Want to help the bees thrive in Minnesota? Ever thought of being a backyard beekeeper? Wild River State Park has an informative presentation for Minnesota beekeepers (and wannabeekeepers!). Learn, grow, and give back in the great outdoors of #MNnature.
08/06/16
Community Fishing Days
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Fish the NW corner of Centennial Lake in Edina (behind Pinstripes). The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a series of Community Fishing Days this summer! Staff and volunteers will mentor and provide fishing poles and artificial bait. Please note, Minnesota fishing regulations apply and all participants 16 and over will need to purchase a fishing license prior to participating. For more info call (952) 858-0715.Parking is available off of France Avenue
Centennial Lake
08/07/2016
Outdoor Independence Weekend – Survival Knots
9 AM to 10 AM
Celebrate the freedom to run wild at St. Croix State Park’s 7th annual Outdoor Independence Weekend!
Meet the naturalist inside the St. Croix Lodge to learn three essential knots and make your own survival bracelet to take home! Sign up with the naturalist in advance. There area only 20 seats for this class.
Directions:
The park is located 15 miles east of Hinckley on State Highway 48, then 5 miles south on County Road 22.
More Information:
Call (320) 384-6591.
St. Croix State Park
Wildflowers and Watercolors — Bicentennial Prairie SNA
9:30 AM to 12 PM
This causal morning watercolor class will take place at Bicentennial Prairie SNA. You will learn about the history of this site, practice wildflower identification, and create watercolor renditions of wildflowers in bloom. Participants are encouraged to bring sketch books, watercolors, and field guides. Basic supplies will be provided including paints, paper, and brushes. Dress for tall grass and uneven ground.
Consider packing a lunch and your swimsuit to enjoy the picnic grounds and swimming beach at Buffalo River before or after the program. Please sign up (218) 498-2124. Transportation: Room is available in the naturalist vehicle but space is limited to first come first serve.
Buffalo River State Park (Meet at contact station/office at 9:30 am. )
Backyard Bees
10 AM
While honey bees have been stealing the spotlight for years as their populations dive, the decline of our native bees is what really needs attention! Come find out what is really happening to our bees here in Minnesota and what is causing it, what you can do to help, and even get the opportunity to build your own bee house to take home! For more information
call (651) 583-2125.
Wild River State Park
(Meet at the Visitor Center.)
Aquatic Insect Exploration
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Got an extra 5-10 minutes? A hidden world exists beneath the surface of the water. The Naturalist will be at the Marina from 10:30 to 11:30 AM with all the equipment necessary to explore the water for insects, leeches, and many more creatures.
Directions:
10 miles north of Bemidji off Hwy. 71 N.
For more information
call (218) 308-2300.
Lake Bemidji State Park
I Can Fish – Trout Fishing
10:30 AM to 12 PM Join us at the South Picnic Area for some fishing fun! Equipment will be provided at this activity designed to introduce trout fishing to inexperienced anglers, families and youth groups. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own bait; worms often work best. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required when fishing during the activity. This program will be offered at Whitewater every Sunday through September 4. Call (507) 932-3007.
Whitewater State Park
Lore of the Loon
10:30 AM
A talk about the natural history and mysterious calls of Minnesota?s State Bird will be followed by a film. Meet at the Interpretive Center. (40 minutes)
Directions:
1 mile off U.S. Hwy. 169 on Co. Rd. 26, about 8 miles north of Onamia.
More Information:
Call 320-532-3269.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Kids’ Activity: Pop Can Casting
10:30 AM
Learn about fish that people like to catch in the Mille Lacs area, and take home a fishing rig that you will make from a pop can. In case of rain this program will be cancelled. Meet in Lakeview Picnic Area for this activity. (45 minutes)
Directions:
Off State Hwy. 27, just west of Isle.
More Information:
Call 320-676-8763.
Father Hennepin State Park
Skulls Nature Cart – Drop In
11 AM to 1 PM
A skull tells us a lot about the animal that left it
behind. Join a park naturalist in the Visitor Center
Interpretive Hall and investigate the skulls of many
of the mammals of Tettegouche.
Directions:
5 miles northeast of Silver Bay on State Highway 61.
More Information:
Contact Michael Bertling at (218) 226-6365.
Tettegouche State Park
Picnic Hike to the Cascades
11 AM to 2 PM
Meet at the park bridge over the Baptism River
Pack a picnic lunch and join a park naturalist for a guided hike to the Cascades of the Baptism River. The hike is 1.5 miles, round trip, and we’ll take time to look at mushrooms, flowers, and anything else that catches our eyes, pausing for a picnic below the falls.
Directions:
5 miles northeast of Silver Bay on State Highway 61.
For more information
call (218)353-8809.
Tettegouche State Park
Outdoor Independence Weekend – NPS Cenntennial Guided Canoe/Kayak Trip
11 AM to 2 PM
Join the naturalist for a guided 5 mile paddle down the peaceful St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Learn about the national significance of this beautiful river while you brush up on your paddling skills. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent from Pardun’s Canoe Rental located in the nature store building in St. Croix State Park. Call 320-384-0508 after May 26 to reserve your spot.
Trying for the Minnesota State Parks and Trails 125 Miles by Bike, Boot or Boat Challenge? This event can help you add a little distance.
For more info call (320) 384-6591.
St. Croix State Park
Falls View Hike
11 AM to 12 PM ome witness the rich history of Gooseberry Falls State Park as we hike around the falls. Don’t forget your camera. Hike includes descending stairs on this 3/4 mile walk.
Meet at the Visitor Center Art Column.
Directions:
13 miles northeast of Two Harbors on Hwy. 61.
More Information:
Contact Park Naturalist at (218) 595-7100.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
C
Pothole Exploration Tour
12 PM to 1 PM
Discover how lakes of lava and gushing glacial waters formed the park’s unique potholes as you journey over, under and through world-renowned rock features on this naturalist-guided tour. This 45-minute walk includes some uneven terrain and stairs. Meet at the visitor center.
Directions:
The park is approximately 45 miles northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul on U.S. Highway 8.
For more information call (651) 465-5711.
Interstate State Park
Historic Train Tracks
1 PM to 2:30 PM
Explore the rail history in this area before heading out on the trails to look for any visible signs that may still remain.
For more inf call (612) 279-3550.
Fort Snelling State Park
Living Fossils: Lake Superior’s Sturgeon Discovery Cart
1 PM to 2:30 PM
Witness the remarkable recovery of one of Lake Superior?s longest living animals, the majestic sturgeon. See how you measure up to this gentle giant.
Drop by along the trails to the Middle Falls.
For more information call (218) 595-7100.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Beat the Heat Film Series
1–2:30 Jane Goodall: A Life in the Wild (28 min.) and Our Planet Earth (23 min.).
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Community Concert: Wooden Nichols
2 PM to 3 PM
The group Wooden Nichols features a variety of folk songs and traditional favorites. They showcase three-part harmonies mixed with guitars, mandolin and bass. Group members include Ken Nichols, Don Leet, Larry Young, Terri Bakker, Kari Lou Picket, John Essig, Bill Ayers, and Don Zieman. They offer a number of sing-along songs and humor for an enjoyable afternoon of music and jokes.
All Community Concerts are sponsored by the North Country Snowmobile Club of Bemidji.
Lake Bemidji State Park
Beginner Mountain Bike Clinic
2 PM to 5 PM
Explore this trail perfect for beginners to get the feel for mountain biking. If you are 12 years of age or older, and your bike is equipped with off road tires then sign up for our class to learn some basic mountain biking skills and then apply them on the Triangle Trail. Space is limited so sign up early.
Required equipment: Helmet, Mountain Bike, Water (in backpack or bike mounted bottle holder)
.
For more information
call (218) 673 7011.
Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park
Rock Talk on the Beach – Drop In
2 PM to 4 PM
At the mouth of the Baptism River (or in the Visitor
Center in case of rain).
Rocks, everywhere, tell a story. Come hear the
story of our North Shore rocks and how they relate
to the landscape.
Spoiler alert: there are volcanoes and hot seas
involved!!
Directions:
5 miles northeast of Silver Bay on State Highway 61.
For more information
call (218) 226-6365.
Tettegouche State Park
Superior Rocks
3:30 PM to 5 PM
Are you an agate or Thomsonite hunter? Do you look for interesting rocks on every beach? Do you wonder about all those rock faces you see as you drive by on highway 61?
Join Sugarloaf Cove naturalist, Margie Menzies, for an adventure in geology. We’ll explore the fire and ice story of how Lake Superior came to be here, introduce the basic rock types commonly found on the North Shore, and highlight some amazing geologic formations visible on the shore.
Meet in the Visitor Center Meeting Room. We will start the program inside and then weather permitting also spend a little time outside in the park.
Tettegouche State Park
Spin the Invasive Species Wheel
3 PM to 4 PM Did you know that the woods and water near the park are being invaded? Drop-by this ongoing activity and spin the wheel of invasive species to test your knowledge and discover what you can do to help native species thrive. Prizes for great questions or answers. Activity takes about ten minutes.
Directions:
The park is approximately 45 miles northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul on U.S. Highway 8.
More Information:
Contact Jenni Webster at (651) 465-5711.
Interstate State Park
Outdoor Independence Weekend Fire Starting
(8+, with adult)
4PM to 5 PMCould you start a fire without matches, a lighter or charcoal lighting fluid? Meet the naturalist on the back deck of the St. Croix Lodge Interpretive Center to make sparks and create a set of upcycled fire starters to take home.
For more information call (320) 384-6591.
St. Croix State Park
08/08/2016
Little Explorers: F is for Fox
(children ages 3-6, with adult)
10 AM to 11 AM
Discover nature one alphabet letter at a time through stories, activities and a craft our smallest visitors. Join the fun at the visitor center each Monday at 10 AM from June 13 to Aug. 29. For more information
call (651) 465-5711.
Interstate State Park
Refuge Rambles
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Every Saturday and Sunday Join refuge staff for weekend walks exploring trails and observing the natural world. Enjoy the solitude of the Minnesota River valley tucked into the midst of our busy urban landscape. Explore prairie, forest, and wetland habitats and discover the diverse plants and animals that depend on the refuge for survival. All ages welcome.
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Ambassador Meet & Greet
11 AM to 11:30 AM
Feed turtles, fish and frogs while you learn about these fascinating friends that share our earth with us. For more information
call (320) 384-6591.
St. Croix State Park
Pothole Exploration Tour
12 PM to 1 PM Discover how lakes of lava and gushing glacial waters formed the park’s unique potholes as you journey over, under and through world-renowned rock features on this naturalist-guided tour. This 45-minute walk includes some uneven terrain and stairs. Meet at the visitor center.
For more information
call (651) 465-5711.
Interstate State Park
08/09/2016
Turtle Tuesday
1 PM to 2 PM
Turtles love prairie potholes and we love turtles. Join the naturalist for a turtle story or activity then watch a snapping or painted turtle swim, exercise and hunt in an outdoor pool.
Meet in the Interpretive Center Pond Room. (Program takes place every Tuesday June-August.
) For more information
call (320) 354-2055.
Sibley State Park
Coming Up – Mark Your Calendars
Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah!
Saturday, August 13 Henderson, MN
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