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 2-3 as the month goes on - so feel free to stop back for updated info.
Late October Events
- 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.
November Events
- Sunday, November 2 11:00 am -2:00 pm
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro
Trail Days is a free, family-friendly celebration of community, the outdoors, and the vision for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail. Come explore a section of the proposed trail with a self-guided hike, enjoy outdoor crafts and activities, make your own custom trail mix, and enter to win raffle prizes from local and outdoor brands. It’s a fun, easygoing day for hikers, families, and anyone who loves the Driftless Area. Trail Days is also a great chance to learn more about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail project, share your ideas, and connect with the volunteers and partners helping bring this new long-distance trail to life. The event is free and open to everyone, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors — Garage Grown Gear, Aefintyr, Spring Grove Soda Pop, and Little Dipper Sauna Co! Let’s celebrate the beauty of the Driftless region and imagine what’s possible together. Bring a friend (or two!) and be part of building a future 100+ mile backpacking trail in southeast Minnesota. We’ll see you on the trail! Sponsor: Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trails
- 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
- Thursday November 6 7-8:00pm
- online Zoom presentation
We are delighted to have Dr. Anna Pidgeon join us for a Zoom conversation on November 6th at 7pm about the birds of southern Wisconsin as we discuss the gains, losses, and opportunities in the face of development. A Beers-Bascom Professor in Conversation, Dr. Pidgeon will discuss several facets of development and how it shapes bird populations, illustrated with evocative images. While it's true there are almost 3 billion fewer birds now than 50 years ago in North America, it is also true that many bird species have experienced major population rebounds since the first half of the 20th century. The effects of development are many and varied. As understanding of bird ecology and perceptions continues to advance, we have gained insights into ways to soften and mitigate the negative effects of development on birds. Register to receive the Zoom link. We look forward to a lively discussion with time for questions at the end. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley ConservancyGuided Migration Viewing at Brownsville Overlook
- Saturday, Nov 8 10:00 am-2:00 pm
- Brownsville (MN) Overlook
Come enjoy the fall migration! As the seasons turn colder, thousands of swans, ducks and other water birds move through the Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge, finding a place to rest, relax and refuel before moving further south for the winter. Members of Friends of the Upper Mississippi will be at the Brownsville Overlook to help visitors identify birds and share information on migration. The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers! Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. Sponsor: Friends of the Upper Mississippi 
- Saturday, November 8 10:00 am-noon
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point for late fall migration. We will look for various waterfowl, including large flocks of Common Mergansers and Common Goldeneyes as well as bushels Bald Eagles. 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. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park Association. - Saturday November 8 11:00 am - 12:30pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park, 3 miles south of Elba on State Hwy. 74
State Parks offer a safe place to stretch your legs during the busy November deer season. During this program we will be taking a short hike up to Eagle Point. Along the way we will learn about the unique history, geology, and ecology that can be discovered by visiting this lesser-known park gem. Distance -1 Mile, Elevation Gain: 200 ft. To register and for more details, please call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Wednesday, November 12 10:00am-noon
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center, 3 miles south of Elba on State Hwy. 74
Join us for our monthly H.O.P. into the Park program (Healthy Older People). The dark night sky that we experience in many of our state parks is a natural resource that is rapidly disappearing as cities and artificial lighting expand. Under a dark sky away from city lights, we can see stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies, and other objects, some without assistance and others that require binoculars or a telescope. In this talk Jay McLaren (Rochester Astronomy Club), will teach us the various types of objects in the night sky that fascinate amateur astronomers and casual observers alike. For more information, please call 507-312-230. Sponsors: Friends of Whitewater State Park and Whitewater State Park - Saturday, November 15 11:00 am-Noon
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center, 3 miles south of Elba on State Hwy. 74
Whitewater has been around for over a hundred years. During the program we will use pictures from the parks past to help visitors learn the Whitewater State Park story. Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park - Saturday, November 15 3:30-4:30 pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park, South Picnic Area
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. Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Tuesday, November 18 3:30-4:15pm
- Meehan Memorial Lansing (IA) Library
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Tuesday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: Meehan Memorial Lansing (IA) Library
- Thursday, November 20 4:00 pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent MN
The final event in our youth series with Happy Dancing Turtle features astronomy. As our nights grow longer, it's the perfect time to observe the night sky. Join HDT for a journey through our solar system & beyond! Discover fascinating facts about the planets & learn to ID some of the constellations. Participants will make their own starfinders to use on the night sky! Sponsor: La Crescent Public Library
- Friday, November 28 all day
Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. Now in its 11th year, eith a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours. The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature. Research shows many health and wellness benefits to spending time in nature. According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Getting outdoors makes exercise more fun and can boost mood and immunity. The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation. Sponsor: MN DNR
- Friday, November 28 10:00 am -Noon
- Frontenac (MN) State Park
Gratitude/forest bathing walk with interpretive naturalist Sara Holger, director of Project Get Outdoors. Meet at the park’s main picnic shelter. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association and Project Get Outdoors.
Gratitude/forest bathing walk with interpretive naturalist Sara Holger, director of Project Get Outdoors. Meet at the park’s main picnic shelter. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association and Project Get Outdoors.
Do you know of other November 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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