Thursday, July 24, 2025

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - August 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 throughout the month as new events are announced - usually an additional 5-8 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.

Late July Events

Ferryville River Bluff Days Nature Hike
 - Saturday, July 26               8:30 am meetup
 - Meet at the Ferryville Boat Landing at 8:30 to carpool to the trail head.
Join a guided Nature hike atop Sugar Creek Bluff during River Bluff Daze. This is a 1.5 mile gradual hike through woods out to the restored prairie remnant. Wear long pants and bring bug spray. 

 - Saturday, July 26          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

Chicken of the woods mushroom

Fungi Walk with a Master Naturalist
 - Saturday, July 26                      11am - 12:30pm
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a walk to talk about fungi that grow in the park in mid-summer. Summer mushrooms include chanterelles and chicken of the woods. We'll talk about their relationships with trees and weather, and MAYBE we'll find some; edible mushrooms are elusive and fickle, but what you learn on the hike may help you find some later. Note: Wear closed shoes and long pants and bring bug spray! Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

 -Saturday, July 26          7-8:30pm
 -Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come on a fun hike with a Naturalist and learn about the variety of plants and wildlife in Whitewater! We will start with a short indoor program, then hike to Coyote Point, which is 1.4 miles one way and will be about half of it will be uphill. Once we reach Coyote Point, it will be the end point to our program. Stay after to watch the sunset on top of Coyote Point or head back, if your stay remember to bring a flashlight in case it gets dark. For more info, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Tuesday, July 29            10am
 - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Visitor Center, N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska WI
Come celebrate World Watercolor Month with us! This FREE program encourages artistic expression and the celebration of the beauty and significance of rivers such as the Mississippi. Join us as we read "A River," written and illustrated by Marc Martin. Participants will learn about the different landscapes that rivers wind through. Together, we will use watercolor paints to create landscapes that remind us of the role that the river plays in our own lives. Recommended for ages 4+, but all ages welcome!

 - Wednesday, July 30               9-11:00 am
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy 26, Lansing IA
We will go outdoors to talk about textures in nature and collect materials for our project. Indoors, we will learn how to work with clay and each child will create their own pocket vase from slabs of clay. The instructors will demonstrate and assist so that each child is able to complete their own unique piece of functional art. A snack will be provided mid-workshop. The entire project will be completed within the workshop but will still need to be fired in the kiln to be finished. The instructors will fire the completed projects and have them available for pick-up approximately 2 weeks after the workshop.
We will have you sign a waiver for your child to participate. Parents are not expected to stay during the workshop. Parents/guardians are welcome to stay on-site and observe for all or part of the activity, but they will not be working with the children. About the teachers: Joel Shoemaker is a potter who retired from a career as a librarian and teacher in the Iowa City Community Schools. Becky Kobos taught elementary art in Iowa City.  Linda Haugen has been making pottery as a hobby for over 35 years, incorporating patterns and designs from nature into most of her functional stoneware. Linda retired from a career in natural resources; she has worked extensively as a volunteer with youth. Linda, Becky and Joel are excited to share their gifts and provide a creative opportunity to the children in the local community. Programming Cost: $25/person, including the materials. Start registration by clicking the RSVP link; After you submit a registration, we will send you an invoice for payment. If cost is a concern, let us know about the need for scholarship/assistance. Maximum of 10 participants. Location: In the Gathering Room at “Iowisota”, 2472 IA-26, Lansing, Iowa. Midway between Lansing and New Albin. Entrance to the education space is on the upper level on the back side of the “house”. How to sign up and pay: This is intended for children age 8-10. Registration is limited to 10 participants. Click the link for registration and then fill out the registration form. This will hold your space. Once you have completed the form, we will email you an invoice that you can pay by cash, check, credit card, or PayPal. Feel free to send any questions to iowisota@gmail.com. Register here Sponsor: Iowisota Education and Retreat Center

 -Wednesday, July 30              Noon - 1:00 pm
 - Online: Please RSVP to get the LINK:
https://www.mnwic.org/event-details/webinar-beneficial-birds-with-wild-farm-alliance 
When supported, birds can reduce pest insects, rodents and pest birds. While nest boxes, perches and farm management strategies will be discussed, we will focus on keystone native plants that birds prefer that are commonly used in field borders and other farmscaping.  These plants give birds what they need to survive and thrive–food, cover and nesting habitat.  Courtney Tchida of the Wild Farm Alliance will share information from their  Beneficial Bird Native Plant chart for the Upper Midwest  and the What and Where Beneficial songbirds eat and nest for Minnesota / Wisconsin table. Since 2000, Wild Farm Alliance has been working with farmers to achieve healthy, viable agriculture that protects and restores wild nature. Join Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) for a Welcoming Wednesday Webinar on the fascinating topic of Beneficial Birds and what you can do to attract them! These interactive Zooms are intended to provide relevant and actionable information about land and water stewardship, while also connecting like-minded women over lunch hour conversations. They recur on the fourth week each month.  Feel free to join the Zoom with lunch, pets, or children - this is a casual virtual gathering - and expect to find friendly faces and news you can use!  Webinar Hosts: Burke Murphy, Renewing the Countryside, MNWiC State Coordinator and Conservation Expert Courtney Tchida, Wild Farm Alliance, brings over 20 years of experience as an organic farmer, community organizer, educator, researcher and collaborator to her work at Wild Farm Alliance. She played a pivotal role in founding and managing the Cornercopia Student Organic Farm at the University of Minnesota. She also co-created the MN SEED Project to help connect people to free, locally adapted, native seeds. Throughout her career Courtney has been dedicated to imparting knowledge about farming and  environmental stewardship to the next generation. At WFA she is connecting farmers in the Midwest to resources and information on how to make farms more friendly to wildlife.  She is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota with degrees in Environmental Horticulture (B.S.) and Agriculture Education (M.Ed). Whether you are a beginner at caretaking land, an experienced land steward, or a professional working in the field - there will be something for everyone to learn. Ask a friend to join you! Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) is a project of Renewing the Countryside in partnership with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). MNWiC's mission is to engage women in conservation conversations, connecting them with the tools and resources needed to develop their own goals. We facilitate Regional Networks  to help all women of every experience level to learn and to implement practices in their own spaces, both urban both rural.  We are here to nurture land and community. Join us!

August Events
Coyote Point Sunset Hike
-Saturday, August 1          7-8:30pm
 -Whitewater (MN) State Park, Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come on a fun hike with a Naturalist and learn about the variety of plants and wildlife in Whitewater! We will start with a short indoor program, then hike to Coyote Point, which is 1.4 miles one way and will be about half of it will be uphill. Once we reach Coyote Point, it will be the end point to our program. Stay after to watch the sunset on top of Coyote Point or head back, if your stay remember to bring a flashlight in case it gets dark. For more info, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park


Fire Effects at Brownsville Bluff
 -Saturday, August 2              10am -2 pm
 - Brownsville Community Center Parking Lot – 104 6th Street North, Brownsville, MN. Google Maps link
Led by Justin Nooker and Laurie Arzaga, this is the second in a series of hikes to explore the effects of burning. After a 15-year absence, a portion of the prairie was burned this past March. Come see how beautifully the prairie plants have responded and learn why fire plays such an important role in the health and resilience of prairie ecosystems. You will also get to see the progress that has been made with the first phase of the restoration project that began in the fall of 2023 and wrapped up in December of 2024. This ongoing project is a partnership with The Prairie Enthusiasts, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and Minnesota Land Trust. WHAT TO BRING: Water, sun protection, insect repellent, and hat, long pants and hiking shoes are recommended. A walking stick would also come in handy. RSVP Laarzaga@gmail.com DIFFICULTY: Moderate to difficult going up the slope, but we will be going slow with lots of stops along the way to talk and enjoy the beauty of the prairie. Sponsor: The Prairie Enthusiasts

Ranger Walk and Talk: Post-Fire Ecology
 - Saturday, August 2          10am -12 pm. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet outside the ranger station
We regularly use prescribed fire at the park to keep our prairies and forests healthy, as fire is crucial in maintaining our ecosystem's stability and diversity. Have you ever wanted to know more about this hot topic? Have you ever wondered what makes a prescribed fire different from a wildfire? Come get these and any other burning questions you may have answered. Join a park ranger on a guided hike around the prairie loop to learn about fire's role in resource management at Frontenac State Park. We will meet outside the ranger station at 10 a.m. and hike into an area of the park which has been burned recently to see first-hand how it changes these landscapes. The hike will last about an hour and a half and will include some uneven terrain; coming prepared with water, sunscreen, and bug spray along with sturdy and comfortable shoes is recommended. Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. If you have any questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

 - Saturday, August 2           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

 - Saturday, August 2.               4:30-5:30 pm
 - Janky Gear, 611 N. Broadway Ave, Rochester MN
Curious about backpacking but don’t know where to start? Join us this summer for Trail Talks, a two-part event series designed to spark inspiration, build skills, and connect our community around the growing world of backpacking and trails in southeast Minnesota. Part 1: Backpacking 101 Workshop - August 2. 4:30 pm; Part 2: intro to the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail -August 16, 4:30 pm. These events are open to everyone and especially valuable for local residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in conservation, trail building, or regional development. This workshop is donation-based and open to all. Bring a friend or two and come learn all about backpacking and the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail! Funding provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Sponsors: Driftless Hiking Trail, Janky Gear

 - Saturday, August 2              4:30-5:30pm
 - Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN
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 info, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, August 2            6-7:00pm
 - Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN
Come join us for an evening presentation as we learn about the science, history, classification, and folklore of the various celestial bodies that make up our wondrous solar system!  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Our Cosmic Constellations
 - Sunday, August 3                         10-11am
 - Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN
Have you ever looked up at the sky and seen images in the stars? Well, you are not alone; people have been seeing pictures in the night sky for thousands of years! Learn about the constellations in our night sky, what purposes they serve, and even create your own constellation with a naturalist! For more info, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

International Owl Awareness Day Celebration 
 - Monday August 4                     9:30am- 5:00pm
 - International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN
We will have an OPEN HOUSE at the Owl Center in honor of International Owl Awareness Day plus other activities around Houston! Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable food items for the Houston Community Food Shelf are appreciated. There will be short programs at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00. Then we'll have our special Great Horned Owl Soap Opera program covering our director's vocal research on Great Horned Owls at 3:00 (about 75 minutes). *Please note that many programs may be standing room only, with the morning programs expected to be the most crowded and those later in the day the least crowded. There will be door prizes at the Owl Center, owl-themed beverages at Barista's Coffee Shop, hand-dipped ice cream with owl faces at River Valley Convenience Store, and owl-themed burgers at JT's Bar & Grill. *Please note that many programs may be standing room only, with the morning programs expected to be the most crowded and those later in the day the least crowded. Sponsor: International Owl Center

Nature Explorers: Make a Walking Stick
 - Tuesday August 5     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: Sept 2 (Catch a Butterfly), Oct 7 (Spooky Critters). Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association

 - Wednesday, August 6      10am
 - Houston (MN) Nature Center Trailhead Park, 215 W. Plum St, Houston MN
Naturalist Amy Simso Dean presents Bird-focused games and activities for kids and their grownups! Explore Trailhead Park, look for birds, and learn about birds with a migration game, owl pellet dissection, bird scavenger hunt, and craft projects along with the Friends of the Nature Center. Sponsors: Houston Public Library, Friends of the Nature Center. 

Monarch butterfly

 - Friday, August 9       6-7:30pm
 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Outdoors Wonder Learning Center, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau WI
Have you heard about the amazing and perilous journey of the Monarch butterfly? Hundreds of Monarch butterflies travel through Wisconsin each year on their way to spend the cold months of winter in Mexico. Join us as Allene Horton shares information about her wonderful trip to Mexico and her experience of seeing the monarchs in their winter sanctuary. She will also talk about how we can help monarchs in our community. Following her presentation, participants are invited to head out to the prairie to see and catch monarchs and other butterfly species and insects. *Nets will be provided.
Sponsors: Friends of Trempealeau Refuge, Shirley M. Wright (Trempealeau) Memorial Library.

 - Saturday, August 9       10:00am-noon
 - New Amsterdam Grasslands, N7555 Rotterdam Ave, Holland WI
Join us Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m.–noon for a free guided hike through a unique prairie bursting with wildflowers, native grasses, and pollinators! With over 300 acres to explore, New Amsterdam Grasslands is truly a gem, and to be able to explore it with a person who has logged hundreds of hours on this property will be a truly educational experience. Led by conservationist and one of the Conservancy's founders, Pat Caffrey, you’ll learn about prairie restoration, native species, and the birds, bees, and butterflies that depend on this unique habitat. Don’t miss this glimpse into what the Driftless grasslands looked like 200 years ago! What to bring and wear...
  • Print out the property brochure and map ahead of time to be sure you know where to go.
  • Consider loading the free Merlin app on your phone to help you identify birds by sound.
  • Wear good walking shoes, and consider spraying your shoes and pants for ticks ahead of time.
  • Binoculars and a walking stick are optional items you may wish to bring along.
Please register here. The meet-up is at the Rotterdam Avenue gate at 9:45 a.m. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

 - Saturday, August 9       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

 - Saturday, August 9           10:00 am-noon
 - Lower Hixon Trailhead,  2600 Old Quarry Rd, La Crosse, WI
Join us for the free  Driftless Area BioBlitz (DABB), a community science project inviting nature lovers of all ages to explore, observe, and help document the incredible biodiversity of the Driftless Area!
A bioblitz is a collaborative effort to record as many species as possible within a specific area and timeframe. Through DABB, you can contribute to real scientific research simply by observing the natural world around you. Participants are invited to use the iNaturalist app to submit observations of wild plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms anywhere within the Driftless Area. iNaturalist is a global biodiversity platform used to connect naturalists and community scientists through shared observations that support research and conservation worldwide. This region is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the Midwest! Additional Date & Location: September 13th - Insects of the Earth at The Nature Place. Sponsor: The Nature Place

Geology of the Driftless
 - Saturday, August 9              10am-11:30am
 - Forestville Mystery Cave Park Visitor Center
Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. Sponsor: Forestville/Mystery Cave (MN) State Park

 - Saturday, August 9           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

 - Saturday, August 16           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

- Saturday, August 16           4-5:00 pm 
 - Perrot State Park Interpretive Center, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661

Join Abbey and Joe Krumrie from River Valley Raptors for an interactive program with live raptors. Learn about each bird's unique features and how it has adapted to survive. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Sponsor: Perrot State Park


 - Saturday, August 16               4:30-5:30 pm
 - Janky Gear, 611 N. Broadway Ave, Rochester MN
Curious about backpacking but don’t know where to start? Join us this summer for Trail Talk, the second event in a series designed to spark inspiration, build skills, and connect our community around the growing world of backpacking and trails in southeast Minnesota. This event is open to everyone and especially valuable for local residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in conservation, trail building, or regional development. This workshop is donation-based and open to all. Bring a friend or two and come learn all about backpacking and the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail! Funding provided by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Sponsors: Driftless Hiking Trail, Janky Gear

Milky Way
Image - Lloyd Lorenz

Night Sky 
 - Saturday, August 16                8-9:00 pm
 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park
Become a “backyard astronomer” with help from the Northwest Suburban Astronomers. Observe deep sky objects through telescopes. Learn to use constellations and other “landmarks” to find space objects. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Saturday, August 16            8:30-11:00 pm (watch Facebook for weather updates)
 - Yellow River State Park, 925 Forest Rd, Harper's Ferry IA
Come watch shooting stars and be amazed by the Perseid Meteor Showers in the wonderfully dark sky at Yellow River State Forest! PLEASE BRING A BLANKET OR CHAIRS, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks if you wish, and meet between 8:30 and 9:00 pm at the old red barn at 952 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry IA (this is the site of the barn/ windmill on the end of State Forest Rd nearest to the Lansing/ Harpers Road.) We ask everyone to try to be there no later than 9 pm so we can all be settled in and we don’t have to worry about headlights ruining night vision and vehicles moving around. We will help direct you where to park. The party will wrap up about 10:30 p.m. but individuals are welcome to stay later. This is a great spot for star-gazing anytime and open to the public 24/7. Yellow River State Forest is known for it's dark skies! There are no restrooms at this site. Sorry for any inconvenience.
MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS OF WHERE EVENT IS LOCATED:: If you are coming from Highway 76 onto State Forest Road you will travel about 5.8 miles and the red barn and windmill will be on your left. If you are coming from the Lansing Harpers Rd onto State Forest Road, the red barn/ windmill will be about a half mile down the road on the right.  We can’t guarantee what all you will see that night, but the Perseid Meteor showers rarely disappoint. You don't need to RSVP, but if you would please click "going" if you are going to attend that would help us plan. If you bring a flashlight or use your phone light, red cellophane is recommended to help keep your night vision at its peak. We also encourage the downloading of Sky Map or other night sky apps to your phone, to help learn star names and constellations. Sponsor: Friends of Yellow River State Forest.

 - Sunday, August 17       1 - 4:00 pm
 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park
Join the Northwest Suburban Astronomers to view the sun. Look through special telescope lenses to get a glimpse of the sun’s surface. Drop in at the group camp anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. to view the sun. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

 - Wednesday, August 20      5:30-7:30pm
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse, WI
This monthly walk at The Nature Place occurs on the 3rd Wednesday, May through October. Walks begin at 5:30pm and typically last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Join for one, a few, or all! We will walk less than a mile on relatively level ground. This program is appropriate for ages 16+ and can be modified to accommodate all physical abilities. Sessions are co-guided by certified Forest Therapy Guides Kati Thompson and Char Peterson. Fee for the walk is $15/participant. 25% of proceeds go back to The Nature Place for youth programming. Sponsor: The Nature Place, RejuveNature Forest Bathing

 - Saturday, August 23        6 - 7:00am
 - Lake Lodge parking lot, 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona MN
Join us for an early morning, sunrise stroll around the Little Lake on Saturday, August 23rd to enjoy the summer weather, take in a beautiful sunrise, and enjoy exploring the ecosystem around the lake! Grab your water bottle and join us for a memorable morning. We’ll meet at the Lake Lodge parking lot before walking the small lake. Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Register here.
Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Indigo bunting   
Image -Daniel Irons. Merlin Bird ID

Bird Walk
 - Saturday, August 23               9-11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for nesting birds that specialize in these areas, including Baltimore Orioles and perhaps some Orchard Orioles as well as Eastern Bluebirds, Clay-colored Sparrows and up to 6 species of woodpeckers. The trail is mowed grass and is well maintained. Bring your binoculars or borrow some from the park office. No need to register. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park


 - Saturday, August 23           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

Wildlife in Your Backyard
- Saturday, August 30            7-8:00 pm
 - Perrot State Park Interpretive Center, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661
Part comedian, part naturalist and part scientist, David Stokes brings you in close with reptiles and amphibians. You’ll laugh and learn as David uses live creatures and animal artifacts with songs and short stories. Meet at the Interpretive Center. Sponsor: Perrot State Park

Falcons Live!
 - Sunday, August 31     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

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

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters
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