Weekend Nature Activities: Sept 11–13

Is is fall yet—is it, is it?! Sure feels like it! Monarchs are getting ready to migrate, the sun sets earlier, and the temps have been delightfully cool. Fall is a spectacular time of year in Minnesota in #MNnature but I don’t need to tell you all that. Get outside!

———————All-Weekend Events Sept 11 – 13———————

Harvest Moon Festival
Ely, MN

Fall into Arts Festival
10 am – 5 pm

————————————Sept 11———————————

Mushroom Appreciation Hike
1 PM to 3 PM Fall is a prime time to go on a mushroom hike and mushrooms come in so many different shapes and sizes! We’ll investigate what’s growing in the park on a short hike and we’ll talk about how mushrooms grow and their role in the forest.
Tettegouche State Park (Meet by the indoor fireplace in the Visitor Center.)

Sneak Out at Night Hike
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm No worries about getting caught! Meet at the Visitor Center, where we will begin our night hike. Learn how to “see” in the dark, and find out what it is like to be a creature of the night. No flashlights allowed. Wear sturdy hiking boots and appropriate clothing for the temperature. The hike is one mile long with one hill.
William O’Brien State Park (meet at visitor center)

————————————Sept. 12———————————

09/12/15 Youth Waterfowl Day

End of Summer Photo Hike
7:00 am-9:00 am Late summer is a fantastic time for flowers, and this part of the refuge does not disappoint. In addition, there are some really nice views of the river. Our hike will take us through both wooded and open areas.  Presented by Don Tredinnick and Peter Berman, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists
Lyndale Avenue Trailhead

Rhizome Harvesting —Volunteer Opportunity
8:30 – 12:30 This fall, help Great River Greening improve water quality through harvesting an incredible resource–prairie cordgrass rhizomes! A University of Minnesota study site is being decommissioned, but Great River Greening and the University are partnering to honor the study and provide a new home for the rhizomes at one of our new restoration sites. On September 12, fifty volunteers are needed to harvest these rhizomes from the study site in Farmington to be planted later this fall in rural St. Peter. There, the prairie cordgrass rhizomes will help to reduce erosion and improve water quality in Seven Mile Creek. Prairie cordgrass thrives in low, wet areas, produces abundant above- and below-ground biomass, and provides excellent erosion control. The prairie cordgrass will be planted as part of an innovative project that also involves nearly 100 acres of controlled drainage and tile nitrate removal. As an added benefit, our partners at the University of Minnesota believe that prairie cordgrass shows promise as a cash crop in areas that are better suited to perennials, like ditch banks and low spots.
Empire Wastewater Treatment Facility, Farmington, MN

The Million Acorn Challenge —Volunteer Opportunity
9 am Volunteer to help collect acorns from sites in Chanhassen in an effort to restore local oak savannas.
Lake Anne Park Maintenance Building, Chanhassen

Sept 11-12: MWC Tournament, Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit, Cass Lake
Two-person walleye teams from across the Midwest will battle for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes when the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit returns to Minnesota’s Cass Lake for a regular-season qualifier presented by Lowrance Electronics Sept. 11-12.
Stony Point Resort

9th annual Harvest Moon Run $$$
9 am Distance 4 miles. Start time is 9 am. Location is Miner’s Drive. The course is run on the Trezona Trail around Miner’s Lake. Trail surface paved path and gravel. Fee: $20 for adults, $15 for students, $10 for children under 12. Add $5 for registrations after August 18th. Divisions: 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+. Awards for top overall man and woman and top person in each age group. Traveling trophy for winning relay team. Last year’s winners were COle Helm, 24:14 and Emma Terwilliger, 27:48. There are no relay teams! Last year’s attendance was 121. Runners may participate in the 4-mile run individually or as part of a 4-person relay team. Each member of the team runs 1 mile. There is also a 1-mile kids’ race and a 4-mile walk. All preregistered runners are guaranteed a t-shirt. Race day registration is 8:00-8:50 am. Proceeds benefit the Ely H.S. Track Team.
Contact Julie Hignell Ely Track Club E-Mail: jhignell@frontiernet.net Phone: 218-290-3722 Address: 2159 Longstorff Road Ely, MN 55731
Miner’s Drive, Ely, MInnesota 55731

Women’s Archery
10 AM to 12 PM Course details: Learn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with skilled instructors. Use a Matthews Genesis compound bow to shoot at stationary targets and try shooting from an elevated platform. All equipment is provided. Ages 14+ Cost: $7/class Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700
Carver Park Reserve, Victoria

Prairie Hike
10 AM to 12 PM Master Naturalists will guide visitors through prairie remnants that remain on the edge of the Big Woods. Walk through stands of Big Bluestem and Indian Grass that once covered millions of acres across the Midwest. Learn about bobolinks, butterflies and badgers that call this landscape home. Some seed collecting if conditions allow. Wear hiking shoes and long pants.
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park

Monarch Festival
10 am – 4 pm Join the Monarch Lab at the 2015 Minneapolis Monarch Festival, the biggest celebration of Monarchs in Minnesota. The Monarch Lab will be running an education and tagging tent during the fair. Stop by and learn about the monarch life-cycle, ecology, and habitat. Each tent group releases a tagged monarch!
Lake Nokomis Park, 49 Street and Woodlawn Boulevard

Fall Colors Whitewater Valley Archaeology Festival
10 AM to 4 PM Celebrate the unique human history of the Whitewater River Valley by attending the annual Whitewater Valley Archaeology Festival. Throughout the day there will be special speakers and presenters offering a variety of programs and activities for all ages to enjoy. Some activities will include CCC and German POW Camp walks, tours of Beaver Cemetery, archery and atlatl throwing stations, pioneer games for kids, and Smokey Bear at the Elba Fire Tower.
Whitewater State Park

Wet Felting Wool Slippers $$$
10am – 3pm (1 hour lunch) Cost: $55 ($35 tuition + $20 materials) In this class, the process of wet felting loose wool roving over a form will be explored. We will start out with a small sample project to learn the technique. Then, students will work on independent projects and complete their own pair of wool slippers to be taken home, with skills that can be applied to other projects at home. CLASS FULL. To join our waiting list, please send a message to classes@elyfolkschool.org.
Ely Folk School, 209 E Sheridan St | Ely, MN 55731

Morning Stroll with the Naturalist
10 AM to 11 AM Bring your coffee, stretch your legs, and explore special seasonal happenings during a 45-minute walk with the naturalist. Fall is almost here and wildlife are busy with preparations! Discover the inside tips and tricks that animals use to get ready for the coming cold season. The walk follows a one mile loop along the River Trail. Meet at the park office to begin your journey.
Interstate State Park

Trail Walk: Woods, Wings & Wildlife
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM On this 1/2-mile trail walk we will discuss the Kathio forest as well as the birds and other animals that make this place their home.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Meet at the Interpretive Center.)

Prairie Seed Collection —Volunteer Opportunity
12:30 PM to 2 PM Come out to Minneopa State Park to help the Harry Meyering Center, park staff and other volunteers collect native prairie seed and clean it. The collected and clean seed will be used to help restore other areas in the park back to its original native prairie landscape. Please wear appropriate clothing for harvesting seed by hand in thick stands of grasses and wildflowers. It is suggested you wear pants, long sleeve shirts and boots.
For planning purposes, volunteers must contact the Harry Meyering Center, Inc., at kshabrack@harrymeyeringcenter.org to be part of the event. Vehicles transporting participants to and from the prairie are eligible for a free daily state park permit, if preregistered. Other vehicles entering the park can purchase a permit at the office when they arrive.
Minneopa State Park

Archery in the Park
12 PM to 2:30 PM Want to learn how to shoot a bow in a safe, supervised setting? The Archery in the Parks program is suitable for ages 8 and older. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Get hands on instruction from a certified instructor along with experience with target practice. Learn a lifelong skill with this program that you can use for years to come. (All equipment provided. Open shoot, come during the class and you will get to shoot. Amount of shooting time varies on group size.).
Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Archery in the Park
12 PM to 2:30 PM The sport of shooting arrows has been around for thousands of years. First humans used archery as a way to hunt animals and later as a way to compete against each other. Archery is an activity that people from all walks of life and almost every size and ability can participate and have fun. This program covers the basics of archery (safety, proper care of the equipment and how to use a bow). Participants will be able to practice their new skills on the range by taking a turn shooting arrows at targets. Some come learn a new life long skill. Participants 8 years and older welcome.
Sibley State Park (Meet in the field below the Interpretive Center and between Oak Ridge Campground.)

Whitetail Ways
1 PM to 2 PM During this talk and presentation you will discover the ways of the white-tailed deer-Minnesota’s most common large mammal. Learn about their habitats, adaptations, and communication methods.
Fort Snelling State Park

Aiton Heights Fire Tower Hike
2 PM to 4 PM Come enjoy a beautiful fall day as you hike to Itasca’s fire tower! Learn about the history of fire in Itasca, and then enjoy the spectacular views as you climb to the top of the 100-foot tall fire tower!
Itasca State Park (Meet in front of Douglas Lodge)

Prairie Seed Harvest —Volunteer Opportunity, Junior SNA Naturalist
2 PM to 3:30 PM Young scientists, ages 10-14, are welcome to participate in the Junior Scientific and Natural Areas Naturalist program. Topics and activities are designed to explore native prairies and introduce families to SNA sites located near Buffalo River State Park. This Saturday we will be collecting wildflower seeds at Bluestem Prairie SNA. With your assistance, we can increase the amount and diversity of seed planted each year. After this class students will be able to identify and name a few common wildflowers and share why seeds are important to the health and preservation of the prairie. Dress for tall grass, wood ticks and uneven ground and bring plenty of water. Please confirm your interest in attending by calling the park office at (218) 498-2124.
Buffalo River State Park (Meet at the Nature Center.)

Colors of the Prairie
3 PM to 4 PM Spectacular this time of year with goldenrods and bluestem grass, take a closer look at the colors in a prairie during this easy walk.
Afton State Park

Red Wolf Appreciation “Southern Barbecue” Dinner $$$
5:30 – 8 pm. Rate: $15/person (Children 5 & under free) Join the International Wolf Center for a magnificent southern barbecue dinner at the Northern Tier High Adventure Base on Moose Lake! Discover the Red Wolf, a highly endangered species of wolf, found only on the eastern shores of North Carolina! Dine in and enjoy an excellent discussion and lesson from Kim Wheeler, the executive director of the Red Wolf Coalition! All ages welcome! Registration Closed, CALL.
Northern Tier High Adventure Canoe Base, 14790 Moose Lake Road | Ely, MN 55731 | P: 218-365-4695 |

Harvest Moon Contra-Dance $$$
7 pm – 10 pm Ely Folk School presents a Contra-Dance for Harvest Moon. $5 suggest donation. Live band (FriendsOnTheRange.com) and callers will teach all dances! All ages are welcome, partners not needed. Questions? Contact the Ely Folk School.
Ely Folk School, 209 E Sheridan St | Ely, MN 55731
Northern Nights
7 PM to 8 PM All eyes on the skies in this evening program! Join us to uncover the mysteries of the moon, stars, and other celestial happenings this time of year, and hear some of the legends and stories behind different constellations. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center.
Jay Cooke State Park

Starlight Starbright
8 PM to 10:30 PM Join amateur astronomer, Kenny Bahmer, as he takes you on a tour of the night sky. We will start indoors with a program on the evening skies and then head outside to view some of these evening delights through a telescope. If it is cloudy, there will still be the indoor program.
William O’Brien State Park (Meet at the Visitor Center.)

————————————Sept. 13———————————

Lake Superior Yoga
8 AM to 9 AM This free yoga class consists of gentle postures and slow movements to help the body get back in balance. Emphasis is on breath, body alignment, and voluntarily moving shortening and lengthen muscles to get out of habits that no longer serve our bodies. A mat, blanket, and water bottle is recommended. Kim Josephson is a RYT500 and Certified Yoga Therapist from the International Yoga Institute Yoga North. She owns and operates the Yoga2go Studio and leads classes all around the area.
Tettegouche State Park

Wild Rice Harvesting $$$
8 am – 4 pm Spend the day harvesting wild rice from a local lake with Lynn Anne Vesper. Identification of the native plant, tips on how to recognize when it is ripe to harvest, and suggestions on method and efficiency will all be covered. All students will be responsible for coming to class having already purchased a license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to harvest wild rice, available at local bait shops, outfitters, or online. Canoe, paddle, life vest, and harvesting tools will be provided by the instructor. Cost: $95. Registration required; Sign Up.
Ely Folk School, 209 E Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731

Bird Watching Trek
8 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. Presented by Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge NaturalistRapids Lake Education and Visitor Center

Falls Loop Hike
10 AM to 11 AM Come witness the rich history of Gooseberry Falls State Park as we hike around the falls on a guided hike. Imagine what Gooseberry would have looked like and see what remains of the past. Meet at the art column right outside of the visitor center
Gooseberry Falls State Park

Forests of Liliput
10 AM to 11:30 AM Come down to the Visitor Center for a cup of coffee. Then, discover the micro forest of Beatrix Potter and George Washington on an exploratory talk and walk where you’ll be fascinated with the symbiotic relationship of lichens. This program is geared toward adults, but everyone is welcome to attend.
William O’Brien State Park, Visitor Center

Fall Colors Trout Hatchery Tour
10 AM to 11:30 AM Crystal Springs Trout Hatchery is home to many trout that are being raised to be distributed throughout the state. Come on this tour to learn more about the process of raising trout in this unique setting fed by Artesian spring water. Meet at the Visitor Center and bring transportation to get to the hatchery. Registration is required; call 507-932-3007, extension 226.
Whitewater State Park

Turtle Crossing
10:30 AM A talk and slide show about turtles of Mille Lacs Kathio State Park will be followed by a visit from our friend Shellby the turtle. Meet at the interpretive center. (45 minutes)
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Archeology Fair
11 AM to 4 PM The 12th annual Minnesota Archaeology Fair will be a one day event which will include a variety of poster and artifact displays, demonstrations and activities illustrating and explaining the archaeology of Minnesota. There will be artifact identification, an atlatl toss and demonstrations of pottery-making and flintknapping. All events will take place on the patio at the Visitor Center.
Fort Snelling State Park

Beadwork
11 AM to 12 PM Meet the naturalist on the back deck to try American Indian beadwork patterns. This program is best for adults and older children.
St. Croix State Park

Fall Colors Legends Walk
11:30 a.m.-Noon Enjoy the early fall colors as we hike along the Mary Lake Trail to Mary Lake. Along the way, the naturalist’s will share legends about why the leaves change colors.
Itasca State Park (Meet outside Forest Inn; across from Douglas Lodge.)

Archery in the Park
12 PM to 2:30 PM The Archery in the Parks program will be held at the beach and is suitable for ages 8 and older. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. (All equipment provided. Open shoot, come and go as you please.) The program is held outside, so dress appropriately.
Bear Head Lake State Park

Bird Banding Demonstration
12:30 PM to 2 PM Join Master Bird Bander, Greg Munson, for close-up experiences with birds. Program participants will have the opportunity to handle and release birds after they have been caught in nets, studied, observed and banded with an aluminum tag. Find out how this scientific tool helps wildlife researchers learn more about bird populations and their natural history, including where they go and how long they live.
Whitewater State Park

Minnesota Moose: Drop in Program
1 PM to 2:30 PM The moose is the largest member of the deer family and really is one of a kind. Drop by anytime during the program to compare the moose to its smaller cousin the deer. Explore the facts about moose and discover the truth about their population in MN. Find the naturalist along the trail to the middle falls.
Gooseberry Falls State Park

Mushroom Walk
1 PM See what kinds of “fun guys” await us in the woods. We will look for mushrooms of all sorts on this afternoon walk; for oyster-like fungi growing on rotting logs, fans of shelf fungus sprouting from trees, dead man’s fingers, witches’ butter and much more. This event will be led by Lisa Ringer and the Friends of Wolsfeld Woods. See the Wolsfeld Woods SNA web page for a map and description of the site.
Wolsfeld Woods SNA

The Coming of Autumn
1 PM to 2 PM The days are getting shorter, the birds are heading south, and many human children have gone back to school. These are indications that autumn is just around the corner. Let’s take a short nature walk around the Park trails and find other signs of nature’s preparation for winter. Please meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.
Fort Snelling State Park

Minnesota Mushrooms
1 PM to 2 PM Join Ron Spinosa from the Minnesota Mycological Society for this program on identifying mushrooms. You’ll learn which mushrooms are safe for eating, when and where to find them and also get some tips on preparing them.
Program is free of charge, however, a free will donation will be asked to help cover speaker fees.
Lake Maria State Park

Geocaching
2 PM to 4 PM Join the naturalist for this high tech treasure hunt and learn the basics of this new worldwide recreational sport. GPS units are provided but call the park office to reserve one for you and your family. This program counts towards earning the Call of Wildflowers special edition program card. Limit of 20 people (must be 8 years of age and children must be accompanied by adult). Program begins outside the Nature Center.
Buffalo River State Park

Teaching in the College Park School Forest
2 PM to 4 PM This course is open only to staff at Murray Middle School in St. Anthony Park, MN. This course is 2 days: 9/15 and 9/22, 2:15 – 3:45 each day. Teachers will get hands-on, engaging lessons to do with K-8 students in the College Park School Forest, located one block away from the school in St. Anthony. All lessons are correlated with Minnesota Academic Standards in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science. Lessons come from the school forest activity board and Project Learning Tree (mndnr.gov/plt) There are 130 School Forests in Minnesota. This workshop is one benefit of being in the program. For more information about school forests, visit mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Murrary Middle School, St. Anthony Park

Nordic Walking
6 PM to 7:30 PM Turn your walk into a total body workout! Discover how proper Nordic Walking techniques engage up to 90% of your muscles while increasing your heart rate and calorie burn. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. LEKI Nordic Walking poles will be available for use during the class.
Luce Line State Trail

Note: Cancellation — Canoe Camping Field Experience @ Bear Head Lake State Park “Have you ever wanted to canoe the Boundary Waters, but were unsure what gear you would need or how to properly portage your canoe? Join our experts /with support from Northern Tier Boy Scout Camp and Piragis Northwoods. The program will begin at 2 pm on Friday and end at 2 pm on Sunday.”

——————————Upcoming . . .———————————

Sept 14 Bird Watching Trek, 8:00 am – 10:30 am, Join in on a bird walk during fall migration. Bass Ponds Trailhead

Sept 14, Painting Grand Marais: Artist Talk
Noon – 1pm  $13.00

Sept 14, Fall Dance & Tumbling Classes
Studio North will be offering dance and tumbling classes beginning the week of September 14th. On-line registration is open at www.studionorthelymn.com or call 365-2493. Join us for a great season.
Studio North, 1550 E. Washington St | Ely, MN 55731 | P: 218-365-2493

September 18 – September 20, 2015, 43rd Annual Mahkato Wacipi Traditional
Info: 507-514-5088 or 507-387-357; MC(s): Jerry Dearly and Danny Seaboy; Host Drum(s): Mazakute Singers and Oyate Teca; Cost: General Admission $7.00, Seniors 60 and older: $5.00, Children 12 and under get in free. Flyer.
Mankato, MN. Dakota Wokisuye Makoce (Land of Memories Park)

Sept 18 – 20 Mahkato 43rd Annual Traditional Wacipi Honoring the 38 Dakota

Sept 19 Paddle Belle Plaine to Jordan with Ranger Judy, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm, Join Ranger Judy for a paddle-with-a-view on the Minnesota River. On this guided 10 mile excursion we’ll explore Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge from the water and discover some of the best wildlife habitat and scenery around! Provide your own canoe or kayak, equipment, and PFD. Basic paddling skills are required. To register contact Judy at 952-858-0731 or Judy_Geck@fws.gov

Sept 19 Family Canoeing, $$$ 1 PM to 3 PM, Clearly Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake “Designed around having fun, being safe, and learning proper technique. Learn water safety, entering and exiting, and paddle strokes. Paddlers must be ages 8+; children ages 5-8 may ride along. Ages 8+ Cost: $15/person, Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Sept 26–27–28 Sign up now Minnesota Basket Weavers Special Event $$$

September 30th, 2015 Metro Area Children’s Water Festival will be help at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.  If you would like your class to attend, please use the form on the Registration page to register for the lottery.