Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - October 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.


October Events

 - Saturday, October 4      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

Sunday, October 5 - Registration opens for November Owl Prowl
November Owl Prowl
- 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

Prairie Seed Collection
 - Sunday, Oct 5   noon-4pm
 - Mound Prairie (MN) State Natural Area, near Hokah MN
Join us in collecting native prairie seed at Mound Prairie SNA, a unique bluff prairie overlooking the Root River. 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, snacks, 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 directions, please email driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. Sponsor: MN DNR

Bluff Bash
 - Sunday, October 5.      3-6:00 pm
 - Upper Hixon Forest parking lot trailhead, 710 Cty Rd FA, La Crosse, WI
You're invited to attend Bluff Bash at the Upper Hixon Forest parking lot trailhead. Friends of the Blufflands will lead a prairie hike and have an information booth there. Or come for the music with Zeke Fitz, yard games, food trucks, hiking, biking, tre climbing and fun. Free. All ages. Sponsor: La Crosse Park Department

Nature Explorers: Spooky Critters
- Tuesday October  7     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: Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Happy Dancing Turtles at the Library - Trees
- Thursday, October 9              4pm
- La Crescent Public Library, 336 S. 1st St
Our new fall series with Happy Dancing Turtle continues with Trees on Thurs, Oct. 9, 4pm at the Community Building. It's impossible to enjoy fall without noticing the trees! Join us to learn more about the benefits of trees & how to identify some of our local trees. We'll play a game to discover what trees need to thrive & end by making our own leaf art creations! Sponsor: La Crescent Public Library

Tails & Trails!
 - Saturday, October 11       11:00 am - 3:00pm
 - Community Trail Farm, W5723 WI-33, La Crosse WI
Join us for the Tails and Trails Wellness Event, a one-of-a-kind outdoor celebration of pets, people, and the path to healthier living! We are partnering with Coulee Region Humane Society for a day out outdoor wellness and to celebrate the soon-to-be-opening of the Community Trail Farm. This event brings together animal lovers, wellness advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts for a day filled with tail-wagging fun and feel-good activities. From hiking and pet-friendly fitness to wellness vendors, treats, and live demos, there’s something for everyone—two- and four-legged alike! Free and open to the public to attend! Sponsors: ORA, Coulee Region Humane Society

 - Saturday, October 11        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, October 11      Noon-3pm
 - Whitewater State Park
Join us on a crisp fall hike to points unknown. Whitewater has a few spectacular views that have remained hidden from even the most seasoned visitor. During this hike we will leave the trails behind us, as we venture out into a little used part of the park. No dogs allowed. Distance - 3.2 Miles, Elev. Gain 350ft.  Reservations are required - either mail Jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, October 11         7-9:00 pm
 - Tunnelville Cliffs SNA, La Farge
We hope you will join us for our Prairie Stargazing Walk at Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area in Vernon County on Saturday, October 11th at 7 p.m. This year’s guided walk offers a chance to explore the autumn sky—planets, stars, and distant galaxies—while also tuning in to the sounds of nighttime life on the prairie. Leading the way will be Susan Cushing and John Heasley. Susan is a Master Naturalist, experienced Environmental Educator with Kickapoo Valley Reserve, and Secretary of the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative. She will lead a discussion about the prairie at Tunnelville and share updates about preserving the night. John is the founder of Driftless Stargazing and will guide participants in observing the night sky with tips for how to find things with the naked eye or a simple pair of binoculars. Registration required. For more details on exact location, schedule and what to bring, please go the registration for this event 

 - Wednesday, October 15     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

Fall Colors Photography Hike
 - Thursday, October 16           5:00pm 
 - Luster Heights Unit - Yellow River (IA) State Forest
Come take in the beautiful colors of fall. This is a program for anyone wanting to try their hand in landscape photography. The hike may be on uneven ground and sturdy closed-toed shoes are recommended. Please bring your own camera, phone or professional. Registration is not required but is recommended. 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

 - Friday October 17        5:30-6:30pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Come learn all about nature's architects. We will learn about the adaptations that allow these amazing mammals to thrive in the Whitewater Valley. During the program we will also take a short walk and look at the construction project currently underway. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, October 18     9:30-11:30 am
 - Holzinger Trails, Winona MN
Fall is here! This season is such a wonderful time to get outside and explore in Winona as the leaves have started to change and the air is becoming crisp. For the last Wilderness Weekend of the 2025 season, we will take some time to get out on the trails one last time to observe the changes that fall brings, while also looking for fungi that may pop up as the weather changes and discuss how they play a vital role in our ecosystem and the process of decomposition. This family friendly event will be a fun, educational way to start off a fall filled weekend! The event is free, but we do prefer you register in advance. To sign-up, please visit www.winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com/events
Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

 - Saturday, October 18        9-11 a.m. 
 - Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
Walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for late migrating and over-wintering birds. 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. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

 - Saturday, October 18        10-11:00 am
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park - Chimney Rock Trailhead
On this hike, we will travel through time to learn about the geologic processes that formed the beautiful Whitewater River Valley. Find out how oceans, glaciers and raging rivers have shaped this landscape. Distance - 0.7 Miles, Elevation Gain 200 ft. Uneven surfaces. Contact Jeremy at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Saturday, October 18            2-4:30pm
 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA-26, Lansing IA
Join us for an informational walk in the woods focused on identifying trees based on bark characteristics and tree form. Some trees may still even have the answer key (leaves!) attached. Discussion points will include ecology of where different trees grow, and products we obtain from our forests. Cost is a suggested free-will donation of $10/person. Program will be provided by Linda and Dennis Haugen. Linda and Dennis Haugen both recently retired from careers as forest health specialists with the US Forest Service. Click the link to register/rsvp. You will be asked to fill out a registration form that will hold your spot. There is no mandatory fee. A free-will donation will be graciously accepted on the day of the event.

 - Saturday, October 18            3-4:00 pm
 - Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
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. Contact Jeremy at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

 - Sunday, October 19             Noon-2pm
 - Perrot State Park, S. Park Road, Trempealeau WI
Join Seth Taft, Executive Director for the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, for a chance to learn more about the organization, the importance of Friends' groups and their relationships with state properties. We will meet at the Nature Center at 12pm and embark on a saunter on the Riverview Trail. Should time permit, we will explore other areas of the park. This is free and open to the public! We hope to hear your stories and connections to these special spaces that make Wisconsin a beautiful destination.
Sign up at the following link below.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdZFWEGsDB.../viewform... Sponsor: Friends of Perrot State Park

 - Wednesday, October 22              10:00 am
 - Onalaska Public Library, 741 Oak St, Onalaska WI
River Valley Raptors will be bringing live birds of prey for you to meet. Throughout time, raptors have been renowned for their ferocity, majesty and hunting ability! Find out why raptors are so important to the world around us. ABOUT SENIOR MOMENTS: Floyde's Senior Moments—learning and entertainment for older adults—runs through November 12. Join us on select Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the Onalaska Public Library for programs on a variety of topics. Refreshments provided, no registration required. Sponsor, Onalaska (WI) County Library

 - Thursday October 23         6-7:00pm
 - Winona County Historical Society, 160 Johnson St, Winona MN
Check out this fun, FREE rattlesnake presentation with wildlife biologist Stephen Winter at this informative presentation on timber rattlesnakes in our area. Timber rattlesnakes are found in southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin. This species was once relatively abundant in these historic range areas but is now relatively rare and requires active conservation and protection measures to ensure its continued existence. This presentation will provide information about their distribution in the United States, natural history, and historic and contemporary threats. An important conservation effort will be highlighted, the Minnesota Timber Rattlesnake Responder Program, in which rattlesnake responders cooperate with local law enforcement agencies and the public to remove timber rattlesnakes from homes and properties and relocate them to nearby areas that are safe for people and safe for snakes. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the presentation runs from 6 pm to 7 pm, followed by a question-and-answer session. Please contact staff at (507) 454-7351 with questions. Sponsors: Friends of the Refuge Headwaters and Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

 - Saturday, October 25              10:00am - noon
 - 915 Prairie Island Road, Winona, MN
Join us for a fall stroll through the Prairie Island Nature Trails - a perfect place for birdwatching! We'll take in the fall colors, and identify birds along the way. More information to come soon! Visit www.winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com/events for more. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Image - MMAM 

Is A Water Alive?: A Student-Led Literary Art Walk
 - Saturday, October 25         10:30 - 11:30am 
 - Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Are bodies of water alive? Does water have its own life-force justifying protection? Join students from the Environmental Literature & Action class at University of Wisconsin La Crosse as they lead small-group gallery walks through a selection of MMAM pieces that help us consider this question. Drawing inspiration from Robert Macfarlane’s 2025 release Is A River Alive?, students will also read passages from poems and nature writing that frame the way we perceive bodies of water: As human resource? As habitat? As an entity unto itself with its own life to lead? Come wade in and let’s see where the confluence of painting, literature, and conversation takes us. This program is free with Museum admission, and free for students. PLEASE REGISTER HERE Sponsors: MN Marine Art Museum, UW-La Crosse

ORA Community Farm Trail Teaser
 - Saturday, October 25                Noon-4pm
 - W5723 WI-33, La Crosse, WI
Experience the Community Trail Farm trails before the gates open. Join Dahl Ford, Bronco Wild Fund, and ORA Trails for a one-day-only sneak peek of the Community Trail Farm. We’re opening the gates for an exclusive community preview: come hike, ride, or wander the brand-new trails before they officially open. Fresh dirt, wild views, and a first look at La Crosse’s future outdoor hub. Sponsor: ORA (Outdoor Recreation Alliance)

 - Wednesday, October 29.     10:00am
 - Wabasha Public Library, 168 Allegheny Ave, Wabasha MN
The showing of the documentary "The Invisible Mammal" will take place on Wed. Oct. 29th at 10 a.m. at the Wabasha Public Library.  At once a nature film, a science film, and a character-driven adventure film, The Invisible Mammal will immerse. you in the world of bats and forever change the way you feel about these amazing little creatures."  All are welcome! Sponsors: Bird City and the Wabasha Public Library. 

Do you know of other October 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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Monday, September 15, 2025

Nature School - Mississippi Valley Conservancy

The Mississippi Valley Conservancy  (MVC) is an amazing organization that had its beginning 30 years ago. Their mission is to conserve native habitats and farmlands in the Driftless area through land protection, habitat restoration and learning opportunities for all.  They are also awesome collaborators with other organizations, municipalities and land owners in protecting so many areas in the Driftless. 

They do restoration work, habitat management, work with landowners to conserve their land and so much more. They help manage over 28 nature preserves that are a joy to hike in and explore in nine counties in southwestern WI. 

And as far as "nature school" classrooms go, they are top-flight!

About once a month, throughout the year, MVC offers registered programs for the public to celebrate different nature preserves they manage and to learn about the flora, fauna, geology and habitat of the Driftless. Each of these Linked to the Land events is free thanks to the generosity of Olson Solar Energy and WXOW 19. Each event is led by subject experts and staff from MVC.

Recent ones I have participated in the last year or two have been a geology tour at Mathy Quarry, guided hike at Borah Creek State Natural Area, tackling invasives in Viroqua, guided hike and citizen science at Holland Sand Prairie and bat cave ecology tours at Kickapoo Caverns. Each event has been rich in content and a chance to explore the nature preserves with a group of like-minded nature-lovers.

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

There is still a little room in the next event scheduled for this coming Saturday Sept 20 (registration deadline Sept 17) for a walk in the gardens of the FSPA at their villa on St. Joseph's Ridge followed by by a ridgetop hike to see the sunset and spectacular views followed by a chance to see the night sky with telescopes and help from the a Crosse area Astronomical Society. I highly recommend it.

Another upcoming event is an exciting guided stargazing walk at the Tunnelville Cliffs property near LaFarge on Saturday, October 11 from 7-9:00 pm that evening.

You'll also see volunteer opportunities listed. MVC welcomes your help in habitat restoration, invasives removal, prepping for prescribed burns, brush removal and more. During these work parties, you not only contribute to restoration but also learn a ton from your co-workers.

To encourage you to explore the nature preserves, MVC also offers an annual free Trail Trek Challenge, inviting you, friends and families to discover and hike at least of their five preserves. It's a great way to discover amazing hikes in rich and diverse habitats.

I hope you can go to school with them soon and become a member of their organization as well. 

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.”

Participating in MVC BioBlitz in June
at Holland Sand Prairie - Image: Karen Solverson

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters
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Monday, September 8, 2025

Leaf-Peeping Hikes in the Driftless

Great River Bluffs (MN) State Park
If you love fall colors, it won't be long before the Driftless leaf-peeping begins. While it's nice driving and looking at the changing leaves, if you want to get your boots on the ground, hiking is a great way to get to the tops of bluffs to appreciate the festival of colors.

Here are some of my favorite bluff top hikes during autumn. 

The hikes designated as Family friendly tend to be more accessible, flatter (though seldom completely flat) and shorter to get to the blufftop views.

[Note: Click on the brown titles in bold below to go to a blog post link describing the hikes listed]

Great River Bluffs State Park 43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)
This leaf-peepers dream park has moderate trails to many amazing overlooks. These hikes during the fall color season are spectacular. Easy hikes to North and South Overlooks give sweeping views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs. East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground are moderate for elevation gains have glimpses of MN bluffs AND Mississippi views. The King's Bluff trails on the north side and Kern lookout off the walk-in campsites also have amazing views and easy trails. Park website. Family friendly.

Hixon Forest Prairie Hikes, N2788 County Rd FA, La Crosse WI
This fairly easy rolling trail takes you to three prairies (Birch, Zoerb and Lookout) that give an expansive view of forested bluffsides and glimpses of the MN bluffs. You can add extra miles by continuing on to the Vista prairie as well. Family friendly.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia
Head up onto the rim trails - Hole in the Rock has expansive views of the west rim and northwestern rim; Steep Rock Trail and Switchback trails are both narrow and very steep but the views of the valley and park from the top of each are well worth the climbs. Park website

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road, Ferryville
Head south on Hwy 35 until about 1 mile south of town and turn left on N. Buck Road. Drive up about a mile until you see a Mississippi Valley Conservancy kiosk on the left. You start almost at the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a spectacular high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs in full fall color. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. MVC website Family friendly.

Levis Trow “troll rock”
Levis Trow Mounds Park, N1589 Fisher Ave, Neilsville WI 44.47676, -90.72377
This is hands-down one of my favorite rim trails to hike in the autumn. The deciduous forest are saturated in color as you hike up to the rim trails. Multiple outlooks afford wide, colorful views down to forests that stretch out towards the Driftless area. 

Stoney Point Trail, Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent, MN
Put on those serious hiking boots to scramble up to this iconic La Crescent Overlook. To reach Stoney, you get to hike a large part of the park's trails - always a good thing but you will be going steadily and sometimes steeply up. The views of nearby MN bluffs and Blue Lake as well as my city make this a special fall view and well worth the hike. Website

Apple Blossom Overlook Park, 33642 Cty Rd 1, La Crescent MN
This Winona Co park has a magnificent view of the Mississippi River, WI bluffs, the city of La Crosse, Lock and Dam 7 and the municipal airport. There are also a few outlooks to explore on this oak savannah and hardwood short 2 mile trail system. Be sure to head north after leaving the park on Apple Blossom Scenic Byway - it takes you along the blufftop for more fall color views all the way to Great River Bluffs State Park. Family friendly.

Whitewater State Park, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Head up to the rim trails from any access point and be treated to stunning views of the colorful bluffs and valleys below. Multiple outlooks and good challenging elevation hikes are in store at this iconic Minnesota park. A must-see in fall!

Mathy Quarry, N3065 Cty Road FA, La Crosse WI
The rim trails here give some clear views to the southeast portion on La Crosse County and the fall colors can be breathtaking from the numerous lookouts around the rim. This is easy hiking with a great autumn reward. MVC website Family friendly.

Perrot Park Brady's Bluff Trail, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI
The climb is worth the reward. Sweeping views up and down the Mississippi River and over to the MN bluffs covered in a riot of color are breathtaking. Park website

Buena Vista Overlook, on Buena Vista Rd off Cty Rd E, Alma, WI
You can drive up to the top to enjoy colorful views of MN bluffs and the Mississippi River and Alma's lock and dam (family friendly) or hike up from the town below and earn the view! Website Family friendly

Frontenac State Park, 29223 Cty Rd 28 Blvd, Frontenac MN
Unbelievably wide views of Lake Pepin and the WI and MN bluffs are available at a number of lookouts near the rim parking area and trails connecting from there. Park website. Family friendly.

Yellow River State Forest, Harper's Ferry, IA
The Paint Rock unit and Luster Heights (family friendly) unit have great overlooks with spectacular views of the river and WI bluffs around Harpers Ferry area. The hiking is great as well!

Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA
Drive up to the top of this city park and walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs in a riot of color. Walk along the quiet park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. There are also a few challenging trails with significant elevation gains. Rim walk - family friendly.

Magelssen Bluff, Magelssen Park, off Hwy 30 east and right on Magelssen Bluff Rd in Rushford MN
You can hike from the bottom to the top or simply drive to the top (family friendly) and gawk at the amazing fall leaf colorama of Rushford and points southeast to southwest at three lookouts. One lookout is just above the "Rushford " letters on the bluff's south slope. But do take time to hike some or all of this well-maintained trail system to enjoy the fall woods (access from the bottom, head to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rushford and park opposite the gate near the trailhead). Rim trails/lookouts are family friendly.


Check out this Big River Magazine article for the many, MANY overlooks on the Upper Mississippi River.

Additional hikes nearby in the Driftless that give you colorful fall views along with views of cities include:

Crown Blvd, La Crosse WI
Greens Coulee, Onalaska WI
Shelby Butterfly Trails, 3701 Old Vineyard Rd, La Crosse, WI
Miller's Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)
Easter Rd (Hass), La Crosse WI
Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN
Grandad Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

If you don't see YOUR favorite autumn hike/outlook in the list or the Big River Magazine article, please share it in the comments. I love adding to the list and finding new places for some breath-taking leaf-peeping.

If you'd like to take a deeper dive into how and why leaves change color in fall, check out this recent "Naturalist's Corner - Why Leaves Change Color" post on the blog.

You can also keep an eye on the leaf color change forecasts at these links:
                   -   Minnesota DNR
                   -   Wisconsin DNR
                   -   Iowa DNR







Have a great fall!


Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Image - Lloyd Lorenz


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!

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Friday, September 5, 2025

Naturalist's Corner - Why Leaves Change Color

Clonal aspen stand, CO
Returning home from an extended October hiking trip in the Southwest last year, I was struck by the riot of colors that greeted me in our Driftless area. While I was impressed by the beautiful displays of gold and yellow of the aspen stands (all clones of single root systems) out west, I was worried I'd be too late to see the diverse fall colors that the Driftless area forests display.

Not to worry.


I was delighted to find that colors were just beginning to peak. Rather than large swaths of trees in the same color, we have a veritable party of different colors going vertically up the bluffs as you drive along the Mississippi River.



And it got me wondering...what sparks that change?  

It's not just one thing. The weather, the length of days and the individual tree's pigments all combine to create the color palette and timing. 

Each tree species has unique colors that depend on pigments already present in the leaf. For trees with yellow, orange and brown fall pigments (carotenoids), those colors are already in the leaves along with  the green chlorophyll during spring and summer. The chlorophyll masks these pigments during the summer. As the leaf prepares for winter, chlorophyll production slows and stops. That's when the bright yellows and oranges appear.


For trees that display more red and purple (anthocyanins), that pigment is produced in fall when excess sugar gathers in leaf cells.

This is usually preceded in August with a gradual lightening - or to my eyes, slight greying - of the deeper green colors of early summer as chlorophyll slows.

The shorter length of the day and less sunlight triggers leaf cells to start building up in the stem end, trapping the sugars and eventually sealing off the stem (when that happens, the leaf falls).

Finally the weather - sunny days and cool nights help create the most colorful leaves.  If there has been abundant rain in spring and summer to produce plenty of sugar for the trees, the colors will tend to be more brilliant. Drought and drier summers and fall, produce less sugar and can dull the colors. 

Driftless area states have "Fall Color-Finding" sites that keep you updated on the peak and past-peak times of autumn leaf changes:

You can read more details about this process, at the US Forest Service webpage  and an interesting article from the November 1, 2024 edition of the Washington Post exploring the annual life cycle of a leaf and the effect our changing climate has on deciduous trees.

This short video produced on October 13, 2020 by Minnesota Master Naturalists for their Trail Tuesday series, goes through the process.




See you on the trails!


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Wednesday, September 3, 2025

SE MN Regional Development Partnership Seeking Volunteers

Minnesota friends:

Southeast RSDP seeks applications for board and work group members

The University of Minnesota Extension Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships is seeking local residents to serve on their regional board and work groups.


Southeast RSDP is one of five regional partnerships that connect local communities with University of Minnesota resources to support sustainable development in Greater Minnesota.

RSDP has four work groups: natural resources, local food systems, resilient communities and clean energy. Members work together with University staff and faculty to make recommendations about how to support community-driven projects in each region.

Watch this short video to learn more about how they do their work! 

In particular, Southeast RSDP is currently seeking those with an interest in agriculture and natural resources. Read the full press release here

For more information and to apply, please see z.umn.edu/rsdpworkgroups. Applications are preferred by Monday, September 15th for an October 1st start date.

For questions, or to learn more about being a work group or board member, please contact either Andi Sutton, Southeast RSDP Executive Director- sutto364@umn.edu or Danielle Piraino, Southeast RSDP Outreach Specialist- pirai006@umn.edu.


Andi Sutton (she/her/hers)
Executive Director – Southeast
Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership | Extension | rsdp.umn.edu
University of Minnesota | extension.umn.edu



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Monday, September 1, 2025

I Spy on the Trails - August 16-31, 2025

Tall grasses dominate the prairies now
Holland Sand Prairie is no exception

I feel autumn coming. 

My "I Spy" lists of plants and wildlife are beginning to shrink rapidly. That, if nothing else, speaks of the coming fall. Our autumn equinox is just three weeks away and the signs of nature's pulling up her blanket to get ready for her winter rest are apparent everywhere. 

And who can blame her?  While she's had a wild and wonderous summer celebration of blooming flowers and lush growth, the nights are lengthening and the slowing results are everywhere as I hike. 

During the past two weeks we saw temps moderate (and air quality improve). We had one hard rain day (2.5” by us),  a sprinkle or two, a few foggy mornings and a last week of pleasant daytime temps combined with cool night temps. There was plenty of time to enjoy the last puppy days of August and observe the subtle changes going into fall.

Songbird migrations are beginning in earnest. Waterfowl migration is just beginning as well. These journeys will continue well into November on our Mississippi flyway. Recent strong north winds jumpstarted songbird migration in numbers large enough to be seen on Doppler radar. 

Remember to keep your outside lights off and curtains closed to help birds along in their nightly migrations. You can keep your eye on Cornell Lab's Birdcast to stay current on migration peaks. Also watch your bird feeders and the trees for surprise guests migrating through.

Pollen-covered 
common eastern bumblebee
on a stiff goldenrod
Nature action isn’t completely over by any stretch, though. Goldenrods, blazing stars, field thistles, false bonesets and the tall prairie grasses are coming on big time. Asters are just beginning to blossom and add their delicate colors to the landscape of yellows, pale greens and brown. 



Mushrooms and fungi continue their strong showings on the damp forest floors. Fruiting plants including roses, false Solomon's seal, Solomon's seal, Jack-in-the-pulpit and mayapple are displaying their berries and fruit along the trails. Beetles and other insects like grasshopper and cricket populations are burgeoning.

Red-legged grasshopper
on Jerusalem artichoke
But things are changing. The fields and forests have less variety in their birdsong and bright, pollinator-attracting blooms. Trees and bushes continue to show a greyish cast to their leaves as chlorophyll production continues to wane. Many of those summer pollinating plants are going to seed or showing their fuzzy seed heads. 

Bumblebees are slowing; huge bumblebee gynes (next year’s queens) are out and mating with drones. Soon the rest of the colony will die off and the gynes will enter diapause until spring, when they will  begin, by themselves, to start a new colony. 

Butterfly numbers are lessening as major pollinator plants have lost or are losing their blooms. Monarchs are beginning their migratory journey to Mexico. I am seeing these in greater numbers as they stop to nectar on pollinator flowers or rest along wooded edges in the evening. 

Graffiti lichen
Image -Tyler Barnhurst

I participated in one Nature School learning hike during the past two weeks - a Lichen Walk at Frontenac State Park led by Tanner Barnharst, author of  Minnesota Lichen Guide. Spending time in the micro world of lichens helped me really appreciate these organisms made up of fungi and either algae or cyanobacteria. It was a fun and worthwhile way to learn a lot from a lichen expert and the many Master Naturalists who attended as well. A great learning experience. I hope you take advantage of some of the interesting opportunities to hike and learn in September.


Beginning this month through the end of April, this column will switch from bi-monthly to monthly as nature slows down. But my hiking will continue at it’s usual mad pace!

See you on the trails!

Plant Observations
Flowering/mature plants:

  • agrimony, tall hairy
    Roundhead bushclover

  • alyssum, hoary
  • aster, aromatic
  • aster, calico
  • aster, Drummond's
  • aster, purple-stem
  • aster, white-panicle
  • beebalm, spotted
  • blazing star, dwarf
  • blazing star, rough
  • boneset, false
  • bushclover, roundhead
  • cardinal flower
  • cliffbrake, western dwarf
  • coneflower, cutleaf
  • coneflower, grey-headed
  • Culver’s root
  • fern, bulblet bladder-
  • fern, interrupted
  • fern, lady
  • fern, northern maidenhair
  • fern, ostrich
  • fern, sensitive
  • fern, spinulose wood
  • flax, grooved
  • fleabane, daisy
  • fleabane, prairie
  • forget-me-not
  • goldenrod, Canada
    Jersey tea
  • goldenrod, early
  • goldenrod, elmleaf
  • goldenrod, giant
  • goldenrod, grey
  • goldenrod, prairie (Missouri)
  • goldenrod, showy
  • goldenrod, stiff
  • goldenrod, tall
  • goldenrod, white flat-topped
  • goldenrod, zigzag
  • harebell
  • horsetail, rough
  • ironweed, prairie
  • jersey tea
  • Jerusalem artichoke
  • jewelweed, orange
  • jewelweed, yellow
  • Joe-Pye-weed, spotted
  • leafcup, small-flowered
  • lobelia, great blue
  • partridge pea
  • poppy mallow, purple
  • primrose, common evening
  • rattlesnake master
    Great blue lobelia
  • self-heal
  • snakeroot, white
  • spurge, flowering
  • sunflower, fewleaf
  • sunflower, giant
  • sunflower, hairy
  • sunflower, stiff
  • sunflower, swamp (sneezeweed)
  • sunflower, woodland
  • Susan, black-eyed
  • Susan, brown-eyed
  • thistle, field
  • tobacco, Indian
  • vervain, hoary
  • wild bergamot
  • yarrow

Sprouts/unbloomed/past bloom:

  • aster, calico
  • aster, smooth blue
  • aster, white heath
  • aster, western silver
  • bloodroot
  • leadplant
  • sagebrush, white
  • thimbleweed, tall
    Blue Cohosh fruit
  • wild ginger

Fruited:

  • blue cohosh
  • false Solomon's seal
  • Jack-in-the-pulpit
  • mayapple
  • spikenard, American

Grasses/Sedges:

  • grass, big bluestem
  • grass, bottle brush
  • grass, green foxtail
  • grass, little bluestem
  • grass, sideoats grama
  • grass, smooth brome
  • indiangrass, yellow
  • obscuregrass, Scribner's
  • switchgrass

Fungi/Moss/Lichen:

  • fungus, crowded parchment
    Rare dog-nose fungus -
    note the “nostrils” on the left
  • fungus, dog-nose
  • fungus, white jelly
  • ghost pipe
  • lichen, asterisk
  • lichen, candle flame
  • lichen, graffiti 
  • lichen, hooded sunburst
  • lichen, hoary rosette 
  • lichen, mortar dot 
  • lichen, orange fire dot
  • lichen, speckled shield
  • mushroom, American slippery Jack
  • mushroom, artist's conk
  • Mushroom, bolete - bitter
    Fluted white helvella saddle mushroom
  • mushroom,  bolete - chestnut
  • mushroom, bolete - ruby
  • mushroom, bolete - two-colored
  • mushroom, bolete -weeping
  • mushroom, chanterelle
  • mushroom, corrugated cap cort
  • mushroom, deer
  • mushroom, earthball
  • mushroom, saddle - fluted white helvella
  • mushroom, golden bittergill
  • mushroom, golden reishi
    Indigo milk cap mushroom - note the
    blue latex drops where it’s been touched
  • mushroom, - milk cap - Indigo
  • mushroom, hexagonal polypore
  • mushroom, laccaria - common
  • mushroom, laccaria - purple-gilled
  • mushroom, lactarius (milky cap)
  • mushroom, orange mycena
  • mushroom, oyster
  • mushroom, golden oyster
  • mushroom, lung oyster
  • mushroom, puffball
  • mushroom, puffball - skull-shaped
  • mushroom, purple-bloom russula
  • mushroom, turkey tail
  • mushroom, red waxy cap 

Wildlife Observations (seen, heard, detected)
Birds:

  • bluebird, eastern
  • blue jay
  • bluebird, eastern
  • catbird, grey
    Image -Evan Lipton Merlin Bird ID
  • cedar waxwing
  • chickadee, black-capped
  • crow, American
  • finch, house
  • goldfinch, American
  • grosbeak, rose-breasted
  • hawk, red-tailed
  • hummingbird, ruby-throated
  • killdeer
  • kingbird, eastern
  • nuthatch, white-breasted
  • redstart, American
  • robin, American
  • sparrow, chipping
  • sparrow, field
  • sparrow, house
    Great blue heron at
    MacGilvray's Seven Bridges

  • sparrow, song
  • swallow, barn
  • veery
  • vireo, Bell's
  • vireo, warbling
  • vireo, red-eyed
  • warbler, chestnut-sided
  • woodpecker, downy
  • woodpecker, hairy
  • woodpecker, pileated
  • woodpecker, red-bellied
  • wood-pewee, eastern
  • wren, house
  • yellowthroat, common

Waterfowl/fish:

  • geese, Canada
  • heron, great blue
  • pelican American
  • swan, trumpeter
  • trout, brown

Reptiles/amphibians
  • frog, northern leopard 
  • turtle, painted

Insects/arachnids:

  • bee, striped sweat
    Canoodling male and female walking sticks

  • beetle, goldenrod soldier
  • bumblebee, black-and-gold
  • bumblebee, brown-belted
  • bumblebee, common eastern
  • bumblebee, two-spotted
  • butterfly, clouded sulfur
  • butterfly, eastern comma
  • butterfly, pearl crescent
  • butterfly, eastern swallowtail
  • butterfly, Monarch
  • cricket, tree
  • damselfly, tule bluet
  • dragonfly, autumn meadowlark
  • dragonfly, 12-spotted skipper
  • dragonfly, widow skimmer
  • grasshopper, red-legged
  • grasshopper, differential
  • spider, yellow garden
  • walking stick


What are YOU seeing on your hikes?

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

Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI (3);  Frontenac State Park, Old Frontenac, MN (2); Bluffside Park, Winona MN; Weaver Sand Dunes, Kellogg MN (2), Riverside Park, La Crosse WI, McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area, Marathon Co, WI


Oncoming fall's greying landscape at
Beaver Creek Valley (MN) State Park

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.

Crossing a ravine the easy way
Image -Nola Larson

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters





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