Cannon River Valley Master Naturalist Chapter

Minnesota Master Naturalist chapters are regional groups of volunteers who meet to share experiences, learn together, connect with natural resource experts, cooperate in identifying local needs, and become more involved in environmental events and projects in their communities. Chapters are "officially" sanctioned through the Minnesota Master Naturalist state program, and agree to abide by certain standards and structures for operation. Active volunteers, participants in Minnesota Master Naturalist classes, and other members of the natural resources community can all join chapters. z.umn.edu/CRFMNats

Contact and meeting information

Chapter email address: cannonrivervalleymnats@gmail.com

Leadership team:

President - Pam Fickenscher

Vice President - Breanna Wheeler

Secretary - Heather McNabnay

At Large - Laurie Hougen-Eitzman, Jim Platt, Mark Traffas

Chapter Host - Carleton College Cowling Arboretum/Nancy Braker

Next Program: 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!

Meeting information: (click on the Events tab above for more information on upcoming meetings)

Starting in 2025, we will meet in the evenings on the third Thursday of even numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, December).

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? Email your interest with place name, date and time for January, March, May, July, September, November. For inspiration on past places we've gone, scroll down on the Events tab to see past events.Thank you!