Weekend Nature Activities: Sept 18–23

Good news—the weekend is going to be a beautiful 60s and sunny! After all the rain Minnesota will truly shine with happiness this weekend! Get outside! And this week enjoy the change of seasons! #MNnature #SuperMoon #HarvestMoon #Autumn

Sometimes, the Hunter’s Moon is referred to as the Blood Moon, which is the full Moon that immediately follows the Harvest Moon, the full Moon occurring most closely to the autumnal equinox.
Autumn Equinox: September 23
Harvest Moon: September 28
Hunter’s (Blood) Moon: October 27

——————Sept 18———————

Mushroom Hike
2:30–4 pm
Tettegouche State Park

Wildlife Bingo
7:30–8:30 PM
William O’Brien State Park (Visitor Center)

Land Restoration Course
Adult continuing education classes from Sept 2015 through 2016. Sign up now.
U of M

 

———————Sept 19—————

Fall Fishing
8:30–11:30 AM 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., kids ages 8 to 15 are invited on this guided fishing trip to develop fishing skills and explore our lake environment. Young anglers will keep their catch for a shore lunch following the morning of fishing. For safety reasons, the program is limited to nine young anglers. Non-resident anglers need to purchase a youth license. Call 218-308-2300 to register.
Lake Bemidji State Park

Artist Plein Air Event
9:30–4 PM Come and learn about painting in the great outdoors at Maplewood’s 2nd annual “Plein Air” art event. Plein Air is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and is painting from life on-location. Artist presentation of “Plein Air” painting at 10:00AM followed by on-location drawing demostrations. Event held at the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter. Artists please contact the park office for regristration information. Public invited to come and watch artists work.
Maplewood State Park

Fall Colors Hike
10–11 AM Get ready to be surrounded by colors and join us for a naturalist lead hike along the Savanna Portage trail. Learn about the life of a voyageur and the famous portage trail, all while enjoying the beautiful fall foliage!
Savanna Portage State Park (Meet at the parking lot across from the Savanna Portage trail).

Autumn Geocaching
10 AM–4 PM
William O’Brien State Park

Hike Pike
10–Noon Join a naturalist on a cool morning walk around beautiful Pike Island. We will walk to the confluence of the mighty Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. This is a great opportunity to watch wildlife while getting some exercise.
Fort Snelling State Park (Please meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center)

Prairie Seed Collection —Volunteer Opportunity
10–3 PM Be a part of our Prairie Restoration management plan and help continue the progress at Frontenac. Join the Frontenac State Park Association to help collect seeds from various native prairie plants which will be processed and replanted back in the park to restore prairies.  You will also get a chance to learn a little about the process and see how others collecting in the past have created some beautiful areas in the park. Come anytime between 10 am and 3 pm to collect seeds. Plan on a minimum of 2-hours for seed collection. Meet at the Park Office for seed collection, collections will be conducted in the prairie across county road 2 from the Park Office.
Frontenac State Park

Nature Poetry Workshop
10am–3pm Instructor: Kathryn Kysar Cost: $35 ($35 tuition + $0 materials)

This workshop for poets of all levels will energize, invigorate, and strengthen participants’ poetry through a fun day of nature-focused poetic exercises. After reviewing the components of good poems, the group will read nature poems and generate new work by using playful prompts. Poems will be shared but not critiqued. Workshop participants will leave with several new poems started and a renewed excitement for nature-focused poetry.
Ely Folk School

Golden Acorn Geocaching
10–11 AM Why are newly fallen acorns like gold for wildlife? Find out as you use clues and geocaching skills to locate special golden acorns hidden in the park. The naturalist will start the program with geocaching basics and supply GPS units to those who need them. Start the fun at the park office.
Interstate State Park

Wild Animal Encounters
10–11 AM So you are out hiking and all of a sudden there is a bear, wolf or something else on the trail in front of you… What you do next can be the difference between a scary encounter and a dangerous one. Learn some basic safety and preventative skills for wild animals. While you are not likely to encounter bears and wolves in Fort Snelling State Park; you may find these skills handy on your next outdoor adventure.
Fort Snelling State Park

Mushrooms 101
10–Noon Volunteer naturalist, Jim Griffin will help us discover the good…the bad…and the ugly of the mushroom world. All vehicles must have a valid Minnesota State Park vehicle permit, which may be purchased at the park office.
Rice Lake State Park (Please meet at the picnic shelter)

Explore the Great Miss
10 AM September 20, 10-noon. On this pontoon boat tour we will reveal the historical highlights of the Upper Mississippi River and identify the birds that migrate by this natural landmark. Advanced sign up is required due to limited seating. Call the park office 218 308-2300.
Lake Bemidji State Park

Superior Hike
10 AM 9.5 miles. Hike along the scenic Cascade River before ascending to hike through a remote area of mixed forests with views of Eagle Mountain (the highest point in Minnesota) and Lake Superior. Directions: At Hwy. 61 milepost 101.7, turn left (north) on Cook Co. Rd. 7 and go 4.3 miles. Turn left on Co. Rd. 48 and go 0.3 miles to a “T” intersection. Turn left on Forest Rd. 158 (Bally Creek Rd.) and go 1.0 mile to Trailhead parking lot on left. Meeting Time: Meet for all hikes at 10:00 A.M. rain or shine. Please be prompt!
Cascade River State Park to Bally Creek Rd. Meet at the Bally Creek Rd. Trailhead parking lot.

Almost Fall Hike
10–11 AM Fall is almost here and wildlife are busy with preparations! Join a naturalist to discover the inside tips and tricks that animals use to get ready for the coming cold season. You are sure to find a few surprises along the easy, one mile trail. Meet at the park office.
Interstate State Park

What Makes an Old-Growth Forest Grow?
10–11:30 AM Have you ever wondered what makes an old growth forest an Old Growth Forest? Join Chris Gronewold, Itasca State Park Resource Manager, as he shares facts about the old growth forest within the park. The talk will be followed by a demonstration walk on a nearby trail through old growth forest. All are invited to this free event sponsored by the Headwaters Chapter of the Minnesota Forestry Association. Bring a lunch for later, or eat out at Douglas Lodge or the Mary Gibbs Center by the headwaters.
Itasca State Park (Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom; walk to follow)

Fall Color Hike
11–Noon Enjoy the autumn colors at Gooseberry Falls with a hike to explore geology and human history as nature prepares for winter. Join the Naturalist on this hike of discovery for all ages.
Meet at the Art Column outside the Visitor Center.
Gooseberry Falls State Park

Edible, Medicinal, Poisonous Plants
11–1 PM Plants, plants everywhere but what are they good for? Come and learn about some common plant species found in Fort Snelling State Park and throughout Minnesota and what they can be used for. Learn ancient uses that were developed by Native Americans and plant species brought here by Europeans and their uses. Presentation followed by a nature hike.
Fort Snelling State Park

CCC History Hike
11–Noon Follow the footsteps of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) men as they built the park. Listen as the structures and steps tell the stories of these incredible young men. 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

Archery in the Park
12:30–3 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. All equipment is provided and no personal or outside equipment will be allowed on the range. Must be 8 years and older. Adult must accompany younger participants. Open shoot, come during the class and you will get to shoot. Amount of shooting time varies on number of participants. The program is held outside, so dress appropriately. Meet at the Molly Stark Picnic Shelter.A MN state Park vehicle permit is required to attend this event, and can be purchased at the park for $5/day or $25 for an annual permit.
Glendalough State Park

Bird Banding Demo
12:30–2 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

Family Canoe $$$
1–3 PM Ages 8+  $15 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. Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700 or www.ThreeRiversParks.org
Cleary Lake Regional Park (Prior Lake)

Lost in the Woods
1–3 PM Learn some basic skills that could help save your life if you ever were to get lost in the woods. Learn how to make fire, build a shelter, and other cool survival techniques that will make you more likely to survive. Presentation followed by hands on activities: make fire, build a fort, and learn other cool skills as well!
Fort Snelling State Park

Book Signing
1:30–3 PM “North Shore – A Natural History of Superior’s North Coast”
Tettegouche State Park

Fall Color Fire Tower Hike
2–4 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 fall colors as you climb to the top of the 100-foot tall fire tower!
Itasca State Park (Meet in front of Douglas Lodge)

Wood Carving for Kids
2–4 PM This is a course for kids only, and it is designed as an introduction to the safe and efficient use of the knife as a carving tool. Many craftspeople are interested in reversing the stigma that knives often carry in contemporary modern society, one that identifies them as weapons. We hope to restore the knife’s place (as it exists in many other cultures of the world) as a tool that was designed to help people, not to harm them. Kids in this course will learn to safely use sharp knives for carving wood. They will gain the confidence to use these tools in the correct way, and to respect and to care for them. We will give examples of various uses for the knife here at North House, hoping to inspire a passion for making things.
North House Folk School

Fall Colors Evening Paddle
3–5:30 Take a guided trip down the beautiful St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Excite your senses with the sight of falling leaves, the sound of geese overhead, the feel of the warm evening light and the touch of cool water. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent from Pardun’s Canoe Rental, locted in the camp store building, open Saturday.
St. Croix State Park

Pioneer Bluegrass Jam
3–5 PM Imagine the songs that echoed off the bluffs in the Whitewater Valley during the days of the pioneers. Park visitors along with bluegrass pickers and old time music players of all skill levels are invited to re-create the music of our ancestors the third Sunday of each month, May – October. Meet at the amphitheater behind the visitor center.
Whitewater State Park

Dutch Oven Cooking
4–6 PM Join us for some Dutch Oven cooking! Two local experts will be demonstrating and instructing on the skills of using a dutch oven for cooking over a fire. You can cook anything from stews to pies and cakes in a dutch oven! Attendees will be able to sample what you have cooked!
Camden State Park (The program will be held in the North Picnic Shelter)

Harvest Festival
5–8 PM Families: enjoy an evening of old-fashioned outdoor fall fun with a warm bonfire, hayrides through the park, kids activities, an apple press, and hot chocolate and marshmallows for everyone. Guests are invited to bring their own hot dogs, meat or other food to grill. Families may also want to take a short hike down a candle-lit trail into the waterfalls gorge before heading home. Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for outdoor hiking and bring a flashlight. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minneopa, a nonprofit, volunteer organization of citizens interested in preserving, managing and promoting the resources of the park.
Minneopa State Park (Meet at the waterfall area)

Evening Beaver Scouting
6:30–8 PM  Bring your hiking boots and a flashlight down to the visitor center where we will have a brief talk about the lives and adaptations of beavers. Then, we will hike 3/4 of a mile, out and back, to the beaver lodge to hopefully catch a glimpse of our resident, nocturnal beaver colony. (Please no flip-flop sandals.)
William O’Brien State Park (Visitor Center)

Music Under the Pines
7–8:30 PM Tonight, Craig A Willis
Itassca State Park (Jacob V Brower Visitor Center)

Moonlight Golf $$$
7:30–8 PM Registration begins at 7:30 pm, tee-off begins at 8:00 pm. Cost is $13 for adults, $7 for children under 15. Park vehicle permits are required. Extra golf balls can be purchased on-site. Come out and enjoy a round of golf by moonlight! Our course will be lit by glow-in-the-dark lights, and players will be given two glow-in-the-dark balls to use. Play a whole round or a few holes; this event is for golfers of all ages and abilities. Please dress for the weather—September evenings can be cool!
Fort Ridgely State Park (Meet in the Chalet/Clubhouse parking lot)

International Observe the Moon Night
7:30–9 PM Join us as we take you on a spectacular journey to our moon with the help of our telescope. The program will begin in the trail center and then head outside as we look at the moon in all of its glory. As time permits we will observe other night sky objects, too. Please dress for the weather.
Bear Head Lake State Park

Moon Magic
8–9 PM Join us for an evening of storytelling and telescopes for this moonlit evening program. Participants will learn about the phases of the moon, examine moon maps, and play with moon dough. All ages are encouraged to attend. Program begins at the picnic shelter in the campground.
Buffalo River State Park

Night Hike
8–9:30 PM Please join volunteer naturalist, Tim Hruska, as he leads an informative and fun hike through the woods to see what kind of “night life” is hanging out. Flashlights not needed.
Rice Lake State Park

 

——————Sept 20—————————

Snakes Alive
10–11 AM William O’Brien is home to several MN snake species, particularly the fox snake. We will debunk some of the common snake scares, and unravel the lives of snakes before getting an up-close look (and feel) of our resident hog nose snake before its weekly feeding.
William O’Brien State Park (Visitor Center)

Fall Colors Picnic Hike
11–1:30 PM Join a park naturalist on a 1.5 mile, round-trip, hike to the Cascades. Bring a picnic lunch to eat below the waterfall. We’ll check out what’s going on in the forest on the way there and back!
Tettegouche State Park (Meet at the park bridge over the Baptism River)

American Indian Beadwork
11–Noon Meet the naturalist on the St. Croix Lodge Back Deck to try beadwork patterns from American Indian Tribes. This program is best suited for adults and older children. Bring your positive attitude and lots of patience!
St Croix State Park

Geocaching
1–3 PM Go treasure hunting at the trail center as we learn about geocaching and learn how to use a GPS. Come get questions answered and go find a sample cache as well. Limited GPS provided.
Bear Head Lake State Park

 

——————Upcoming . . .

Sept 21

Info Meeting on DNR Pike Proposal
6:30–8:30 PM Learn more about a statewide regulation proposal for northern pike fishing can attend informational meetings that will detail a concept to address different pike management objectives in north-central, northeast and southern Minnesota.
Duluth EPA building (6201 Congdon Blvd)

Sept 23

Teaching Forestry in the Schools
3–5 PM This course is open only to staff at St. Anthony Park Elementary School in St. Anthony Park, MN.  This course is 3 days: 9/23, 10/7, and 10/21, 3:10 – 5:10 each day. Teachers will get hands-on, engaging lessons to do with K-8 students in the Langford Park School Forest, located steps 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
St. Anthony Park Elementary School

Lake Superior Yoga
8–9 AM Come on down to Lake Superior for a relaxing yoga session. 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.  The yoga sessions will meet on the plaza behind the Visitor Center or in the Tettegouche Meeting Room if the weather is not nice.
Tettegouche State Park

 

Sept 25–27

Women Mentored Archery Deer Hunt $$$
September 25–27, 2015 Cost: $80 Preference is given to women who enroll in the 2015 bowhunter or beginners archery series. This will be a two-day mentored hunt. Hunters are required to have their own archery equipment, stands or blinds and an archery deer license. Two nights lodging and mentors included in this weekend hunt. Registration: For questions or to register contact Linda Bylander at linda.bylander@state.mn.us or by calling 218-833-8628.
Cedar Creek (East Bethel)

 

Sept 26

Guided Walk Through Butternut Valley
9:30 AM This small prairie remnant is home to a wide variety of prairie species. Indian grass and big bluestem should be in their fall glory during our visit. Bring your cameras and field guides to document and discover other late season flowers found in this unique place. Footwear appropriate for hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails and the hike will be on uneven terrain. There are neither public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. This tour will be conducted rain or shine.
Butternut Valley Prairie SNA

Seed Collection —Volunteer Opportunity
10 AM–2 PM Come out for a fun day of prairie seed collection. The seed will be used on the site for restorations. Some seed will be sown right after collecting. See the site’s web page for a map and description. This event will be led by the Lost Valley Prairie Site Steward, Jim Smetana. No advance sign-up, but contact us if you have a large group.
Lost Valley Prairie SNA

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants of Wisconsin
10–Noon Dr. Kelley A. Hagenbuch, D.C., M.H. has been a chiropractor for 26 years, and has a passion for wild plant food and traditional plant medicine. She has a Master Herbalist certificate from Midwest School for Herbal Studies and leads plant and mushroom forays for educational groups up and down the St. Croix River valley. She will present a program that discusses identification, uses and safety information for novices on plants and mushrooms in the area, and then will lead a walk to see what we can find. Both Adults and children age 8 and older will enjoy her lively presentation and short hike to find out about the useful plants and fungi that grow here. We will start at the Visitor Center and then take a short drive down to the Riverside Trail for the walk.
William O’Brien State Park

Prairie Restoration Celebration
8:30 AM September 26, 2015: Fall Color Celebration and Ribbon – cutting Event at Maplewood State Park: Come and experience the splendor of fall color where the prairie and hardwood forest meet. Witness the wonder of fall color on the edge of Maplewood’s renowned hardwood forests and the colorful prairies of the west. This event celebrates the Legacy Prairie Restorations Projects of Maplewood State Park and showcases the various stages of prairie restoration. A ribbon-cutting ceremony, prairie restoration tours will coincide with the annual “Friends of Maplewood Leaf Day celebration events at Maplewood State Park. Please join us for this color-filled fall event.
Maplewood State Park

Archery in the Park
10–Noon Bows and arrows provided, join certified archery instructors for a hands-on shot at archery. This unique opportunity is for children ages 8 and up; beginners welcome! Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult; registration not required. Program will take place at the picnic area.
Wild River State Park

Leaf Days
10–4 PM Come and celebrate the fall Colors at Maplewood State Park. Various activities by the Friends of Maplewood State Park. All events held at the Josh Hanson Memorial Picnic Shelter.
Maplewood State Park

Fishing 101
10–1 PM Do you want to participate in one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities, but you are not sure how to bait a hook or cast your line? Join our fishing gurus and learn the basics of fishing. Feel free to stop by anytime during the program. All ages welcome. A limited number of fishing poles are available. Meet at the fishing pier. There is no cost for this program. It does take place outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Lake Bermillion/Soudan Underground Mine

Archeology Day
10–4 PM The Minnesota Archaeological Society will host a full day of displays, demonstrations and activities highlighting archaeology and the early history of Minnesota. Demonstrations include flint knapping, pottery making, birch bark canoe building, prehistoric cooking techniques, traditional wild rice processing, spears & spear-throwers, a kids archery range and an opportunity to view an archeological excavation in progress. Displays include books and pamphlets from the Minnesota Archaeological Society, archaeology of Maritime Heritage Minnesota, St. Cloud State University, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Office of the State Archaeologist.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Fall Color Fun Day
11 AM–8 PM Celebrate fall during this day filled with fun fall activities. Join us on a fall hike,make crafts and play games that are enjoyable for the whole family. Check the calendar for specific programs and times. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center.
Jay Cooke State Park

Pothole Hike
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

Guided Hike
1 PM This mesic prairie lies on a rock terrace 70 feet above the Minnesota River Valley. Our walk should offer up autumn beauties including sunflowers, goldenrods, and coneflowers interspersed amongst the golden colored grasses. Bring your cameras and field guides to capture this special landscape. Footwear appropriate for hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails and the hike will be on uneven terrain. There are neither public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. This tour will be conducted rain or shine.
Kasota Prairie SNA

Autumn Festival
6–8:30 PM “Exploring Itasca’s Birds” is the theme of this year’s lantern lit hike. Guides with lanterns will lead you down the kerosene lantern-lit trail to meet characters that will share stories about special birds that call Itasca home during this family-friendly evening hike. Group hikes will last about 30 minutes, departing every ten minutes from the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. Registration for hikes begins at 6 p.m. The first hike leaves at 6:30 p.m. and the last hike will leave at 8:10 p.m. Suitable for all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Other activities will be ongoing, including music and a variety of children’s activities.
Itasca State Park (Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center)

Music Under the Pines
6:30–8:30 PM Join Lori Goulet Reich, a Lake Itasca Transplant from the suburbs of Minneapolis, as she performs a variety of music best described as acoustic folk and alt-country flavored music. Lori also has played in various bands both classic rock and country, so come enjoy a variety of well-known tunes.
Itasca State Park (Jacob V Brower Visitor Center)

Candlelight Bog Hike
7:30–9 PM Join us for Big Bog’s Autumn Candlelight Hike! Candles will light the way through the bog, with a stunning night sky filled with stars awaiting you at the north end. If you’ve never explored the Boardwalk before, or even if you have, this is a unique way to see it! The Boardwalk is fully accessible and family-friendly,too. Hot drinks and snacks will complete the event at the Ludlow Pond picnic shelter. Meet at the North Unit. A vehicle pass is required and can be purchased at the event.
Big Bog State Park

 

Seasons

09/19/15 – 12/31/15		Deer Hunt – Archery season
09/19/15 – 02/29/16 09/19/15 – 11/30/15 Sharptailed Grouse season 09/19/15 – 01/03/16 Ruffed and Spruce Grouse, Hungarian Partridge season 09/19/15 – 11/02/15 Woodcock season		Small Game – Rabbits, Squirrels season

09/26/15 Waterfowl season opener

09/26/15 – 09/27/15 Take-a-Kid Hunting weekend

09/26/15 – 10/04/15 Prairie Chicken season