Monday, August 25, 2025

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - September 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.

September Events 
The view from FSPA land on St. Joseph’s ridge
Image - Karen Solverson for the Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Gardens and Gazing on St. Joseph's Ridge - Advance registration open until September 17
 - Saturday, September 20          5:30-9:00pm
 - FSPA Land on St. Joseph's Ridge, W2658 WI Hwy 33, La Crosse
Families, nature lovers, and stargazers are invited to a special evening of discovery and connection with nature at the popular Gardens and Gazing event hosted by Mississippi Valley Conservancy, in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society. This free event offers a rare opportunity to explore the serene gardens and protected farmland and woods at FSPA land, where food is grown for the sisters and the community. 
The evening begins with a walking tour of their beautiful gardens, led by FSPA guides, who will share the inspiring story of how the sisters care for the land and grow food that supports local communities, and how their green burial sites are providing a more natural approach at the end of life. Visitors will also learn about the long-standing stewardship values behind this 200-acre property, which the Franciscan Sisters purchased in 1895 and have protected ever since. In addition to the garden tour, a guided hike will lead guests along a scenic woodland trail to a ridgetop with sweeping views of the Driftless Area’s bluffs and valleys—just in time for sunset. As night falls, members of the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will provide telescopes and expertise for viewing the stars and constellations in the late summer sky. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds prior to the event starting at 5:30. To round out the evening, guests can enjoy light refreshments and snacks as they prepare to enjoy the night sky. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the land, the sky, and a community that values both. For more details (including proposed timeline) and registration, click here. questions? Contact Karen Solverson at karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8. Sponsors: Mississippi Valley Conservancy, La Crosse Area Astronomical Society, Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

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

 - Friday, September 12     10-10:45 am
 - Hixon Forest Lower Trails Parking Lot, 901 Milson Ct, La Crosse WI
Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. We'll be hiking the Lower Hixon Bicentennial path, an easy, ~45 minute walk. There will be a scavenger BINGO hunt for bigs and littles alike! We will meet at the Hixon Forest Trail head off of Milson Ct. to start. Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library

Wildflowers and Waves - ages 12 and up
 - Saturday, September 6           9:30-11:30am
 - Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, N5727 Cty Rd Z Onalaska WI
Come explore late summer wildflowers on the prairie! This guided workshop offers a chance to learn about native wildflowers and prairie grasses, while connecting with nature through your own expressive watercolor painting. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No art experience necessary -all art materials provided. Meet inside the Refuge Visitor Center. Expect a leisurely walk of less than a mile on paved and gravel trails. Bathroom and water available inside. Free. Register here. Sponsors: La Crosse County Libraries and Eco-Expressions

 - Saturday, September 6      10:00am-noon
 - Bluffside Park Chickadee trailhead, off west Wincrest drive 
Join us for a hike through the Chickadee Circuit trail system, and enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds of early fall. More details will be shared soon! Use this Google Maps pin to find the location: . For more information, and to sign the waiver, please visit: www.winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com/events  Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, September 6      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, September 6       9 - 10:00 am
 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park, Amphitheater lot
Join us for a 1.4-mile hike on the Starlight Trail as we wind through woods and along small fields under a nearly full moon. Experience the sounds and sights of the night by moonlight as we typically hike without any artificial lighting. The trail is mostly level with some uneven terrain. Wear sturdy footwear and keep bug repellent and a warm layer handy. Feel free to bring binoculars for viewing the moon and stars, or request to borrow a pair from us. Space is limited and registration is required. Please register by email or phone.Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

Fire Effects on the Prairie
 - Saturday, September 6           10am-noon
 - Marowski's Bluff, 61675 Grand Vista Rd, Ferryville, WI

This is the third in a series of hikes to explore the effects of burning. The Coulee Region Chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts conducted a burn this spring through part of the woodland and open prairie. We are pretty sure this is the first burn there in a long time (>50 years?). We included refugia, so it is easy to see the effects of fire here. It will take a long period of frequent burning to get the site back to its original state, but we've started the process. This hike is being promoted by the Ferryville Tourism Council. The idea is to have residents join us to learn more about the site and management that is going on there. The Village has an active program promoting the environment and we hope to partner in highlighting the valuable bluff prairies right in their backyard. WHAT TO BRING: Water, sun protection, insect repellent, and hat, long pants and hiking shoes are recommended. Not to scare anyone off, but the site is notoriously bad for chiggers. We'll have spray along for those that need it. FIELD TRIP LEADER: Jim Rogala. RSVP jrogala58@gmail.com DIFFICULTY: Easy to difficult. Access is from the top and we'll spend some time on the flatter area on top. For those that want to see more prairie below, we can go down the slope as far as you like, but it becomes very steep. DIRECTIONS: 61675 Grand Vista Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628. Take Quarry Rd off Hwy B; Quarry Rd turns into the winding Eagle Ridge Road which takes you to Grand Vista Rd on the right. Google Maps link. Sponsor: The Prairie Enthusiasts, Coulee Region Chapter

Geology of the Driftless
 - Saturday, September 6              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, September 6         11:00am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park
Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty, authors of “Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie,” will lead a walk on a park prairie trail, followed by a Q&A session/book signing up at the main park picnic shelter. We’ll meet in the big parking lot outside park headquarters, near the park entrance, at 11 a.m. Dave and Josephine are Minnesotans, longtime journalists now retired from the Minnesota Star Tribune. Their book, a beautiful, eye-opening, sometimes heartbreaking read, has been highlighted on such major media sites as NPR’s “Science Friday.” Come walk with them, and us! “Sea of Grass” is a highly readable brew of science, art and nature by Minnesota science journalists Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty. Join them for a prairie walk at Frontenac State Park on Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at 11 a.m. from the park
Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association

 - Saturday, September 6      Noon-3:00pm
 - Whitewater WMA - Marnach House Lot - Behind WMA Headquarters (The Whitewater Wildlife Management Area office is located 2 miles north of Elba, Minnesota, on State Highway 74)
The mid-1800's were a time of major change for the Whitewater Valley. Droves of people were drawn to the area by the promise of a new beginning. During this program we will feature of one of these families, the Marnachs. We will take a hike along an old stagecoach road to reach their impressive home and learn their story. Distance - 2.6 Miles Hike will start at the Marnach Lot in the Whitewater WMA, not the park.

September 7 - Registration opens for October 4 Owl Prowl
October 4 Owl Prowl
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- International Owl Center, Houston MN
We start with a 30-minute program indoors to teach you how to identify owls by sound and the ethics of calling owls. Then you hop in your vehicle and follow the Owlmobile to about three different locations in rural Houston where Jo, our resident expert owl caller, will imitate owl calls in hopes of getting some responses. The program is capped at 30 participants, and these always sell out in advance. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Due to the need to stand perfectly still for 10 minutes or more at a time, these owl prowls are not recommended for children under age 12. No pets, smoking or vaping allowed either indoors or outdoors. Sponsor: International Owl Center

 - Wednesday, Sept 10      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. Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Forest Bathing
 - Thursday, September 11       10:00am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the picnic shelter
Join certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Sara Holger, from Project Get Outdoors, on a sensory immersion in nature. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association, Project Get Outdoors

- Friday, September 26     10-10:45 am 
 - 901 Milson Ct, La Crosse WI
Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. We'll be hiking the Lower Hixon Bicentennial path, an easy, ~45 minute walk. There will be a scavenger BINGO hunt for bigs and littles alike! We will meet at the Hixon Forest Trail head off of Milson Ct. to start  Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library

 - Saturday, Sept 13       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, September 13                   9:00am-noon
- North Unit Prairie, 151 State Hwy 76, Harper's Ferry IA
The public is invited to join park staff and sponsoring experts to learn how to identify bumblebees, butterflies, dragonflies, and recognize their habitat. There will also be information about invasive plant and insect species. The public will assist in tagging monarchs as part of the large-scale community science Monarch Watch Tagging Program, photograph insect species and habitat, and learn about other citizen science opportunities. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument, Allamakee County Conservation Board, Clayton County Conservation, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife.

 - Saturday, September 13          10:00am-noon
 - The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, 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!  Place. Sponsor: The Nature Place

- Saturday, September 13     10-11 a.m. 
- 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 the fall and their relationships with trees and weather. We'll hope to find a pretty hen of the woods (maitake), but nothing is guaranteed! Edible mushrooms are elusive and fickle and won't come up without recent rain, 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, September 13        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, September 13        2 - 4:00 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
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

Owl Prowl
- Saturday, September 13          7 - 8:00 pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MNWe often hear them calling in the dark of night, but most of us are unfamiliar with the elusive creatures known as owls. At this program, you will learn how to identify the owls of Whitewater State Park by their calls as well as by their appearance and habitat needs. After a presentation, we'll go call to the owls. This program is guaranteed to be a "hoot" for all ages! Meet at the Visitor Center and come prepared to step outside for a short while after the presentation. For more information, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Driftless Eco Explorers
 - Wednesday, September 17      11:00 am         Holmen Library
 - Friday, September 19              11:00 am        Meet at Great River Landing, Onalaska
Sponsor: La Crosse County Libraries


 - Wednesday, September 17      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

- Friday, September 19     10-11:00 am am
 - Chad Erickson Park, 3601 Park Lane, La Crosse WI
Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. Pack your own picnic and enjoy the paved trail in the beautiful Chad Erickson Park with the library. We will meet at the shelter for a 30-minute peaceful walk and finish with a 30-minute picnic social. All ages are invited to move and snack.  Sponsor: La Crosse Public Library

 - Saturday, September 20      10-11:00 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Swing by the Naturalist table at the Visitor Center to learn a little about Minnesota's Bats. What kinds of bats do we have? Where do they live? How do they benefit us? What challenges to they face? How do I build a successful bat box? Drop in and talk to park naturalist Jeremy to find the answers to all your bat related questions. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, September 20       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, September 20       9:00-11:00 am
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park, meet at the Sand Point parking lot
Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point for the beginning of fall migration. We will look for migrants shorebirds such as Caspian Terns and possibly American Avocets as well as an amazing panoply of resident and migrating forest birds. 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

- Friday, September 26     10-11:00 am am
 - 2600 Old Quarry Road, La Crosse WI
Join library staff for a chance for all ages to enjoy a hike in nature. Come explore the forest on an easy-to-intermediate trail where we'll slow down and really listen—to the rustling leaves, birdsong, and the scurry of squirrels. This walk is all about noticing what’s around us and reconnecting with the natural world. If the leaves have started to turn, you'll also get to enjoy the beautiful colors of the changing season. Meet at Lower Hixon Trailhead Likely Path: Hickory to Bicentennial to make a loop starting and stopping at Hixon Forest Trailhead Parking Lot. (See Map) Age Group: Adult / All Ages Hiking/Strolling speedSponsor: La Crosse Public Library

Seed Collection
 - Friday, September 26     10:00am-2:00pm
 - Kellogg Weaver Dunes
Join us in collecting native prairie seed at Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA, an ancient sand prairie near the confluence of the Mississippi, Zumbro, and Chippewa Rivers. Volunteers will help search for and collect native plant seeds. This event will be led by contracted naturalist, Sara Holger. Tools, instructions, and good camaraderie will be provided. Bring water, lunch, and dress for working in the weather. If you have your own gloves you'd like to use, please bring those as well. Footwear appropriate for outdoor work/hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails, public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. Registration in-advance is required. To register and get meet-up instructions, please email driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. More Information- Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com Sponsor: MN DNR

 - Saturday, September 27        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, September 27       6:30-7:30 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Join us for a program about the animals that come out at night at Whitewater State Park! We will start inside and have a presentation about the animals that are active at night in the park, then go outside for a brief stroll on the Discovery Loop behind the visitor center to hopefully see some of the creatures that call Whitewater home. Bring a flashlight or something to light your way. For more information, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Mindfulness Walk
 - Sunday, September 28.        2 - 4:00pm
 - Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA
Immerse your senses in the autumn prairie during a guided mindfulness walk at Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA. We'll explore nature with our senses in the calming setting of the sand prairie. This event will be led by contracted naturalist, Sara Holger. Bring water and snacks. Long socks and pants, a hat, and footwear appropriate for outdoor hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails, public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. Registration in-advance is required. To register, and get directions, please email driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. More Information- Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com Sponsor: MN DNR

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

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