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| First on a Great River Bluffs SP Trail after a snowfall |
Need some suggestions for winter hiking destinations? Click here to see a list of recommended winter hikes in the Driftless areas of MN, WI and IA.
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.
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| Photos by Catherine McKenzie, Sarah Barron and Eric Preston |
Fireside Crafting
- Thursday, December 4 1-4:00pm
- Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy-26, Lansing Iowa
Gather by the fireside at Iowisota to work on your individual projects during an open crafting session Projects may include sewing, fiber work, scrapbooking, or any other portable handiwork. Bring your own supplies, unless you've made other arrangements with Linda. We have good lighting, comfortable seating by the fire and solid worktables. Enjoy some social time and a hot drink as you work on your project. Freewill donation accepted; I'll have a jar on the table by the door if you feel like you want to contribute something. Register here by selecting the date you'd like to attend. We will have a maximum of 10 people working on stuff at one time. If you want to just stop by for part of the time, that is fine. If you want to just stop in and see Iowisota, it is a good opportunity for that too! Why am I doing this? Because I feel so blessed to have a great workspace available, and I want to share it. I live in the downstairs portion of the house, but I personally love working on projects or reading in the upstairs "gathering room" on a winter day. The windows looking out over the backwaters and into the woods are inspiring, and the fireplace is heartwarming. Together, we can make it through another Iowa winter! If you have questions, give Linda Haugen a call at 563-538-6510 or email at Iowisota@gmail.com. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center.
Injured Owl Rescue Class - online
- Thursday, December 4 7:00 pm
Have you ever found a sick, injured or orphaned owl and didn't know what to do? This program will give you basic information about how to figure out if the owl needs help, how to safely pick it up and transport it if it does need help, where to take it, and some of the laws about what you can and can't do. There is no charge to attend, but donations are welcome. Click here to register. Sponsor: International Owl Center
Guided Prairie Loop Bird Walk
Do you know of other December hiking/learning events I should include? Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my web version of the blog.
- Saturday, December 6 9:30 -11:30 a.m
- Frontenac State Park - ranger station parking lot.
What birds can you see in December? We will take a short prairie loop to look for year-round residents such as Pileated Woodpeckers, identify some over-wintering sparrows, such as White-throated Sparrows and Eastern Bluebirds, and perhaps see some late-migrating waterfowl overhead. Sometimes it's mostly just beauty. Questions? Email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association
Sunday, December 6 - Registration opens for January 3 Owl Prowl
January 3 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
Advent Candlelight Hike
- Thursday, December 11 3:30-4:15pm
- New Albin Public Library (IA) Library, 176 Elm St
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: New Albin (IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board
Hass Trails Hike - Winter Blufflands Hiking Series
- Saturday, December 13 9:00am
- Haas Property, 3996 Easter Road, La Crosse WI
Sunday, December 6 - Registration opens for January 3 Owl Prowl
January 3 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
Advent Candlelight Hike
- Monday, December 8 6:30-8:00pm
- Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, W2658 State Road 33, La Crosse WI
All are invited to join us for a peaceful mile-long hike filled with Advent-themed reflections and candle luminaries. All ages are welcome and winter attire is encouraged. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! Hike difficulty: moderate (with some inclines). All participants are welcome to hike at their own pace. No pets, please. A volunteer will be stationed near the entrance to direct you to the parking lot. Sponsor: Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration - Tuesday, December 9 10:30-11:15am
- Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library, 401 1st St NW
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board
Afterschool with the Driftless Children's Program
- Tuesday, December 9 3:30-4:15pm
- Meehan Memorial (Lansing IA) Library, 515 Main St.
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/Allamakee County Conservation Board
Rediscover the Night Program
- Wednesday, December 10 5:30 - 7:30 pm
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Rd 131, La Farge WI
Afterschool with the Driftless Children's Program
Afterschool with the Driftless Children's Program
- Tuesday, December 9 3:30-4:15pm
- Meehan Memorial (Lansing IA) Library, 515 Main St.
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/Allamakee County Conservation Board
Rediscover the Night Program
- Wednesday, December 10 5:30 - 7:30 pm
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Rd 131, La Farge WI
Afterschool with the Driftless Children's Program
- New Albin Public Library (IA) Library, 176 Elm St
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: New Albin (IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board
Hass Trails Hike - Winter Blufflands Hiking Series
- Saturday, December 13 9:00am
- Haas Property, 3996 Easter Road, La Crosse WI
Over the course of this 6 month series, hikers will go through the entire La Crosse Blufflands, starting on the south side and moving north. The Juniper property trail (aka Haas trail) is moderate to easy with some uphills. The plan is to hike out and back for approximately 2.5 miles total. Small off-road parking lot. Side of the road parking is narrow. Check out the group's Facebook page events for additional hikes coming up. Sponsor: Blufflands Hiking Group
Fireside Crafting
- Thursday, December 18 1-4:00pm
- Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy-26, Lansing Iowa
Fireside Crafting
- Thursday, December 18 1-4:00pm
- Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA Hwy-26, Lansing Iowa
Gather by the fireside at Iowisota to work on your individual projects during an open crafting session Projects may include sewing, fiber work, scrapbooking, or any other portable handiwork. Bring your own supplies, unless you've made other arrangements with Linda. We have good lighting, comfortable seating by the fire and solid worktables. Enjoy some social time and a hot drink as you work on your project. Freewill donation accepted; I'll have a jar on the table by the door if you feel like you want to contribute something. Register here by selecting the date you'd like to attend. We will have a maximum of 10 people working on stuff at one time. If you want to just stop by for part of the time, that is fine. If you want to just stop in and see Iowisota, it is a good opportunity for that too! Why am I doing this? Because I feel so blessed to have a great workspace available, and I want to share it. I live in the downstairs portion of the house, but I personally love working on projects or reading in the upstairs "gathering room" on a winter day. The windows looking out over the backwaters and into the woods are inspiring, and the fireplace is heartwarming. Together, we can make it through another Iowa winter! If you have questions, give Linda Haugen a call at 563-538-6510 or email at Iowisota@gmail.com. Sponsor: Iowisota Retreat and Education Center.
Storytime with the Driftless Children's Program
- Tuesday, December 23 10:30-11:15am
- Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library, 401 1st St NW
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board
Iowa Neighborhood Weekends for Allamakee and Winneshiek county residents
Storytime with the Driftless Children's Program
- Tuesday, December 23 10:30-11:15am
- Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library, 401 1st St NW
Naturalist Erin Cubbon from Allamakee County Conservation will be here one Thursday a month for seasonal and interactive environmental education program. No registration required, all children under 10 with a caregiver please. Sponsor: Robey Memorial (Waukon IA) Library/Allamakee County Conservation Board
Iowa Neighborhood Weekends for Allamakee and Winneshiek county residents
- December 27-28
- International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN
Residents of local IA counties, including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on Neighbor Weekends. Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our live programs at 11 and 2 each day. Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17. Sponsor: International Owl Center
Residents of local IA counties, including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on Neighbor Weekends. Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our live programs at 11 and 2 each day. Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17. Sponsor: International Owl Center
Do you know of other December 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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