Let's Get Hiking and Learning - May 2025

May is a big month for the return of songbirds from down south The listings of events below are full of celebrations, guided hikes and opportunities to see and hear them. You can also follow their radar-tracked, nightly migration flights into our area at the Birdcast website.

For more information on the events, 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, so feel free to stop back for the most updated info.

Rescheduled Arbor Day Tree Planting

 - Friday, May 2          8:30-11:30 am

 - La Crescent Old Hickory Park

The City of La Crescent is seeking volunteers to assist city staff in planting trees and shrubs for Arbor Day. We will begin the morning with planting at Old Hickory Park. Meeting location will be the south end of the park near Honeygold Court & Jonathan Lane. There are approximately 150 trees and shrubs to be planted including: Hackberry, Honeylocust, Ironwood, White Oak, Black Chokeberry, Amber Jubilee, and Nannyberry. Please be sure to complete the Voluntary Waiver of Liability.  Funding from these trees comes from the ReLeaf Community Forestry Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that was awarded to the City in 2023. Sponsor: City of La Crescent MN

ID Birds - How to Use eBird and Merlin
- Saturday, May 3          10 a.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, Picnic shelter at the top of the park
This is a workshop for people who want to learn how to use the fun, free apps Merlin and eBird to deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of birds. Merlin helps you learn to identify the birds you are hearing and seeing. eBird keeps track of your sightings, helps you figure out where others are seeing birds, and functions as a global citizen science project focused on birds. At this workshop, we’ll learn how to navigate the apps on our phones and then we’ll go outside to use them. The workshop is free but limited to 15 participants. Register here. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association

Fossil Field Trip
- Saturday, May 3          10am- noon
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Gooseberry Glen

During this program we will go and look for ancient sea life that lived in the area hundreds of millions of years ago. We'll start with a brief introduction, then drive out of the park 9 miles to hunt for fossils. Bring transportation. For more information, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Wild Edibles: Introduction to Foraging in the Driftless
 - Saturday, May 3             1:00-4:30pm    or

 - Sunday, May 4                 1:00-4:30 pm
 - Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN
Discover nature's free grocery store! The forests and valleys of Southeastern Minnesota can provide a plethora of palatable plants and mushrooms. We'll learn the basics of how confidently and safely identify, gather and prepare some common edible species, then we will hit the trails! We will prepare some tasty treats using what we've gathered entirely on-site. It's fresh, local, organic, and fun! Be prepared to explore off-trail areas. Registration fee: $45 per person. PLEASE NOTE: This class is designed for participants new to foraging, and will accordingly cover the basics of identifying wild edible plants and mushrooms. This event is open to ages 12 and up. Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Tuesday May 6           6:30-8:00am

 - La Crosse River Marsh - meet at Myrick/Hixon Eco Park parking lot

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Nature Explorers: Dragonflies
- Tuesday May 6               10-11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park
This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional sessions: June 3(Fish of MN), July 1 (Rocks Rock), August 5 (Make a Walking Stick), Sept 2 (Catch a Butterfly), Oct 7 (Spooky Critters). Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Spring Bird Walk
- Tuesday, May 6             6:00 - 7:30 pm
- Shady Maple Interpretive Trail, Goose Island County Park, W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard
In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, join refuge staff and partners on a bird identification walk through the floodplain forest! We often see many birds close by and our pace will be more of a bird “crawl”! We'll have a few extra pairs of binoculars for folks to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. For the comfort of all visitors and to help us see more wildlife, please leave pets at home. As you enter the park, the trail is located off of the first left turn by the flagpoles. If you see picnic shelter #1, you've driven too far and missed the turn. Please parallel park along the road, leaving as much room as possible for other visitors. Walks take place rain or shine but may be cancelled for high probability of thunderstorms or heavy rain. We’ll be walking along a mostly flat, unpaved trail. We recommend bringing drinking water and bug protection if you'd like it. Ticks may be out at this time of year. World Migratory Bird Day events take place across the world! This year’s theme is “shared spaces: creating bird friendly cities and communities.” Learn more on our national website: https://www.fws.gov/story/2025-03/world-migratory-bird-day-2025 Sponsors: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge; Audubon Upper Mississippi River; the Friends of the Refuge - Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8; La Crosse County Forestry, Parks and Recreation (who help us maintain this lovely trail!) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-St. Paul District.

Guided Migratory Bird Hike - Advance registration is required and space is filling up
- Saturday, May 10            7-9:00 am
- Sugar Creek Bluff, Ferryville WI

In celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, a free guided birding walk is being offered to the public by Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring in a beautiful, natural setting as you stroll through the blufflands while learning more about these migratory birds. Sugar Creek Bluff, a 440-acre bluffland nature preserve near Ferryville, Wisconsin, rises from the banks of Sugar Creek near the Mississippi River. With its beautiful meadows, forests, and prairies the property provides much needed habitat for rare and threatened bird species. Birds seen on previous hikes through this State Natural Area have included the red shouldered hawk, the whip-poor-will, the grasshopper sparrow, the cerulean warbler, and the blue-winged warbler. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Thursday May 8           6:30-8:00am

 - Hixon Forest, La Crosse - meet at lower Hixon Trail parking lot, off Milson Ct.

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Webinar: Discovering Purpose, Meaning and Creativity Thru Nature As We Age
- Thursday, May 8              1 - 2:00pm

Nature enriches lives at every stage, offering benefits to our health, well-being, and sense of connection. In this free webinar, five inspiring leaders from across Minnesota share how they are finding purpose, meaning, and creativity in nature as they age. Their stories highlight ways to build community and protect the health of the natural world. You’ll also explore resources from Age-Friendly Minnesota’s online Nature Resource Center. Join us to discover how nature can inspire flourishing—for yourself and for the world around you. Register here Archived webinars on nature and older adults are also available at this webpage. Sponsor: Age Friendly MN

Childcare Training: Enhancing Wellbeing Through Nature-Based Mindfullness
- Thursday, May 8              6-8:00pm
- La Crescent (MN) Public Library
Join Project Get Outdoors to learn how nature connection supports healthy bodies and brains. We'll practice nature-based mindfulness activities to share with children. Dress to be outdoors. To register for this FREE event, contact: saragrover@yahoo.com Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and La Crescent Public Library.

World Migratory Bird Day Festival
- Saturday May 10              7:00 am - 12:30 pm
- Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau, WI,
Each year the Refuge celebrates WMBD to encourage support for migratory bird conservation. The theme for this year’s installment of the annual celebration is “Protect Insects, Protect birds”. Join us for a few hours or for the whole celebration! This is an event for the whole family! Some of the activities include early bird hikes at 7:00 and 9:00 am and a guided photography hike at 10:30 am. There will also be bird banding demonstrations, a DIY fun and easy bird feeder station, local organizations will have informational booths, books giveaways, and a native plants garden raffle! River Valley Raptors will have live birds on site. At the Outdoor Wonder Learning Center, we will have the 2024 Best of Refuge Photo Contest Exhibition for participants to admire 8:00 – 9:00 am. Additionally, we will also have three presentations as follows: “Birds and Windows” at 9:00 am, “Dark Skies” at 10:00 am and “River Valley Raptors” at 11:00 am. Hiking groups will be limited to twenty participants and ALL bird hikes during WMBD require pre-registration. There will be multiple simultaneous hikes starting at 7:00 am and 9:00 am the day of the event. Please call (608) 539-2311, ext. 2 to register your spot in the festivities of this year’s WMBD! Sponsor: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Carley State Park Bluebell Festival          
- Saturday, May 10            9:00 am -3pm                  
- Carley (MN) State Park

Come celebrate the beauty of our spring bluebells, in abundance at Carley State Park. A variety of activities will be offered throughout the day including a family scavenger hunt, Mother's Day card making for kids, and archery for ages 8 and older. Guided Wildflower walks will start at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Carley State Park is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Whitewater State Park on Wabasha County Road 4. For more information, contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Sand Point Bird Walk
- Saturday May 10               9 - 11:00 am
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, meet at the Sand Point parking lot

Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point. Warbler migration! We will look for migrants such as the Blackburnian Warbler and Northern Waterthrush as well as residents such as the Prothonotary Warbler and American Redstart. Listen for the ethereal call of a Wood Thrush. Bring binoculars. The trail is well maintained and flat. The full loop is approximately 2 miles long, but you can head back whenever you need to. No need to register. If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Hemlock Trail Plant Walk
- Saturday, May 10                  9- 10:00 am
- Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park

Want to learn more about wild plants and how to identify them? Join the Kickapoo Valley Plant Lookers on their monthly plant study along the Hemlock Trail. The study will focus on the floodplain forest, the wet cliff and the hemlock relicts. Each month, the same trail/route will be used to observe the same plants in different stages of growth. The Hemlock trail is moderate to difficult with some steep sections leading up to the overlook. The trail can be wet and slippery. Sturdy shoes and bug repellent are recommended. The event will be held rain or shine. Please meet in the Lower Picnic area parking lot. Info: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov 608-337-4775 Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

Wildlife Ecology - Wilderness Weekends with Emily
- Saturday, May 10                    9:30-11:30am
- Farmer's Community Park, Winona

We’ll meet at Farmer’s Community Park for wildlife ecology education. More details to come in April 2025. 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. This program offers an exciting opportunity for nature enthusiasts, students, families, and anyone passionate about environmental education to engage with the natural world through immersive activities that invite us to dive deeper into our understanding of nature. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders. Registration required. Sponsor: Winona Outdoor Collaborative

Magnificent Mammals
- Saturday May 10                        10-11:00 am
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Nature Store

Mammals have many adaptations, or traits that have changed to enable them to survive in their environment. Many of these adaptations shape the habitat these mammals live in. Explore some of these adaptations from their fur to their teeth and even more at this program. Make observations, interact with specimens, and participate in hands-on activities to learn more about the magnificent mammals that shape Southern Minnesota! For more information, Contact Carolyn Kocken at 507-312-2301 or by email at carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Wild Edibles: Introduction to Foraging in the Driftless
- Saturday, May 10             1:00-4:30pm    or

- Sunday, May 11                1:00-4:30 pm
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 

          28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN
Discover nature's free grocery store! The forests and valleys of Southeastern Minnesota can provide a plethora of palatable plants and mushrooms. We'll learn the basics of how confidently and safely identify, gather and prepare some common edible species, then we will hit the trails! We will prepare some tasty treats using what we've gathered entirely on-site. It's fresh, local, organic, and fun! Be prepared to explore off-trail areas. Registration fee: $45 per person. PLEASE NOTE: This class is designed for participants new to foraging, and will accordingly cover the basics of identifying wild edible plants and mushrooms. This event is open to ages 12 and up. Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Mother's Day Wildflower Hike
 - Sunday, May 11          10am
 - Mt. Hosmer Park, Lansing IA
This hike is created to give moms an opportunity for a little outdoor relaxation break while also exploring Iowa’s spring wildflowers. We will meet at the Mount Hosmer Overlook. The Mother’s Day Hike will be a guided trail hike for participants to explore Iowa’s short-lived wildflowers. Participants should dress for the weather with appropriate layers and outerwear. Any dogs must be on a leash at all times. In the case of inclement weather the hike will be cancelled and announced via the ACCB’s Facebook page. There is no registration require and for more information on this event call the ACCB at (563)538-0401. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is available by following the ACCB on Facebook or on our website https://www.allamakeecountyconservation.org/event-directory. Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Tuesday May 13           6:30-8:00am

 - La Crosse River Marsh, La Crosse - meet at Myrick/Hixon Eco Park parking lot

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Climate Ready Woodlands 
- Wednesday, May 14          10:00 am - noon
- Whitewater State (MN) Gooseberry Glen shelter (see park map)

Join us for our monthly H.O.P. into the Park program (Healthy Older People with Angela Gupta from the UofM extension office, as she describes work underway to help land managers improve the resilience of Minnesota's woods to climate change. As Minnesota’s climate changes, forests will face increasing pressure from tree diseases and pests, heavier and more frequent rainfalls, warmer temperatures, and prolonged drought. New research in forest management, especially around climate change and invasive species, has highlighted the need for updated recommendations for tree selection. Using modeled climate response data from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service Climate Change Tree Atlas, University of Minnesota Extension created, piloted and updated a suite of regionally specific recommendation lists of climate-resilient trees and plants and through iterative feedback updated that work in the fall of 2024 (z.umn.edu/climateready). These lists also incorporate the benefits of trees and understory plants for charismatic microfauna, such as insects, which are often overlooked during planting decisions despite fulfilling critical roles in forest ecosystems. Through adoption of these recommendation lists, managers and stewards can holistically improve forest health by enhancing the resilience of Minnesota’s woods to climate change. As usual we will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. at the park but as many of you know the office has been closed due to unforeseen circumstances, so we will be meeting at the Gooseberry Glen Shelter. We are not expecting inclement weather, but plan to meet rain or shine. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Nature in the Neighborhood: An Urban Exploration

 - Thursday, May 15          4:30-5:30pm

 - Meet at the Winona Senior High School parking lot, 901 Gilmore Ave, Winona, MN

Happy Dancing Turtles and the Winona Area Public Schools Community Ed are partnering for a walk around the neighborhood to discover all the neat nature right in our backyards! Join Delaney  to take a leisurely stroll around the Winona neighborhood and discover the wildlife that is all around us, but we may not notice! These walks are geared towards adults in the Winona area. Registration is $10 and can be found here, Sponsors: Happy Dancing Turtles and the Winona Area Public Schools Community Ed

Refuge Strong Event

 - Wednesday May 14           7:00-8:00pm

 - Concordia Ballroom, 1129 La Crosse St, La Crosse WI

Learn how to take steps to support our local Refuges. We are inviting environmental groups to discuss problems, create plans, and seek ways to network more effectively. Multiple experts and volunteers will provide brief narratives with time for questions and answers. Learn about current data about local staff, budgets, and closing offices. Learn how to be Refuge Strong. We are the Friends group for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge - La Crosse District. The La Crosse District is one of four districts in the 261-mile-long Refuge and encompasses Refuge properties between lock and dam # 6 in Trempealeau and lock and dam # 8 in Genoa. The waters between these dams are Pool 7 and Pool 8. Our mission is to serve as a bridge between the Refuge and the surrounding communities. We are dedicated to building awareness, enjoyment and support of the Refuge through; engagement, environmental experiences, education, and habitat enhancement. The Board of FOR78 is starting an advocacy effort to support our Refuge and staff during these times of decreasing staff, slashing budgets, closing of offices, and privatization of public lands. Sponsor: Friends of the Refuge - Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Thursday May 15           6:30-8:00am

 - Hixon Forest, La Crosse - meet at lower Hixon Trail parking lot, off Milson Ct.

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Springtime Photography Hike

- Friday, May 16        5:00pm

 - Luster Heights Unit, Yellow River Forest, Harper's Ferry IA

Spring is in the air! Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board for a Springtime Photography Hike on Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The Springtime Photography program will be a guided hike for participants to explore the landscape that is bursting with new life! Join Assistant Naturalist Becca for a hike looking for all the new subjects for photography. Bring a camera (phone or professional) to explore what spring has in store! Meet at the Luster Heights Unit of Yellow River State Forest. Located 5 miles South of Harpers Ferry on the Great River Road (Hwy 364) on the East side of the Road. Turn onto Luster Height Road; there is a parking lot 1 mile on the left. To register or receive more information on this event call the ACCB at (563)538-0401. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center is available by following the ACCB on Facebook or on our website: 
https://www.allamakeecountyconservation.org/event-directory  Sponsor: Allamakee County Conservation Board

Bird Banding Demonstrations
- Saturday May 17           7 - 11:00 am
- The Shady Maple Trail at Goose Island County Park

           W6488 County Road GI, Stoddard WI

As you enter the park, the trail is located off of the first left turn near the flagpoles. If you pass Shelter #1, you’ve driven too far and missed the turn. Parallel parking is available along the road; please park in a way that leaves maximum space for other visitors. Stop by anytime during this time frame! Bird banders will set up nets in the early morning and bring birds back to a station to be banded. Enjoy a rare close-up view of residential and migratory birds while quietly watching as banders measure, weigh, band and safely release birds. A variety of experts will be on-site to help identify birds and explain how and why we band them. Please leave pets at home. Bug protection, long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Birding is an interactive and immersive way to experience wildlife on the Refuge! The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is situated in world-class birding territory along the Mississippi Flyway, making it one of the most popular activities for locals and destination birders alike. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Outdoor Skills Open House

 - Saturday, May 17          10am - 2:00 pm

 - Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, 28097 Goodview Dr, Lanesboro, MN

This free event gives you and your family the chance to come and sample the outdoor activities & skills that Eagle Bluff has to offer! Some activity options include: GPS exploration; Compass Use; Archery; Fire Building; Rock Climbing (indoor); Shelter Building Stop by anytime from 10 AM - 2 PM, and please RSVP if you are able, but walk-ins are welcome as well! This event is open to all ages, though anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We want to ensure all are able to access enjoyable outdoor skills, so we don't require any fees for attending this event. That said, we have a suggested donation of $5 to continue to allow us to offer this and other great events. Sponsor: Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Fungi Walk with a Master Naturalist
- Sunday, May 18                  

 - 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park, meet at the campground shower building
On this guided fungi walk, we’ll talk about wild fungi and their relationship to trees, and see if we can find anything interesting. While May is traditionally a good month to find morels, we guarantee nothing except that you’ll learn a few things for searching on your own, too. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and sleeves, and bring tick protection. Questions? Email Pamela Miller at pamelamarianmiller@gmail.com. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Tuesday May 20           6:30-8:00am

 - La Crosse River Marsh, La Crosse - meet at Myrick/Hixon Eco Park parking lot

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Injured Owl Rescue Class

 - Wednesday May 21    7-8:00 pm

 - International Owl Center, 126 Cedar St, Houston, MN

Although the International Owl Center is not licensed to rehabilitate wildlife, the nearest rehabilitators in Minnesota are over an hour away and we can't send birds across state lines to Iowa or Wisconsin. Because of this distance, we are often called to help injured owls (and other raptors), so we've developed a network of volunteers to pick up and transport birds to get them the care they need. We'd love to add you to our list of trained volunteers! In this free class you'll find out about laws around helping wildlife, possible disease transmission, how to assess if an owl needs help, how to safely pick up and transport an injured raptor, and identification of different owl species in the area (adults and young). If you are willing to become part of our list of volunteers, we'll collect your contact, location and availability information. We could especially use volunteers in La Crescent, Caledonia, Spring Grove and Brownsville. We may do an online program at another time.

Early Morning Bird Hikes

 - Thursday May 22           6:30-8:00am

 - Hixon Forest, La Crosse - meet at lower Hixon Trail parking lot, off Milson Ct.

Start your day by checking out the spring migration. Bird walks start at 6:30 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m. You’re welcome to leave early or stay later. Leaders: Bobbie and Pat Wilson and Dan Jackson. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsor: Coulee Region Audubon Society

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause
- Saturday, May 24            10-11 a.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
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 Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Snakes of the Blufflands
- Saturday, May 24              2-3:00pm
- Whitewater (MN) State Park Visitor Center
Sixteen of Minnesota's seventeen kinds of snakes live in the Blufflands. Learn how we can live, work, and recreate in the Blufflands and still conserve these awesome creatures. See a live fox snake. Bring a camera for a picture of your loved one touching a live snake!  For more info, contact Carolyn Kocken at 507 312-2301 or carolyn.kocken@state.mn.us  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Falcons Live!
- Sunday, May 25            11 am.-1 pm
- Frontenac (MN) State Park next to the ranger station
The peregrine falcon has long fascinated people across the globe, known for its dramatic migration and amazing flight. Where 60 years ago there were none, today nearly 350 nesting pairs of falcons make their home in the Upper Midwest. Jackie Fallon, with the Midwest Peregrine Society, will present this program with several live birds to help us understand the past, present and future of peregrine falcons in Frontenac State Park, Minnesota, and the Upper Midwest. Make sure to bring your camera for a great opportunity to see these amazing birds. The event will take place right next to the ranger station. 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 Association and Frontenac State Park

Saturday Morning Walk with Naturalist Bruce Ause
- Saturday, May 24             10-11 a.m.
- Frontenac (MN) State Park - meet at the campground shower building/kiosk
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 Bruce’s walks are by far our most popular offering. Come see why! You can follow Bruce's blog, Wacouta Nature Notes, to learn more about nature in SE MN. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

Nature Explorers: Baby Animals

- Wednesday, May 28             10-11:00 am
- Lake City (MN) Public Library
This is one in a free series of nature programs for children ages 3-6. Learn about nature in the Lake Pepin area with stories, crafts, and outdoor exploration. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional sessions: July 23 (Nature at Night), Sept 10 (Migrating Animals). Sponsors: Project Get Outdoors and Frontenac State Park Association.

Do you know of other May hiking/learning events I should include?  Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on the blog's web version.

Let's Get Hiking - and Learning! October 2023

Great River (MN) State Park
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

It's fall and there are still plenty of learning opportunities available in the Driftless and nearby areas. What kind of events are happening that you can take advantage of to extend your learning about the natural world?

Guided Bird Hike on Sand Point Trail   Saturday Oct 7     8:00 am - 

Frontenac (MN) State Park. Meet in the Hwy. 61/County Road 2 parking lot/rest stop.. We’ll walk through the riparian forest and along the shoreline and hope to see fall migrating warblers as well as resident birds, including waterfowl, terns, gulls and shorebirds. The 2-mile loop is flat and well-maintained. This walk can take two to four hours, depending on how many birds we see, but you can leave at any time. Bring your binoculars. No need to register, but if you have questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association.

Prairie Stargazing Walk    Saturday Oct 7   7:00-9:00pm

Tunnelville Cliffs. 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. Advanced registration by 4pm Oct 6 is required. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy.

Hike with Naturalist Bruce Ause  Saturdays Oct 7-28    10am (sharp) - 11:00 am-ish  

Frontenac (MN) State Park. Meet for an hour-long hike by the new shower building and learn a ton  from Bruce about the changing natural word around you. He makes every hike an adventure in learning. You can read more about Bruce in this month's  Frontenac State Park Association newsletter. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association.

Exploring Wanhi Yukan (Grand Meadow Chert Quarry)   Wednesday Oct 11  10:00 am - noon

Whitewater (MN) State Park. Tom Trow will share about the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry Archaeological and Cultural Preserve, located northwest of Grand Meadow, MN. Among the scattered trees of this prairie site are 100 chert quarry pits, large holes left just as they were when dug by Native Americans seeking stone for making tools, between 400 and 3,000 years ago. Today, management of the site is the responsibility of the Mower County Historical Society and the Prairie Island Indian Community, with environmental assistance from the Mower County Soil and Water Conservation District and staff from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Off the Beaten Path Hike   Saturday October 14    Noon - 3:00pm

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 (MN) State Park.

Tree Steward Training  Saturday, October 14        9:00am - 1:00pm

La Crescent will be hosting a Tree Steward training. Completing the training is a great opportunity to learn more about tree varieties, tree science, and tree care. You will have opportunities to volunteer within the community to be stewards of the city's tree stock - and learn a ton about how to care for your own trees! Registration required. The cost is $25.  Sponsor: City of La Crescent MN

Buckthorn Blast    Saturday October 14    9:00am -noon

Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park. This invasive tree has taken over many natural areas in Wisconsin. Help us stomp it out at Wildcat before it can spread through our woodlands. This is an ideal time of year to spot it, as well as invasive honeysuckle, since they both keeps their leaves longer than native trees and shrubs.Meet at the Lower Picnic Area Shelter (canoe launch). Wear sturdy footwear and bring drinking water and gloves. No experience or expertise is needed, just a willingness to make a difference!

Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

Geo-Walk at Chimney Rock    Thursday Oct 19    1:00-2:00 pm

Whitewater (MN) State Park. 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 (MN) State Park.

Crane Roosting Tour at Crex Meadows  Friday Oct. 20    4:30-7pm

Learn about sandhill crane ecology, then caravan through Crex Wildlife Refuge during sunset hours to watch thousands of cranes come to their nightly roost. Fundraiser for Bird Protection Fund. / Family Friendly. Nearest town: Grantsburg, Burnett Co. / Leaders: Lauren Finch  $33/adults; $23/Child Sponsor: WI Natural Resources Foundation Field Trips

Tips & Tricks to Mastering Waterfowl ID    Saturday October 21   9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Get to know the ducks, geese, and swans of the Mississippi River flyway. Learn tips and tricks for waterfowl identification in an indoor classroom, then venture to iconic Pools 8 and 9 on the Mississippi River to hone your skills during the peak of waterfowl migration. / Family Friendly Ages 12+ Nearest town: La Crosse, La Crosse Co. / Leaders: Brenda Kelly, Scott Kelly.  $18/adults; $8/child  Sponsor: WI Natural Resources Foundation Field Trips

Guided Forest Bathing Walk  Sunday October 29  1:00-3:00pm

Whitewater (MN) State Park. Join park naturalist and certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Sara Holger, for our monthly forest bathing walk at Whitewater State Park. These gentle walks incorporate mindfulness activities and meet standards for the Walk with Ease program of the Arthritis Foundation. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park.

Hands-on Buckthorn Removal  Saturday November 4   10am -

Frontenac (MN) State Park. A hands-on lesson on removing buckthorn will be held at the park at 10 a.m. “Invasive Species Management: Buckthorn Removal” is a free, family-friendly event on removing that darned buckthorn from the wild – AND from your yard. Meet at park headquarters at 10 a.m., then we’ll hike to the work site. Please wear gloves, tear-resistant clothing and sturdy footwear. And if you own a lopper, bring it along. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association.

Be sure to check often 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 is on offer to help you understand the natural world around you better.

Let's Get Hiking - and Learning!

It's time to check on what's up in the learning department in the Driftless - and nearby areas. What kind of events, field trips and programs are popping up just waiting for you to take advantage of them? 

On a Friends of the Blufflands field trip exploring
the process of restoring prairie remnants in Hixon Forest
Image- Larry Sleznikow

I have been having a great time learning at events like these so far this summer.  Many of the programs I run across are free and feature wonderfully knowledgeable leaders, guides and docents. And most get you actively outdoors. What's not to like?

Here's a few coming up:

The Driftless Region - Wednesday August 9   6:30 - 7:30 pm

Join Armand Bartz at this Chautaqua series talk about the region at the Ferry Ville WI Village Hall. Bartz works for the WI DNR and  is the manager of 7 State Natural areas in the Driftless region. I went on a 4 hour-guided hike up a bluff with hime this spring and he is a font of interesting knowledge on all aspects of the region. Free. No registration required. Sponsor: Ferryville Tourism

Geo Walk to Chimney Rock   Friday August 18    6-7:00 pm

On this hike in Whitewater State Park, 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. Free. Registration required. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park

Prairie Polinators Walk   Saturday, August 19      10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m 

La Crosse Blufflands-North: Cty Rd FA Trailhead (Mathy)

Guided wildflower walk with MVC staff and several leaders of Friends of the Blufflands will share their knowledge of the prairie pollinators and the beneficial roles they play in La Crosse’s bluffland ecology. It's an easy hike out onto one of the northernmost sections of the beautiful La Crosse Blufflands seeing rock outcroppings, blufftop prairies, and the remains of a rock quarry. Free. Registration required. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy. 

Chasing the Driftless and it's Geology    Saturday, August 19   9:30 - 10:15 am 

Escape the heat and join Ranger Katy Julian at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge La Crosse Visitor's Center (N5727 Cty Rd Z, Onalaska, WI) and learn how Mother Nature sculpted the land known as the Driftless area. Gain a greater understanding and appreciation for many of the unique features we have right here in our own backyard of the Driftless area. Free. No registration required. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Prairie Loop Bird Walk   Saturday August 19   8:00am -

Walk the Prairie Trail and along the forested edge of Pleasant Valley Lakelet. Hope to see and hear prairie and forest birds including meadowlarks, Dicksissels, bluebirds, raptors, various sparrows, and other grassland birds. Bring binoculars. The trail is mowed grass without much elevation change; however, it is a bit lumpy. The walk is approximately 2-4 miles long. Depending on group preferences and how many birds we are seeing, this can take 2-4 hours, but you can leave whenever you would like. No need to register but if you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. In Partnership With: Frontenac State Park Association. Free. Sponsor: Frontenac (MN) State Park

Nocturnal Insects   Saturday August 26    7:00-9:00 pm

Viterbo Biology Dept, along with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration would like you to join them for an evening on FSPA land on St. Joseph Ridge (W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601) to learn about moths and other nocturnal insects. After a short presentation, we will explore the ridgetop looking for as many different organisms as we can see, cataloging them by taking a picture and posting it to the iNaturalist app. Here’s hoping we see more fireflies than mosquitoes! Free. Registration required. Sponsor: La Crosse Area BioBlitz

Cassville Mushroom Foray     Saturday, September 9   9:30-11:30am

Join us for a mushroom foray – a morning of foraging for wild mushrooms along a bluff that's high above the Mississippi River, near Cassville in Grant County. Guided by members of the UW-La Crosse Mycology Club, the workshop will give participants the opportunity to share their findings and get assistance with mushroom identification from knowledgeable mycologists. Free. Registration required. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy. 

Insects at Myrick Park.   Saturday, Sept 9   10am- noon

There will be pulse-pounding displays of some of the most glorious insects on Earth, and Barrett will discuss examples of ways in which insects have affected our culture and history, from fashion to food, music to movies, and politics to espionage. Weather-permitting, Barrett will lead an insect walk, pointing out insects and sharing tales of their natural history along the way. If you join Barrett on his walk, please bring closed-toed shoes for your safety. Free. Registration required. Sponsor: La Crosse Area BioBlitz

Fungi   Saturday, September 9   2-4:00pm

Fungi play many important roles in the environment as decomposers, pathogens, and essential partners of other organisms. Todd will talk about fungal biology, then we will collect fungi in lower Hixon Forest, and then discuss our finds. Please also feel free to bring along mushrooms or other fungi for identification and/or discussion. Please bring closed-toed shoes and a mask for your safety. Free. Registration required. Sponsor: La Crosse Area BioBlitz

75th Anniversary Celebration  Saturday, Sept 16   

8:00am - 10:00pm

Join Wildcat Mountain State Park and the Friends of Wildcat Mountain State Park in celebrating our 75th Anniversary! Fun and activities for all ages. Activities will include a trail fun run/walk, guided hikes, kid’s games, food and drink vendors, horse-drawn wagon rides, educational presentations, music, pumpkin carving/jack o’ lanterns and star gazing. And, as a special gift to our guests, park admission is FREE that day. Free. No registration required. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain (MN) State Park   

Tree Steward Training  Saturday, October 14        9:00am - 1:00pm

La Crescent will be hosting a Tree Steward training. Completing the training is a great opportunity to learn more about tree varieties, tree science, and tree care. You will have opportunities to volunteer within the community to be stewards of the city's tree stock. Registration required. The cost is $25.

Sponsor: City of La Crescent MN

Be sure to check often 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 is on offer to help you understand the natural world around you better.

Whitewater State Park (MN) Hike/Amble

I recently enjoyed a great summer amble/hike along the Trout Run Trail in Whitewater State Park near Altura MN.  Ambles are on flatter trails, usually at or under 2.5 miles. The goal is to find wonderful hiking spots in nature where people who prefer a slower pace or are rehabbing from illness or injury can still get up close to nature.

Whitewater River where Trout Creek runs in

The  2 mile out-and-back trail runs next to the middle branch of the Whitewater River and then turns to follow Trout Run Creek through for the rest of the hike.  The trailhead is in the South Picnic grounds at the site of a former German POW camp that became a CCC camp. Much of the stonework seen in buildings, bridges and signs were built by CCC workers who quarried limestone from quarry at trailsend to build the park structures. A tornado destroyed the structures 70 years ago and the area became the south Picnic grounds.

"Corduroy" (logs) on the trail

Like many wetland tails, these trails often are damp, can be muddy after a rain, and are very brushy. There are small parts of the trail that are permanently damp and squishy and had "corduroy" laid down. This dampness also means lush growth into the trails narrowing them considerably during the summer. I always recommend long pants even on warm days because the prolific wetland plants - and nettles - crowd the trail and often overgrow it. 

The trail wound along past an abandoned beaver pond that now hosts a new population of frogs from elsewhere in the park. Bridges of various types cross back and forth over the spring-fed stream and you pass through hardwoods, floodplain forest and the end up in the meadow of the quarry.

Hackberry Emperor butterfly hitched a ride

On our hike we saw swarms of butterflies, skippers and dragonflies on plants, on seeps, near and over the water. It made a fun day of looking and identifying them.

What I love about Whitewater is that it has great trails for every ability. There is another Amble-worthy walk on the Meadow Loop in a restored prairie south of the visitor's Center. For those who like challenging climbs, the narrow valley offers a number of options that give you great bluff hikes and even greater views. Therese trails include the 4.2 mile Dakota Trail which takes you up to Eagle Point; Coyote trail at 2.7 miles; and Chimney Point to Inspiration Point at 2.2 miles.

The Dakota Trail which has the Eagle Point Lookout has stromatalite fossils that  you walk right over when you are at the top of the lookout. The circles on the photo to the left are fossilized stromatalites on the trail! The Driftless area was once under a sea (and actually near the equator!). Seeing those fossils as you walk gives you a real sense of the expanse of time.

This park has alot of history surrounded it including tales of how early settlers lost the soil during repeated flooding when prairies with their deep-rooted plants to hold the soil were replaced with shallow-rooted corn and soybeans. The Visitor Center has a graphic (left) on the floor that compares long-rooted prairie plants on the left with short-rooted agricultural plants on the right that replaced them. 

The river became flooded with the lost soil and silted up causing multiple damaging floods each year. Eventually most of the homes and farms lost their value and people left. What was left of the town of Beaver was purchased by the state and made part of a restoration of prairie in the State Park and the nearby Whitewater WMA (Wildlife Management Area).

Richard J. Dorer's grave

We ended our hike at the small Beaver Cemetery where we found the grave of Richard J. Dorer. If you are familiar with maps of southeast MN in particular you often see the name of  "Richard J. Dorer hardwood forest" scattered across the forest and bluffland. He died fifty years ago and his rustic marker gives you a sense of his love of the land and his commitment to conservation. He was a main proponent and mover of the restoration of Whitewater Valley. You can read a bit more about him here, here and here.

THE HIKE
An easy in-and-out 2 mile trail that follows the creek through wetlands, forest, floodplain forest and ends in a meadow at the quarry. Great birding and wildlife along the way. A spur to climb up to Inspiration Point is on the trail for those who want to head up. This park has alot of history and the Visitor Center is a must to learn some of it. Other trails that climb up the steep valley walls make this a great destination for those who want mellow tails and/or challenging trails.

Location: 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910
If you head into the park from the south, you can find the Trout Run Trail beyond the Nature Store parking lot on a road that goes to the South Picnic grounds. Other trails start at the Visitor's Center, North Picnic grounds and near the group camp.

Great spangled fritillary

Additional posts about Whitewater State Park trails:

• Dakota to Meadow Loop trail

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!