Thursday, April 17 at 7 PM - Spring Walk at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park with Katy Gillispie of Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods
At Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in mid April, the hardwood forest is beginning to awaken. This park is one of the best locations in the state for seeing the earliest wildflowers, called spring ephemerals. Among them is the federally endangered Dwarf Trout Lily, which exists only in 3 counties in Minnesota. Although April 17th is pretty early for much to be blooming, spring seems to be moving along quickly, so we may see some. In any case, you can see the deep ravine carved by glacial meltwater, and a lovely little waterfall called Hidden Falls. Trees will be budding and perhaps we'll hear a chorus of mating toads in a vernal pool.
Meet in the picnic area. All vehicles must have park permits, which can be purchased online at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html
If the park office is closed, you won't be able to buy them there. Hope to see you there!
WE NEED YOUR HELP IN MARCH, MAY, JULY, NOVEMBER –
For odd numbered months, we need your help! Do you have a favorite natural area you'd like to invite the chapter to and have an informal walk? Reply with your interest and the place name, address, date and time and we can work out the logistics. Thank you!
February 20 - Rice County Roadside Prairie Remnants - What can you do to help protect these gems? - Presented by Nancy Braker, Arboretum Director, Carleton College and Jim Platt, Cannon River Valley Master Naturalist Leadership Team https://umn.zoom.us/rec/share/iWWPbAc2rcIpVKK3xyW4QkCzr24-NjbM8MH66lWJaHtS_0f7JMSGBZedAhK3OMyy.WHY1pY6oEyqhRed2?startTime=1740100093000
December 5 - Chapter Holiday Gathering at The Hideaway Coffeehouse & Wine Bar
October 27 - Bike Tour on Cannon River Trail by Cannon River Turtle Preserve SNA with Mark Traffas
September 28 - National Public Lands Day Invasive Species Removal at Hauberg Woods, Northfield, MN
August 25 - Sunset / Dusk Walk at Carleton College Cowling Arboretum
July 16 - Drawing from Nature at Valley Grove Church
June 30 - Koester Prairie Field Trip near Dennison, MN
April 28 - Waterfowl and Bird Watching at Rice Lake State Park and Armstrong Wetland Restoration, Steele Co.
March 21 - Bell Museum - From Roadkill to Research Zoom
February 25 - Valley Grove Church / Preservation Society Land Tour