Weekend Nature Activities: Oct 9–11

OMG! Minnesota is so beautiful in the fall! Have fun outside this weekend or go for a drive along the bluffs of your favorite river or visit an apple orchard . . . savor fall.

—————FRIDAY 10/9—————

Cayuno 5-0 FRIDAY NIGHT BIB/RACER BAG PICKUP $$$
5–9 PM Mountain bike ride/race. See website for details.
Deerwood

Big Stone Lake area Delta Waterfowl Banquet
5:30 PM For more info call Doug McKinney, 320-305-1903.
Sioux Historic Pavilion, Ortonville

—————SATURDAY 10/10—————

Deer Rifle Sight-in
9 AM–Close. For more info call 763-434-4514. Dates: Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31-Nov. 1.
Beaverbrook Gun Club

MFA Fall Family Forestry Field Day
9 AM–3 p.m. For more info call Francine Larson, 763-241-1170 ext. 131.
The Jensen Property, Princeton.

Gun & Knife Show
For more info call 763-754-7140 or www.CrocodileProductionsInc.com
Stillwater Armory, 107 E. Chestnut

Cuyuna 5-0 $$$
7:30–9 PM Cycling event to raise funds for the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails. 100% of the profits from this event go right back into building and maintaining the trails. The 5-0 is hosted by the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew, a chapter of IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association). There will be a 50, 25 and 12 race. See website for details.
Deerwood

PumpkinFest + 5K $$$
8 AM–4 PM This indoor/outdoor event at the Aurora Community Center on the corner of Main and First St. West celebrates fall’s favorite symbole: the pumpkin. Join the fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and check out craft vendors, baked goods and many, many pumpkins! There will be games for kids, prizes, food and horse-drawn carriage rides all day. A 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Plus, enter and/or watch the largest pumpkin contest! More info. visit website.
Aurora, Minnesota

Fall Photo Hike
8:30 am-10:30 am Fall color should be peaking as we get into October. The Rapids Lake Unit has some fantastic tree-lined river views, remnants of an old farm, and lots of bursting milkweed. Of all the units on the refuge, this is my favorite for fall photography. Don Tredinnick and Peter Berman, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center

Fall Color Walk
9–11 AM Walk the hills and valleys of Afton State Park with the naturalist to see the spectacular colors of the season along the St Croix River.
Afton State Park

Wild River 5k Run $$$
10 AM Take a walk or run under the fall colors and along the St. Croix River at Wild River State Park, and on one of the most beautiful 5K courses in the state! This 4th annual event will take you on both paved and unpaved surfaces. Awards will be given to the top finishers, plus all those under 12 will receive a nice prize. Registration is available on the day of the race, but at a discounted price before Oct. 1. All proceeds go to the Friends of Wild River to help support park programs and improvements. Registration forms available at www.friendsofwildriver.org
Wild River State Park

Fall Colors Historic Tour of the Whitewater Valley
10–Noon Come enjoy the beauty of the fall colors while learning about the history of the scenic Whitewater River Valley. After a brief presentation at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center at Whitewater State Park, we’ll caravan in our own vehicles to various historic locations in the valley. Bring your cameras!
Whitewater State Park

Iron Moon Festival
10 AM–4 PM Join family and friends for this “first annual” event at the Irongate Plaza in Hibbing October 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a life-sized Candy Land, indoor pumpkin patch, and many games with prizes for all ages. Visit more than 75 vendor tables – start your Christmas shopping! Entertainment includes a Halloween fashion show, live music and a screening of Casper the ghost. Visit the website for more information.
Hibbing, MN

Invasive Removal —Volunteer Opportunity
10 AM–2 PM Come help give a little love to Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, a spectacular prairie and savanna overlooking the Mississippi River. We will have two main tasks for the day. The first is to remove invading sumac that is crowding out the the prairie on the hills in the northern part of the site. A second task if time allows is seed collection. There may also be time for a tour of this site noting some of its special features and other management tasks being done here. No advance sign-up necessary.
Grey Cloud Dunes SNA

Foraging for Fall Foliage
11–Noon Take a stroll for signs of fall. Discovery the changes that prepare plants for winter. Join the Naturalist on this hike of exploration for all ages. Meet at the Art Column outside the Visitor Center.
Gooseberry Falls State Park

Pothole Exploration Tour
Noon–1 PM Join the naturalist as we explore the glacial pothole area of the park for unique geologic formations and enjoy scenic overlooks of fall colors creeping through the river valley. Meet at the visitor center at 12 PM. This 45-minute tour involves some uneven terrain and stairs.
Interstate State Park

Fall Colors Hike to Raven Rock
Noon–3 PM Starting at the Trailhead Parking Lot, the hike to Raven Rock and back is about four miles and will include the famed “Drainpipe” section of the Superior Hiking Trail. Raven Rock affords world-class views over the surrounding forest and Lake Superior. This awesome hike is not overly long or arduous, but is classified as moderately difficult to difficult. Plan ahead with snacks and extra water.
Tettegouche State Park (Meet the Park Naturalist at the trailhead)

Go-n-Seine
1–2 PM To study fish populations, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses nets call Seines. This seining program will also discuss the habitat requirements of different fish species and how water quality affects fish. Follow the posted signs to meet by the backwater of the Shelter A picnic area.
Fort Snelling

Fall Color Hike to the Peak
1–3 PM The gold, brown, yellow and other colors of the fall can be enjoyed on this epic trip to the peak through rolling hills, prairie, and great vistas. We will be stopping a few place along the way to talk about some of the unique changes happening in nature during this season of preparation. Grab a friend, dress for the weather, and come out to the park for a this awesome fall adventure! Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, a snack, a camera, binoculars, or anything else you think you might want on this journey. *Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Glacial Lakes State Park

Drop in & Discover: Fall Colors
1:30–3 PM “Why do leaves change color? Why is that tree red when that one is yellow?” Stop by the naturalists table at the Visitor Center Art Column to discover why leaves change color.
Gooseberry Falls State Park

Fall Colors Walk
2–3 PM Have you ever wondered why leaves change color from green to the variety of yellows, oranges and reds? Uncover the science along this awe-inspiring walk under the canopy of leaves, through the tall grasses of the prairie and along the scenic St. Croix River with the Naturalist. Participants of all ages will enjoy this leisurely walk.
Wild River State Park

Fall Color Bike Ride and Dinner
3–4:30 PM Enjoy the beauty of the season along one of our Minnesota State Trails. Ride along this corridor of color to see some spectacular views and get some exercise at the same time. 651-231-6968. Meet at the Ox Yoke Inn parking lot where after our ride we can eat dinner (on your own). Reservations.
Luce Line State Trail

Wahoo Valley MDHA Banquet
4:30 p.m. For more info call Walter Wiese, 218-640-5423.
Ted & Gens, Aldrich

Martin County PF Banquet
5 p.m. For more info call Joe Maidl, 507-399-1660.
Eagle’s Club, Fairmont

Glacial Ridge PF Banquet
5:00 p.m. For more info call Barry Bartels 605-999-9802.
Minnewaska House

—————SUNDAY 10/11—————

The Filthy 50 $$$
7 AM–3PM Gravel bike ride. Visit the website for more info.
Stewartville, MN

Orienteering at Severs Corn Maze-O
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM. Turn up early not to be disappointed . Severs opens to the public at 10 AM. Entry fee is $15 and includes admission for the entire day. Preregister online (required).
Severs Corn Maze, Shakopee, MN

Mankato River Ramble Bike Ride $$$
8 AM–3:30 PM Escape the Twin Cities to some of the best bicycling Minnesota has to offer. Join us for the 5th annual Mankato River Ramble on October 11, 2015. Don’t miss this family friendly tradition! The Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota invite you to join us on October 11, 2015 for the fifth annual Mankato River Ramble. Visit the website for more info.

Fly Fishing Clinic
9:30 AM– 3PM Join us to learn what you need to know to fly fish. In the morning we will learn about fish and what they eat while learning to tie flies. In the afternoon you’ll pick up new tips and tricks on how to cast more accurately. If conditions permit we will fish on the St. Croix River. A park vehicle permit is required. Register at 651-231-6968.
AFton State Park

Fall Color Walk
10–Noon The days are getting shorter and the nights becoming longer. Temperature drops and people are putting on their thicker clothes. It is that time of the year again when leaves are showing their true colors as the green chlorophyll fades away. Join us and find out which species of plant have the most colorful leaves. Program will start at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.
Fort Snelling State Park

Basswood Rope-Making
10–11 AM Learn an old-fashioned skill on how to use natural fibers to make rope! We will talk about the many uses of the Basswood Tree and then make some rope you can keep!
William O’Brien State Park (Visitor Center)

Family Pheasant Day $$$
11–5 PM Cost: $85/adult, no charge for youth. Course details: We will begin our day with various shooting stations including standing targets with .22 and BB guns for the youth (ammunition and firearms will be provided for target practice). Also during the morning session we will cover laws/safety, demonstrations from dog handlers, and practice how to work a field with other hunters. Lunch is included followed by the field hunt. Families will be assigned to guides and will go to a field to hunt pheasants and chucker partridge. Following the hunt there will be a demonstration on bird cleaning, where you are encouraged to help. A pheasant appetizer from birds harvested in the field will be provided at the end of the day. Hunters will need to provide their own firearms and ammunition. Youth hunters depending upon ability are allowed to bring along a BB gun or just walk with their families on the field hunt. Registration: Register with Angela Londgren at angela.londgren@state.mn.us
Wings North, Pine City

Falls Loop Hike
11–Noon Come witness the rich history of Gooseberry Falls State Park on a guided hike around the falls. Trail includes stairs and uneven surfaces. Meet at the Art Column outside of the visitor center.
Gooseberry Falls State Park

Fire-starting Skills
11–1 PM Try your hand at some traditional, old-school fire starting techniques such as flint and steel and a bow drill. Bring marshmallows or hotdogs if you want to take advantage of the fire in the large stone fireplace.
Tettegouche State Park (At the fireplace on the plaza behind the Visitor Center)

Coming of Autumn Presentation
1:30–3 PM Hunting for nuts and migrating south are ways animals prepare for winter. Stop by the naturalist’s table at the Visitor Center Art Column to discover the ways animals prepare for winter.
Gooseberry Falls State Park

Paddle Forward Expedition Program
3:00 pm-4:00 pm Wild River Academy’s Paddle Forward participants will be coming to the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center to talk about their expedition down the Minnesota River. For the past 6-weeks, Paddle Forward expeditioners have been canoeing the Minnesota River to learn about the watershed and share their experience with K-12 schools through an online interface. They will finish the expedition on Saturday, October 10, with a paddle from Fort Snelling to Harriet Island. To view videos of the expedition, and check out their story map, visit the Paddle Forward website.
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center

————Upcoming . . . —————

10/12
Bird Watching Trek
8:00 am-10:30 am Join in on a bird walk during fall migration. The Refuge is a great place to find migratory waterfowl, raptors, warblers, and sparrows. We will search for these species and more while the birds are resting and feeding before continuing their southerly migration. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and dress for the weather.
Bass Ponds Trailhead

10/12
Ladies of Right County DU Banquet
For more info call Julie Lusti, 763-682-3468.
Huikko’s Entertainment Center.

10/15 – 10/16, Thursday – Friday
Parent–Child Firearm Safety Certification Clinic $$$
9 AM–5 PM Course details: Get your FAS certification together at this weekend course. These weekend classes fill quickly. (Ages 11+) Cost: $15/person Registration: Register with Kraig Kiger at kraig.kiger@state.mn.us or 218-999-7949.
Grand Rapids, MN

10/15 – 10/17
Wild Shiver Weekend
Daily programs including Cauldron Caching, Snakes and Animal Bone Scramble end with the All Camp Trick-or-Treat on Saturday Night, October 17th from 6-8 pm. Get a campsite early and bring your costume! Keep watching for more program descriptions for Wild Shiver Weekend.
Wild River State Park

10/16, Friday
MN Nature Tree Planting! —Volunteer Opportunity
5–7 PM Plant trees in Little Bohemia Neighborhood along the bluffs on the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Fall is a great time to plant trees and the U of M has donated five unique species that we’ll be planting today. There will be a “proper planting” demo thanks to years of U of M research followed by tree planting. Tools provided. Join us!
244 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (MNDOT land adjacent to Burger King parking lot)

10/17
Bird Watching Trek
8:00 am-10:30 am Join in on a bird walk during fall migration. The Refuge is a great place to find migratory waterfowl, raptors, warblers, and sparrows. We will search for these species and more while the birds are resting and feeding before continuing their southerly migration. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and dress for the weather.
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center

10/17 Pumpkin Night in the Park $$$
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. $7/person at event or $6/person in advance, (children ages 2 and under are free). Advance tickets will be on sale in person until Thursday, October 15 at 4:30 p.m., or by phone until Monday, October 12, Call: (763) 572-3588 or at City Hall, Recreation Department -lower level, 6431 University Ave NE. City hall hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. New this year: Fire Dancers!
Springbrook Nature Center

10/25
All About Dogs Day at the Arboretum
10 AM– 2 PM A special day when dogs are allowed into the Arboretum. This will be our 10th event and will feature the Pet Expo, the SMART Dog Stroll, and the Doggy Darlings contest for your canine companions. The event will be held rain or shine in the picnic shelter area. Registration includes a professional pet portrait from Little Saints Photography. More info.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Margot Picnic Shelter Area)

10/31

Witch Hazel Hustle 5K Run/Walk $$$

7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. start, Arboretum Grounds, $30 members & non-members thru Oct. 30, $35 day of race Enjoy the invigorating fall breezes on this run through the changing landscapes of the Arboretum. Run begins at the Visitor Center and continues on Three-Mile Drive, a certified asphalt course. Fee includes general Arboretum admission and specially designed T-shirt. Please note: you must register by Oct. 20 with shirt size indicated on registration form to receive a T-shirt.). Prizes and medals will be awarded to top runners. Limit 750. No refunds. All proceeds benefit the Arboretum. Questions? Please contact Carissa Pfarr at (612) 301-7696 or cfarr@umn.edu. Or call the information desk at (952) 443-1400.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

—————Seasons—————
10/10/15 – 01/03/16 Pheasant season open
10/11/15 Bear season ends
10/14 Gray and red fox, badger, opossum, and raccoon seasons open (South zone)
10/15/15 – 10/16/15 Deer Hunt, Camp Ripley Archery Hunt, 1st season
10/15/2015 to 10/18/2015 – Special Youth Deer Hunt. No application is required. No limit on participants. This is an opportunity for youths 10-15 to hunt with an adult mentor in the following deer permit areas: 101, 105, 111, 114, 201, 203, 208, 209, 256, 257, 260, 263, 264, 267, 268, 338, 339, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349 and 601
10/17 Grand and red fox, badger, opossum, and raccoon seasons open (North zone)
10/24 Mink, muskrat, otter, and beaver seasons open (North zone); Camp Ripley second deer season (10/24-10/25)
10/31 Mink, muskrat, otter, and beaver seasons open (South zone) ; Stream trout in lakes (summer) season closes.