Monday, April 4
04/04/16 Lecture: “Climate change impacts and adaptation in the National Park Service”
3–4 PM Presented by Gregor Schuurman, adaptation ecologist, as part of Climate Change Response Program, National Park Service
IonE Commons, Learning and Environmental Sciences Center, St. Paul Campus
Tuesday, April 5
04/05/16 DNR Pan Fish Workgroup Meeting
2–5 PM This will be a working business meeting of the DNR Panfish Workgroup. The Panfish Workgroup is a group of citizen volunteers who provide input to DNR on panfish management. While public are welcome to observe this meeting, there will be no formal public input opportunities at this point.
Cabela’s in Woodbury, MN
04/05/16 Rain Garden Rescue
6:30–8 PM Has your rain garden been overrun by weeds? Does it need a few new plants or a complete overhaul? Come get tips on how to rescue your rain garden and make it the garden of your dreams. See slides of plants, designs, and methods for renovation. We’ll answer questions and help you figure out where to start. Register by April 4 (651) 249-2170.
Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. E., Maplewood, Mn 55119
Wednesday, April 6
04/06/16 Wednesday Trail Walks
1–2:30 PM Get outside and discover whatever natural happenings we can see along the trail. 651-231-6968. Meet at the trail head in Stillwater.
Brown’s Creek State Trail
04/06/16 Yoga Wednesdays at Tamarack Nature Center (April 6 – May 25) $$$
5:30 – 6:30 PM $64 per eight-week series Yoga is all about balance, including our balance with nature. In this multi-level, Hatha yoga class, increase your flexibility, strength and posture. Practice poses, focus breathing techniques and strive towards balancing bodies and minds. Yoga participants should bring their own yoga mat or large towel and wear comfortable clothing. Instruction provided by Terrie Arfi. Register online or call 651-407-5350.
04/06/16 Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Natural Heritage Meeting
10:30 AM to 3 PM The Commissioner’s Advisory Committee on Natural Heritage is appointed by Commissioner Tom Landwehr to advise the Department of Natural Resources and its Division of Ecological and Water Resources on programs and issues related to sustaining the state’s natural heritage and biological diversity. Minnesota’s natural heritage consists of its native prairies, forests, and wetlands and the native plants and animals that live here. The Committee is a citizen voice for protecting high quality natural resources and integrating conservation of these resources.
MN DNR Building 500 Lafayette RD St. Paul, MN
04/07/16 Lil’ Park PEEPS – Fantastic Frogs
10:30–11:30 AM reschool environmental education program designed for ages 2 – 5 years. Each month we’ll explore a different topic through engaging songs, stories, hands on activities and outdoor exploration. The “Lil’ Park PEEPS” series of programs occurs the first Thursday of each month from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Jay Cooke State Park (meet at River Inn Interpretive Center)
04/08/16 Fly Fishing for Beginners (Four-Part Class) $$$ —Register by April 1 (507) 932-3007
7–9 PM $20 This four-session class, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 and 4/29 Learn all about the ultimate outdoor experience: Trout Fly Fishing. It requires an intimate knowledge of trout and their stream environment. This course is for those seriously interested in learning how to fly fish. , extension 226 Participants need fly fishing equipment by the third session. Some equipment is available on loan. A fishing license and trout stamp is required.
Whitewater State Park
04/09/16 The Way of a Trout
1–2 PM Just in time for trout opener weekend, join us for a showing of the classic film, “The Way of a Trout”. Produced by Trout Unlimited in 1985, this award winning film uses breathtaking underwater photography to look into the world of a rainbow trout and it’s day-to-day fight to survive. As conservationist or trout fisherman, you’ll gain a fuller appreciation for this beautiful and most sought after of freshwater fish.
Whitewater State Park
04/09/16 Maple Syrup Demonstration
10 AM to 3 PM Celebrate the spring time tradition of making maple syrup at Maplewood. At this on-going demonstration you will learn about the process of making pure maple syrup. Take part in collecting the sap, or watch and learn about the boiling process. You can even sample a taste of pure maple syrup! All events held at the Trail Center.
Maplewood State Park
04/09/16 Flood! Water, Water Everywhere
1–2 PM Minnesota rivers rise and fall, usually on a seasonal cycle, but every now and then they rise higher than we want and disastrous flooding results. Where do all these water came from and why are some floods so disastrous? How have humans reacted to flooding in the past and is there really any method to control floods? Gather two of everything in your household, load the family ark and float over to the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center at Fort Snelling State Park for a deluge of information on rivers, flood plains, and floods. No registration required.
Fort Snelling State Park
04/09/16 Orienteering Skills Clinic
Noon to 3:30 PM Ages 6+Learn map and compass skills from the Minnesota Orienteering Club (MNOC) experts. Families and people of all abilities learn through classroom instruction, skill stations geared for beginners, guided practice courses, and an official “sprint” course with electronic punching. Cosponsored by MN Orienting Club.
French Regional Park, Plymouth
04/09/16 PLT K-8 for Minn. Master Naturalists
9:30 to 3 PM $55 (includes course manuals and supplies) Attend this workshop and experience some great hands-on activities designed to engage K-8 students with trees, forests, and the world around them. Participants will get the PLT K-8 Activity Guide, which contains 96 activities and is used by teachers and nature center staff all over the state. If you lead groups of students or families, this book provides valuable lessons that children love and understand. Some activities will be presented outdoors, so come dressed for the weather. Lunch provided. Optional: Come early to stay like to hike the wildlife refuge’s trails. You can attend this training to fulfill Master Naturalist continuing education requirements.
Minn. Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, Minnesota
04/09/16 Bird Walk
9–11 AM Spend your morning with the park naturalist on a two mile bird hike through the prairie and floodplain forests. A limited number of binoculars and field guides are available for use. Meet at the visitor center.
Afton State Park
Thursday, April 7
04/07/16 Frog Monitoring Training —Volunteer Opportunity
6:30–7:45 PM Bring a buddy and become Maplewood Frog Monitoring Volunteers! Monitors follow an established, ten-stop-route; listening for frogs after sunset. Learn about Minnesota frog species, their calls, ranges and how monitoring works. Monitors must commit to three nights, each in a specific date range, April to July. For night-owls only! Pre-register by April 5 (651) 249-2170
Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. E., Maplewood, Mn 55119
Saturday, April 9
04/09/16 Bird Watching Trek
8–10 AM Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that migrate to and through the refuge, during their spring migrations. With a variety of habitats at the different units, you will want to explore them all. During these walks we will search for some of the species of waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers and sparrows. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress appropriately for the weather. Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist. For more information, call 952-854-5900.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bass Ponds
04/09/16 Orienteering Skills Development Clinic $$$
Noon–3 PM $13 pre-registration, $18 day-of event. Registration/check-in at the park visitor’s center starts at 11 AM. The clinic is a great opportunity to brush up on your orienteering skills andto invite friends and family to experience a new outdoor sport. Learn map and compass skills from Minnesota Orienteering Club (MNOC) experts. Families and people of all abilities learn through classroom instruction, skill stations geared for beginners, guided practice courses, and an official ‘sprint’ course with electronic punches. Pre-register online or call (763) 559-6700.
French Regional Park, Plymouth MN
04/09/16 Pollinator-Friendly Gardening $$$
6–8 PM $10 Members/$22 Non-Members (includes Arboretum admission, coffee/tea, and lemon bramble berry bars) Join the front lines of the pollinator-friendly gardening movement by learning more about ways you can retire your pesticides in favor of a healthier garden that is beautiful and beneficial for the bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators. Register online.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Sunday, April 10
04/10/16 Sprout About!
1–2 PM Spring has sprung which stimulates many plants and animals to awaken from their long winter sleeps. Ground softens from the longer sun’s warmth and everything is eager to start new life or continue where they left off last autumn. Wake up from your sleep and head down to Fort Snelling State Park with the naturalist to investigate these miracles of nature. Program will start at the Visitor Center. No registration required.
Fort Snelling State Park
Upcoming . . .
5th Annual Edina Environmental Forum
Earth Day 2016, 4.22
Urban Waters Forum, 4.23
Arboretum Bud Break, 5.01
Wilderfest Gravel Road Races, 5.13
Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride 2016, 5.7
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