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Many guided hikes begin by the campground
which feature expansive prairies |
I can't say enough about the great "Nature School" guided hikes that are put on and/or sponsored by the Frontenac (MN) State Park Association members. Founded in 1954, this active group supports park projects, stewardship projects (river trail clean-ups, trail maintenance, invasives control) and interpretive programs - and lead a boatload of guided hikes annually. In 2024, the group was named the top Minnesota park friends’ group by the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, an award that was well-deserved.
I first met four (!!!) of this very active group of volunteers as we trained together to become MN Master Naturalist back in 2022. Each was already a dedicated nature observer - birder, fungi forager, plant aficionado - before we even began the course. They never failed to astound me with their knowledge.
I've kept in touch with FSPA colleagues by participating in hikes and reading their very entertaining and info-packed monthly newsletter ever since. They also have an outstanding website that builds and expands upon the MN DNR Frontenac State Park website.
Along with the park rangers, FSPA folks offer informational, hands-on (or eyes-on) guided hikes and events throughout most of the year. There are twice-monthly bird spotting hikes, seasonal fungi-finding hikes, weekly nature observation hikes in the summer, ranger-led hikes and festive celebrations to help you learn more about this most beautiful state park overlooking Lake Pepin.
If you are a regular reader of the blog's monthly "Let's Get Hiking and Learning" series, you have no doubt seen their many learning opportunities.
Here are three (of the many available) free hiking classrooms I have participated in at Frontenac State Park with a typical guided hike description in italics. I give all the teachers and the content A+
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| Bruce Ause shows a bluebird house |
Saturday Morning Walk Naturalist Walk;
- mornings throughout the summer
Take a short, guided hike along trails through the upland area of the park discover a variety of natural features along the way. 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!
Bruce Ause, a volunteer naturalist and retired Director of the Environmental Learning Center in Red Wing, MN for 30 years, leads these weekly hikes. He is a knowledgeable naturalist and has a way of engaging both kids and adults in his weekly hikes. A slow pace and his sharp eyes reveal and celebrate plants, trees, wildlife and weather along the trail. Bruce also writes a blog,
Wacouta Nature Notes that notes natural changes and times in SE MN.
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Eastern bluebirds
Image -Steve Dietz |
Bird Observation Walks - mornings, once or twice a month, most of the year
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.
Janet Malotky and Steve Dietz, two MN Master Naturalist volunteers, have the eyes and ears of the best birders. A slow pace, gentle guidance and sharp knowledge combine to help you spot and learn to identify the many birds along the way. But not only that, they are both fonts of information on the birds' behavior and habitat. Having these two as your guides is worth silver and gold. Both contribute great content in the FSPA's monthly newsletter.
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Chanterelles on the trail
Image - Pamela Miller |
Fungi Walks - mornings, 2-4 times a year, spring through fall
Join 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.
Pamela Miller is my inspiration as a fungi forager. Her guided hikes suggest the possibility of finding fungi but also Pamela shares information on how to improve your chances of finding them; safety tips and a warm and inviting presence. She has fascinating stories about each variety and its characteristics. I first started learning from her in our Master Naturalist class and have followed her ever since on FB as she chronicles her many ambles in the woods looking for all the mycelium network's fruits. A retired journalist, she is also the able editor of the FSPA lovely and informative monthly newsletter.
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| Pamela Miller sharing fungi hunting tips |
Check out their August hikes and events
here. And if you want to support their work or become active yourself,
membership in this dynamic group is open to anyone.
If you are looking for an opportunity to learn in a beautiful location as you hike along the trails of Frontenac park, this Nature School is top flight. Hope you take the time to join them!
Nature School is what I like to call the guided hikes I go on when I’ve a mind to learn more about the natural world and to fulfill my required training hours to maintain my annual Master Naturalist volunteer certification. The Nature School series highlights parks, organizations and groups that provide free or low-cost guided learning experiences while hiking. The Driftless area of MN, WI and IA is rich in dedicated biologists, naturalists and citizen scientists who share their knowledge, passion and expertise. By doing so, they help hikers of all ages better understand our natural world. It’s always a delight to attend their “schools.”
Check out additional Nature School posts:
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Showy orchis
Frontenac (MN) State Park |
Images, unless noted -Marge Loch-Wouters
Aw, Marge, you're too kind! Thank you!
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