Upcoming Phenology Walks & Field Trips

Thursday August 20, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (approx) Visit Belwin Conservancy's Bison Herd! 

In person: at 15551 Division Street, Afton

Every year, between mid-May and late September, a herd of bison lives on Belwin's restored prairie. For free, you can park at the viewing area and climb the platform to get a glimpse at these beautiful creatures. Bring your binoculars — they roam on 130 acres and are masters at blending into the prairie flora. Or, for a donation of $50 or more, you can take a private ride on the Bison Buggy right into the field.
We're hoping to put together a group of eight or more Master Nats to take a buggy ride into the prairie. Alternatively, we could simply meet as a group at the viewing platform and try our luck, then take a hike on Belwin's adjacent Tallgrass trails. Or a combination of both! 

• Sign up here if you'd like to ride the Bison Buggy ($50 donation)

• Sign up here if you'd like to look for the bison from the viewing platform and then take a hike together (free)

We need RSVPs for the Bison Buggy by Friday (July 31); we need 8 people to make it a go. If there's more interest than that we'll have two buggy excursions back to back; one group can hike while the other is on the buggy.

Belwin Conservancy is up to lots of cool things, and this is a great opportunity to support them! 

Thursday September 8, 8:15 pm to 10:00 pm (approx) Mothing at Westwood Hills Nature Center Led by Ryan Tomazin
In person at: 8300 W Franklin Ave, St Louis Park, MN

Come learn about moths from Minnesota Master Naturalist Ryan Tomazin at this open-to-the-public event. You’ll learn the basics of “mothing” and observe various species found at Westwood Hills. (A similar event was held recently at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and it was a great success.)

This is a Master Nat-sponsored event, so we're hoping to get some West Metro Chapter members to help out. Watch for another communication soon with details about how you can help, and in the meantime, save the date! Also, you might want to check out this StarTribune article about the mothing (also led by Ryan) that happened at this year's Gathering Partner's conference. 

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These are in person events