Vote for the MN Outdoors on November 5

This year in Minnesota, when we go to the polls in November, voters will once again be deciding whether a portion of our state's lottery proceeds will continue, as it has since 1991, to go towards funding the preservation of outdoor spaces until 2050. 

I hope: 1) you vote on Nov. 5 and 2) you vote YES on the constitutional amendment before you.

In both 1990 and 1998, Minnesotans voted by a huge percentage to use some of the lottery proceeds to preserve wild areas and restore them. The money is placed in the state's Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. According to an article by Tony Kennedy in the September 8, 2024 edition of the Minnesota Star Tribune, over $1 billion since 1991 has been delivered "for the purchase of land, construction of trails, environmental research, fish and wildlife habitat projects, clean water initiatives and more."

This system, administered through the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, recommends millions of dollars in grant money each fiscal year to fund projects that benefit hikes, bikers, hunters, fishers, campers, skiers and all Minnesotans who use the outdoors. The Driftless Hiking Trail group recently received over $400,00 from this fund to help them hire an executive director, buy trail building equipment and fund mapmaking for the trail. That's just one of over 100 projects funded this year!

The measure needs more than 50% of voters approving for this amazing fund to continue. Without that approval, funds to support our outdoor spaces and resource management areas would go back to the legislature and not through the citizen's committee. Let's not leave the outdoors to the whim of politics at the state level. We love our beautiful MN outdoors too much for that.

Here is the ballot language you will see. It's important to note that if you leave the box blank on this constitutional amendment, that is the same as voting no.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Renewal

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams; conserve wildlife habitat and natural areas; improve air quality; and expand access to parks and trails by extending the transfer of proceeds from the state-operated lottery to the environment and natural resources trust fund, and to dedicate the proceeds for these purposes?

Yes

No

To read more about this, head to 

Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors webpage

Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund webpage

Fall Color Hikes in the Driftless

Image - friendly stranger

Happy autumn equinox! Despite warm temperatures, autumn colors are just around the corner (we hope!). Here are some of my favorite fall color blufftop hikes in the Driftless region. These favorites usually have fewer views of houses, big box stores and cities and more of bluffs, rivers and natural areas. 

And check out state leaf color forecasts and real-time reports for Minnesota from MN DNR here; Wisconsin from WI DNR here; and Iowa from  IA DNR  here!

Have a great fall!

[Note: Click on the brown titles in bold below to go to a blog post link describing the hikes listed]

Great River Bluffs State Park   43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)

This leaf-peepers dream park has moderate trails to many amazing overlooks. These hikes during the fall color season are spectacular. Easy hikes to North and South Overlooks give sweeping views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs. East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains has glimpses MN bluffs AND Mississippi views. The King's Bluff trails on the north side and Kern lookout off the walk-in campsites also have amazing views and easy trails. Park website. Family friendly.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia

Head up onto the rim trails - Hole in the Rock has expansive views of the west rim and northwestern rim; Steep Rock Trail and Switchback trails are both narrow and very steep but the views of the valley and park from the top of each are well worth the climbs. Park website

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road Ferryville

Head south on Hwy 35 until about 1 mile south of town and turn left on N. Buck Road. Drive up about a mile until you see a Mississippi Valley Conservancy kiosk on the left.

You start almost at the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a spectacular high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs in full fall color. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. MVC website Family friendly.

Stoney Point Trail, Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent, MN

Put on those serious hiking boots to scramble up to this iconic La Crescent Overlook. To reach Stoney, you get to hike a large part of the park's trails - always a good thing but you will be going steadily and sometimes steeply up. The views of nearby MN bluffs and Blue Lake as well as my city make this a special fall view and well worth the hike. Website

Apple Blossom Overlook Park, 33642 Cty Rd 1, La Crescent MN
This Winona Co park has a magnificent view of the Mississippi River, WI bluffs, the city of La Crosse, Lock and Dam 7 and the municipal airport. There are also a few outlooks to explore on this oak savannah and hardwood short 2 mile trail system. Be sure to head north after leaving the park on Apple Blossom Scenic Byway - it takes you along the blufftop for more fall color views all the way to Great River Bluffs State Park. Family friendly.

Mathy Quarry, N3065 Cty Road FA, La Crosse WI

The rim trails here give some clear views to the southeast portion on La Crosse County and the fall colors can be breathtaking from the numerous lookouts around the rim. This is easy hiking with a great autumn reward. Family friendly. MVC website

Perrot Park Brady's Bluff Trail, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI
The climb is worth the reward. Sweeping views up and down the Mississippi River and over to the MN bluffs covered in a riot of color are breathtaking. Park website

Buena Vista Overlook, on Buena Vista Rd off Cty Rd E, Alma, WI

You can drive up to the top to enjoy colorful views of MN bluffs and the Mississippi River and Alma's lock and dam (family friendly) or hike up from the town below and earn the view! Website

Frontenac State Park, 29223 Cty Rd 28 Blvd, Frontenac MN

Unbelievably wide views of Lake Pepin and the WI and MN bluffs are available at a number of lookouts near the rim parking area and trails connecting from there. Park website. Family friendly.

Yellow River State Forest, Harper's Ferry, IA

The Paint Rock unit and Luster Heights (family friendly) unit have great overlooks with spectacular views of the river and WI bluffs around Harpers Ferry area. The hiking is great as well!

Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA

Drive up to the top of this city park and walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs in a riot of color. Walk along the quiet park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. There are also a few challenging trails with significant elevation gains. Rim walk - family friendly.

Magelssen Bluff, Magelssen, off Hwy 30 east and right on Magelssen Bluff Rd in Rushford MN

You can hike from the bottom to the top or simply drive to the top (family friendly) and gawk at the amazing fall leaf colorama of Rushford and points southeast to southwest at three lookouts. One lookout is just above the "Rushford " letters on the bluff's south slope. But do take time to hike some or all of this well-maintained trail system to enjoy the fall woods (access from the bottom, head to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rushford and park opposite the gate near the trailhead). Rim trails/lookouts are family friendly.

Well, you see I could go on! Suffice it to say that any blufftop hike will wow you. Check out this Big River Magazine article for the many, MANY overlooks on the Upper Mississippi River.

Additional hikes nearby in the Driftless that give you colorful fall views along with views of cities include:

Crown Blvd, La Crosse WI

Greens Coulee, Onalaska WI

Shelby Butterfly Trails, 3701 Old Vineyard Rd, La Crosse, WI 

Miller's Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

Easter Rd (Hass), La Crosse WI

Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN

Grandad Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

If you don't see YOUR favorite autumn hike/outlook in the list or the Big River Magazine article, please share it in the comments. I love adding to the list and finding new places for some breath-taking leaf-peeping.

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - October 2024

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 periodically during October as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back!

Be sure to check often during the month with local hiking groups, universities, naturalist-interest groups, nature conservancies, nature centers and their Friends groups, state parks, US Fish and Wildlife centers and others in your area to see what's new to help you understand the natural world around you better.

Note:

For additional late September events, click here to see last month's edition of the "Hiking and Learning series post)

Late September Events

Sand Point Bird Walk

 - Saturday Sept 28     9-1`1:00 am

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Look for early fall migrating warblers and shorebirds as well as resident birds of the forest, terns, pelicans, and gulls. 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. Meet at the Frontenac State Park Sand Point parking lot at 9:00 AM. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park Association.

Explore the Night Sky

 - Saturday Sept 28    6:30-800pm

 - Perrot (WI) State Park

The La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will guide you on a tour of the night sky. Star charts and sky calendars will be given out along with guidance on how to use them. If the sky is clear, telescopes will be available for viewing the moon, Jupiter, Saturn and other amazing features of the night sky. Meet at the nature center. Sponsors: Perrot State Park and La Crosse Area Astronomical Society

Silent Wings, Secret Screams

 - Saturday Sept 28     6:30-7:30pm

 - Whitewater (MN) State Park

During this program we will walk in the twilight on the search of an evening killer. Bugs beware! Our local bats will be out on the prowl looking to dine on tasty insects. With a little technological assistance, we will listen to the calls of the bats flying around tonight to learn who is out and what they're hunting. For More Information  Call 507-312-2301.  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

October Events

MN Master Naturalist Big Woods, Big River Training

 - Oct 15 - Nov 19, Tuesdays  10am-3:30pm plus one Saturday

 - Lake City Public Library MN

Join local naturalist and Project Get Outdoors Founder, Sara Holger, to learn about the natural history of the Driftless Area of southeast Minnesota. We'll explore local nature locations in and around Lake City and learn through hands-on activities about the people, plants, animals and ecosystems that call this place home. In addition, this introductory course will equip participants with knowledge and skills to share outdoor experiences with youth and families and encourage environmental stewardship in our local communities. The course cost is $295 and includes course manuals and supplies. If the course cost is a hardship, please fill out the scholarship application. After the scholarship is fully processed, you will receive a code to be entered in the on-line registration process. Please wait until you receive that code to complete registration.

 

Guided Forestry Management Hike

 -Friday, Oct 4.   9-10:30 am

 - Goose Island

Join our partners from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Audubon Upper Mississippi River for a guided hike and learn more about forest management on the refuge. The hike is part of the 100th Anniversary Interpretive Series and will focus on partnerships and management practices. The walk will take at the Shady Maple Interpretive Trail on Goose Island. As one of the longest stretches of continuous floodplain forests in the world, forests and trees are a critical component of the habitat on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. They are also the focus of a unique partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The hike will fittingly take place at Goose Island, as it is a great showcase of this forestry partnership in action. Over the past 20 years, work has been done to control woody invasives and restore native forest in the area. Forestry experts will discuss the land use history of the area, and the impacts of invasives on the native forest. Plus, some fun forestry facts sprinkled in! The walk will take place outdoors and on an unpaved trail traversing approximately 1 mile. Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for the weather. The Shady Maple Interpretive Trail is located as you enter Goose Island, take the first left off County Hwy GI. Please contact the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge at (608) 779-2398 for questions.

Off the Beaten Path Hike

 - Saturday Oct 5    1-4:00pm

 - 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 Email Jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Saturday Morning Hikes with a Naturalist

 - Saturdays Oct 5, 12, 19, 26         10-11:00am (ish)

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

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. This event is free. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Meet at the Campground Kiosk at 10 a.m. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park

Star Party Program

 - Saturday, October 5    6:45-10:00pm

 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Wildlife Refuge

Join the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society (LCAAS) for a stargazing event at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. LCAAS members will provide a variety of telescopes for public use, offering a chance to observe some of the best solar system and deep sky objects. Arrive early to catch the Moon and Venus in the western twilight just after sunset. Club members will guide you through the night sky, pointing out constellations, stars, and planets like Saturn rising in the southeast. Don’t miss the chance to view the Andromeda Galaxy and Cassiopeia as they brighten the autumn skies. *Event will be at the Observation Deck area. *Stop by anytime during the duration of the event. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge  Facebook Page

Nature Explorers: Trees
 - Tuesday, Oct. 8, 10-11 a.m

 - Frontenac State Park 

Join us for this final free program in our monthly program series for preschool children  to learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area. We'll read stories, make nature crafts and explore outdoors. Children must be accompanied by an adult. As part of the program, state park vehicle permits will be provided when you arrive at the picnic shelter. Additional dates: Sept 10; Oct 8. Sponsors: MN DNR, Project Get Outdoors; Frontenac State Park Association, Lake City and Red Wing Public Libraries

Seed Collecting

 - Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-noon

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

Help us hand-collect native grass and wildflower seeds from a section of restored prairie in Frontenac State Park! The seeds you collect will later be planted in other areas of the prairie to restore the habitat and enhance biodiversity. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training.

Family Nature Walk

 - Saturday October 12       10:00 am
 - Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Happy Dancing Turtle is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer Family Nature Walks at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy an hour of family-friendly fun exploring nature and learning about the seasonal changes in plants and wildlife. All ages are welcome! *Spaces are limited, and reservations are required. Please register at bit.ly/FamNatureWalks. Meeting location will vary based on conditions and phenology. You will be emailed a meeting location the week of the walk. Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge 

Fungi and Decomposers: Wilderness Weekends with Emily

 - Saturday Oct 12    9:30-11:30 am

- Holzinger Trail Systems 925 West Lake Blvd, Winona

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 free Wilderness Weekend of the 2024 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!  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. Register here. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborativ

Fall Colors Forest Bathing Walk

 - Saturday, Oct 12  10 am - noon

 - Wykoff Balsam Fir SNA

Immerse your senses in the autumn forest during a guided forest bathing walk at Wykoff Balsam Fir SNA near Spring Valley MN. We'll explore nature with our senses in the calming setting of the colorful hardwood forests, towering limestone cliffs and the meandering Spring Valley Creek. Bring water and snacks. Long socks and pants, a hat, and footwear appropriate for outdoor hiking is recommended. Directions: From Spring Valley 5 miles NE on Co Hwy 8, then about 0.8 mile SE on Good Earth Village entrance road. For More Information Contact Sara Holger, SNA Contract Naturalist at 507-951-5885 or by email at driftlessnaturalistllc@gmail.com. Sponsors: MN DNR and Driftless Naturalist

Fungi Walk with a Naturalist

 - Saturday October 12   Noon-1pm

 - Frontenac (MN) State Park

Volunteer Master Naturalist Pam Miller will lead a fungi walk from the campground shower building. We'll hope to see a few beautiful maitake (hen of the woods) and other late risers. It all depends on rain. If there is no rain and thus no fungi, we will still have a lovely walk in the park! Meet at the campground shower building. This event is free. Vehicles need to display a valid MN State Park Permit upon entering park. Please stop by the office or purchase beforehand. $7 one-day permit, $35 year-round permit. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park and Frontenac State Park Association.

2024 Prairie Stargazing Walk

 - Saturday October 12    7-9:00 pm

 - Tunnelville Cliffs Center Access, La Farge WI
Join us for an evening outdoors with a guided walk to discover the planets, stars, and galaxies of the fall evening sky on the hilltop trail at the Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve in Vernon County. The easy short walk on a relatively flat trail will include observation of night life on the prairie and in the sky. 
This relaxing and educational twilight walk will be led by Susan Cushing and John Heasley. Susan is a Master Naturalist and experienced Environmental Educator with Kickapoo Valley Reserve. John is the founder of Driftless Stargazing, a popular local online destination for fans of stargazing. He is also the coordinator of the Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative which includes the Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve. Tunnelville Cliffs is a 1,118-acre nature preserve with public access on the Kickapoo River near La Farge. The site includes springs, creeks, over 9,000 feet of frontage on the river, forests, cliffs, prairie, sedge meadow, and open grasslands. The property is surrounded by additional protected lands, providing a vast wildlife refuge of 2,278 contiguous acres on the Kickapoo River. The nature preserve is part of a proposed Dark Sky Park of the International Dark Skies Association, and an update on that project and information about the value of dark skies will be shared with participants at this walk. Those who wish to stay beyond 9:00 p.m. are welcome to do so, however camping is not allowed on the property. Also, as a reminder, dogs are not allowed in the nature preserve. WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR: Bring curiosity and willingness to explore the quiet and dark of night, red flashlight (if you don’t have one, red film will be provided for use with your regular flashlight), binoculars (optional and some extras will be available), and insect repellent. DRESS WARM! Feel free to bring a folding chair, recliner, or a blanket to prevent neck strain and enjoy the heavens above. The meet-up is at the corner of Husker Hollow Road and Tunnelville Road, just a couple miles west of La Farge. ANY UPDATES OR CANCELATIONS WILL SENT BY EMAIL THE DAY BEFORE OR OF THE EVENT. Register here. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Do you want to see owls in the wild? Join us for an expert-led owl prowl 
Owl Prowl

 - Saturday, October 19    5:00 -7:30 pm 

 - 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. Registration required. Registration opens Sept 22. Sponsor: International Owl Center

Whitewater (MN) State Park - Dakota to Meadow Trail Loop

One of MANY Dakota Trail views

There are a number of great trails on the west side of MN Hwy 74 in Whitewater State Park. Like the east side trails that are near the campgrounds, they feature a variety of trail types that can fit the tastes of any hiker.

There are two sets of trails in that area that I like to make into a loop hike. The Dakota trail is a challenging bluff hike and the Meadow trail is flat and brings you along a large pollinator prairie and wetland back to your start. You can access these trails from a number of points - the Visitor's Center; from roadside south of the Visitor's Center along Hwy 74; from the Group Center Road or at the southernmost parking lot just off Hwy 74 on the turn-off to the Group Center area. 

Dakota Trail to Meadow Trail Loop

This 4.2 mile loops gives you a good climb up to the blufftops (and then up and down on rolling hills with some good steep climbs and descents) on the westside of the park with great views, abundant forest cover, interesting rocks, river crossings, remnant prairies, fossils, spring wildflowers, ferns and fungi. It is also quite challenging on the Dakota segments. Once you are down in the Meadow trail, you can enjoy flat wetlands and prairies as you meander your way back to the original trailhead parking.

My route in red with trail intersections in yellow

Yes, this is near the beginning of the trail.  
Narrow with steep grade to the side.
Image - Nola Larson

When I have hiked the Dakota, I park in the southernmost parking lot off the road to the Group Center and start at the south trailhead (N). This segment is a pretty rough, narrow forested trail  - lots of ups and downs, steep sides, some erosion and brush narrowing the trail. But it's a quick way (without steps) to reach Eagle Point overlook (M) with a great view north and east. 

See the round concentric rings? Stromatolites!

There is a small prairie on top on a spur to the right as you come to (M) through the brushy prairie. While the path is often overgrown during summer, do take it. The variety of native wildflowers and grasses is stunning. But don't just look at the flora and great views. Keep your eyes peeled downward on the rock trail. You will see many fossilized stromatolites as you make your way to the overlook.

Fun rock formations and views in
this forested area with a clear understory

From the overlook, turn south back on the main trail (before you do, you'll notice stairs coming up from the Group Center Road - another trailhead (L) up to the Dakota!- and head along the ridgetop to Signal Point (K). This is often a wide trail with views across the valley, down to the Group Center and through the open understory forest. Parts of the trail are quite easy and wide. There are quite a few rock formations along this section of trail with plenty of wildflowers, fungi and ferns to keep you engaged. Stay alert though. Some of the trail narrows with steep drops as you wind your way around the valley's bowl. The trails can slope towards those drops so pick your way cautiously.

River crossing

The trail descends down towards the river where you make an easy crossing over stone blocks to the other side of the Whitewater River branch. The Valley trail (I) intersects here but you'll stay on the Dakota back up to the blufftop. You will pass more great views on the up and down trail and remnant prairies as well. As you near Coyote Point Trail intersection (D), you will encounter more hikers since from this intersection, you are on the state park's Hiking Club trail. I've had some good visits on this section and picked up lots of information from other hikers.

Heading down the steep trail via stairs

Past Coyote Point, you encounter a steep set of stairs that quickly bring you down to the trailhead past some pretty spectacular rock walls (E). I enjoy going down this steep section rather than climbing up those stairs (ugh!). In summer of 2024, many of the step sections were being replaced which makes the stairs better.  

Meadow Trail

Once at the trailhead, simply turn right and you will see the trailhead for the Meadow complex of trails along the valley floor. These wide mowed-grass and dirt trails wind along a branch of the Whitewater River and over a bridge. You can spot the rock formations above you on the surrounding bluffs in fall, winter and spring. 

Meadow Trail

The Meadow trails are particularly well suited for younger kids, people who are recovering from illness or injury or those who enjoy flatter trails with great views. There is an abundance of wildflowers on these1.7 miles of sun-filled trails. You can take the time to explore, birdwatch, enjoy the river and pollinator plantings, prairie and wetlands or you can take a more direct route (O) to the parking lot that you started from.

THE HIKE

This is a challenging, 4 mile loop that takes you from the bottom of the bluff, to the top, back down to a river crossing, up again to more spectacular views before descending a set of steep stairs. The Dakota trail portions have some rough sections along the bluffsides so use caution and a hiking stick. The views alone plus remnant prairies and flora, fungi and fauna are worth it though.

Once down, you can enjoy the flat Meadow Trails that follow the river's meander through native wildflowers  and great views of the bluffs, river and rocks above. The 1.7 miles of Meadow Trails are excellent ambles on their own with flat trails and expansive views across the prairie and up the bluff.

Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center for updates before the hike. In heavy rain seasons, the river crossings do flood and access is closed to certain trails.

The Location 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910

• To access the Dakota Trail hike described above, park in the southernmost parking lot off the road to the Group Center. To reach the south trailhead (N), walk south out of the parking lot, cross the Group Center road over to Hwy 74 and you'll see the trailhead on your right. 
• To access the Meadow Trail hike only, start at the parking lot and head south or go along the Group Center road and take  (G) or (H) to your right. This is a great loop hike or Amble.
• For a shorter, easier access to the Dakota trail at Eagle Point, head up the Group Center road to (L) on your left and climb the stairs. Once at the top, you can access (M) and continue along the rim to Signal Point and back to Coyote Point overlook. 

A few of the many fungi we spotted
Image - Nola Larson

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

I Spy on the Trails - August 16-31, 2024

Well into August, the lush summer prairie flora are finishing their prime season and many former spectacular blooms are quietly setting seed. Grasses are starting to dominate prairie landscapes as we head towards fall. The cool nights signal the blazing stars and asters to begin their show - and what a show the blazing stars have been putting on! Monarch butterflies have been prolific in these flowers.

The weather was mostly dry 80s and pleasant with only a few days of high humidity 90s near the end. A final set of strong storms dumping inches of rain in just a few hours ushered in cooler weather for the holiday weekend. Whew.

MN Master Naturalist class
Image - Sara Holger

During the past two weeks, it was fun to do a presentation to a MN Master Naturalist class out of Winona on post-certification volunteer work and lead them on an interpretive hike. It was great to see so many new faces and to re-connect with their instructor, Sara Holger. I hope if you have the opportunity, you consider this certification in your area.

Monarch on blazing star

Now that we are hitting cooler and less buggy weather, I’ll be hiking back up to bluff tops to get bird's eye views of changing forest colors and wider vistas as foliage dies back. It's also a great time to start hiking some less-traveled trails that are very brushy in summer. They are lots easier - though burr-filled - in fall as the foliage dies back.

As we get to September, it's good to start taking precautions on trails as fall hunting seasons kick in. I shared some tips on this recently along with 2024 hunting season information for MN, WI and IA.

I will be going back to monthly “I Spy” phenology posts in September through the winter. I’ll also be off on some much anticipated fall adventures - canoeing up in Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park wilderness followed by a trip out west to explore trails in Utah and Colorado. 

See you on the trails!

Plant Life

• Bee balm

  

  Stiff goldenrod

  
  
• Woodland sunflower
• Ghost pipes
• White snakeroot
• Turkey tail shelf mushrooms
• Spotted bee balm
  
• Poppy mallow
• Bergamot
• Hoary verbena
• Partridge pea
• Swamp milkweed
• Common milkweed
• Whorled milkweed
• False sunflower
• Few-leaf sunflower
• Stiff sunflower
• Black-eyed Susan
• Brown-eyed Susan
• Cup plant
• Compass plant
• Sensitive fern
• Marsh fern
• Lady fern
• Eggs-and-butter (yellow toadflax)
• American wild mint
• White sagebrush
• Purple prairie clover
• American white water lily
• Common evening primrose

  

  Wild perennial lupine

  
  
• Common prickly ash
• Wild perennial lupine
• Guelder-rose bush
• Gray dogwood
• Arrowhead viburnum
• Great blue lobelia
• Tall thimbleweed, past bloom
• Roundleaf bittersweet
• Canada goldenrod
• Stiff goldenrod
• Showy goldenrod
• Gray goldenrod
• Purple loosestrife
• Swamp loosestrife
• Flowering spurge
• Leafy spurge
• White meadowsweet
• Tall boneset
• Water smartweed

  

  White heath aster

  
  
• Giant chickweed
• Prairie ironweed
• American wild mint
• Mullein
• Western silver aster
• White heath aster
• Calico aster, pre-bloom
• Hairy aster, pre-bloom
• Jewelweed
• Leadplant 
• Wild rye grass
• Big bluestem grass
• Yellow Indiangrass
• Prairie cordgrass
• Spiderwort,
• Sagebrush lavender
• Grooved flax
• Prairie rose hips
• Roundleaf bushclover

Wildlife (seen, heard, detected)

• American Eagle

  

  Monarch butterfly caterpillar

• Sandhill cranes
• Pileated woodpecker
• Downy woodpecker
• Hairy woodpecker
• Red-bellied woodpecker
• American crow
• Blue Jay
• Black-capped chickadee
• American pelican
• Eastern wood-pewee
• American goldfinch
• Canada warbler
  
• Indigo bunting
• Barn swallow
• Field sparrow
• Northern cardinal

  

  Milkweed bug

  
  
• House finch
• House wren
• Baltimore oriole
• Grey catbird
• White-breasted nuthatch
• Monarch butterfly
• Swallowtail butterfly
• Clouded yellow butterfly
• Pearl crescent butterfly
• Milkweed bug
• Monarch butterfly caterpillar 
• Milkweed tussock moth caterpillar 
• Leopard frog

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

Two weeks of hikes:

Hikes below in bold color or underlined have links to previous posts with descriptions/location of the trails

Upper Hixon Forest Prairies trail, La Crosse WI; Mt. Hosmer, Lansing IA; Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau WI(2); Upper Mississippi National  Fish and Wildlife Visitor's Center, Brice Prairie WI; Holland Sand Prairie, Holmen WI (2) 

In a sea of rough blazing stars - Holland Sand Prairie
Image -Lloyd Lorenz

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters