Minnesota Master Naturalist

FMR Updates
CRITICAL AREA RULEMAKING TO MOVE FORWARD!

Good news for the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities -- rulemaking is back on track for the 72-mile corridor of the Mississippi River from Dayton to Hastings. Designated as a State Critical Area in 1976 and as a National Park in 1988, this stretch of river has waited decades for set of consistent, science-based rules that will ensure protection of the corridor for generations to come.

THE CLEAN WATER LEGACY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT PASSES LEGISLATURE

After several months of hard work by FMR and our partners, the Clean Water Accountability Act has successfully passed the Minnesota Legislature.

The bills, originally authored by Senator John Hoffman and Representative John Persell, were included in both the House and Senate Omnibus Legacy Bills and passed on May 20th. The bill will now go to Governor Dayton for his signature. This is a major victory for the Mississippi River and was one of FMR's top legislative priorities this session.

MINNESOTA COAL TAR SEALANT PHASE-OUT LEGISLATION PASSES

In a major victory for water quality and public health, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill phasing out the use of coal tar sealants in Minnesota. Effective January 1st 2014, the sale and application of coal tar sealants for asphalt-paved surfaces will be unlawful.

This is a big win for FMR and the Mississippi River. This issue was recently highlighted in the State of the River Report, and was one of FMR's priority policy recommendations to the State Legislature in our Mississippi River Policy Guide.

A TRIO OF FMR OUTINGS IN ICONIC MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL PARKS

Join us in June to learn about the ecology of two iconic Twin Cities parks, then work alongside FMR ecologists to help protect and restore them. Late in the month, we'll explore urban wetland ecology and use dip nets to get a closer look at invertebrates in the lake and learn what they can tell us about water quality. Sign up for one or all three outings!

U.S. SENATE SUPPORTS INCLUDING LOCK CLOSURE IN THE 2013 WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT

In a major breakthrough in the campaign to slow the spread of invasive Asian Carp up the Mississippi River, the U.S. Senate has approved the closure of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock.

20 SIMPLE ACTIONS I CAN DO TO PROTECT MY RIVER AND MY WATERSHED

There are many things you can do to help the river, and some of them are really easy. Pledge to help the river in 2013 with a few actions that will make a difference.

IT'S TIME TO REGISTER FOR WHAT SOME CALL "THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY SUMMER"!

Join us (and several hundred fellow river lovers!) to celebrate the 10th year of FMR's Mississippi River Challenge. This fun, fully-supported and guided paddling event gets you out on your local rivers for one or two days of amazing scenery, great food and awesome companionship.

FULTON BEER TO INTRODUCE NEW FMR BREW ON MAY 25

We don't have a name yet, but we DO have a beer brewing. Join us on May 25th for the release of Fulton's new brew in honor of FMR's 20th Anniversary!

PEACE COFFEE DEAL LASTS UNTIL JUNE 30 - STOCK UP FOR THE RIVER!

If hot coffee isn't your thing, maybe an iced coffee to celebrate the approach of summer? Peace Coffee's $2 off and 20% for the river coupons are valid until June 30th, so it might be time to stock up for all your summer coffee needs.

NEW PARKLAND ELEMENTS COME INTO FOCUS ABOVE THE FALLS

The Minneapolis Park Board released initial design concepts for many early projects in the Above the Falls area, as plans move closer to approval.

FMR WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FMR is pleased to welcome Juila Kaemmer and Chad Dayton to its Board of Directors.

COME TOUR, RESTORE FMR'S NEWEST STEWARDSHIP AREA

With its rolling hills, heavily wooded ravines and stunning prairie patches, FMR's newest southern Washington County restoration area in Cottage Grove offers a wide variety of habitats and breathtaking new local stewardship opportunities. Learn more about this unique local tunnel valley and upcoming events to explore and restore it. Or, if you live, work or worship nearby, let us know if you'd like FMR to come tell your neighborhood group, church or company about it in person!

Mississippi River News
EAGLES CONTINUE COMEBACK ALONG NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI RIVER

According to a recent article in the Star Tribune, a new count shows that eagles are gaining nests and eaglets along the Mississippi River, mostly between St. Paul and Hastings. An aerial count in mid-April found 38 active nests, two more than last year, in the 72-mile stretch from Dayton to Hastings that makes up the Mississippi National River Recreation Area

NEW REPORT: "MINNESOTA'S GROUNDWATER: IS OUR USE SUSTAINABLE?"

Recent media coverage has highlighted a troubling trend in Minnesota: groundwater depletion. Our friends at The Freshwater Society recently released a new report entitled "Minnesota's Groundwater: Is our use sustainable?" The report, published in April, looks at groundwater use and long-term sustainability in Minnesota. It serves as a powerful reminder that -- even in the Land of 10,000 Lakes -- our waters are limited resources

Calendar of Events
UPCOMING STATE OF THE RIVER REPORT PRESENTATIONS

Various dates
Various locations

In September 2012, Friends of the Mississippi River and the National Park Service released the first-ever State of the River Report, detailing the ecological health of the Twin Cities stretch of the Mississippi River. While the report is available in its entirely at StateoftheRiver.com, FMR and NPS staff will also be presenting the report several times over the coming months. We encourage you to attend any one of a number of public events, listed at StateoftheRiver.com.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER CHALLENGE MEET-UPS

Last Tuesday of the month
Various locations

This year, Mississippi River Challenge paddlers, volunteers and enthusiasts are all encouraged to come to our series of meet-ups and social hours. Held the last Tuesday of every month at various Twin Cities locations, meetups will feature door prizes, Q and A with staff, and special registration promotions. Whether you're there to register with one of our special promotions, learn more about the Mississippi River Challenge, or just to meet and greet with others involved in this world-class paddling event, each meet-up will be a great chance to get involved in the Mississippi River Challenge community! For more information, please visit MississippiRiverChallenge.org, or subscribe to our Facebook and Twitter feeds!!

RIVERSIDE PARK RESTORATION AND TENDING

Thursday, June 6 -- 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Riverside Park, Minneapolis River Gorge

Join the restoration of Minneapolis's oldest riverfront park! Join FMR ecologist Joe Walton and Youth & Community Engagement Coordinator Katie Clower to tend the native grasses, flowers and shrubs planted last year. Volunteers will remove invasive species and assist with other restoration tasks, improving local wildlife habitat and watershed health in the process.

Capacity is limited and preregistration required. Learn more on the event page, or sign up now with Lindsay at lhefferan@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x24.

INDIAN MOUNDS PARK BRUSH HAUL AND CLEANUP

Saturday, June 8 -- 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Indian Mounds Park, St. Paul

While Carver's Cave overlook in Indian Mounds Park is most known for its vista -- one of the most photographed river scenes in the metro area -- it is also home to an exciting restoration project. Since 2011, FMR has been working with Saint Paul Parks & Recreation, community volunteers, and students from nearby Harding High Earth Club to remove invasive species and restore the native bluff prairie on the west side of this historic park's overlook. Now, volunteers are needed to build upon and expand the restoration of this historic overlook.

Alongside FMR and Saint Paul Parks staff, volunteers will haul and stack invasive brush, including European buckthorn, on the overlook slope; weed and tend to native shrubs planted on the west side of the overlook, and pick up litter and debris.

Capacity is limited and preregistration required. Learn more on the event page, or sign up now with Lindsay at lhefferan@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x24.

EXPLORE URBAN WETLAND ECOLOGY AT CROSBY PARK

Thursday, June 13 -- 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Crosby Park, Mississippi River Gorge, St. Paul

Join experts from Friends of the Mississippi River and Capitol Region Watershed District to learn about the fascinating ecology of an urban wetland! Explore the plant life in and around Crosby Park's Upper Lake and the surrounding marsh, and learn about the important role these plants play in providing habitat and filtering pollutants from water. Participants will use dip nets to get a closer look at macroinvertebrates living in the lake, and discuss what these tiny creatures reveal about the impacts of water pollution.

Capacity is limited and preregistration required. Learn more on the event page, or sign up now with Lindsay at lhefferan@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x24.

MAKE AND TAKE RAINBARREL WORKSHOP

Wednesday, June 26 -- 6:00-8:00 pm
Dakota County Western Service Center, Apple Valley

Learn what you can do to make your yard watershed-friendly then build and bring home your own ready-to-go rain barrel. Registration is $30, barrel and installation kit included. Learn more and sign up directly through the event listing.

WORKNIGHT IN THE RARE PRAIRIE

Thursday, June 27 -- 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sand Coulee Scientific & Natural Area, Hastings

With its tall grass and wildflowers, the Sand Coulee offers a different kind of beauty. While not your average park visitor's destination, for animals and insects it is no less than an oasis in a desert of habitat; some 14 rare plant and animal species call the coulee home. On this summer evening, volunteers will work with FMR Restoration Ecologist Karen Schik to help protect this rare patch of prairie by learning to identify and helping to halt the spread of the invasive species cow vetch and spotted knapweed.

Capacity is limited and preregistration required. Learn more on the event page, or sign up now with Lindsay at lhefferan@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x24.

PRAIRIE & OAK WOODLANDS WALK

Saturday, June 29th-- 9:30-11:30 a.m.
3M Natural Area, Cottage Grove

Come explore the oak woodlands and high-quality native prairie remnants of 3M's Cottage Grove site (not normally accessible to the public) with FMR Ecologist Joe Walton and River Stewardship Coordinator Adam Flett. Learn about the local ecology, flora and fauna of this new restoration site, as well as upcoming public events and activities to help protect and restore it.

Capacity is limited and preregistration required. Learn more on the event page, or sign up now with Lindsay at lhefferan@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x24.

SCHEDULE YOUR STENCILING OUTING TODAY!

Now through mid-October, 2013
City of Saint Paul

If you're looking for a great service outing that is educational, active, outdoors and provides a significant community benefit, consider storm drain stenciling. It's just one and a half to three hours in length, and can be set at a time and St. Paul location convenient for your group. Reservations are now being taken for outings through October 2013.

Whose View? From Where?
MAY 2013

Each month in this section, we feature a photo from somewhere along the river corridor in the Twin Cities that is in some way significant, important, or just plain scenic. Individuals may then e-mail us and identify the view and explain why they believe it is significant to the community or important to them personally.

APRIL 2013 ANSWER

We had a surprising number of wrong guesses this month. If you guessed the picture included Pike Island, for example, you were in very good company.

Resource of the Month
PIONEER PRESS FAMILY OUTINGS MAP

Pioneer Press reporter Maja Beckstrom has written about fun things to do with kids in the Twin Cities since 2006. And each time she explores a new site or program with her family, she pins it to the interactive Family Outings Map. You can explore more than 130 destinations by map view, or filter by type of activity, age of kids, and price. Readers can also post about their experiences and suggest new sites.

Phenology
FERNS, FERN ALLIES, AND HORSETAILS

Along with the perhaps showier forbs (wildflowers), spring is also a good time to observe ferns and fern allies, which are finally emerging from this year's particularly long winter dormancy. If you are hunting for fiddle-heads, now is a good time to do it! Bracken and ostrich ferns are now uncurling their little heads, forming new fronds.

Supporting FMR
FUN WAYS TO SUPPORT FMR DURING OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

Whether it's joining us at the Fulton tap room, buying Peace Coffee, paddling the Mississippi River Challenge, or giving a $20 gift membership, there are a lot of ways to support FMR this year, and they fit every lifestyle and every budget.

Quote of the Month

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music."

- Friedrich Nietzsche

When - Saturday June 22
Where - Whitewater State Park
What - Pulling wild parsnip
Time
Registration at 8:30
Work starts at 9 AM
Will work until 11:30 and then take a break for lunch
Start again at 1:00 and work till 4:00
A Potluck dinner will be served at 5:30

Bring long pants, long sleeved shirt, rubber gloves, and head protection such as mosquito netting. This will all help protect you from the nasty parsnip.
There will also be jobs for people who don't want to pull.

This will be a one day workday. However, some may want to camp overnight. I have a group campsite reserved at Carley State Park that people can use. It is tent camping only. Cost for the group camp will $10.

Those who will attend should contact Sara Grover from Whitewater at sara.grover@state.mn.us or call 507-932-3007 ext 226.

Those who would like to use the group campsite should send me an email.

Please contact me on what you think of this as an activity for the Master Naturalists.

Steve Poole
612-839-1272

"The Gardens of the Atlantic Maritimes" August 15-24, 2013

Nova Scotia was one of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's popular tours in 2007.This year we will visit Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. This delightful tour features one of Canada's most picturesque regions. In August, these coastal Provinces will be in full bloom and with the dramatic highlands of Cape Breton, the sleepy villages and beaches of Prince Edward Island, and the dramatic 30 foot tides of the Bay of Fundy, it will be a most memorable trip.

"Scotland: Gardens, Castles & Golf" September 21-30, 2013

We have a great adventure planned for you next fall as Peter Olin escorts his specially designed tour to Scotland. September in Scotland is one of the best times to see the spectacular gardens and ancient castles. We will see botanical gardens, private gardens and country estates as well as cruise on Loch Ness looking for Nessie! And we will visit a Scotch distillery. There can be a "golf day" for those desiring such.

You're Invited...

Friday, June 21
4:30PM-7:30PM
Watab Picnic Grounds, Saint John's Abbey Arboretum

Our family friendly summer music festival! Bring a picnic, enjoy outdoor activities, and listen to great music!

Spread the word!

Featuring Grammy Award Winning folk duo: the Okee Dokee Brothers

Suggested Donation: $10 per family

Threat of aquatic invasive species re-emerges with boating season

With boating season moving in to high gear this Memorial Day weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding boaters and anglers to be extra vigilant to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

"Minnesota's lakes and rivers are one of our most precious resources and we need every person to take responsibility to help prevent and curb the spread of AIS," said Ann Pierce, DNR invasive species unit supervisor.

Boaters and anglers must know the AIS laws before they hit the water.

"The laws have not changed since last year," Pierce said. "Before leaving a water access every boater must: clean off aquatic plants and animals, pull the drain plug and leave it out when transporting. They need to drain all water from bait buckets, livewells and boats and dispose of unwanted live bait in the trash. These simple steps protect our waters and may keep you from getting a citation."

DNR's stepped up efforts

People can expect watercraft inspectors and conservation officers at public accesses this summer. Statewide plans include:

Watercraft Inspections -The DNR will have up to 150 authorized inspectors stationed at high-use public waters that are infested with zebra mussels - and 23 hot water decontamination units available to clean infested equipment. Local units of government will also have inspectors at various accesses throughout the state.

Enforcement - All DNR conservation officers will focus on enforcing AIS laws this season. They will write citations for AIS law violations. Roadside checks will be conducted.

AIS canine unit -Three zebra-mussel detector dogs, which can find a mussel faster than a human inspector, will help conservation officers at check stations and water accesses this summer.

2012 AIS enforcement and inspection recap

In 2012, watercraft inspectors and conservation officers spent about 81,000 hours inspecting more than 120,000 watercraft/trailers, resulting in 998 citations and 1,550 written warnings. There were 121 watercraft inspectors who worked most of the open water season inspecting boats and providing information to the public. An additional 30 inspectors were hired to assist with end-of-season coverage.

AIS citations and fines

Boaters and others who fail to follow AIS laws can expect to receive citations and pay fines. The current fines are:

Transporting aquatic plants - $100 civil penalty or misdemeanor.

Transporting water in boats or other water-related equipment - $100 civil penalty or misdemeanor.

Transporting zebra mussels and other prohibited species of animals - $500 civil penalty or misdemeanor.

For more information about AIS laws, a list of designated infested waters in Minnesota and contact information for AIS specialists throughout the state is available at www.mndnr.gov/ais.

Learn about aquatic life and the health of Carver Counties Creeks.

To protect and improve local streams, Carver County coordinates the Stream Health Evaluation Program (SHEP). Through the program, volunteers are trained and work as part of a community-based team to collect data on stream macro-invertebrates (aquatic bugs) and habitat assessment providing valuable information to local governments and decision makers. The Stream Health Evaluation Program uses sampling methods and
evaluation metrics developed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to evaluate stream health. The vegetation and macro-invertebrate analyses metrics are based on species diversity and species richness. Citizen teams, led by a trained team leader, conduct the sampling. Each participating team collects data on 2-3 streams in Carver County. You can learn more about the program and view the 2012 SHEP Team Report in the "How You Can Help" section at www.co.carver.mn.us/water. Join a team of other interested citizens who are concerned about Carver's Creeks.

No experience is necessary. Training is provided. For more information, contact Carver County Water Management Organization by phone 952-361-1026 or e-mail mseveland@co.carver.mn.us.

Be part of a program that impacts our community's water resources and brings citizens together!!!

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
In A Nutshell 2013
FREE Field Biology Workshops
Especially For Elementary Educators
3 CEU Credits available

Gather practical tips and first-hand experience to incorporate into your classroom
teaching. Use field equipment, improve your identification skills, and discover the
"WOW" facts that will impress your students. Free lesson ideas, worksheets, and
resource materials for your classroom are included.

** 2013 TEACHERS' SPECIAL **
Make-and-take teaching tools for your classroom at every session!
Explorers Club, ages 8-12 only, is available (free) from 9:00 - noon, for children of participants. (Space in Explorers is limited so please register early).
Register for the workshop at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Nutshell2013

Insects in the Classroom
June 19, 9:00 - noon
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Discover a number of ways to collect, observe and keep insects right in your own classroom. Jump start your own virtual classroom collection in this session. No insects will be harmed during this session.

Tracking in the Classroom
July 17, 9:00 - noon
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Teach your students how to solve a wildlife mystery! Create your own nature detective track scene to use in the classroom and watch their stories come alive!

School Yard Tree ID
August 22, 9:00 - noon
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
Bring a branch from each tree in your schoolyard or neighboring park and create a tree key to use year after year with your specific grade level. A number of options from simple leaf match to more complicated keys will be offered.

Nature Inside
December 30, 9:00 - noon
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
When the weather keeps you indoors, pull out a set of inside "recess" nature games and activities that bring the outdoors inside!

Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
15865 Carver Highlands Drive
Carver, MN 55315
952-361-4502

Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425
952-854-5900

Project WILD
Teacher Workshop
Thursday, August 15, 2013
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
(6.5 CEU credits)
Free to Refuge Partner Teachers and Refuge Partner Schools Teachers
($25.00 to Refuge Friends, Inc. to cover curriculum costs)

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425

 Receive your own copy of the national Project WILD and Project WILD Minnesota curriculums.

 Sample hands-on, standard-based activities designed for the classroom.

 Discover a wealth of FREE teaching materials and resources available through
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the MN Department of Natural Resources.

To register, contact Suzanne Trapp at 952-361-4502 or
suzanne_trapp@fws.gov by Thursday, Aug. 8

A Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP) citizen scientist training will be provided as part of this public program offered at Eastman Nature Center in Maple Grove. Consider doing larval monitoring this summer! Learn at the training whether you want to monitor your own site or, if you prefer, join the team that will be counting the monarchs at Eastman. The training itself, and the rest of the event, is a great way to learn more about this famous and favorite butterfly. More about the MLMP at mlmp.org.

MONARCHS, CITIZEN SCIENCE, AND BUTTERFLY GARDENING
Welcome back, butterflies! Get your garden ready: make a Milkweed Seed Mud-ball. A Master Gardener will teach about other butterfly-friendly plantings and send you home with native seeds. A kids craft and the Larva Life Challenge Course add to the fun. Learn about joining the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project during a 45 minute citizen scientist training (2pm), or just browse educational displays. Monarchs are returning from the south and all butterflies are looking for nectar and caterpillar food in our flower gardens. Everyone can help! Drop in anytime. $5. Ages: All.
June 1 - Saturday #312201-01
1-4 PM

Elaine Tucker
Interpretive Naturalist
Eastman Nature Center
Three Rivers Park District
763-694-7704
Fax: 763-420-4477

ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS

PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks is looking for folks who love the outdoors to join us on the first annual Minnesota PlayCleanGo Day
Saturday, June 8th

Minnesota PlayCleanGo Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day and DNR State Park Open House Day. So there's lots going on at the state parks and all state park admission is FREE!

As a PlayCleanGo volunteer you would be given a tee-shirt, ball cap, poncho (in case the weather turns wet) and an invasive plant field guide and would be stationed at a table near the trail head or nature center at one of the six state parks listed below.

INTERSTATE STATE PARK - 307 Milltown Rd., Taylors Falls, MN
FORT SNELLING STATE PARK - 101 Snelling Lake Rd., St. Paul, MN
GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK - 3206 Hwy 61 East, Two Harbors, MN
WHITE WATER STATE PARK - 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
ITASCA STATE PARK - 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN
LAKE CARLOS STATE PARK - 2601 County Rd. 38 Northeast, Carlos, MN

Volunteers will be passing out PlayCleanGo materials and goodies and talking to park visitors about the simple steps they can take to help stop the spread of invasive species such as Buckthorn, Creeping Charlie, Purple Loosestrife, and Canada Thistle to name a few. All volunteers will be sent a set of instructions, talking points and general information about PlayCleanGo before the day of the event. But in the meantime check us out at www.PlayCleanGo.org

The goal of PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks is to encourage outdoor recreation like off-road vehicle use, hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, while protecting valuable natural resources. So come join on June 8th and bring your family to enjoy the day!!

To let us know where and when you'd like to participate as a PlayCleanGo volunteer, please contact Susan Burks, MNDNR Forestry Invasive Species Program Coordinator, at 651-259-5251 or Susan.burks@state.mn.us.

Help us stop the spread of terrestrial invasive species!

Love trees?

June 8th @ 10 am
Meet at Degidio's parking lot
(Douglas and West 7th)

The West 7th Little Bohemia Neighborhood Group is going to assess the health of the young trees planted on boulevards. St. Paul City Forestry is looking forward to receiving the inventory and our notes so as to best help us ensure the long-term health of the trees in our community. Training will be provided.

Learn about trees, meet neighbors and other tree enthusiasts

Enjoy a walk through the neighborhood

Help us complete a tree inventory of our young boulevard trees

Contact jen@mnnature.org to volunteer
(to inventory and/or train/supervise)

Dragonfly Workshop
Presented by Kurt Mead

June 29, 2013
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
$50 per person Arboretum members & MN Master Naturalists
$75 per person non-members

Dragonflies and damselflies (known collectively as the Odonata) are fascinating and beautiful insects and can be found throughout Minnesota, from the prairies to the north woods. There are 105 known species of dragonfly and 41 known damselfly species in Minnesota. 19 species have been added to the state list since 2006.

This workshop will be conducted by award-winning author of Dragonflies of the North Woods, Kurt Mead.
During the workshop participants will receive an introduction to the ecology, natural history and identification of dragonflies and damselflies. Time in the field will allow students to observe, catch (with a net) and identify dragonflies and damselflies.

Registration for this workshop can be made by contacting Northland Arboretum at 218-829-8770 or email us at arboretum@brainerd.net

To access the web version of the newsletter, click here.

Volunteer Opportunity!
Looking for volunteers to inventory the health of newly planted blvd trees in the Little Bohemia neighborhood (a small, historic area of the greater West 7th/District 9 area of St. Paul) June 08 @ 10am.

Minnesota Tree Care Advisors will be on site to help train in volunteers on how to complete the inventory. A great opportunity to volunteer and learn!

Please contact MNTCA and Master Naturalist Jen Gehlhar to sign up or get more info.
jen@mnnature.org

The Headwaters Science Center will be offering a 2-day workshop on Rocks & Minerals.

Where: The first day will be classroom and lab-work at the Science Center, 413 Beltrami Ave. NW, Bemidji, MN. The second day we will leave from the science center on an all day geological fieldtrip.
When: 9:00am - 2:00pm on Monday & Tuesday June 17th & 18th, 2013
Who: Teachers, educators and anyone 13 years of age or older who is curious about rocks & minerals and enjoys learning. No experience necessary!
Cost: $75.00; this fee includes all course materials and supplies. Lunch will be provided both days. You will take home a collection of about 64 identified rocks and minerals.

Please stop in at the Science center or call 218-444-4472 to register. There is a 25 person maximum on the workshop.

From Bozeman

Dear Water Education Enthusiasts,

The Next Generation Science Standards are out!
While the Project WET USA staff were at the conference, the Next Generation Science Standards were released. We have immediately started correlating the new standards to our Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0. These correlations will be posted to our portal as soon as possible.

In anticipation of our conference in August, we are reading two books, A Ditch in Time by Patty Limerick and The Forest Unseen by David Haskell. I am thrilled to tell you that The Forest Unseen was placed as a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in general fiction and winner of the 2013 Reed Environmental Writing Award. David will be a featured speaker at our conference in August.

There are so many exciting things going on across the country in water education and unfortunately I can only relate a few of them in our monthly newsletter. This is why getting together once a year at our annual conference is so important. Our time together allows us to reconnect and learn about our collective effort to protect the waters of North America. I hope your calendar days August 7-9 are marked "Project WET USA Water Education Conference, Denver Colorado, Wouldn't Miss it!"

Please feel free to contact me or the Project WET USA staff if you have any questions. Thank-you for all you do for the waters of North America.


Warmest regards,

Laurina Isabella Lyle
Project WET USA Executive Director
406-585-4184
laurina.lyle@projectwet.org

SpringHillSuites at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Water Education Conference
August 7-9, 2013

Field Experiences & Opening Night Dinner:
Tuesday, Aug. 6

Professional Development Workshops August 7-9

Peregrine Falcon cam - Here is the website: http://thefalconsat33.com/default.htm.

Access the May 2013 Mississippi Messages newsletter here.

Never a Dull Moment in TRC Education . . . .
If you are one of the 150,000 people TRC typically sees in a year with our education programming, you know how unique our offerings are. We thought we'd give you an update as to what our staff (feathered and otherwise) is up to over the next few months . . .

Pi the Bald Eagle is Promoted
Pi the bald eagle has "graduated" in his training to begin doing more offsite programs! You have followed some of his outings on our blog, and know he went to the Minnesota Twins Home Opener April 1 (there is a Facebook photo album you can view). We work to ensure all our education winged ambassadors are comfortable and tolerant of the many different types of audiences and programs we conduct. Look for Pi at some of our public bald eagle programs coming up! (Our Public Events Calendar is here.)

Spanish and Multi-Module Programs
TRC's goal is to reach as many young learners as possible. We are including programming to our Spanish-speaking student audiences. Call or email us if you are interested in a program here or at your site ( 612-624-2756 or raptored@umn.edu).

TRC's new yearlong curriculum, originally piloted at Rockford Middle School, has expanded to now include additional middle schools. The core of the new curriculum allows students to explore the real-world problem of lead poisoning in bald eagles. This real-time, inquiry-based curriculum will help schools strive toward environmental literacy while providing opportunities for students to develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and communication.

Here, There and Everywhere
Over the summer, TRC is going to visit 71 different cities, with 171 programs scheduled as of the writing of this communication. These include festivals, fairs, libraries and community centers, just to name a few. You can find out where we are appearing on our Google Public Programs Calendar here.

Spring Public Raptor Release

This Saturday, May 4, is our Spring Raptor Release.

Where: Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington, MN

When: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Program begins at 12 noon

Watch rehabilitated raptors released back into the wild.

See and photograph our winged ambassador education birds.

Bring your used ink jet printer cartridges to support our Recycling for Raptors program.

This is a zero-waste event.

No pets, please.

The event will go on, rain or shine!
_________________________________

Basic Raptor Rehabilitation Workshop This Week at TRC

This week we are hosting 14 workshop attendees from 8 states and one Canadian province. The workshop will provide rehabilitators and veterinarians with practical knowledge and hands-on work of the steps involved in raptor rehabilitation.

Volunteers Needed to Lead Programs
Stearns County has a new park in Rockville MN that will be opening this summer. The 284 acre park will have nature trails and some unusual natural features. The park has 2 miles of Sauk River shore land with excellent examples of flood plain ecology. There are excellent examples of glaciation with numerous Core Stones left behind. It has one of the best sections of Lowland Forest in the area and a unique Seepage Tamarack Bog with a board walk. One of the nature trails makes its way up to a beautiful Overlook Deck for viewing an active Bald Eagle's nest. The park also has some Prairie and Bur Oak Savannah Restoration efforts. Stearns County Parks would like to promote this new park with a series of events soon after opening this summer. We would like to host some Naturalist lead hikes in August and September. If you are interested in volunteering to lead a hike please contact Pete Theismann at Stearns County Parks 320-255-6172 pete.theismann@co.stearns.mn.us

Help Stop The Spread of Invasive Species

This spring, PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks launched a public awareness campaign to create education and awareness of terrestrial (i.e land-based) invasive species, with quick and easy steps on how to help stop their spread. PlayCleanGo is seeking volunteers to participate during the first annual PlayCleanGo Day on June 8, held from 10am to 4pm at six Minnesota State Parks.

The goal of this campaign, entitled PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks is to encourage outdoor recreation like off-road vehicle use, hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, while protecting valuable natural resources. The objective is to stop the spread of terrestrial invasive species such as plants and animals, through changes in public behavior.

As a volunteer on PlayCleanGo Day you will act as an advocate for stopping the spread of invasive plant and animal species and to promote behaviors that will help protect our natural resources. Volunteers will also be expected to understand and communicate the goal of PlayCleanGo, as well as simple steps to help prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals. This information will be provided for your review, as well as brochures to hand out on Minnesota PlayCleanGo Day.

This effort is just one facet of a larger, full-scale campaign that will include media relations, events and advertising throughout the state.

We have identified the following date, time and locations for the first annual Minnesota PlayCleanGo Day:

Saturday, June 8, 2013 PlayCleanGo Day locations:

INTERSTATE STATE PARK - 307 Milltown Rd., Taylors Falls, MN
FORT SNELLING STATE PARK - 101 Snelling Lake Rd., St. Paul, MN
GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK - 3206 Hwy 61 East, Two Harbors, MN
WHITE WATER STATE PARK - 19041 Hwy 74, Altura, MN
ITASCA STATE PARK - 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN
LAKE CARLOS STATE PARK - 2601 County Rd. 38 Northeast, Carlos, MN

Your participation would be very much appreciated for any or all of the scheduled time. You can sign-up for two-hour shifts from 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm or 2pm-4pm, with a minimum of two volunteers each shift. Additional details are being determined and can be shared upon your interest in volunteering.

If you are unable to attend or support the PlayCleanGo Day on June 8, we invite you to host your own PlayCleanGo event at a convenient time and date of your choosing. Final Doc PlayCleanGo_HowTo_v5_05113.pdf.

Please pass the PCG Day Flyer - FOR_436_13b_Artwork.pdf on to others who might be interested. Then if you or someone you know is interested in being a PlayCleanGo volunteer, please contact me via email at Susan.burks@state.mn.us or phone 651-259-5251.

Help us stop the spread of terrestrial invasive species! You can follow us on the following social media sites. Help spread the word by sharing or re-tweeting posts:

Twitter.com/PlayCleanGo
Facebook.com/PlayCleanGo
YouTube.com/Playcleango

Thank you for your consideration,

Susan Burks
MNDNR Forestry
Invasive Species Program Coordinator
Email: Susan.burks@state.mn.us
Office: 651-259-5251

The May 1, 203 SEEK Bulletin can be accessed by clicking here.

Please join Great River Greening as we continue our efforts to restore native landscapes throughout the state! Individuals of all ages, families, and community and corporate groups of any size are welcome to participate in Greening's volunteer restoration events.

Pre-registration is required, so sign up today! To register, visit our website at www.greatrivergreening.org under "Volunteer" or contact Josh Kriz, Volunteer Manager, at jkriz@greatrivergreening.org or 651-665-9500 ex. 11.

A light breakfast, snacks, and lunch are provided at all Great River Greening Community Restoration Events!

Spring Lake Regional Park Planting
Saturday, June 1, 8:30am - 12:30pm
Prior Lake, MN

Volunteer: 150 Supervisors: 15

Come out and join us in restoring a portion of this new 374-acre park. Hosting an array of natural features such as a rare maple basswood forest, beautiful lakes, and important wetlands, Spring Lake Regional Park is quickly becoming a favorite of local residents. Volunteers will assist with the restoration of these natural features by planting native oak trees, savanna shrubs, and wildflowers.

A project of our Metro Area Program. This project is made possible with support from Scott County Parks, Three Rivers Park District, and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Help plant boulevard rain gardens in the Hamline-Midway and Macalester neighborhoods of Saint Paul! To improve water quality in our lakes and the Mississippi River, the City of Saint Paul Public Works has partnered with Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) to install boulevard rain gardens in two different neighborhoods. Great River Greening staff and volunteers will assist residents in planting the rain gardens.

Macalester Groveland Neighborhood
Sat., June 8, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
Prior Ave. and Goodrich Ave.
Volunteers: 30; Supervisors: 5

Pre-registration is required, so sign up today!

To register, visit our website at www.greatrivergreening.org under "Volunteer/Register
for Events" or contact Volunteer Manager, Laura Durenberger-Grunow, at ldurenbergergrunow@greatrivergreening.org or 651-665-9500 ext. 11. A confirmation letter with map, directions, and more detail will be sent afterwards.

Leave No Trace Frontcountry
Master Educator Course
August 2-6, 2013
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, NOLS and Leave No Trace Minnesota Chapter are proud to present a frontcountry Leave No Trace Master Educator course. This is a great opportunity for teachers, naturalists, park rangers, recreation planners, scout leaders, and other outdoor educators to improve LNT teaching skills while experiencing the unique treasures found in this scenic area of Minnesota.

During five days of training at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center participants will learn and teach the principles of Leave No Trace immersed in the northern coniferous forest. The course will involve practicing Leave No Trace skills while base camping at a site along the Baptism River. Participants will also have opportunities to day hike and explore the trails, lakes, wetlands, and scenic vistas of Lake Superior found in the 2000 acres owned by Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center.

The Leave No Trace Master Educator course was developed by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and is the highest level of Leave No Trace training offered. Students who successfully graduate a Master Educator course will receive a diploma and will be qualified to offer and teach two-day Leave No Trace Trainer courses.

A Leave No Trace Master Educator course is designed for individuals who are actively teaching others outdoor skills, environmental education or providing environmental recreation information to the public, however anyone with a passion for the outdoors is welcome to participate.

Cost: $450; Partial tuition scholarships may be available through Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: http://lnt.org/learn/master-educator-course-scholarships. You may also contact your agency's LNT coordinator for additional scholarships.

Course Description:
http://www.nols.edu/lnt/CDMNWolfRidge2013

Registration is through NOLS:
http://www.nols.edu/lnt/master_educator.shtml

Haven Holsapple
LNT Program Coordinator
NOLS International Headquarters
284 Lincoln Street Lander WY 82520
Phone: 800-710-NOLS x2220
Fax: 307-332-8811
E-mail: haven_holsapple@nols.edu

Leave No Trace Trainer Course

Time/s
June 21 6:00 p.m. to June 23 11:00 a.m.

Location/s
Camp Lakamaga
12300 Lakamaga Trl N,, Marine on St Croix, MN

Registration directions and fees

Online Registration at http://www.girlscoutsrv.org/stuff-to-do/.
$50 for Girl Scout members, $75 for non-Girl Scout members
Fees include food and lodging and costs of course materials,.Participants need only bring clothing, water bottle, personal items and sleeping bag as appropriate for the weather. All cooking, eating and camping gear will be provided. Non-Girl Scout Members are encouraged to consider purchasing a $12, no-commitment, membership to get the member rate.

Contact name, email address, phone number

For registration and location questions: Liz Mayer, elizabeth.mayer@girlscoutsrv.org - 612-554-8974 (cell) 715-372-8820 (office)
For course information: Rita Hussman, MNadvocate@lnt.org - 612-787-5035

Website

Registration: http://www.girlscoutsrv.org/stuff-to-do/. (scroll to date and "Leave No Trace Facilitator Certification."
http;//lnt.org

Additional information
More volunteers are needed to meet the demand for outdoor ethics education in Minnesota. Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave No Trace Trainers lead awareness workshops, staff information booths, lead interactive presentations and conduct other educational outreach activities. In this trainer course will take place at Camp Lakamaga, which is located roughly 40 minutes north of St. Paul. Participants will learn the about the history and science behind Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics as well as individual learning styles and best practices in teaching outdoors. Each participant will each lead a teaching session focused on one of the 7 principles while enjoying the beautiful forest and fields along the shore of Big Marine Lake.

Audubon Center of the North Woods
Sandstone, MN - June 16-18, 2013

Turn on your teaching with the 2013 Summer Institute for Energy Education. Made possible by generous support from MN Center for Energy and the Environment, this teacher-training includes:

NEW Energy Curriculum: effective, useful activities and information on energy sources, uses and impacts for grades 3-8.
Hands-on workshops: The Audobon Center is a leader in renewable energy education and showcases a suite unique energy solutions.
A location second to none: gather with peers and inspired educators from around the country in peaceful, semi-rustic oak and maple forest in between lake and prairie.
As climate change impacts become a daily reality it is even more important to develop energy literate students with a new vision of what our energy future needs to look like.

Whether you teach STEM, art or anything in between, energy efficiency, conservation and renewables are present and future solutions that can be integrated into your school and teaching.

Every participant has the opportunity to earn CEU credits and graduate credits from Hamline University.

Cost: $70

Includes: lodging and meals for the duration of the event.

Keynote Bios

Will Steger keynote speaker, June 16th. Accompanied by J. Drake Hamilton, of Fresh Energy

Will Steger is a recognized authority for the Polar Regions, including their environmental issues, and is an eyewitness to the effects of global warming. He has spent more than 45 years traveling through the Arctic regions, advocating for the Earth's preservation and advising about permanent solutions to our climate crisis. Steger is a witness to the diverse and harmful effects of global warming to indigenous cultures, wildlife habitat and Arctic topography.

Institute Highlights

Featuring: School Energy Audit Training with Sarah Hayden
Institute participants will perform an energy audit on a building, and make a report of recommendations for ways to reduce energy use. Ways to bring this knowledge into the classroom will be a key component of this experience - turning your students into energy assessors! Diagnostic tools will be available for use, including: a blower door test, infrared camera, and electrical energy use meters.

Sarah Hayden has worked as a high school teacher and most recently as a Residential and Commercial Energy Auditor. She has assessed well over 1000 homes, helping each of those residents improve the energy efficiency of their home and lifestyle.

To register

DIVIDE & CONQUER- RAIN GARDEN DEMO
Thursday, May 16th, 6:30-7:30 pm
Do you have a few aggressive flowers that are taking over your rain garden? Come learn to divide and thin your perennials, move them to new locations, and substitute less aggressive plants in your garden. Outdoor Demonstration: Dress for the weather.
Location: Timber Park, 2133 Atlantic
Fee: Free, Call (651) 249-2170 or email info@maplewoodnaturecenter.com to register by May 14th

COMPOSTING- MAKE YOUR OWN BLACK GOLD!
Date: Saturday, May 18th, 10:00-11:00 am
Leaves, kitchen scraps, and yard waste are a valuable resource that can be transformed into rich dark soil while reducing your trash. Compost builds your soil and will make your garden and lawn plants vibrant and vigorous. Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. E., Maplewood, MN 55119

TREE ID and DISEASE WORKSHOP:
Saturday, July 13 9:30-11:30 am
Adults. Deadly infectious disease and invasive pests threaten our ash, elm and oak trees. Learn what these diseases and pests are, how they spread, and what you can do to protect trees. After examining displays, take a guided walk to identify ash, elms and oaks at the Nature Center. Coffee, rolls and snacks provided. Call to pre-register by July 12.
Free

COMMUNITY GARDEN DAY AT EDGERTON COMMUNITY GARDEN
Saturday, August 10th, Drop in between 10:00-11:30am
Join vegetable garden enthusiasts at the garden! Visitors can participate in the Great Sunflower project Bee Count at 10:00am, or take guided Community Garden Tours at 10:30am, and 11:00am. Free!

POLLINATOR SERIES

Butterfly & Pollinator Garden TOUR
Friday, May 31st, 6:30PM
Adults
Tour the nature center butterfly and rain gardens to see the colorful flowers. Find out how you can attract butterflies to your yard with pocket gardens of native plants with leaves that grow caterpillars and flowers for adults. Learn which flowers attract bees and hummingbirds so you can design garden patches for specific pollinators.
FREE. Call 651-249-2170 or email info@maplewoodnaturecenter.com for reservations.
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th Street East, Maplewood, MN 55119

BEFRIENDING BUMBLE BEES
Friday July 12, Saturday July 20 and Friday August 2, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
(Rain Date: Tuesday July 30th)
For adults and children, 5 and up.
Join the quest for the Rusty-patched bumble bee formerly common in Minnesota. Assist Elaine Evans, Entomologist from the U of MN and co-author of the book, Befriending Bumble Bees, in collecting bumblebees from prairie flowers. Watch as she identifies and records them before releasing them back to the wild.
The sessions will take place at Jim's Prairie, a native wet prairie in Maplewood where rare bumblebees were once found in the 1990's. Perhaps you will find them again.
You will be sent directions when you pre-register at least 2 days before each session: email info@maplewoodnaturecenter.com or call 651-249-2170. FREE

TASTY TREATS FROM THE BEES
Saturday, July 27th, 9:30-10:45 am
Ages 4-10, families
Taste different kinds of honey, and sample food pollinated by bees such as blueberries and raspberries! Learn about different kinds of bees and why they are important. We'll do an easy and fun bee-count with the Great Sunflower Project, www.greatsunflowerproject.org, that you can also do later in your backyard or nearby park.
Fee: $2 per person, or $5 per family. Please pre-register by Thursday, July 25th by calling 651-249-2170 or email info@maplewoodnaturecenter.com
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th Street East, Maplewood, 55119.

CAPTURING INSECTS THROUGH YOUR CAMERA
Saturday, August 17, 9 am-Noon
Learn the secrets of photographing bugs close-up from expert photographer Bill Johnson. Bring your camera on a 'bug hunt' around Maplewood nature center's native gardens as you learn how to take successful insect photos using your own equipment. Take away tips, resources and photographic techniques as well as where and how to look for insect subjects.
View photographic print examples as the end result of the photographic techniques that have been discussed.

Bill Johnson's insect photography has been published in over 800 publications. He writes the column 'Insect ID' for Horticulture Magazine.
See his work at: www.billjohnsonbeyondbutterflies.com
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. E, Maplewood
Fee: $30/person. Prepay by August 9th. 651-249-2170. Adults

Most Wanted: Find a Funky Nest!
Contest highlights oddball bird-nest locations

These Tree Swallows get cozy inside an ornamental cannon. Photo by Jacquie TinkerIthaca, N.Y.--Whether you find a robin's nest on a statue or a hummingbird's nest on wind chimes, your picture of a bird nest in a funky place can win big in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Funky Nests in Funky Places contest. With nesting season underway, this contest challenges everyone to get outside and watch nature in even the most unexpected places.

"Just start looking," says Karen Purcell, who created the contest several years ago as part of the Cornell Lab's Celebrate Urban Birds citizen-science project. "Past experience has shown us you can find bird nests in the most surprising places. We've seen them in helmets, old boots, stoplights, store signs, car tires, clotheslines, mailboxes, potted plants, and even a stuffed moose head!"

The Funky Nests contest begins May 1 and lasts until June 15. Entries may be photos, videos, artwork, poems, or stories. You don't have to be a bird expert or an expert photographer. People of all ages are welcome to participate as individuals or with a class, community center, or afterschool program. Prizes include binoculars, bird feeders, cameras, an iPad, and more.

Entry deadline is June 15.

Find more information about how to find nests, approach nests without disturbing the birds, and enter the contest at www.FunkyNests.org

Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round project that focuses on the arts, creating green spaces for birds, and learning how birds use urban spaces.

Check out this video trailer for the Funky Nests contest and embed it in your own website! Spanish version A Few Funky Facts About Nests:
Most common backyard birds lay two to eight eggs. Hatching usually begins about two weeks after the last egg is laid and it takes another two weeks before the young are ready to leave the nest.
Even if a nest has been built in a somewhat inconvenient place (for you), be patient! In a few weeks the birds will be gone. Meanwhile, you get a front-row seat to a wonder of nature.
Baby birds have brightly colored beaks that help parents hit the bull's-eye with food!
For their first three days of life, nestling pigeons depend solely on "pigeon milk," a liquid loaded with protein and fat that is produced by both the mother and father!

What should I do if I find a baby bird?
This is one of the most common springtime questions we receive at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Get the answer here


Contact:
Pat Leonard, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornell.edu

Join us in our 18,000 acre classroom this spring/summer....

Boulderdash 5K Run Family Fun Event- Jun 1
Registration & Liability Release Form

Paddle Making Workshop - June 3 & 5 - 3 spots left
Register here

St. Louis River Watershed Teacher Workshop

Detailed Itinerary
Offering 1: Jun 11-12 - 2 free spots left
Offering 2: Jun 18-19 - 3 free spots left
Register here

Dynamic Forests Teacher Workshop

Detailed itinerary
Offering 1: Jun 24-25 - 7 free spots left
Offering 2: Jun 27-28 -11 free spots left
Register here

Master Naturalist Volunteer Training - Aug 12-16 Informational flyer
Register here

Sasquatch Scramble 5K Obstacle Run Family Fun Event- Aug 24
Registration & Liability Release Form

Symposium Ideal Venue for
Celebrating Wolves

Explorer and educator Paul Schurke urges wolf enthusiasts and educators from across the globe to attend the International Wolf Symposium October 10-13 at the DECC in Duluth Minnesota, USA.

"This fall's Wolves and Humans at the Crossroads Symposium heralds a great American conservation success story - the rebound of wolves. Once nearly extirpated from the continental US, they've reclaimed portions of their historic range. But that success brings the responsibility of managing their growing numbers and their increased interactions with humans. The International Wolf Center's October 2013 event in Duluth is the ideal international venue for both celebrating wolves and planning for their promising future. I wouldn't miss it and neither should you. -Paul Schurke, polar explorer & educator

Register today and take the full early registration discount!

Hello there! I am the naturalist for the St. Croix State Park area. Summer is on its way and that means that I am coordinating details of our theme weekends here at the park. I am wondering if there are any master naturalists who have an interest in volunteering at the park this summer. We have theme weekends about birding, mammals, and cold-blooded creatures. We could use help with our bird count, butterfly count, and anything else people have strengths in. Please feel free to contact me by email or telephone at 320-384-6615 x254. Thanks very much! Megan Johnsen

My name is Stacy McMahon. I am a board member of the Cedar Lake Park Association. We are an all-volunteer organization involved with the creation and stewardship of the Cedar Lake Park and Cedar Lake Regional Trail in Minneapolis.

We are looking for opportunities to create greater connections with the surrounding community. We think an affiliation with a naturalist might help us.

One of the opportunities is the possibility of working with Kenwood School on environmental education programs using the park as an outdoor classroom. We also have adults interested in stewardship activities (planting, removing invasive species, trail maintenance) that might benefit from direction by a naturalist. Even just offering periodic nature walks, open to the public, would help connect the community to the park.

I'm wondering if there are any members of your group that might be interested in exploring this further?

You can learn more about us by visiting our website at cedarlakepark.org.

Thanks for your consideration,
Stacy McMahon
612-590-7690
stacyamc@earthlink.net

Volunteers are needed to work with Hennepin County Environmental Services on a new monitoring program using cast off pupal skins (the protective case during metamorphosis) of midges.
This is a new volunteer monitoring program occurring only in the Minnehaha Creek Watershed.
We'll be using simple collection methods but advanced identification tools to allow us to refine assessment through what we find.
Basically we'll be able to identify the cast off skins of the midge order to a high level of accuracy; this is unique for volunteer monitoring.
We'll be consulting with the Watershed District as well as researchers at the UM to determine what sites are best on Minnehaha Creek.

All monitoring will occur on Minnehaha Creek during the spring and summer of 2013.
Volunteers will be trained and be conducting all monitoring and identification tasks.
A commitment of approximately 10 hours a month from April through October is requested from each volunteer. Specific dates and times are still to be worked out with the team, once assembled.
Because this program is testing new methods and identification tools, volunteers should be able to commit for the entire duration.
Volunteers will be working as part of one team for the entire season which will however, allow one or two volunteers to miss a scheduled date without compromising the research.

No experience required; all training and equipment will be provided.

Contact:
Mary Karius
Hennepin County Environmental Services
612-596-9129
mary.karius@co.hennepin.mn.us

The City of Maple Grove is undertaking a project to inventory all residential and business boulevard and front yard trees in Maple Grove. They need volunteers to do this.

Volunteers are required to fill out a VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.pdf and agree to a BACKGROUND CHECK FORM.pdf.

Volunteers will work in teams of three and will work out a time schedule with their teammates to inventory their assigned section of Maple Grove.

Anyone interested in become a tree inventory volunteer should contact Frank Kampel at 763-494-6365 or via email at fkampel@maplegrovemn.gov or go to maplegrovemn.gov/departments/engineering/current-projects/tree-inventory to sign up by completing a volunteer application and background check form.

More information can be found INVENTORY INFO SHEET 2 (1).pdf.

To register or for more information, visit mnzoo.org

Minnesota Forests at the Crossroads: Spruce, Maple, or Savanna?
Wednesday, June 12
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dr. Lee E. Frelich

The Plight and Promise of Parrots
Tuesday, July 23
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Joanna Eckles and Dave Cruz

The Ecological Future of North American Bison
Tuesday, August 13
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dr. Kyran Kunkel

Hand Raising Sea Otters - It Takes a Village
Tuesday, September 24
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Melanie Oerter

Send us your ideas for topics for the 2013-14 lecture series starting again in September!

Spring Birding Day
Saturday, May 18
5:00 a.m. - Noon, OR
8:00 a.m. - Noon, AND/OR
1:30 p.m. optional afternoon tour
Pre-register now! Marketplace (pay now), or General (pay on Saturday)
Peter Engel Science Center, SJU
Morning sessions: $12/members; $16/non-members (includes breakfast at 8 and lunch at noon)
Saint John's Arboretum and the Minnesota Ornithologists Union have partnered to bring you a day of birding through an "Important Bird Area" in Minnesota during peak migration! In the morning, we'll stay within the 2,830 acres of the Arboretum and so all our birding by walking. In the afternoon, guides will lead a tour in the neighboring Avon Hills area for those interested.

Check out the April 2013 issue of My Minnesota Woods.

Upcoming Volunteer Events

Indian Mounds Park Brush Haul & Cleanup
Saturday, June 8th, 9:30-11:30 am
Alongside FMR and Saint Paul Parks staff, volunteers will haul and stack invasive brush, including European buckthorn -- the non-native woody species that degrades our local native plant communities and wildlife habitat -- on the overlook slope. By the end of the event participants should be able to see a real difference. Removing the invasive brush will open up sight lines to a spectacular vista of the Mississippi River valley. This will also open the canopy and make room for a native prairie planting planned for 2014. The prairie plants will help anchor the soil on the steep bluff, preventing erosion and filtering stormwater runoff while improving wildlife habitat.

June 8th, volunteers will also spend some time pulling invasive garlic mustard and weeding and tending to the native shrubs planted on the west side of the overlook last year, as well as picking up trash that may have accumulated over the winter.

Tools, gloves and water will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to work on steep and uneven terrain. While most FMR activities are family friendly, due to the tools and terrain this particular event is not suitable for small children.

Hosted by Friends of the Mississippi River

For Registration Information Click Here

Contact
Andy Rodriguez
Volunteer Coordinator
Andy.Rodriguez@stpaul.gov
651-632-2411

Project GO has 15 internship openings for the 2013-2014 school year. A week-long intern training will be held at Eagle Bluff ELC. For more info contact Kipp Hanson at hanson.projectgo@gmail.com

Certified Interpretive Guide Workshop
June 17-20, 2013
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, MN

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a professional certification course for individuals who will be delivering interpretive programs or talking with the public at interpretive sites.

Workshop Highlights
• Foundations of interpretation
•Programming emotional and intellectual ideas into presentations to connect audiences to the resource
•Tailor programs for diverse audiences and various learning styles
•Interactive group activities, demonstrations, and individual sessions with instructors

Requirements
Anyone age 16 or over with a desire to increase their knowledge and skills related to interpretation may participate. Participants are required to take an open book exam, write a program outline, and conduct a 10-minute interpretive presentation. Membership in NAI is not required, but NAI members may pay a discounted fee to participate in the program (See Cost below for details).

Cost is $140 for full registration.

Registration
Fill out the CIG Reg Form 2013_Final.pdf. Registration and payment must be received by June 3, 2013.

Questions? Contact Mara Koenig at mara_koenig@fws.gov, 952/858-0710.

The April issue of Project BudBurst can be found here.

"The Urban Birding Festival is a metro-wide festival that encourages families to get out and go bird watching! Bird walks will be held all over the Twin Cities area and will cater to beginner to advanced birders. Families can visit the festival location closest to them or travel to a different part of the Cities for a new experience. June is the end of spring migration, but the beginning of nesting season. Families can come out to look for baby ducks, baby robins, and more.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is taking part in the festival for the second year in 2013. The weekend of June 8th and 9th there are birding walks scheduled throughout both days within the southern end of Wirth Park by Wirth Lake, the Quaking Bog, and the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary. Some walks will be for more advanced birders, some will help intermediate birders hone their skills with birding by ear, and some are designed for beginning birders coming out for the first time. Volunteers are needed to help lead walks, act as docents on the trails, and/or set up a natural history information table.

For more information or to volunteer for the festival, please contact Lauren Borer at lborer@minneapolisparks.org or call 612-363-4722."

Urban Birding Festival schedule 2013.doc

Read about the latest happenings at the Northland Arboretum. 2013 04 01 ArbLink.pdf

Birding Bonanza Weekend
June 7-9, 2013

All-inclusive weekend retreat for bird lovers!

The rich biological diversity of Pine County and the surrounding area provide a bonanza of birding opportunities for experienced birders and those just getting started. The Audubon Center of the North Woods is located in a unique transition zone where the eastern deciduous forest meets the northern conifer forest, and where pockets of the western prairie can be found. The terrestrial diversity is matched by the aquatic plethora of rivers, lakes, bogs and marshes. This first-class weekend birding festival gives participants a chance to visit a wide variety of habitats that support myriad bird species.

With field trips led by seasoned guides, engaging on-site workshops, bird banding sessions, a live raptor presentation, renowned keynote speakers, delicious homemade meals and comfortable accommodations, this festival is birding at its best. We invite you to join us for a fun and memorable weekend. Sign up today and take advantage of our "Early Bird" discount (ends May 1)! Online registration is available on our website http://www.audubon-center.org/birding_festival.htm

WHY DO WE NEED TO PULL WILD PARSNIP?
Wild Parsnip is an invasive plant. It can cause phyto-photo dermatitis, a very painful and disfiguring blistering effect on the skin. The plant is abundant throughout the park and poses a serious problem for campers and other park visitors.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Volunteers can assist project leaders by pulling wild parsnips from heavy use areas in the park. Over the last several years volunteers have pulled parsnip from campsites in the park and last summer showed a dramatic drop (more than 80%) in the number of parsnip plants pulled at those sites. Working together, we can slow the spread of this invasive plant at Whitewater State Park.

WHAT TO BRING?
Participants are asked to bring a shovel and to wear long sleeve shirts and pants tucked into long socks. A hat, sunglasses and water bottle are also recommended. The park will provide rubber gloves. This will be a fun social event, with a pot-luck style dinner to follow, so you are asked to bring a dish to pass. Parsnip root dishes are especially encouraged!

HOW TO SIGN UP?
Contact the Whitewater State Park naturalist, Sara Grover, at sara.grover@state.mn.us or call 507-932-3007 ext 226.

Campsites are available at Whitewater State Park and Carley State Park

Are you a fisheries biologist, botanist, environmental consultant, biological technician, aquatic biologist, extension agent, college student, etc. who would like to improve your knowledge of aquatic plant identification? If so, be sure to sign up for the Gratiot Lake Conservancy-sponsored AQUATIC PLANT WORKSHOP in Michigan's Upper Peninsula this summer! This class will also be useful to volunteer monitors or lake association members interested in learning how to identify aquatic plants and invasive species in order to protect healthy ecosystems in inland lakes.

WHERE: near Eagle Harbor (Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula)

WHEN: August 24 (Sat.) and August 25 (Sun.) 2013
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day

INSTRUCTOR: botanist Janet Marr

SPONSOR: Gratiot Lake Conservancy (GLC) http://www.gratiotlakeconservancy.org
Program Director, Bonnie Hay belh@verizon.net

FEE: Space is limited and advance enrollment is required. The fee for this 2-day workshop is $80 ($60 for Gratiot Lake Conservancy members). Fee includes a field notebook. Enrollment form can be downloaded from the Aquatic Plant Workshop page at http://gratiotlakeconservancy.org/AquaticPlantWrkshp2013.htm

SCHOLARSHIP: There will be a Janet Avery Scholarship available. Interested applicants should email Bonnie Hay at belh@verizon.net
Please indicate your affiliation, why you would like to attend the workshop, and how you intend to use what you learn in your work, studies, or teaching. Put "Aquatic Plant Workshop Scholarship" in the subject line.

WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES: Workshop activities will take place both inside the classroom and in the field at several Keweenaw lakes and channels/coves connected to Lake Superior. Submersed and floating-leaved aquatic plants will be identified with a focus on identification of pondweeds (Potamogeton and Stuckenia species) and rosette-formers including the Michigan endangered awlwort (Subularia aquatica). Techniques for collecting and herbarium specimen/label preparation will be demonstrated. Differences between aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and their native relatives will be discussed.

Visit the GLC website to view photos of past Aquatic Plant Workshops. A list of aquatic plant species, many of which will be seen in the workshop, is being revised and will soon be available on the GLC website.

GUIDE TO AQUATIC PLANTS: An aquatic plant handbook Guide to Aquatic Plants of Gratiot Lake and other Keweenaw County Lakes and accompanying CD will be given to each participant free of charge and will be used during the workshop.

MICHIGAN K-12 TEACHERS will earn 12 SCECHS (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) by participating in this workshop.

TWO OTHER GRATIOT LAKE-SPONSORED 2013 WORKSHOPS. For further information please visit the GLC website or email Bonnie Hay at belh@verizon.net :
Beginners Workshop on Dragonflies and Damselflies, August 17 (raindate August 18), 10am - 4pm
http://www.gratiotlakeconservancy.org/DragonflyWrkshp2013.htm
Shoreline Restoration Workshop. August 26.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in any of these workshops, please pass this message on to them. Thanks!

Janet

Janet Marr, Botanist
23180 Highway Rd.
Calumet, MI 49913
phone: 906-337-5529
email: jkmarr@mtu.edu and jkmarr2@hotmail.com

Register to Volunteer at WaterFest 2013, a free family celebration of our clean lakes and an opportunity for outdoor hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation.
Saturday, June 1
11am-4pm
Phalen Lake Park in St. Paul
WaterFest is sponsored by Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, the cities of St. Paul, Maplewood, Little Canada, Roseville, Shoreview, Landfall and North St. Paul, Ramsey County and other partners. For more information and to register to volunteer: www.rwmwd.org. Then click on WaterFest.

Free Rain Garden Workshops
Learn to design and build a rain garden in a 3-session series.

Iii) Rain Garden Design Workshop: Garden Layout & Plant Design--May 22
6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 East 7th Street, Maplewood

Workshops are sponsored by the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District and the city of Maplewood.
For more information and registration details: www.rwmwd.org. Then scroll down to workshop information.

NextStep - News for the Minnesota Sustainable Communities Network Mary 22, 2013 newsletter can be found here.