Weekend Nature Activities: April 3–7

This April brings delicate perennials hiding under leaf decay, unfurling buds, and nearly complete ice-outs! (All events free unless otherwise noted.) Remember to tred lightly through the woods (maybe stick to a path, if possible) to give those new plants a chance. Within the next few weeks we’ll have a display of beautiful early-bloom forest flowers! What’s blooming in April? Check it out, HERE.

04/04/15

Environmental Education Cohort
9:30 am-12:00 pm You are invited to join a dedicated group of educators focused on integrating and embedding Environmental Education and outdoor learning into everyday instruction. Registration is required; https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EECohort2014-15
MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington)

Follow-up opportunities (must register, call (952) 858-0715 for details)

04/06/15
Refuge Partner Teacher Orientation
4:00 pm-5:00 pm Learn how to get involved with this integrative partnership between individual teachers and the Refuge. Details HERE.
MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington)

04/07/15
Refuge Partner Teacher Spring Training
4:00 pm-7:00 pm Details HERE
MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington)

Fishing Klinics for Kids
2–5 p.m. For more info call 763-538-0311.
Buffalo American Legion

Women’s Spring Hike
9 AM to 10:30 AM
Fort Snelling State Park

Frogs and Toads of Minnesota: Volunteer Training
1 PM to 2:30 PM
Fort Snelling State Park

Maple Syruping Workshop
11 AM to 2 PM
Wild River State Park

Spring Activities and Egg Hunt
12:30 PM to 3 PM
Glacial Lakes State Park

04/05/15

Bird Language
9:00 am-1:00 pm Join us as we gather on the slopes of the Minnesota River Valley to explore what the birds are telling us about our surroundings. We will split the time between the classroom and outdoors. Bring a notebook, pencils, and something to sit on outdoors. To register visit: http://www.mntracking.org/
MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington)

Call of the Wild Film Fest
3:00 pm Join in on 60-90 minutes of films featuring our favorite wildlife and their unique behaviors, habitat needs, and special adaptations. Experience the drama of survival in the wild and discover how community partners work together to protect habitat for wildlife. Recommended for all ages.
MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington)

Maple Syruping Workshop
A limited 35 participants are welcome to learn in-depth and hands-on about the basics of maple syruping through this small-group workshop-style experience. Bring a lunch and enjoy the afternoon! Registration required by calling 651-583-2125 x227.
Wild River State Park (Visitor Center)

04/07/15

Clean Water Rules: Understanding the EPA’s Clean Water Act Update
6:30pm – 8:30pm The Environmental Protection Agency is considering how to move forward with a rulemaking process intended to strengthen the Clean Water Act. The rule would restore protections for 2 million miles of streams across the country and the drinking water for 117 million people. This event is an opportunity learn more about the Clean Water Rule and show Minnesota’s support for clean water! We’ll hear from a national Clean Water Rule expert, Environment America’s John Rumpler, and have Q&A with a panel of representatives from the water recreation, agriculture, and water quality communities and the state of Minnesota. Please join us!
University of Minnesota Saint Paul Student Center (2017 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

Featured photo of Dicentra cucullaria (Dutchman’s Breeches) is from Minnesota Wildflowers (photo 2005 copyright Peter M. Dzuik), image cropped to fit template