Early Sign-Ups for Popular Nature Activities

You’re invited! These activities are planned for late summer into fall and they’re hot — sizzling Minnesota summer hot — and will fill up fast. Don’t miss out!

 

———August———

Wildlife Species Clinic: Bear
Date: August 6, 2015
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Mora
Description:
Registration: Call Allen to pre-register at 320-679-3784 or register at door.
Directions: Kanabec County Public Service Building, Room 101, Mora, MN
Contact Allen Billstrom at 320-679-3784.

Aqua Adventures Camp
Dates: Aug 10–14, 2015
Description: Lots of people have seen the wetlands at Springbrook Nature Center, but not many people have been IN them. Let’s look at all water has to offer in this adventurous camp. We suggest bringing your grubby clothes to this camp. Who’s ready to dive in? Ages 10-12
Cost: $150
Register: tara.rogness@gmail.com

Turtle Trails Camp
Dates: Aug 10 – 14, 2015
Description: While turtles may not be the fastest animals on earth, they are cool for other reasons. Did you know they can breath through their behinds during the winter? Come home with more fascinating facts each day from this turtle-riffic camp. Ages 7-9
Cost: $150
Register: tara.rogness@gmail.com

Women’s Camping & Biking Weekend
Dates: August 14 to Aug. 16
Location: Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton
Description: Come explore the trails around Jay Cooke State Park under the guidance of BOW instructors. Stay in the park’s camper cabins. Each cabin sleeps four people in double bunk beds. Shower facilities are in the campground. This weekend is for participants who have their own bicycles and helmet. Our ride length will be dependent on the group. Other activities include campfire programs, Saturday dinner and Sunday hike. Limit to 16 participants.
Cost: $110
Registration: Contact the MN DNR for a registration form at 651-296-6157 or 1-888-646-6367.

Moms & Daughters Firearm Safety Certification Clinic
Dates: August 15 to 16, 2015, 9a.m. to 5p.m. both days.
Location: Grand Rapids, MN
Description: Get your FAS certification together at this weekend course. These weekend classes fill quickly. (Ages 11+) Limit to 25 participants.
Cost: $15/person
Registration: Register with Kraig Kiger at kraig.kiger@state.mn.us or 218-999-7949.

Family Kayaking
Date: August 15, 2015, 9a.m.-11a.m.
Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
Location: Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, New Prague
Description: This lesson is designed around having fun, being safe, and learning proper technique. Participants learn water safety, entering and exiting, and paddling strokes. Equipment provided. Ages 8+
Cost: $20/class
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Family Canoeing
Date: August 22, 2015, 9a.m.-11a.m.
Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
Location: Clearly Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Description: Designed around having fun, being safe, and learning proper technique. Learn water safety, entering and exiting, and paddle strokes. Paddlers must be ages 8+; children ages 5-8 may ride along. Ages 8+
Cost: $15/person
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Kayaking for Women Class
Date: August 26, 2015, 5p.m. to 8p.m.
Time: 5 PM to 8 PM
Location: Centerville Beach, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes
Description: This is an introductory course on flat water kayaking. We will start out with instruction and then spend the rest of the evening kayaking and exploring these gems of lakes and rivers in the northern metro area. Limit to 10 participants.
Cost: $25 + tax
Registration: For questions or to register contact Anoka County Parks at www.anokacountyparks.com or at 651-429-8007.

Intro to Hunting
Date: August 29, 2015, 11:30a.m. to 5:30p.m.
Time: 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Location: Forest Lake Sportsman’s Club, Forest Lake
Description: This year we are combining how to hunt for upland birds and deer in this introduction to hunting day. This class is open to men, women and families with children ages 10 and older. Our deer day and upland bird days have received incredible reviews over the past several years! We will begin with a pheasant hunt and bird cleaning demonstration. Hands-on stations include: rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, tree stand safety, how to hunt a field and how to find hunting land. This class is open to families and children ages 10 or older with guardian.
Cost: $10/person or $15/family

 

———September———

Family Archery
Date: September 4, 2015, 5p.m.-7p.m.
Time: 5 PM to 7 PM
Location: Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, New Prague
Description: Learn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. Shoot at stationary targets and compete with your family in fun shooting games. All equipment provided. Ages 8+
Cost: $7/class
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Family Canoeing
Date: September 5, 2015, 1p.m.-3p.m.
Time: 1 PM to 3 PM
Location: Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, New Prague
Description: Designed around having fun, being safe, and learning proper technique. Learn water safety, entering and exiting, and paddle strokes. Paddlers must be ages 8+; children ages 5-8 may ride along. Ages 8+
Cost: $15/person
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Women’s Fall Retreat
Date:September 11-13, 2015
Location: Gunflint Lodge, Grand Marais
Description: This year’s classes include open-water fishing, zip line, horseback riding, ecology of the forest and more!
Limited to 80 participants.
Cost: $395 for deluxe cabin or $250 for canoer cabin.
Registration: Registration form will be up on the website closer to the event. For more information you can reach the Gunflint Lodge at 1-800-328-3325 or www.gunflint.com

Women’s Archery
Date:September 12, 2015, 10a.m.-12p.m.
Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
Location: Carver Park Reserve, Victoria
Description: Learn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. Use a Matthews Genesis compound bow to shoot at stationary targets and try shooting from an elevated platform. All equipment is provided. Ages 14+
Cost: $7/class, *20% discount for groups of four or more.
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Family Canoeing
Date:September 19, 2015, 1p.m.-3p.m.
Time: 1 PM to 3 PM
Location: Clearly Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Description: Designed around having fun, being safe, and learning proper technique. Learn water safety, entering and exiting, and paddle strokes. Paddlers must be ages 8+; children ages 5-8 may ride along. Ages 8+
Cost: $15/person
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Mentored Archery Deer Hunt
Date: September 25-27, 2015
Location: Cedar Creek, East Bethel
Description: Preference is given to women who enroll in the 2015 bowhunter or beginners archery series. This will be a two-day mentored hunt. Hunters are required to have their own archery equipment, stands or blinds and an archery deer license. Two nights lodging and mentors included in this weekend hunt.
Cost: $80
Registration: For questions or to register contact Linda Bylander at linda.bylander@state.mn.us or by calling 218-833-8628.

Mentored Archery Deer Hunt #2
Date: May 15-17, 2015
Location: Cedar Creek, East Bethel
Description: Series Information – This series is designed for women who attended the beginners’ archery series in the past or who have beginning skills in archery. This is a great series for women who want to learn how to bow hunt or develop their archery skills. Women need their own equipment. Note: Preference is given to women who enroll in the 2015 bowhunter or beginners archery series. This will be a two-day mentored hunt. Hunters are required to have their own archery equipment, stands or blinds and an archery deer license. Two nights lodging and mentors included in this weekend hunt.
Cost: $80 then $40 for banquet with nominal fees for Part 3 and Part 4.
Registration: For questions or to register contact Linda Bylander at linda.bylander@state.mn.us or by calling 218-833-8628.

Mentored Women’s Pheasant Hunt
Date: September 27, 2015, 9a.m. to 1:30p.m.
Time: 9 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Wings North, Pine City
Description: Shooting Preserve hunts are a great way for a beginner hunter to learn how to shoot in the field with planted birds. Mentors and their dogs will guide you through the field. Learn how to anticipate a flushing bird, range of safe shooting and how to hunt in a group. A bird cleaning class will follow the hunt along with a pheasant lunch. Hunters need their own guns and ammunition. A hunting license is not required for shooting preserve hunts. You need to attend one of the shooting classes listed above, or have your firearm safety certificate to hunt. Limited to 20 participants.
Cost: $100
Registration: Register with Angela Londgren at angela.londgren@state.mn.us

Family Archery
Date:September 27, 2015, 10a.m.-Noon
Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
Location: Carver Park Reserve, Victoria
Description: CLearn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. Shoot at stationary targets and compete with your family in fun shooting games. All equipment provided. Ages 8+
Cost: $7/class
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Wooly Bears
Description: Introduce your preschool-aged child to the wondrous natural world and is specifically designed for childrens ages 3 to 5. Each topic will be explored through creative storytelling, music, puppetry, and more. Children will also learn about the earth by exploring art or visiting with live animals. Each class will take a short hike outside so please dress for the current weather conditions. This program is held Fridays and Saturdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. An adult must accompany all children.
Registration: Print or pick up a Woolly Bears Registration Form to sign up.
Cost: $12 per class

Wooly Bears Class List:

Busy Bees
Friday, Sept. 25
Saturday, Sept. 26

Autumn Adventures
Friday, Oct. 17
Saturday, Oct. 18

Duck, Duck, Quack
Friday, Nov. 6
Saturday, Nov. 7

Blowin’ on the Wind
Friday, Nov. 20
Saturday, Nov. 21

Oh Deer
Friday, Dec. 4
Saturday, Dec. 5

Starry Sky
Friday, Feb. 5
Saturday. Feb. 6

Snow, Snow, Snow
Friday, Feb. 19
Saturday, Feb. 20

Nature After Dinner
Date: “Deer Oh! Deer” Sept. 10
Date: “The Man in the Moon” Oct. 8
Description: For families with children ages 3 to 8, our Nature After Dinner program is offered from March through October on a week night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.  The fee is per child, but the whole family is welcome to come along.  Each month a different topic is explored.  Insects, volcanoes, owls, and pond creatures are just some of the topics that families have explored through hikes and hands-on activities with a naturalist. You can register through our website’s activity calendar or by calling 651.455.4531.
Cost: $5 per child
Registration: Deer Oh! Deer
Registration: Man in the Moon
Location: Marie Ave. Entrance, 365 Marie Ave. W., West St. Paul

 

———October———

Family Archery
Date:October 3, 2015, 9a.m.-11a.m.
Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
Location: Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Description: Learn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. Shoot at stationary targets and compete with your family in fun shooting games. All equipment provided. Ages 8+
Cost: $7/class
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Family Archery
Date: October 4, 2015, 1p.m.-3p.m.
Time: 1 PM to 3 PM
Location: Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove
Description: Learn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. Shoot at stationary targets and compete with your family in fun shooting games. All equipment provided. Ages 8+
Cost: $7/class
Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Fall Break Nature Camp
Date(s): October 15 – October 16
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ages: Kindergarteners to 8th Graders
Cost:$60 dollars, or $50 Member Rate, (includes $5 materials fee). Scholarships are available.
Description: Restless students need a place to explore and run off their fall break energy. Dodge Nature Center is the place to be! Fall break day camps begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.
Registration: Application can be handed in, mailed, faxed to 651-455-2575 or email. Registration is first-come, first-served basis. Spots are only guaranteed once registration and payment is received. Deadline to register Friday, Oct. 8, 2015.
Camp Location: Farm Entrance, 1701 Charlton St., West St. Paul

Family Pheasant Day
Date: October 11, 2015, 11a.m. to 5p.m.
Time: 11 AM to 5 PM
Location: Wings North, Pine City
Description: We will begin our day with various shooting stations including standing targets with .22 and BB guns for the youth (ammunition and firearms will be provided for target practice). Also during the morning session we will cover laws/safety, demonstrations from dog handlers, and practice how to work a field with other hunters. Lunch is included followed by the field hunt. Families will be assigned to guides and will go to a field to hunt pheasants and chucker partridge. Following the hunt there will be a demonstration on bird cleaning, where you are encouraged to help. A pheasant appetizer from birds harvested in the field will be provided at the end of the day. Hunters will need to provide their own firearms and ammunition. Youth hunters depending upon ability are allowed to bring along a BB gun or just walk with their families on the field hunt.
Cost: $85/adult, no charge for youth.
Registration: Register with Angela Londgren at angela.londgren@state.mn.us

Parent/Child Firearm Safety Certification Clinic
Date: October 15-16, 2015 (MEA Weekend), 9a.m. to 5p.m. both days.
Location: Grand Rapids, MN
Description:
Course details: Get your FAS certification together at this weekend course. These weekend classes fill quickly. (Ages 11+) Limit to 25 participants.
Cost: $15/person
Registration: Register with Kraig Kiger at kraig.kiger@state.mn.us or 218-999-7949.

Outdoor Skills
Date: Grades K-1      Thursday, Oct. 15
Date: Grades 2-4      Friday, Oct. 16
Description: This is your chance to practice your outdoor skills.  We will cover everything from building a shelter and a fire to outdoor cooking. Come ready for an adventure as you have fun and learn in the great outdoors.
Cost: $55
Registration: Deadline for registration is Friday, October 9, 2015. Mail your registration to: Dodge Nature Center, 365 West Marie Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118. You may also fax your registration to 651-455 -2575.
Location: Dodge Nature Center

Autumn on the Farm 
Date: Grades K-1      Friday, Oct. 16
Date: Grades 2-4      Thursday, Oct. 15
Description: It is harvest time.  Join us as we eat and play our way around the farm this fall break. Campfires, farm animals, and yummy fall treats will fill your day as we celebrate autumn on the farm.
Cost: $55
Registration: Deadline for registration is Friday, October 9, 2015. Mail your registration to: Dodge Nature Center, 365 West Marie Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118. You may also fax your registration to 651-455 -2575.
Location: Dodge Nature Center

Stone Age Technology
Date: Grades 5-8 – Thursday, Oct. 15
Description: This is your chance to learn about the skills and technology of our ancestors. Try to make a fire using only friction.  Learn how to make rope. Practice using an ancient spear thrower, called an atlatl. Even use stone blades for cutting meat apart to roast over a fire. You don’t want to miss this journey back to the Stone Age, as history comes alive.
Cost: $60
Registration: Deadline for registration is Friday, October 9, 2015. Mail your registration to: Dodge Nature Center, 365 West Marie Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118. You may also fax your registration to 651-455 -2575.
Location: Dodge Nature Center

———November———

Tundra Swan Migration
Date: November 14, 2015, 9a.m. to 3p.m.
Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
Location: Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge, Winona
Description: This bus tour is open to the general public. Our host is Mary Stefanski, district manager of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. Witness the spectacular Tundra Swan migration that takes place on the refuge. Bus tour, instruction and lunch included.
Cost: $25/person
Registration: To register call 507-494-6238, the deadline is November 7, 2015.

Nature Art
Date(s): November 3
Time: Program 11 a.m. – 12 noon , Lunch 12 noon – 1 p.m.
Ages: Adults to Seniors
Cost: Public: Adults $12 Program + Lunch, $3 Program Only, Members: Adults $12 Program + Lunch, $3 Program Only
Description: Nature inspires art in many ways, shapes and forms. Today’s program may awaken a creative spark within you. O.W.L.S. (Outwardly, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors) is a series of one-hour programs offered for seniors interested in learning more about the natural environment. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by the Friday prior to the program. To register, please call 651.455.4531.
Register
Location: Dodge Nature Center

 

Upcoming . . . slipping into winter . . .
Ok, this sounds crazy to say “sign up for winter events” in August but these things fill up fast so if you’re interested best to sign up asap.

 

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike
Date: January 22
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ages: Adults to Seniors
Cost: $7
Description: Enjoy the beauty of a winter’s night on snowshoes!  Watch as the moon rises to light our way as we trek over prairie, on frozen ponds, and through the forest dark. Snowshoe history and techniques will be covered by your naturalist guides.  A warm beverage will be provided following the program. This program is recommended for adults. If snow is lacking join us for a star/moonlit hike instead. Pre-registration is required.
Register.
Location: Marie Ave Entrance, 365 Marie Ave. W. in West St. Paul

photo featured: Youth Hunting Club of MN (visit the Horse and Hunt Club website for youth camps and adventures)