MN Nature Activities Feb 18-24

02/18/18

Maple Syrup Refresher
1-2:30 Spring is right around the corner and in the coming weeks Fort Snelling State Park will be very busy tapping trees, collecting sap, making maple syrup, and teaching people all about the process! If you’ve attended one of our programs in the past and need a refresher, or are interested in volunteering, please join us for this maple syrup review before the season starts.
Fort Snelling State Park

Mille Lacs Kathio: Through the Seasons
1 PM A slide show will bring you through the wonderful seasons and experiences enjoyed at Kathio. (45 minutes)
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

02/20/18

No Boundary Waters and the Trail of Secrets, MN Rovers Presentation
7 PM In September 2017, two Minnesota women, Alison Young and Brenda Piekarski from Adventure Minnesota Films, thru-hiked the BRT. Join them as they share their hike story. Moose tracks, great friends, crossing beaver dams, old-growth pines, a broken bear box, foggy and soggy vistas, getting lost, amazing fall colors, thick brush — their hike had it all. They’ll discuss their day-by-day itinerary complete with photos, tips, their packing list, as well as suggestions for how to plan and get there, and will pleased to answer any questions that you might have including: What to bring, Important things to know. MN Rovers
Macalester College in St. Paul, Olin-Rice Science Center, Room 350 (3rd floor), 166 Macalester St., Saint Paul, MN 55105

02/24/18

Itasca’s Lantern Lit Snowshoe Event along Schoolcraft Trail
5:30-8 PM Come out and snowshoe by the light of the moon and the kerosene lanterns along Schoolcraft trail. Snowshoe at your own pace along the lantern lit route during this drop-in program. For added fun, bring along your s’mores fixings or hot dogs for cooking at the campfire. NOTE: Limited snowshoes will be available on a first come-first served basis. Program is held outdoors. Dress warmly for outdoor winter conditions. If snow conditions are poor, the event will become a snow boot walk.
Itasca State Park (Meet at Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center)

Snowshoeing with Naturalist
10-11 AM Join Scott Kudelka, Minneopa Area Naturalist for a fun informative tour of the park’s landscape. Plan to spend about an hour and half snowshoeing on the park’s trails where the naturalist will talk about the history of Minneopa State Park and some of more unusual characteristics of this place. If there isn’t enough snow this will become a hike. Please meet at the park’s Group Campground parking lot on the Campground side of Minneopa.
Minneopa State Park

Snowshoe Saturdays
12-2 Join a park naturalist each Saturday in February to explore the park by snowshoe. This is the time of year that we can go off trail and see some unique areas of the park. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow ours! Please call ahead if you plan to bring a large group.
Whitewater State Park

Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe
6-9 PM Come enjoy an evening in the park by candlelight. Snowshoe, ski, or hike. If there is a lack of snow, this event will be a hike event instead of a ski and snowshoe event. Hit the trails, where you will be guided by the full moon and candle luminaries. Then come warm up by the wood stove or enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview warming shelter.
Lake Carlos State Park

Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe
5:30-8:30 Ski by the candlelit trail past the tower and through the woods. Snowshoe around the Visitor Center and Beach area. Enjoy snacks and refreshments at the Visitor Center. Both trail heads start at the Visitor Center.
Lake Bronson State Park

Winter Birding for Beginners
1-2 PM Birding is an enjoyable and challenging hobby, especially with fewer birds during the cold season. Join the naturalist for this winter birding hike and learn about the basic techniques of bird identification. Binoculars and bird guides will be available. Dress for the weather and meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.
Fort Snelling State Park

02/24/18 – 02/25/18
Lac qui Parle State Park
Snowshoe Lacing Workshop $$$ –Registration deadline: February 1
9-3 PM $80 (includes the snowshoe kit and materials). Make-and-take snowshoe workshop at Lac qui Parle State Park Learn how to lace a pair of Ojibwe (pointed end) style snowshoes to help you enjoy Minnesota’s winters. During this two day workshop at Lac qui Parle State Park, presenters will teach attendees how to weave the laces on pre-built wooden snowshoe frames. The class will be held on Saturday, February 24th from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 25th from 10 am to 2 p.m.
Bring a sack lunch. Call (320) 734-4450 ext 222 or e-mail Chris at Christine.kleven@state.mn.us.
Lac qui Parle DNR Headquarters (14047 20th Street NW, Watson, MN 56295)

Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Julie and Bill Kaiser
6-8 PM Held in the Café at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. From the north woods of Minnesota, Bill and Julie Kaiser will be performing the night of the Lantern Lit Snowshoe event. Bill and Julie’s music has been described as acoustic “folkgrass” with a mix of bluegrass, folk, and original. Warm up inside the Mary Gibbs Café and enjoy a wonderful night of music!
Itasca State Park

Candelight Event
6-8:30 PM Our candlelight event will take place at Maplewood State Park on Saturday, February 24th from 6:00-8:30. The 1 mile trial around Cataract Lake will be groomed and lit for skiers, snowshoers, and hikers. Snowshoes will also be available for your use if you would like to try them. The Friends of Maplewood will have chili, hot drinks, and a bon fire starting at 5:00 PM, with the 150 candles lit at 6:00. Come out and enjoy a winter evening at Maplewood State Park.
Maplewood State Park

Special Program: The Polar Bear Experience
1-2 PM Professional photographer Steve Kohls will share a slideshow from his trip to Kaktovik, the only village in the Alaska NWR; where he witnessed the interaction of the Polar Bears and villagers. Meet at the Interpretive Center.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Fly-Tying Workshop
1-4 The Friends of Camden will be holding three fly tying workshops on Saturday February 24th, 2018 starting at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM, in the South Shelter. All equipment and supplies to tie a American Pheasant Tail Nymph fly will be provided. Ages 10 and above to participate. For more information and to register for a session, please call or stop at the park office. A valid park permit is required to enter the park.
Camden State Park