February Events
- Course Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, April 20 - May 1 (10am-3:30pm), with one field day Saturday April 25 (9am-4pm)
- National Eagle Center, Wabasha MN
MN Master Naturalist volunteers assist with stewardship projects in their local communities. To become a Master Naturalist Volunteer, a 40-hour training course offered through the UM-Extension Service is required. The Wabasha course is sponsored by Project Get Outdoors and will introduce participants to the natural history of the Driftless area through hands-on activities and filed trips. Topics include geology, wildlife, native plant communities, ecology, watersheds, human history and ways to share nature with children. Each sessions begins at the National Eagle Center and ten move outdoors for immersive tours of local nature areas. The fee for the course is $295 which includes course materials and supplies. Scholarships are available. Sponsors: UM-Extension Services, Project Get Outdoors.
[On a personal note - I took this course and received my certification in 2022 and it literally changed my life. Since that time I have contributed over 600 hours of volunteer work for communities in the Driftless including doing presentations and interpretive hikes, participating in stewardship projects, serving on local natural resource committees and publishing this blog. I highly recommend this instructor and Master Naturalist certification courses to expand your understanding of and knowledgeable dedication to nature and the outdoors.]
The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program is a network of well-informed volunteers dedicated to conservation service, leadership, and lifelong learning. The Master Naturalist training provides 40 hours of education in a variety of natural history topics and Master Naturalist service areas. Through expert-led trainings, Master Naturalists are equipped to address challenges facing the state by making positive impacts through stewardship, citizen science, and educational activities. Trainings have an emphasis on outdoor field experiences with some classroom instruction and are taught by professional natural resources educators and scientists. Once trained, Wisconsin Master Naturalists record 40 hours of service and 8 hours of advanced training each year to maintain certification and receive a recognition pin. Nearby certification trainings:
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 State Rd 131, La Farge WI
- Cost: $300 Registration deadline: April 13, 2026
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) is an 8,600-acre tract of land located in Vernon County, between the villages of La Farge and Ontario. Join KVR staff and regional experts to learn more about and experience topics such as the effects of climate change, the indigenous cultures, and ornithology. This training will be held two days in a row (Thursday/Friday) at various times from May to October to capture the phenological variation of the area. Each day will be on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and may require short (<10 minutes) travel in personal vehicles. This training will require moderate physical stamina and may include hiking on and off trail in varied terrains, paddling a canoe, and learning in remote/backcountry spaces. - Course Dates :
Thurs, April 3, 3 pm - 8 pm and Fri May 1, 9 am - 4 pm
Thurs, June 4, 3 pm - 8 pm and Fri, June 5, 9 am - 4 pmThurs, Aug 13, 3 pm - 8 pm and Fri Aug 14, 9 am - 4 pm
Thurs, Sept 10, 3 pm - 8 pm and Fri, Sept 11, 9 am - 4pm
Sponsors: UW-Extension/Kickapoo Valley Reserve
ORA (Outdoor Recreation Alliance) Community Farm, W5723 WI 33, La Crosse WI
- Cost: $300 Registration deadline: October 5, 2026
The Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails) is excited to bring the Master Naturalist program to La Crosse. The majority of the training will be held at the Community Trail Farm, a 290 acre sustainable recreation project just a few miles from downtown. Participants will explore the bluffs, streams, and prairies of this unique area, and experience firsthand what it takes to work toward ecological balance. Through the lens of land stewardship and sustainable recreation, ORA will connect with local and regional guest experts, modeling the interconnected sections of the Master Naturalist training. Using place-based experiential education, activities include best practice in trout stream restoration, rewilding of forests and prairies, sustainable trail design, and the power of storytelling. Accessibility and inclusion are pillars of the Community Trail Farm project, though there will be several 1-4 mile hikes on uneven terrain. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and/or coordinating ride shares to field locations. Come join us during a beautiful time of year in the Driftless and become a Master Naturalist!
Sat, Oct 17th - 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
Appropriate sized snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided to individuals who do not have their own equipment with preregistration. If snowshoes are not needed, participants are welcome to attend without registering. Participants should dress for the weather with appropriate layers including outerwear, winter hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. A headlamp or small flashlight is also recommended, but not required. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board is available by following the ACCB on Facebook. To register or to receive more information on this event or any event you can call the ACCB at (563)538-0403. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board (ACCB)
This event is weather and ice condition dependent
Event schedule:
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Ice Safety and Ice Fishing Tips
9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open Fishing for Kids
9:00am to 12:00 p.m. Snowshoes available
Fishing poles, bait, and tackle will be provided by the Genoa NFH, Midwest Fisheries Center, and Friends of the Upper Mississippi. A warming tent will be onsite, and a light lunch will be provided for participants, courtesy of Friends of the Upper Mississippi. Due to limited space and biosecurity concerns, no outside ice fishing tents or bait will be permitted. In order to provide ample time for kids to get equipment and catch their fish, children must be registered no later than 11:00 a.m. Where to go: This event will be held at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 State Highway 35, Genoa, WI, on the east side of the highway at Pond 11. Traveling 3 miles south of Genoa, WI, drive past the office sign on the right and take a left by the rearing buildings on the east side of Highway 35. Follow the signs and please park in the designated areas. Questions? Call 608 689-2605. Sponsors: Genoa National Fish Hatchery staff, the Midwest Fisheries Center, and Friends of the Upper Mississippi
Join us for our monthly A.L.P.'s at Whitewater program (Advanced Learning Program) hosted by the Friends of Whitewater State Park! This month we welcome Whitewater State Park manager Jimmy Fox. Jimmy will be talking about an innovative project he was involved in as manager of Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Increasing wildfires in the Far North, and their impact on permafrost, is one of several climate tipping points. The project he worked on attempted to avoid and minimize this trend to protect Pleistocene-era permafrost known as Yedoma. Sponsors: Friends of Whitewater State Park
The Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests will be hosting guided Winter Walks exploring two Vernon County parks! These winter walks are to bring awareness to our county parks in the winter season as well as allow the greater community to come together! The winter walks and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages and at Lower Duck Egg Feb 21 - A few reminders about Duck Egg. There are NO public restrooms at Lower Duck Egg, you can do your best to go before you come, use the restroom at UPPER Duck Egg or pee in the woods. If you have never been to Lower Duck Egg, drive right on past the sign that says "Duck Egg County Park" and continue down the hill. Once you get to the bottom of the hill the lower parking lot will be on the left side. Walkers are to meet in the park parking lot. All walks will begin promptly at 3pm and will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. The Friends of Vernon County Parks encourages walkers to always dress appropriately for the walk and the weather and invite your family and friends!Sponsor: Friends of Vernon County Parks
- $20/per person with KVR Annual Pass/$25 per person without an annual pass
We will caravan to trailheads and hike with a guide up to 8 miles (depending on ice conditions) to view a variety of ice formations that form over rock shelters and on rocks, on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. There will be opportunities to opt out of the Trek a couple of times during the day. Ice hikes can traverse steep, slippery and varied terrain, both on and off trail. Hikes should be considered strenuous and require previous hiking experience and proper gear.
Suggested Gear: Hiking boots or shoes (depending on temperature, winter hiking boots are suggested); Wool or wool blend socks; Foot Chains (like Yak Traks); Hiking poles (optional but suggested)
Outdoor clothing for active pursuits - (wicking layers); Gloves and hats - balaclavas work well if it is cold, loose scarves are discouraged because they can get hung up on trees and branches; Personal pack with water bottle and snack; Phone or packable camera; Change of socks.
Course Dates:
Mon, Oct 12 - Friday, Oct 16, 8:30 am - 4:30 pmSat, Oct 17th - 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
- Monday, February 2 6:30pm
- Luster Heights Unit, Yellow River State Forest, 481 Luster Heights Rd, Harper's Ferry IA
The hike will be approximately 2 miles with views of the Mississippi River. Participants should meet at the Luster Heights Unit parking lot at 481 Luster Heights Road, Harpers Ferry. The Moonlight Snowshoe will be a guided trail hike taking place after dark to enable the participants to see the stars and moon like they have never seen before. The event requires preregistration for those wishing to use snowshoes provided by the ACCB and is open to all ages. However, anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. In the case of inclement weather or poor snow conditions the Moonlight Snowshoe may be postponed or cancelled and will be announced via the ACCB’s Facebook page.Appropriate sized snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided to individuals who do not have their own equipment with preregistration. If snowshoes are not needed, participants are welcome to attend without registering. Participants should dress for the weather with appropriate layers including outerwear, winter hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. A headlamp or small flashlight is also recommended, but not required. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board is available by following the ACCB on Facebook. To register or to receive more information on this event or any event you can call the ACCB at (563)538-0403. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board (ACCB)
- Wednesday, February 4 6:30am - 7:30am
- Lower Palisades Parking Lot, 2566Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA
Who says the best part of winter is staying under the covers? Decorah Public Library and Decorah Parks and Recreation Department are inviting early risers and aspiring morning people alike to discover the quiet magic of winter with Winter Wonder Walks, a program that celebrates the season's cozy darkness and spectacular sunrises. Folks can join free walks on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Each walk will explore a different scenic route through town, parks, and trails, allowing walkers to experience the peaceful beauty of winter mornings while watching the world wake up. After, walkers can head to a coffee shop for warm up drinks. On February 4, we’ll walk from the Palisades parking lot to Dunning’s Springs and back on Ice Cave Road and then head to Lefse Lodge when they open at 7:30. "We wanted to create something that gets people moving during a season when it's tempting to hibernate," said Zach Row-Heyveld, DPL Assistant Director. "Winter Wonder Walks is about embracing the season instead of just surviving it." Sponsor: Decorah Public Library
- Saturday, February 7 8:45 am - noon
- Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 Hwy 35, Genoa, WI
Join the Genoa National Fish Hatchery staff, the Midwest Fisheries Center, and Friends of the Upper Mississippi for our Kids Ice Fishing Day! This event is for children ages 5-12, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants can try their hand at snowshoeing! Volunteers will be onsite to talk to folks about winter recreational opportunities and will have snowshoes for folks to try out.This event is weather and ice condition dependent
Event schedule:
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Ice Safety and Ice Fishing Tips
9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open Fishing for Kids
9:00am to 12:00 p.m. Snowshoes available
Fishing poles, bait, and tackle will be provided by the Genoa NFH, Midwest Fisheries Center, and Friends of the Upper Mississippi. A warming tent will be onsite, and a light lunch will be provided for participants, courtesy of Friends of the Upper Mississippi. Due to limited space and biosecurity concerns, no outside ice fishing tents or bait will be permitted. In order to provide ample time for kids to get equipment and catch their fish, children must be registered no later than 11:00 a.m. Where to go: This event will be held at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, S5631 State Highway 35, Genoa, WI, on the east side of the highway at Pond 11. Traveling 3 miles south of Genoa, WI, drive past the office sign on the right and take a left by the rearing buildings on the east side of Highway 35. Follow the signs and please park in the designated areas. Questions? Call 608 689-2605. Sponsors: Genoa National Fish Hatchery staff, the Midwest Fisheries Center, and Friends of the Upper Mississippi
- Saturday, February 7 9:30-11:30 am
- Holzinger Trails, 925 West Lake Blvd, Winona, MN
Join us for a snowy winter hike and hunt for animal tracks & signs of animal activity! We will explore the rolling Holzinger Trails and search for evidence with a scavenger hunt while enjoying the winter weather. This free family friendly programming is a great way to get outdoors during this chilly month. Grab your boots and see you on the trail! Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Please register here. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative - Saturday, February 7 9:30-11:30am
- The Nature Place, 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse WI
Join us for a free family event at The Nature Place on the first Saturday of each month. Each event provides a unique seasonal opportunity to learn about the critters and nature patterns found within our region's ecosystem. If you have a question about the event, please reach out to our Community Programs Manager, Steph Hanna at Steph.Hanna@natureplacelacrosse.org **Weather notices or immediate updates regarding one of these events will be shared on our FB stories the day of the event. Sponsor: The Nature Place
- Saturday, February 7 1:00-7:00 pm
- Hixon Forest Park, 792 Cty Rd FA (by the weatherball), La Crosse WI
Join for a free and cozy community winter event in the bluffs! This event is designed to celebrate winter recreation, community connection, and getting outside during the colder months. No registration required. Please note, there will be no alcohol. Come and go as you please. There will be optional fundraising activities hosted by partners. What to expect:
• Casual hiking, biking, and running on the trails
• Family scavenger hunt with geocache-style exploration bins
• Kids pump track area
• Hot cocoa, s’mores, and fireside chats
• Games and snowman making (weather permitting)
• Door prizes
• A cozy candlelight hike at sunset
1:00-5:00 PM - Community and family activities hosted by ORA Trails and 50/50 raffle hosted by Beer by Bike Brigade
2:00-5:00PM - Cup of Love chili-style tasting and voting hosted by BLACK
5:00-5:30 PM - Door prizes and Cup of Love awards
5:30-7:00 PM - Candlelight hike on the Prairie Loop hosted by ORA Trails. This event is family-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming to all ages and experience levels. Bundle up, grab your favorite winter layers, and come enjoy an afternoon and evening outside with your community. We can’t wait to see you there! Sponsors: ORA Trails, BLACK, Beer by Bike Brigade, and La Crosse Adventure Films
- Saturday, February 7 5:00 -7:00pm
- Upper Hixon Trails, 709 County Rd FA, La Crosse WI
A crowd favorite! ORA will again host a series of candlelit walks! These are free, all-ages events that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood! This hike utilizes a path that is considered "easy to moderate" to navigate. Candles will light the route, but if you'd like to see clearly where you're stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight. These walks are self-guided. Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s'mores! Additional date: March 3 - Gateway Trailhead. Sponsor: ORA (Outdoor Recreation Alliance)
- Wednesday February 11 10:00am -noon
- Whitewater State Park Visitor's CenterJoin us for our monthly A.L.P.'s at Whitewater program (Advanced Learning Program) hosted by the Friends of Whitewater State Park! This month we welcome Whitewater State Park manager Jimmy Fox. Jimmy will be talking about an innovative project he was involved in as manager of Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Increasing wildfires in the Far North, and their impact on permafrost, is one of several climate tipping points. The project he worked on attempted to avoid and minimize this trend to protect Pleistocene-era permafrost known as Yedoma. Sponsors: Friends of Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, February 14 10:-11:00 am
- Whitewater State Park Visitor Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Looking for a way to stay active in the winter? Come join us and learn about the outstanding outdoor activity of snowshoeing. We'll walk you through the basics and then hit the trail for a short trip through the woods. During the program participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or borrow a pair of the parks. If we don't have enough snow, we will hike instead. In the event of poor weather, check the on-line calendar for program cancellations. For more information, email jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State ParkLa Crescent Lions Frozen Apple Candlelit Hike
- Saturday, February 14 5:30-8:30pm
- Veteran’s Park, 595 Veteran’s Parkway, La Crescent
Eagle Bluff Access Trail will be lit with over 450 candle luminaries. Start at Veterans Park (595 Veterans Parkway) for this out and back walk along our cozy wooded trail. Fire pits at each end of the trail will help keep you warm, along with hot chocolate and hot cider at Veterans Park. See the MAP in comments and under the discussion tab for details. Distance out and back is less than a mile. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed. Winter conditions are unpredictable, so please dress appropriately - ice cleats are encouraged. Note: There are no restrooms in Veterans Park. This is a Free Event, but donations are appreciated for future events. Pray for snow and invite your friends! Sponsor: La Crescent MN Lions Club
- Saturday, February 14 5:30-8:30pm
- Veteran’s Park, 595 Veteran’s Parkway, La Crescent
Eagle Bluff Access Trail will be lit with over 450 candle luminaries. Start at Veterans Park (595 Veterans Parkway) for this out and back walk along our cozy wooded trail. Fire pits at each end of the trail will help keep you warm, along with hot chocolate and hot cider at Veterans Park. See the MAP in comments and under the discussion tab for details. Distance out and back is less than a mile. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed. Winter conditions are unpredictable, so please dress appropriately - ice cleats are encouraged. Note: There are no restrooms in Veterans Park. This is a Free Event, but donations are appreciated for future events. Pray for snow and invite your friends! Sponsor: La Crescent MN Lions Club
Wisconsin Neighborhood Weekends for La Crosse, Vernon and Trempealeau county residents
- February 14-15
- February 14-15
- International Owl Center, 126 E Cedar St, Houston, MN
Residents of local WI 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.There will be an additional program at 12:30pm on these days. Sponsor: International Owl Center
Residents of local WI 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.There will be an additional program at 12:30pm on these days. Sponsor: International Owl Center
- Sunday February 15 11:00am - 2:00 pm
- TBD - check the Allamakee County Conservation Board Facebook page for location details
Free clinic for youth ages 15 and under. Ice fishing equipment will be provided for youth. Win prizes, eat food and have fun! Sponsors: Harpers Ferry Booster Club/Allamakee County Conservation Board
- Wednesday, February 18 6:30am - 7:30am
- Lower Palisades Parking Lot, 2566Ice Cave Rd, Decorah, IA
Who says the best part of winter is staying under the covers? Decorah Public Library and Decorah Parks and Recreation Department are inviting early risers and aspiring morning people alike to discover the quiet magic of winter with Winter Wonder Walks, a program that celebrates the season's cozy darkness and spectacular sunrises. Folks can join free walks on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Each walk will explore a different scenic route through town, parks, and trails, allowing walkers to experience the peaceful beauty of winter mornings while watching the world wake up. After, walkers can head to a coffee shop for warm up drinks. On February 18, we’ll start at the library and head to Pulpit Rock Campground on Dug Road and end up at Coffee Break. "We wanted to create something that gets people moving during a season when it's tempting to hibernate," said Zach Row-Heyveld, DPL Assistant Director. "Winter Wonder Walks is about embracing the season instead of just surviving it." Sponsor: Decorah Public Library - Saturday, February 21 10:00am-noon
- McIntosh Memorial Library, 205 S. Rock Ave, Viroqua WI
Mississippi Valley Conservancy invites community members to a special presentation, Winter Feeder Birds of the Driftless Area, led by naturalist and wildlife photographer Dan Jackson. As part of the Conservancy’s Linked to the Land educational outreach program, this presentation offers a fun and accessible way for nature lovers to deepen their connection to the outdoors—right from their own backyards. Winter is an active season for feeder birds in the Driftless, and learning to identify and understand these species inspires stewardship and appreciation for the habitats that support them year-round. Dan Jackson’s talk will feature photos of common—and a few uncommon—winter birds that visit feeders in our region, along with engaging insights into their behavior, biology, and ecology. Whether you’re new to backyard birding or a seasoned observer, this presentation will offer tips, visuals, and stories perfect for winter nature watching. Dan Jackson is a Wisconsin Master Naturalist, long-time birder, and dedicated conservation volunteer with experience in wildlife photography and citizen science. He has led hundreds of field trips in search of birds and Odonata, and regularly does presentations on dragonflies, butterflies, birds, bumble bees, and nature photography. As a wildlife photographer, Dan has spent countless hours in the field and has taken pictures of hundreds of species of birds, dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, bumble bees, river mussels, and many other species of insects, plants, and animals. The event is free and open to the public, with donations welcomed to support the Conservancy’s work protecting more than 27,000 acres across the Driftless Area. Please register here. Sponsored by Mississippi Valley Conservancy, WXOW News 19. - Friday February 20 5:30-7:30 pm
- Norskeledalen Nature and Heritage Center, N455 O. Ophus Rd, Coon Valley WI
- $10/person ages 12 and older; $5/person ages 4-11; free with current membership card.
Come experience one of Norskedalen’s trails in a whole new way! Formerly known as the Candlelight Snowshoe Hike, we want you to know that walking in boots or skiing are also great choices for this winter evening event. Regardless of what’s on your feet, you’re sure to be astonished by the captivating views and magical atmosphere as you hike a trail lit by luminaries. Afterwards, enjoy some hot cocoa by the fireplace in the shelter or get cozy by the bonfire! The Candlelight Hike typically takes place on a Friday evening in February or March, depending on weather conditions. Please check the rotating home page of this site for details each February. Sponsor: Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center - Saturday, February 21 3-5:30pm
- Duck Egg County Forest, Lower Parking Lot, Viroqua WI
*Please note LOWER Duck Egg for meeting spot.The Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests will be hosting guided Winter Walks exploring two Vernon County parks! These winter walks are to bring awareness to our county parks in the winter season as well as allow the greater community to come together! The winter walks and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages and at Lower Duck Egg Feb 21 - A few reminders about Duck Egg. There are NO public restrooms at Lower Duck Egg, you can do your best to go before you come, use the restroom at UPPER Duck Egg or pee in the woods. If you have never been to Lower Duck Egg, drive right on past the sign that says "Duck Egg County Park" and continue down the hill. Once you get to the bottom of the hill the lower parking lot will be on the left side. Walkers are to meet in the park parking lot. All walks will begin promptly at 3pm and will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. The Friends of Vernon County Parks encourages walkers to always dress appropriately for the walk and the weather and invite your family and friends!Sponsor: Friends of Vernon County Parks
- Saturday, February 21 Noon -2:00pm
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 WI 131, La Farge WI
$10 per person with KVR annual pass/$15 per person w/o pass
We will caravan to a trailhead and hike with a guide up to 2 miles (depending on ice conditions) to view ice formations that form over rock shelters and on rocks, on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Ice hikes can traverse steep, slippery and varied terrain, both on and off trail. This hike should be considered strenuous and require some hiking experience and proper gear, especially the proper footwear. Suggested Gear: Hiking boots or waterproof winter shoes (depending on temperature, winter hiking boots are suggested); Wool or wool blend socks; Foot Chains/foot traction (like Yak Traks highly recommended); Hiking poles (optional but suggested); Outdoor clothing for active pursuits - (wicking layers); Gloves and hats - balaclavas work well if it is cold - loose scarves are discouraged because they can get hung up on trees and branches.; Personal pack with water bottle; Phone or packable camera. Contact us at 608-625-2960 or kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us. Register here. Sponsor: Kickapoo Valley Reserve - Thursday, February 26 10-11:00 am
- Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 Hwy 76, Harper's Ferry IA
Join a park ranger for a mindfulness walk on the Yellow River Boardwalk. This is one in a winter series offering weekly programing for our new Golden Eagles Club at the park. These programs are intended for mature adults but open to anyone. Programs may be a variety of activities and topics and will run weekly until April. For a full schedule of the weekly presentations (book discussions, hands-on work and presentations), please visit their events website .Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Saturday, February 28 11:00am -3:00pm
- Kickapoo Valley Reserve, S3661 WI 131, La Farge WI
We will caravan to trailheads and hike with a guide up to 8 miles (depending on ice conditions) to view a variety of ice formations that form over rock shelters and on rocks, on the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. There will be opportunities to opt out of the Trek a couple of times during the day. Ice hikes can traverse steep, slippery and varied terrain, both on and off trail. Hikes should be considered strenuous and require previous hiking experience and proper gear.
Suggested Gear: Hiking boots or shoes (depending on temperature, winter hiking boots are suggested); Wool or wool blend socks; Foot Chains (like Yak Traks); Hiking poles (optional but suggested)
Outdoor clothing for active pursuits - (wicking layers); Gloves and hats - balaclavas work well if it is cold, loose scarves are discouraged because they can get hung up on trees and branches; Personal pack with water bottle and snack; Phone or packable camera; Change of socks.
Each person should register separately. Contact us at 608-625-2960 or kickapoo.reserve@krm.state.wi.us. Register here Sponsor: Kickapoo Valley Reserve
- Saturday, February 28 6-8:00 p.m.
- Frontenac State Park, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight! Snowshoe, ski, or hike the trail along the bluff top with beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley, lit by dozens of luminaries and the light of the full moon. Warm up at campfires at either end of the trail or enjoy some light refreshments by the wood stove in the warming shelter. Refreshments provided by the Frontenac State Park Association volunteer group. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Skiers 16 and older will need a MN Ski Pass to participate. Ski passes are $10 for a day pass, $25 for the year, or $70 for three years. A limited number of snowshoes will also be available for rent for $6 per pair. Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. For updates, or if you have questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park
Do you know of other February hiking/learning events I should include? Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my web version of the blog.
You can read my quarterly column on seasonal hiking suggestions in Inspire(d) Driftless magazine available online or pick up a free copy at businesses and organizations around the Driftless areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and IA.
