jaunty.

Woodcocks are chubby grackle-sized birds with ridiculously long bills. They spend most of their time on the ground in areas of moist forest duff. We met their mudflat-dwelling cousins, the Wilson’s Snipes, in the October 2023 Bird Note. Like Snipes, Woodcocks probe deep into the soil with their sensitive, pliable bills to locate prey, which they slurp up while the bill is still underground. Their eyes are weirdly located high and toward the back of their head, giving them a wide field of vision, even when their bills are stuck deep into the soil. The female nests in a shallow depression on the forest floor, where she is exquisitely camouflaged.

American Woodcock on her nest near
Frontenac State Park’s Prairie Trail.
Image - Janet Malotky

Because of their excellent camouflage, Woodcocks are rarely seen in the wild. Your best chance to see one is during their aerial courtship displays. Almost every evening just after sunset, Woodcocks make their way from forest edge to open field/meadow/prairie. There the male begins to “peent.” He peents several times to let everyone know he’s there, and then he leaps into the air to begin his spiraling ascent high above the prairie floor. As he rises, the air rushing through his feathers makes a twittering sound (first part of recording). At the apex of his rise, he pauses, probably hoping a female is watching, before plummeting toward the ground in a freefall while chirping rapidly (last part of recording).

Is he chirping in terror? Just shy of impact, though, he resumes control and lands gently, often exactly where he took off, only to resume peenting. He then repeats the whole sequence again and again, continuing through the evening and sometimes through the night. Once courtship has been successful, the female makes a nest, lays and incubates the eggs, and feeds the young on her own. The male has put all his energy into flirtation.

I mentioned that we can experience this display in the park, and we can. However, as also mentioned, it happens after sunset. Our eyes are not our strongest asset in this setting. On a bright night, I have glimpsed only the silhouette of a Woodcock at different points during the display. But fortunately the entire sequence can be heard.

It’s pretty neat to go out on the prairie as twilight turns to dark and rely on just your hearing. A little spooky if the coyotes are also yipping. But remember, coyotes don’t eat people! They would love to eat a noisy Woodcock, though. Fortunately, Woodcocks can fly.

 

Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area (IA) Lost Canyon Trail

I recently explored the Lost Canyon -Valley of 13 Caves Trail in the Whitewater Canyon Wildlife area on a hike sponsored by the She Explores Driftless Facebook hiking group. This Dubuque IA-based group was started by naturalists who wanted to hike for fun outside their jobs.  They share their passion for the outdoors and encourage women to build confidence in going out, exploring and creating friendships. 

This hike and group sounded right up my alley.  And who wouldn't want to hike through an area called the Lost Canyon and explore the Valley of 13 Caves?!? 

Dubuque and Jones Counties Conservation Boards cooperatively manage the Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area. Over 500 acres are contained in the area with a number of designated trails. Hunting, hiking, angling, paddling and winter silent sports are all welcome in the wildlife area.

Our hike was described as: "2 miles on uneven hiking trails and hiking off trail on rocky & steep hillsides to access caves along the trail. Some caves are large enough to stand in, while some caves (for our adventure-seekers) require crawling. Wear sturdy shoes, a headlamp, and clothing that can get dirty." Sign me up!

Limestone cliffs

I arrived at the Whitewater Canyon Area trailhead near Dubuque in Bernard IA. There I met group of about 20 women from the greater Dubuque area (and some even further) who were raring to go on our cave-finding adventure.  

The 2.5 mile Lost Canyon trail (which includes the Valley of 13 Caves) follows a wide grassy path through a huge prairie area before it begins to descend into Lost Canyon. As soon as you start your descent, you see huge limestone rock formations on both sides of the now wooded hills. As we went further along the trail these formations towered over us and multiple caves could be seen up the steep hillsides. 

Small stalactites

Along the way, we were guided by naturalist Taylor Schaefers who shared plant identification, geology and history of the area in a conversational back-and-forth. Who knew that the Kentucky coffee trees we were seeing were initially planted by indigenous people near their dwellings and used for medicinal, recreational and spiritual practices. We do now! 

The hike itself was at a mellow pace and people could choose the level of challenge they were most comfortable with. I can only describe it as joyful. 

Cave bacon next to an explorer
heading into another chamber

As to the caves, they were 100% worth the drive. While we didn't explore all 13 (and no doubt more) caves, we took time to explore five or six. Most of these were large enough to stand up in. Some featured large openings, others we squeezed under low openings before we stood up. For the more adventurous, often the caves had small openings on the sides or in back that revealed narrow chambers to crawl in and explore further.

Fossil in the cave wall

Some of the caves were dry, others featured continuous dripping water from the ceiling and walls that creates tiny, calcified stalagmites, stalactites and cave bacon. 

With our headlamps, we could also explore the walls and ceilings, looking for marine fossils embedded in the limestone. At one time, this area, like ours, was undersea. Limestone holds a rich fossil record of trilobites, shells, cephalopods and receptaculites.

Baby bloodroot

Because I was 100 miles south of my stomping grounds, I was delighted to see many early wild ephemerals that are nowhere near bloom -or sprout- time here in the La Crescent area. Spring beauties (their leaves are edible!); sharplobe and roundlobe hepatica; just about bloomed Dutchman’s Breeches; and a tiny delicate bloodroot made their appearance. 

Walking Fern

I spotted purple-margined liverwort and fern moss and was also introduced to a new-to-me fern: the walking fern. My eyes were bedazzled by this young growth after so many brown months.

After the hike at a nearby taproom, some of us gathered. Laughs, conversation and many ideas for hikes in the area were shared. Thanks Taylor, Andrea, Diana, Megan, Emily and others for all the ideas.

THE HIKE
From it's start on top the prairie, this grassy, 2.5 mile loop trail descends 250 feet into a wooded valley with huge limestone walls and tumbled rocks. On each side of the wide fairly flat trail, the steep hillsides climb towards multiple caves which are open to exploration. There are a few faint paths to follow up to them. A headlamp or flashlight reveals many calcified (and growing) formations like stalactites and stalagmites as well as embedded fossils in ceilings and walls. A last short, steep hill brings you out of the woods and back to a prairie with expansive views of the countryside and back to the trailhead. 

The Location    29912 9th Avenue, Bernard, IA 

25 miles southwest of Dubuque off Hwy 151, head south on Curoe Rd. Follow the park signage until you see a last sign indicating a right turn at the entrance. Follow the gravel road to the large parking lot. There is a pit toilet available. The Lost Canyon trail is marked and begins to the south of the parking lot kiosk.

She Explores Driftless hikers

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 60 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

I Spy on the Trails - March 2025

Lunar eclipse 3/14/25 taken
with iPhone 16 Pro Max
through a TeleVue 76 telescope

It's hard to settle on one highlight or observation this month as nature begins her spring wake-up in earnest (we hope!). Subtle and not so subtle signs abound.

• The first blooming Pasque flowers of the season

• The lovely surprise of a butterfly spreading its wings in the sun

• The abundance of eagles on the ice edges and in flight, especially on a blufftop where they sweep past you at eye level

• The return of some of the earliest fungi - scarlet elfin cups

• The raucous calls of geese and trumpeter swans stopping briefly on the newly ice-free waters of the Mississippi River sloughs and La Crescent's Blue Lake to rest before racing on to their summer nesting grounds in the Arctic

• 

  Fuzzy buds

  
  The return of the robins and grackles in great flocks

• Budding trees making the blufftops look fuzzy, a big change from the stark prickly look of winter treetops

• The smoke plumes of prescribed burns on prairies promising lush growth of flowers and grasses in coming months

One of the warm days at Lytle's Landing
Image - Kris Lawson

The temperatures continued their fluctuations in March, flickering day by day between the 30s and 40's and then reaching into the 50s and 60s and even into the 70s before plunging back down. The winds were particularly notable - long-lasting and strong. March came in like a lion and pretty much stayed that way all month.

Weather stayed fairly dry throughout the month with three interesting exceptions. First, unexpected "mud rain" fell overnight on March 15. The phenomenon occurred when strong winds created massive dust storms in Texas and Oklahoma that sucked dust into the troposphere. Anything outdoors here was covered in dirt drops and car washes did land office business. That was followed a few days later by six inches of wet snow accompanied by thundersnow, sleet and hail. Luckily that melted in a few days to return us to sweet warm weather before a final long soaking rain came at the end of the month to green up the joint.

Plant Observations

• Pasque flower

  

  My first Pasque flower of the season
  Holland Sand Prairie, March 25

  
  
• Sprouts
• Littleleaf buttercup
• Meadow buttercup 
• Motherwort 
• Mullein clusters
• Prairie violet 
• White avens
• Yarrow sprouts

• Hexagonal-pored polyphore
• Scarlet elfin cup

Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area, Bernard IA

Ephemerals just emerging  (5/29)

• Bloodroot

  

  Spring beauties 100 miles south!

  
  
• Columbine
• Dutchman’s breeches
• False rue anemone
• Fern moss
• Purple-margined liverwort
• Roundlobe hepatica
• Sharplobe hepatica
• Spring beauty
• Walking fern

Wildlife Observations (seen, heard, detected)

• Eastern Comma butterfly

  

  Eastern Comma

  
  

• American eagle
• Barred owl
• Bluebird
• Dark-eyed junco
• House sparrow
• Canada geese
• Canvasback duck
• Cedar waxwing
• Downy woodpecker
• Great blue heron

  

  Great blue heron

  
  
• Killdeer
• Mallard
• Meadowlark
• Northern cardinal
• Northern flicker
• Northern shrike
• Pelican
• Pileated woodpecker
• Redwinged blackbird

  

  Nesting bluebirds
  Holland Sand Prairie

  
  
• Rusty blackbird
• Sandhill crane
• Song sparrow
• Tree swallow
• Trumpeter swans
• Wild turkey

What are YOU seeing on your hikes?

A month of hikes

Hikes below in colored, bold type or underlined have links to previous posts OR descriptions/location of the trails found online

ORA Community Farm trails, La Crosse WI; Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN; Wagon Wheel Trail, La Crescent MN (2); City streets of Chicago , IL; Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI; Lytle’s Landing, Brice Prairie WI (2); Reno Quarry, Reno MN; Reno Spillway, Reno MN; Houska Park trail, La Crosse WI; Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area, Bernard, IA, Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI (3); Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau WI

When you hike with your yoga teacher,
you get a whole new view!
Reno Quarry rock formations
Image - Jean Hammons

The "I Spy on the Trails" column is a phenology (the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals) journal to chronicle year-round the weather, plant life and wildlife I observe while hiking. It is very useful in helping me compare observations from year-to-year. The column is published monthly from September through April and then twice-a-month from May through August when warm weather brings the natural world back to vibrant life.  

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters