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 September Events
- 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
Mindfulness Walk
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 - 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
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
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
- 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
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
Fall Colors Photography Hike
- Thursday, October 16. 5:00pm
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
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
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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/eventsSponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
- 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 BathingFall Colors Photography Hike
- Thursday, October 16. 5:00pm
- Luester 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.
Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation BoardCome 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.
- 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 10-11:00 am
- Whitewater (MN) State Park - Chimney Rock TrailheadOn 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 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 - Saturday, October 18 9-11 a.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
- 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 |
- 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
- 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)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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