MN Nature in St Paul, MN, has free outdoor rec activities for you and your family year-round. This week is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors because it’s #NationalGetOutdoorsDay June 09! MN Nature’sfFree events for the first week in June include garden tours, volunteer opportunities, and more! Visit us on facebook and give us a “like”. Feel free to hashtag your adventures #MNnature
June 4
Volunteer Stewardship Project: Sumac Removal
10-2 pm Help remove invading sumac crowding out prairie at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, a spectacular prairie and savanna overlooking the Mississippi River. No advance sign-up necessary. Please contact us if you have a large group. Tools, gloves, and good camaraderie will be provided. Bring water, lunch, and dress for working in the weather. Footwear appropriate for outdoor work/hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails, public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. Site: In Cottage Grove, from US Highway 61 0.75 mile south on Jamaica Avenue, then 1.4 miles west on 100th Street, then 0.25 mile south on Hadley Avenue. Park in lot on East where road turns west. Contact: Kelly Randall, SNA Outreach Coordinator at 651-259-5070 or by email at kelly.randall@state.mn.us.
Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
June 6
Yoga in the Park
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Tettegouche State Park
Learn the Skill of Fly Casting! Mini-workshop
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Itasca State Park
June 7
L’il Park PEEPS
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring your “Lil’ PEEP” to this preschool environmental education program designed for ages 2 – 5 years. Each month we explore a different nature topic through engaging stories, songs, activities and outdoor exploration. We’ll head outdoors if the weather cooperates, so bring appropriate clothing. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center.
Jay Cooke State Park
The Importance, Care, and Feeding of Native Pollinators
7 pm All native bees play a large role in our ecosystem and are the most efficient pollinators. They make possible native plant communities (now in decline) in our prairies and grasslands, as well as commercial food crops. Dave Crawford will share photos and videos of pollinators to illustrate their diversity, as well as what is needed to maintain pollinator-friendly habitats, including in your own yard and garden. He’ll illustrate a “palette” of native plants which can help provide for pollinators’ nutrition throughout the growing season, based on what has worked in his own native plant gardens. A walk in your garden will not be the same after you hear and see Dave’s talk. Dave Crawford is a retired Minnesota State Park Naturalist.
North Garden Theater (929 7th Street West, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102)
June 8
Kids’ Fishing Frenzy Friday
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Lake Carlos State Park
Turtle Rescue Field Trip
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each June, turtles lay their eggs at a site twenty miles from Whitewater. Females leave their wetlands and cross a busy road en route to their sand prairie nesting area. You can help these turtles survive by assisting them across the road. Space is limited. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2308.
Whitewater State Park
Women’s Archery Class
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Afton State Park
Wolves at Our Door
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
McCarthy Beach State Park
June 9
Birding at Bear Head
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Bear Head Lake State Park
11th Annual West End Neighbors’ Garden Tour
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s tour features about 15 gardens in the area of Jefferson/West 7th/Randolph/35E. Start at the Fort Road Federation’s office (974 West 7th Street) to pick up your tour guide, peruse the plant sale, chat with Master Gardeners, and check out the St. Paul Park’s Bee Cart. Plan sales help to pay for the tour. Invite your friends and neighbors to a delightful day! More info here.
The neighborhood of West 7th, St Paul, MN, north to its hills, between Jefferson and Randolph
Falls View Hike
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
National Get Outdoors Day – Family Outdoor Fair
12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Whitewater State Park
Canoeing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Canoeing
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Why does my canoe not go where I want it to? Why does my canoe not go in a straight line? If you have these questions or if you have never canoed before, join our trained canoe instructor to learn the basics of canoeing. The program will cover basic strokes, techniques, and safety practices to make your canoeing experiences enjoyable. Call the park office to register, as space is limited. Must be at least 8 years old and youth must be accompanied by an adult. Canoes and equipment are included in your registration. The program takes place outside, so dress appropriately and bring water and snacks. This program is free of charge. Contact James Pointer at 218-300-7000 or by email at james.pointer@state.mn.us.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Archery in the Park
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Archery in the Parks is hands-on instruction shooting a bow and arrow from certified instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Aim for family adventure with kid friendly equipment designed for beginners age 8 and older. Children age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Personal archery equipment is not allowed. All archery programs are free with a Minnesota State Parks vehicle entrance permit. Meet at the South Picnic Grounds.
Whitewater State Park
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