Learn about Minnesota's bat population and the dreaded White Nose Syndrome that threatens their world. We will separate fact from fiction about these fascinating little animals. Program participants will aid in ongoing scientific research at the park by counting bats emerging from their daytime slumber.
- Mathy Quarry - Meet at the parking lot area at the end of county FA.
Friends of the Blufflands will be having their monthly Second Saturday Hike on Saturday, June 13 at the Mathy Quarry Blufflands tract starting at 9 AM. The hike will be "A Tale of Two Prairies" - featuring a hike around the planted prairie in the quarry and then a hike to the Mathy Bluff Prairie. The Mathy Bluff Prairie is one of La Crosse's precious remnant prairies and is being restored by Friends of the Blufflands. Mike O'Brien will lead this hike. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The hike will be on trails with moderate uphill and downhill sections. Come see the progress that has been made restoring this site. Sponsor: Friends of the Blufflands
Experience the quilts of over 125 artists as inspired by their dreams of the prairie and displayed along a trail in Frontenac State Park. Incorporating a prairie’s elemental aspects of earth, wind, and fire, see quilts based on stories passed down through generations, evoking hope for the future, and representing daydreams of clouds scudding across the sky while listening to songbirds nearby.
Quilts will be displayed along a mowed grass trail so you may encounter them at your leisure. See website regarding accessibility options. Rain date: June 20, 2026.
- Saturday, June 13 10 am -11:30 am
- Forestville Mystery Cave (MN) Park, William Morris’s Visitor Center
Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. From State Hwy. 16, go 4 miles south on Co. Hwy. 5, then follow the signs to Mystery Cave. More Information: Call 507-352-5111. Sponsor: MN DNR
Intro to Camping
- Saturday, June 13 11-:00am - noon - Prairie Island Nature Trails Winona, MN
Join us for a fun intro to camping event where we will have various stations set up to learn about all of the camping basics! We will discuss how to set up a tent, the process of starting (and keeping) a fire going, how to cook over an open fire, hiking tips, and more! If you are new to camping or looking to connect with others in the community who are passionate about camping and getting outdoors then this is the event for you! This is a great event to attend alone or bring the whole family — all are welcome to join in the fun. Free to Attend!
Registration required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative
- Saturday, June 13 6:00-7:00 pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Chimney Rock Trailhead, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
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.
Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, June 13 6:30pm
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Outdoor Wonders Learning Center, 28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau, WI
Enjoy a Live Eagle Program. A naturalist from the National Eagle Center will provide an engaging and entertaining presentation. Get a unique look at how we care for the National Eagle Center’s ambassadors! You have not experienced the true beauty of an eagle until you’ve met one face-to-face. Get to know our eagle ambassadors. The program is approximately 45 minutes in length and features a live eagle ambassador!
Sponsor: Friends of Trempealeau Refuge
- Saturday, June 13 8:15 pm
- Perrot State (WI) Park, W26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI
This is a free, in-person rain or shine Universe in the Park event hosted by Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, WI. No registration required for this talk. Please call 608-534-6409 with questions. A typical UitP session begins just after sunset with a 30-40 minute talk and slide show about astronomy. While particular topics are left up to the presenters, they usually give a broad overview of one or two astronomy topics. Recent astronomical news is frequently discussed, such as the discovery of new solar systems, the demotion of Pluto, and the latest results from the Hubble Space Telescope. At the conclusion of the talk, weather permitting, we set up a moderate aperture (8″-10″) telescope and provide park visitors the opportunity to view available astronomical objects. UitP sessions run as long as there are people interested in looking through the telescope, and the parks typically close before the interest has been sated.Though all are welcome, the talk is best suited for ages 8+, and telescope viewing for ages 4+. Presenter Abygail (Abby) Waggoner is a post-doc at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sponsor: UW-Madison Badger Talks/Perrot State Park
- Tuesday, June 16. 5:00-6:30pm
- 3505 28th St S, La Crosse, WI
Join us for a Garden Party at the Hintgen Elementary School Garden. Due to construction at State Road Elementary School this summer the garden there is not accessible, so this party will be double the fun celebrating the garden programs of both the State Road & Hintgen school communities. Ms. Amy & Ms. Sara will lead hands-on garden-themed activities and time to explore the garden throughout the event. The party is open to the public and FREE to attend. We will see you in the garden! Sponsors: GROW La Crosse
Planting for Pollinators (see sessions below for links to more information)
- Visitor's Center, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, N5727 Cty Rd Z, Onalaska, WI
- Wednesday, June 17 - Please choose one of the following sessions to attend
- 10:00–11:00 AM: For adults: This session will be geared toward adults, though everyone is welcome. Join us for a presentation highlighting the importance of native pollinator plants and the simple ways people can help support bees, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife at home. Next, re-pot a plant plug or grab a seedling to take home!
Please arrive a few minutes early to find your seat before the presentation begins. Come wearing clothes that can get a little dirty and with a readiness to stick your hands in some soil! Registration is not required, but space and supplies are limited. All materials will be provided. If you plan to attend with a large group, please call ahead to ensure we can accommodate you. National Pollinator Week is an annual nationwide celebration! FOr more info, please contact Katie Julian, 608-769-6947. During this week, communities come together to raise awareness, celebrate these essential species, and share simple, meaningful ways to help ensure their survival for future generations. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Growing Sprouts: Nature-Based Early Literacy
Water Exploration with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center - Thursday, June 18 10:00-11:00am - Lake Lodge at Lake Winona, 113 Lake Park Dr, Winona, MN
Eagle Bluff educators will bring all the gear needed to look for macroinvertebrates, amphibians and other possible animals at Lake Winona on the beach behind Lake Lodge. Adults are required to be with children at all times and are responsible for any children attending with them.This program series from Winona Public Library for ages 3-6 and a caregiver is focused on using natural spaces to practice building blocks of early literacy: talk, write, read, and play! We’ll be outdoors for the whole program, so dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes are important, as we’ll spend part of the time on Holzinger Trail. Adults are required to be with children at all times. No pre-registration required.
Sponsor: Winona Public Library -Thursday, June 18 4:00 pm
- La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent MN
Buzz, flutter, and fly along with Happy Dancing Turtle as we explore the amazing world of pollinators. Discover why pollinators are so important and go on a pollinator hunt in your local park!
Sponsor:La Crescent Public Library
What is Blooming at Kellogg Weaver Dunes -
Friday June 19 9:00 - 11:30 am - The Nature Conservancy’s Cox Unit, Kellogg MN
We will meet at the Kellogg MN Kwik Trip and caravan to this site on the Lower Sand Prairie.This will be an easy hike, no sand dunes, or hills, but the terrain may have long grass and other obstacles. We will stay away from the poison ivy area. We will focus on Milkweeds and their importance, Goat’s Rue, Puccoon, Thimbleweed, Spiderwort, Prairie Larkspur, White Wild Indigo, Blue-Eyed Grass, and Hoary Frost Weed. The public is welcome at this free event; registration is limited to ten participants. To register contact Nancy Falkum at 651-764-5605 or email guthrie55981@gmail.com
- Friday, June 19 1:30 pm
- Waterville Farm 55, 938 White Pines Rd, Waterville IA
The most abundant and diverse animals in
Iowa live right under our noses---BUGS!
We’ll look in the prairie to find butterflies,
beetles, spiders, and more. This program is
geared towards families with school-age
children. Adults must be present with
children for the duration of the program. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board/Driftless Area Education and Visitor's Center
- Saturday, June 20 9;00 - 11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park Ranger Station, 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN
Walk the Prairie Trail looking and listening for breeding grassland birds including meadowlarks, dicksissels, bluebirds, raptors, and various sparrows. Bring binoculars. The trail is mowed grass without much elevation change. The walk is 1-2 miles long. Depending on group preferences and how many birds we're seeing, this can take a couple of hours, but you can leave whenever you would like. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Meet at the Ranger Station parking lot. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association
- Saturday, June 20 10:00 am - noon
Stry Prarie, Hixon Forest, La Crosse WI
We will meet experts from Coulee Region Chapter of The Prairie Enthusiasts at Stry Prairie in Hixon Forest Park in La Crosse, WI. All ages and skill levels are welcome to learn, observe, and explore with us! We use iNaturalist to identify and upload images to a community science database. Add your observations to iNaturalist and or to your own personal passport that we provide. Get a sticker and a button and help us add more community scientists to Driftless Area BioBlitz.
Sponsors: The Nature Place and Coulee Region Chapter of the Prairie Enthusiasts
- Saturday, June 20 10:00 am - noon
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park, E13660 Hwy 33, Ontario, WI
Join Wildcat Mountain staff members as we learn all about nature journaling. What is nature journaling? Why do it? How do we journal nature? Get creative and make your own homemade journal. Take a short walk and find a place to make your first journal entry! Meet at the upper picnic shelter. This event will be held rain or shine.
Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park
- Saturday, June 20 10:30 am
- Driftless Area Education and Visitor's Center, 1944 Columbus Rd Lansing, IA
What kind of flower is this? There’s an app for that! iNaturalist is a tool that can visually identify species of plants, animals, and fungi. We will learn how to take photos, identify species, and post our observations on the iNaturalist app, then head outside to practice! Arrive at 10:30 with the app downloaded to your smartphone and account created, or register ahead of time to get help getting thhe app and creating your account at 10:00. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board/Driftless Area Education and Visitor's Center
Owls Around Us
- Saturday, June 20 8:00-9:00pmWhitewater State Park Visitor's Center, 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
Learn about owls, dissect an owl pellet, and maybe even hear an owl in the twilight hours! You will leave knowing what to look for as an owl-tastic nature explorer at Whitewater! (and back home too).
Sponsor: Whitewater State Park
- Saturday, June 20 8:30- 10:30pm
- Wyalusing State Park, Huser Observatory, , 13081 State Park Lane, Bagley, WI
Star Splitters host freee monthly programs with presentations and telescope viewings. Contact:
www.starsplitters.org,
starsplitterswsp@gmail.com Sponsors: Star Splitters of WyalusingBee House Workshop: Paving the Way for Pollinators with Heidi Bacon
- Tuesday, June 23 11:00am - Hokah Public Library, 211 Main St, Hokah MN
Heidi will showcase her artwork pairing native Minnesota pollinators with the native plants they rely on, while discussing the importance of supporting pollinators in home landscapes. Participants will receive native Minnesota wildflower seeds and create bee houses using recycled materials. This event is geared to adults, but all ages are welcome. Kids might need some help from an adult.
Sponsor: Hokah Public LibraryExploring the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest - Saturday, June 23 6:00pm - Houston Nature Center, 215 West Plum St, Houston MN
This program highlights the life and legacy of Richard J. Dorer, who dedicated decades to protecting Minnesota’s wildlife and restoring trout streams and forests in southeast Minnesota. Project Get Outdoors Coordinator and Naturalist Sara Holger shares the history of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest and explores its unique natural features and sites open to the public.
Sponsors: Houston Public Library and Project Get Outdoors (GO).
Bird and Bug Brigade Nature Hike
- Thursday , June 25 4:00 pm - La Crescent Community Building, 336 S. 1st St, La Crescent MN
Have you ever listened to the chirping birds and wondered which ones they were? Imagine finding a caterpillar and knowing which butterfly or moth it would will become. The book "Small Hands Can Help - Minnesota" is all about nature and adventure! Join author and iNaturalist Teresa Veraguth as we start at the Community Building to listen to a poem about how the loons change their eye color, then we'll head over to Wagon Wheel Trail (starting at the pedestrian bridge) for the “Bird & Bug Brigade” nature hike. Grown-ups: Bring a smartphone to learn community science apps or have your kiddos just use their eyes and ears to find the items on scavenger hunt handouts.
Sponsors: La Crescent Public Library and Friends,/Merchant Bank
- Friday, June 26, 3:00-4:00pm
- Winona Public Library, 151 W. 5th St, Winona MN
Join Will Sings Songs at Winona Public Library on a musical adventure through the Minnesotan outdoors! An experienced naturalist, Will performs original nature-themed songs, along with some songs that are just plain fun! Driven by audience participation, Will is guaranteed to get kids moving, grooving, laughing, and singing. This high energy performance focuses on positivity, joy, and learning through curiosity. This program is made possible by the people of Minnesota through Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Library Legacy fund, in cooperation with our regional library system, SELCO. Sponsor: Winona Public Library
- Saturday, June 27 10 am -11:30 am
- Forestville Mystery Cave Park, William Morris’s Visitor Center
Caves, disappearing streams and sinkholes make up a landscape called karst. Cherry Grove Blind Valley Scientific and Natural Area is a hidden gem in the story of karst topography. Master Naturalist volunteer, Ann will reveal these unique geologic features up close on this 1 mile hike. Come prepared to cross over a shallow stream on stepping stones by wearing sturdy shoes. Bug spray is recommended too. Meet at the William Morrissey Visitor Center at Mystery Cave for a brief introduction and follow Ann in your own car about 6 miles to the Cherry Grove SNA. From State Hwy. 16, go 4 miles south on Co. Hwy. 5, then follow the signs to Mystery Cave. More Information: Call 507-352-5111. Sponsor: MN DNR
- Sunday, June 28 1:30-2:30pm
- Iowisota Retreat and Ducation Center, 2472 IA-26, Lansing, Iowa
Historian Christine Wellman Hall will share insights on the human history of the Upper Mississippi River Valley, from first nations to present time. Light refreshments (tea/coffee and cookies). Optional short hike after session. Cost is by donation.
Register here. We will have a free-will donation jar available. We are
limiting participation to 30 due to size of room, so reservations are
necessary. The program will be provided by Christine Wellman Hall. Christine is very familiar with this landscape; her family lived on the Iowisota property during her formative middle school years (her dad was the Kee High principal), and she did her college senior thesis about Fish Farm Mounds. Christine’s work experiences include the Delta Queen riverboat, Effigy Mounds National Monument, and Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center. These prepared her well for her current job as a featured History speaker on Mississippi River Cruises by American Cruise Lines! We are excited to welcome Chris back to her childhood “home turf” to share her insights with us.
- Sunday, June 28 1:30-4:00pm
- Decorah Community Prairie, 4 Ohio St, Decorah IA
Join us for our free annual Seasons of the Prairie celebration of the plants, insects and natural wonder of prairies. All ages are welcome. No registration is required at this free event.
- 1:30pm - “Why the Prairie is Green: How Prairie Plants Defend Themselves from the Animals That Eat Them”, with Eric Baack, Luther College Biology Professor
- 2:15pm - “Nature Connections and Wellness Benefits”: a walk with Enya Wallace, Luther College Biology & English major
- 3:00 pm - Flower Shadow Watercolor, Sara Kuboushek, Art Haus
Sponsor: Decorah Parks and Recreation Department
Do you know of other June 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. 
