Minnesota Master Naturalist

Location:Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 E 7th St, Maplewood
Website: www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/nc
Contact: Karen Wachal, 651-249-2171, karen.wachal@ci.maplewood.mn.us

By the Light of the Owl Moon
Wednesday, December 2, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Winter Botany
Saturday, December 5, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

New Year's Eve Party at the Nature Center
Thursday, Dec 31, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Explore Nature and Take Care of the Earth
October 2009 - May 2010
Saturdays, 10-11:30 am, 8 classes total
call 651-748-7280 or online at www.isd622.org

Drop in and Experience Nature
Tuesdays, 12:15-1:30 pm, November 2009 - March 2010)

Snowshoe Open House (snowshow rental available)
Saturday, January 2, 2010, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm

Build a Birdfeeder
Saturday, January 9, 2010, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Snowshoe Hike
January 23, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Beginning Bird Identification Classes for Adults
February 16 - April 27, 2010
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday field trips 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Live Animal Show
Saturday, February 20, 1010, 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Snowshoe Hike
Saturday, February 27, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Real Artifacts - Real Learning

The University of Minnesota's Raptor Center's Discovery Trunks include real feet, feathers, wings, skulls, and bones! Our trunks were designed by University of Minnesota teachers with subject-oriented learning materials and educational tools to be used by groups of any age. The trunks will provide everything you need to help your group learn about raptors and the environment we share.

Each trunk has its own activity guide with exciting activities concentrating on specific aspects of different raptors and their home ecosystems. A variety of videotapes, audiotapes, posters, books, coloring books, and games are included in the trunk.

Trunk themes:
All About Owls, Grades K-4
Raptor ER: The Clinic, Grades 1-8
Eagle Endeavors, Grades 4-8
Enraptured with Raptors, Grades 4-8
Falcons and Falconry, Grades 4-8

Fees:
$50 per week rental when you book an education program
$70 per week rental without a booked program

Reserve your Discovery Trunk:
call 612-624-2756 or email raptored@umn.edu

Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer Geri Fritzlof spends a lot of time making a difference with the "Projects."

Read more about it at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering/index.html.

Date: Thursday, Dec 3, 4:00 pm
Location: 125 Nolte Library, 315 Pillsbury Drive SE, Mpls
Free and open to the public, beverages served
map at http://onestop.umn.edu/Maps/NCCE/NCCE-map.html

This event is sponsored by the Institute for Advanced Study and is a panel discussion examining the only stretch of the Mississippi River that forms a gorge - right through the University's campus - from the perspective of history, geology, policy, and art. Speakers will be Christine Baeumler, Dept of Art; Chris Lenhart, Dept of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering; Mona Smith, Media Artist; and Scott Vreeland, Mpls Park Board; moderated by Pat Nunnally, River Life program.

Organized by Telling River Stories, a multidisciplinary project created by the University of Minnesota's River Life Program that researches and disseminates the stories of how communities and individuals live with the Mississippi River.

Date: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm (registration and lunch buffet at 11:30 am)
Location: A.G. Hill Ballroom, Kagin Commons, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave, St Paul
Registration: online at: http://www.mn-ei.org/events/upcoming.html#energy, $30 for MEI members, $60 for non-members

Registration is now open for the Minnesota Environmental Initiative's upcoming policy forum on the state's 1.5% energy savings goal included in the 2007 Next Generation Energy Act. Presenters will describe past and current energy conservation efforts in Minnesota, provide an overview of the 1.5% savings goal, and discuss the challenges of meeting the goal.

An optional tour of Macalester's new LEED Platinum-Certified building, Markim Hall, will follow the forum at 4:30 pm. Please indicate your interest in attending the tour with your forum registration. Space is limited.

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 9:00 am to noon
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St E, Maplewood
Registration: Free! Call to register 651-249-2170; program for adults

Join botanist Scott Milburn for some in-depth identification and study of our winter hardy native plants. We'll be studying a wide assortment of woody and herbaceous species likely to find at the nature center. Dress for the outdoors!

Date: Saturday, November 28, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Robert's Bird Sanctuary, meet at western gate near the Lake Harriet Bandshell
Register: $5 per person; register online at www.minneapolisparks.org

Take a guided walk through the park and discover birding in the city. We'll use binoculars and field guides to identify birds wintering in Minneapolis. Please bring binoculars if you have them.

Dates: Wednesdays, November 25 and December 2, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Location: Loring Park Recreation Center
Register: $10 per person; register online at www.minneapolisparks.org

If there is no snow for the first session, check in for sessions later in the season.

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 10:30 am -12:00 pm
Location: Lake Hiawatha Park, 2701 44th St E, meet at Recreation Center; parking is adjacent to the Rec Ctr on 28th Ave S and directly in front of the Rec Ctr at the intersection of 27th Ave and 44th St
Free, no registration required
Contact: Jamie McBride, 612-313-7725

"Come Out and Play" is a free, no-registration, no-obligation program sponsored by the Minneapolis Parks that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature! Research shows that kids who spend time in nature are more relaxed, sleep better, and enjoy better physical health than those who spend the majority of their time indoors. Fall has us in its crisp embrace, let's enjoy it! Get outside and have some fun exploring your wonderful urban park system!

Join the play group leaders and their kids for some completely unstructured, un-directed play in nature! We do this about twice a month and encourage families with young children to join us. Skip the playgrounds and join us in a natural setting. Each month we'll pick a new location in a Minneapolis Park. I'll let you know where the parking is, the deal with the bathrooms, and I'll even provide all the equipment you and your little ones need to have fun in nature. Kids of all ages are welcome, including (of course) babes-in-arms. There is no charge for attending, it's a free playgroup. We meet rain or shine.

Lake Hiawatha Park features mature trees, wide open spaces, and a beautiful lake. The park covers 241 acres. It also has a trail that connects it to Minnehaha Creek.

Go online to www.myminnesotawoods.org, your source for woodland stewardship advice.

http://audubonguides.com/text/about.html

Check out www.boulderlake.org for information on the following upcoming events:

• Christmas tree cut family fun event, Dec 5
• Nuts & Bolts of Timber Sales, Jan 23
• Winter Tree Identification, Feb 20
• Top 10 Forest Insects and Diseases, Feb 20
• Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe, Feb 26
• Wilderness First Aid, March 6-7
• Master Naturalist Volunteer Training, April 27, May 4, 8, 11, 18, 22, 25, and June

Where: Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center, 23 miles north of Duluth, 7328 Boulder Dam Road, Duluth
Registration: preregistration required for all events, call 218-721-3731 or email boulder@d.umn.edu

The November-December 2009 issue of the "From Shore to Shore" newsletter is now posted on the website for you to view and/or download. To access it, please go to:
http://shorelandmanagement.org/shore_shore/

If you are interested in starting or joining a MN Master Naturalist chapter in the west metro area, please contact Cheryl Culbreth at caculb@aol.com (specify "Master Naturalist" in the subject line).

The City of Minnetonka may be willing to provide meeting facilities and educational resource assistance at little or no cost. Meeting facilities would be located on Minnetonka Blvd. just west of 494. Any participation or feedback would be appreciated.

Newsletter for Minnesota's EE Community
Website: http://www.seek.state.mn.us/index.cfm

Find the updated SEEK calendar online at: http://www.seek.state.mn.us/calendar.cfm

Go online to sign up to receive the bulletin via email at: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=00147Jgk4c64VPwJbq56GNL-w%3D%3D

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Running Aces Harness Park, 1501 Zurich Street, Columbus, MN
Tickets $125 per person or $900 per table (seats 8); private reception $250 per person
Register online at www.wildlifesciencecenter.org, mail in your registration to: Wildlife Science Center, 5643 West Broadway, Forest Lake, MN 55025, or call 651-464-3993.

Join us for a fun and inspirational evening with Don Shelby, winner of all five of the nation's top journalism awards, including a Peabody Award for his ongoing work with the youth of Minnesota. He has received several honors for his community efforts and was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2007.

This event includes a silent auction, dinner and wine, and a program. The private reception includes social hour with Don Shelby and premium seating for the dinner and the program. The Master of Ceremony is Minnesota Public Radio's Valerie Kahler; also featuring Peggy Callahan, Executive Director of the Wildlife Science Center.

The Richard C. Bartlett award is presented annually by the National Environmental Education Foundation to an outstanding teacher who has successfully integrated environmental education into his or her daily curriculum. The 2010 prize will be given to a high school teacher who can serve as an inspiration or model for both students and colleagues. The winner receives a $5000 award and a trip to Washington D.C. where he or she meets with representatives from the environmental education community to further his or her education network. Do you know a teacher who stands out among the rest? If so, please nominate him/her for the 2010 Richard C. Bartlett Award. Nominations will be accepted through January 15, 2010. To learn more or submit your nomination visit http://www.neefusa.org/bartlettaward.htm.

I am looking for a clear and close high resolution photograph of either a starflower or a bunchberry flower with leaves from Minnesota to use on the cover of the Northwoods Linneaus List. I will give you credit. If you have something that meets this criteria please send a copy to dawn.flinn@state.mn.us.

Happy Halloween!

Did you know that bats help control pests? In fact, some species feast on as many as 1,000 mosquitoes an hour while others dine on thousands of pest beetles and moths a night.

Here are some other fascinating facts about bats:

• There are more than 1,000 species of bats in the world. All of these bats make up about a quarter of all mammals in existence.
• Bats help many plants: hundreds of plant species - including bananas, avocadoes, and mangos - rely on the polilnating and seed dispersal services of bats.
• Bats are the most diverse group of mammals: The smallest weighs less than a penny and the largest has a wingspan of up to six feet!
• Bats are the only mammal that can truly fly.

To get started, just complete the easy online application indicating that you have provided what animals need most - food, water, shelter, and places to raise their famiies. Your $20 application fee allows NWF to continue its important work to safegaurd our nation's wildlife and wild places. Plus, you'll get great benefits.

To get started: http://www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife/certify.cfm?campaignid=WH10MBTK

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2009, 7:45 am to 1:30 pm
Location: Doubletree Rochester Hotel, 150 South Broadway, Rochester, MN
Registration: http://mn-ei.org/events/upcoming.html#2

Please join MEI and Minnesota Waste Wise in Rochester for the final 2009 Minnesota Road Show. A series of four informative fleet efficiency workshops in four Minnesota cities: Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities. The workshops feature presentations from national experts and experienced local fleet managers on emission reduction strategies, alternative fuels, available technologies, and funding opportunities. Optional lunch break out sessions will explore these topics in depth, and provide an opportunity to get solutions to specific problems, share experiences and discuss challenges across sectors.

Sponsors: Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Donaldson Filtration Solutions, Minnesota Soy Growers

Date: November 5, 2009, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Fort Snelling State Park Visitor's Center; take Post Road exit off Hwy 5 and follow the signs to the end of the road
Free
Contact: Susan Fall 612-721-6366

Connect with friends and fellow Master Naturalists at the Minnesota Master Naturalist-Twin Cities Chapter meeting and listen to entomologist Neil Cunningham speak on an essential member of our environment - the insects.

Neil Cunningham is an urban naturalist who, through his website, describes the urban environment as a dynamic space where community service, biological understanding and environmental action intersect. Join us to gain a better understanding of a segment of this dynamic space - the world of insects.

Interact with friends and fellow Master Naturalists while enjoying an appetizer and beverage. A brief business meeting will follow and at 7:00 pm Neil will give his presentation.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 10:30 am -12:00 pm
Location: Theodore Wirth Park Beach House, 3200 Glenwood Ave, Mpls, directions found at: http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/parks/TheodoreWirthMap.pdf
Free, no registration required
Contact: Patty Born Selly 612-501-5179, patty@domware.com

"Come Out and Play" is a free, no-registration, no-obligation program sponsored by the Minneapolis Parks that encourages families to get out and enjoy nature! Research shows that kids who spend time in nature are more relaxed, sleep better, and enjoy better physical health than those who spend the majority of their time indoors. Fall has us in its crisp embrace, let's enjoy it! Get outside and have some fun exploring your wonderful urban park system!

Join the play group leaders and their kids for some completely unstructured, un-directed play in nature! We do this about twice a month and encourage families with young children to join us. Skip the playgrounds and join us in a natural setting. Each month we'll pick a new location in a Minneapolis Park. I'll let you know where the parking is, the deal with the bathrooms, and I'll even provide all the equipment you and your little ones need to have fun in nature. Kids of all ages are welcome, including (of course) babes-in-arms. There is no charge for attending, it's a free playgroup. We meet rain or shine.

Where to meet: We are meeting at the Wirth Beach House, then setting out from there. It will likely be too cold for swimming but there are walking trails, a nearby pond to check out, and some great open areas for running and playing.

Parking: There is free parking at the Beach House, and one porta-potty. No running water.

What to bring: Drinking water and snacks if desired.

Cool Weather tip: Dress in layers! The forecast is for a beautiful day, but it might be windy. A hat, mittens, and wind-resistant outer layer are suggested. Wearing a hat is the best way to stay warm outdoors.

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: MN Pollution Control Agency, 7678 College Rd, Ste 105, Baxter/Brainerd
Free. All are invited
Contact: Molly Zins 218-251-1462 or MollyZ@minnesotawaters.org

State Senators and Representatives from Districts 4 and 12 will address the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment money; potential funds for the region's natural resources; and green jobs in the area. Legislators will be asked a series of questions pertaining to the discussion topics and there will be time for questions from the audience.

Anyone interested in learning about the Outdoor Heritage Fund, the Clean Water Fund, or the Parks and Trails Fund, including how and where these monies will be spent to help create green jobs in the region, is encouraged to attend. Take this opportunity to connect directly with your legislators, share your priorities and hear firsthand about the legislative initiatives expected for the upcoming 2010 session.

Date: Friday, October 23, 2009, 9:00pm - 10:15pm
Location: Springbrook Nature Center, 100 - 85th Ave. NW, Fridley, MN
Free, donations will be accepted
Host: Minnesota Picture-Takers Guild
Contact: Tim Boyle (612) 382-7583

If you purchased a UV flashlight from me in the last couple weeks, or would like to, and want to try it out; a chance to use those flashlights on something really cool...!
Last year, after Springbrook's Pumpkin Night in the Park Event, we dumped hundreds of pumpkins in the woods and a week later I went back to check them out with UV lights. The glowing colors were incredible! I can't promise everything will be the same this year, but this is a great chance to play with the lights and try some challenging photography. We may see some deer, raccoons, opossum, or other critters interested in the smashed pumpkins too.

I will be working until 9, and we will be presenting a FREE nature movie that evening from 6:30 - 8 PM or so.

You are welcome to come for the movie and stay for the hike, or show up any time you'd like. The hike will leave from the nature center a little after 9 PM. It's about an easy 10 min. walk to the pumpkin patch.

Dress for the weather, bring a regular flashlight or headlamp and your UV, and a tripod and camera if you have one. I also will have plenty of UV lights to loan out and purchase there if you like.

To register for any of these programs go to www.minneapolisparks.org or call 612-313-7725.

Fall Bird Migration at Bassett's Creek/Bryn Mawr Neighborhood
Date: Saturday, Oct. 24, 7-9 a.m.
For adults. $6 fee.
In this session we'll explore a part of the Theodore Wirth Park near Wirth Lake in western Minneapolis and see what bird species pop up. Meet at the Bryn Mawr Meadows parking lot off Morgan Ave S.

Fall Paddle on the Chain of Lakes
Date: Sunday, Oct. 25, 1-3 p.m.
Ages 10 and up $6 fee
Learn about the Lakes and the wildlife they support. Meet at the N.E. corner of the Lake Calhoun refectory. There is a firm limit of 12 people so sign up early. Canoe, life jacket, and paddles provided. Meet at the Lake Calhoun refectory (also known as the Tin Fish).

Moon Walk at Lake Nokomis
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
$5 fee
Take an evening tour of the Park. We'll look for night creatures and watch the sky. Listen to the night in late fall and imagine what life must have been like before the corner street light. Meet at the Lake Nokomis Beach parking lot.

Minneapolis Geology at Minnehaha Park
Saturday, Nov. 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
$5 fee
Learn about the geological processes that created St Anthony and Minnehaha Falls. Hike down to the Mississippi River from the base of Minnehaha Falls. Meet at the Minnehaha Park Pavilion (also known as Sea Salt).

Dates: January - May, 2010
Location: Minnesota Discovery Center, 801 Hwy 169, Chisholm, MN
Contact: Kelly Florence, Education Coordinator, 218-254-1236

The Minnesota Discovery Center is hosting a traveling exhibit called, "Thoreau's Walden," that focuses on nature and nature photography. They would like to have nature walks on Saturdays during this exhibit and need people to lead them. The guide would point out tracks, types of trees, etc. on the property.

Date: Friday, October 23, 2009, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: UMN Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, 2660 Fawn Lake Dr NE, Bethel
Cost: $5
Registration: pregister by contacting Barb Spears at 651-328-0463 or bjspears@q.com
Website: http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/

Please join us for this very unique opportunity to visit the UMN Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve for the latest research affecting Minnesota's natural resources. Presentation by Dr. Jeff Corney, on how climate change may affect MN; visit field experiments on biodiversity (1st in the world); prescribed burn units and red-headed woodpecker habitat. Discussion on how this research may apply to private land management decisions and practices.

Dress and prepare appropriately for outdoor field tour. We will carpool from the facility following an indoor presentation. Light refreshments provided.

Go online to www.myminnesotawoods.org, your source for woodland stewardship advice.

Contact: Alison Bunge, City of St. Paul Parks & Recreation, Americorps VISTA Member, ph: 651-632-2453, email: alison.bunge@ci.stpaul.mn.us

The Recreation Centers have a free program called Rec Check where
volunteers commit to come in regularly/weekly to provide environmental programming after school anytime between 2:30 and 6:00 p.m. (This program may become compatible with the new Jr. Master Naturalists program Master Naturalists is piloting).

This school year there are 'No School Day' volunteer opportunities available on December 28th, 29th, 30th; March 29th, 30th, 31st; and April 1st and 2nd. St. Paul Parks and Recreation can provide the lesson/activity from their curriculum or volunteers can use another lesson/activity they are familiar with. Volunteers commit to at least a single one-hour session. A typical schedule for No School Day programming is as follows:

Grades K-1: 9:00-10:00 a.m. or 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Grades 2-3: 10:00-11:00 a.m. or 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Grades 4-6: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Animal feeding at Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Street NE, Fridley, occurs every Saturday at 10:00 am.

Dates:
Sunday, October 11, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monday, Octber 12, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, October 13, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, October 14, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, October 15, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Pre-registration is required to schedule your date and time for carving pumpkins

Location: Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave, Fridley
Contact: ph 763-572-3588
Website: www.sprinbrooknaturecenter.org

Help carve pumpkins for the "Enchanted Trails" during the October 17 "Pumpkin Night in the Park" event.

Pumpkin Night in the Park, A non-violent family adventure
Date: Saturday, October 17, 6:00-10:00 pm
Location: Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave, Fridley
$6 at gate, $5.50 in advance (2 and under free)
Contact: ph 763-572-3588
Website: www.springbrooknaturecenter.org

• Ghost of Elvis Returns
• Enchanted Trails
• Road Kill Cafe
• Over 500 carved pumpkins
• Pumpkin patch dance with DJ
• Spooky bingo and concessions extra

Date: Tuesday, October 27 - Thursday, October 29, 2009
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Website: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NurseryInspection/agmr/agmr2009.htm

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the National Gypsy Moth Management Board invite you to attend and participate in the Annual Gypsy Moth Review. The Program Committee has lined up a variety of knowledgeable speakers to talk about gypsy moth, program management, and other invasive forest insects.

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/rager001/mnatteachers/

Newsletter for Minnesota's EE Community
Website: http://www.seek.state.mn.us/index.cfm

Find the updated SEEK calendar online at: http://www.seek.state.mn.us/calendar.cfm

Go online to sign up to receive the bulletin via email at: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=00147Jgk4c64VPwJbq56GNL-w%3D%3D

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Contact Susan Jane Cheney, cheneysj@msn.com or phone 651-489-6452.

The District 10 Environment Committee is working with the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom Advisory Committee and St. Paul Park & Recreation EcoPartners program on a buckthorn bust. We are seeking volunteers for help with this event. We will be hauling out buckthorn cut by Parks staff, pulling small buckthorn re-sprouts, and also removing common burdock seed heads (lighter duty task).

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Purgatory Park, Minnetonka
Contact: Cheryl Culbreth, volunteer coordinator, 612-590-9395

Janet Van Sloun Larson, Natural Resource Specialist, City of Minnetonka, will be leading a one-day volunteer buckthorn removal event. Receive expert field training on proper buckthorn removal technique that will free high value native plants.

I am about to place a large bulk order for handheld UV flashlights. Many of you that have joined me on my "Glow-in-the-Dark" hikes or at the nature center have expressed an interest in getting your own UV flashlight.

I've tried a bunch now and settled on a supplier that sells this model. They have 21 UV LEDs and run on 3 AAA batteries. They are milled aluminum and have a recessed power switch on the back that has less chance of being turned on accidentally. They are 4" long.

I can get them for $5.50 a piece if anyone is interested. The batteries last a LONG time and they are very durable. I always keep one in my backpack now and keep finding cool stuff that glows. I brought one to Forestville Mystery Cave and had a great time when they turned all the lights off.

Let me know if you are interested, and how many, and I will put together an order. I can ship them to you via mail if you like.

Thanks a lot! Hope to see you at an upcoming hike!

Tim Boyle
Naturalist - Photographer
Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley, MN
763-572-3588
info@springbrooknaturecenter.org

Want to learn more about the North Metro Volunteer Naturalists chapter? Visit http://tinyurl.com/NorthMetroChapter for additional information and a calendar of events. We hope to see you at our next meeting!

Three recreation centers are looking for volunteers to provide environmental education for K-6 grades on MEA No School Days October 15 and 16. I could provide the activities that are listed below, or any volunteer educator could provide another appropriate activity. This would be the schedule and locations:

Thursday, October 15: Jimmy Lee Recreation Center
Grades Time Activity
K-1 9:00-10:00 a.m. Minnesota Biomes Collage
2-3 10:00-11:00 a.m. Nature Scavenger Hunt
4-6 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Eating Like an Insect

Thursday, October 15: Hazel Park Recreation Center
Grades Time Activity
K-1 1:00-2:00 p.m. Minnesota Biomes Collage
2-3 2:00-3:00 p.m. Nature Scavenger Hunt
4-6 3:00-4:00 p.m. Eating Like an Insect

Friday, October 16: North Dale Recreation Center (~80 students)
Grades Time Activity
K-1 1:00-2:00 p.m. Minnesota Biomes Collage
2-3 2:00-3:00 p.m. Nature Scavenger Hunt
4-6 3:00-4:00 p.m. Eating Like an Insect

Contact if you are interested in helping out or have questions:
Alison Bunge
City of St. Paul Parks & Recreation
Americorps VISTA Volunteer
651-632-2453
Alison.Bunge@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Date: October 2-4, 2009
Location: Long Lake Conservation Center, 28952 438th Lane, Palisade, about 130 miles north of the Twin Cities. Map and driving directions can be found on the website at: www.llcc.org

Registration: $150 full package includes 2 nights lodging and 4 meals, $90 Saturday package includes 3 meals; Full registration is all weekend, check in between 5 and 7 pm on Friday; ends at 2 pm on Sunday; For more information, or to register, call 800-450-5522 or email to carol@llcc.org

Calling all photographers!

Have you ever wanted to get away with your camera and have a comfortable place to work on that technique you've heard or read about? Never find the time to explore with your camera? This is your opportunity to schedule that time and enjoy the company of others that share your same passion for photography. Share and learn from each other at this photographer's retreat. From beginners to experts, this is a weekend dedicated to people who want to explore the world of nature photography; birds, animals, forests, bogs, a lake, and more. Long Lake Conservation Center is a 760-acre outdoor classroom and the subject for your photos.

From sunrise to sunset, there is always something to "focus" on.
With the dark sky away from city lights, you may even get a nice shot of the stars in the sky! Fall colors should be in full force for this retreat, with lots of opportunity to get that perfect photo suitable for framing.

Please join us! I will teaching and available to answer your questions and help with hands-on photographic instruction and guidance.

Some of the highlights of this Fall's session options for learning and recreation include:

~ A marked "photo-orientation" course for you to hike and find the viewpoints, which include taking a "theme" suggested photo at each stop. The course will be open all weekend and on the final day before the group breaks up, we will compare everyone's approaches to the different themes and scenes.

~ A classroom and field comparison program using both point and shoot digital cameras, and digital SLR cameras.
If you have a point and shoot digital camera of any type, bring it along, and we will also try to provide as many as possible for your use and experimentation.
We will compare the pitfalls and advantages of both styles of cameras and challenge you to shoot with both. Hopefully we will inspire you to find the shortcomings of a point and shoot and overcome them with a DSLR. Either way it should be a fun way to learn about the similarities and differences of modern cameras, and explore some of your less used features.

~ We will also have some classroom question and answer time about photo editing software, and I will attempt to show you my methods of getting what I need out of Paint Shop Pro, and talk about how it differs from Photoshop. I will focus on practical, efficient photo editing and photo cleanup, prepping photos for email, web publishing, and for submission for various uses.

~ Along with fielding your questions and helping you to be better photographers, we will take some relaxing hikes and field trips, give you some time to relax or explore the beautiful facility on your own, and enjoy each others company over meals or by the fireplace. This is one of my favorite parts of the weekend.

- Naturalist & Professional Photographer, Tim Boyle

Facility Highlights:

· 760 Acres of Nature as your subject

· Share with other photographers
· Learn from experts
· Workshops
· Software editing
· Printing techniques
· Demonstrations
· And More!

* This retreat is designed for Digital Photography - Film photographers welcome, but limited in activity participation.

Date: September 26, 2009, 10:00 am
Location: Fort Snelling State Park, beach area, take the Post Road exit off Highway 5 and follow the signs.
Contact: Call (612) 725-2389 or Visitor Center (612) 725-2724.

MN Master Naturalists will have a booth at this event. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting a day of Outdoor Family Fun and you are invited! Get hands-on instruction in a variety of activities including laser shooting, paddling a canoe, fishing from shore, Geocaching and more! Event is free, but a state park vehicle permit is required.

Date: Friday, October 23, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; Optional Tours of Beckman Bog and Fish Lake Nature Trails from 5:15 to 6:15 pm.
Location: UMN Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, 2660 Fawn Lake Dr NE, Bethel
Registration: $5 fee, Pre-register by calling 651-328-0463 or email bjspears@q.com
Website: http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/

Please join us for this very unique opportunity to visit the UMN Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve for the latest research affecting Minnesota's natural resources. Presentations on how climate change may affect MN; visit field experiments on biodiversity (1st in the world); prescribed burn units and red-headed woodpecker habitat. Discussion on how this research may apply to private land management decisions and practices.

Date: November 4, 2009, 6:30 pm - book sale and signing, 7:00 pm - presentation
Location: New Douglas County Public Works Building, 526 Willow Dr., Alexandria
Registration: $5
Contact: Douglas County Extension, 320-762-3890

Noted author and naturalist, Carrol Henderson, will be speaking on attracting and feeding birds in your winter garden. Mr. Henderson is the Non-game Wildlife Program supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In this role, he has had the opportunity to develop conservation programs to help restore endangered wildlife and to explore and enjoy some of Minnesota's greatest birding destinations.

Join us for an evening of good company, useful information and great fun!

Mr. Henderson asks you to support Minnesota's non-game wildlife program. Donate online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/checkoff.html, or check the box on your Minnesota State Tax returns. The loon marks the line where you can help preserve Minnesota's wildlife! Your donation makes a difference!

The Twin Cities Naturalist Blog & Podcast are an entertaining mix of phenology, trivia, natural history and interviews with important nature-based personalities in Minnesota. The Podcast comes out monthly. The blog is written by professional naturalist Kirk Mona and he is joined on the podcast by fellow naturalist Paul Smithson.

http://tcnaturalist.blogspot.com/search/label/Minnesota%20Master%20Naturalist

Filmed during more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular parks - from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska - the National Parks: America's Best Idea, is a story of people who devoted themselves to saving a portion of the land they loved, and thereby reminded their fellow citizens to the full meaning of democracy. It is a story of struggle and conflict, high ideals and opportunism, and adventure. This six epidosode series begins on PBS on September 27, 2009.

Printed and online educational materials created around the film support formal and informal classroom settings with lesson plans and hands-on learning activities. View a preview and find out more on PBS's National Parks page website: www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

Dates: Saturdays, October 10 - November 21, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (no class 10/31, 6 sessions total)
Location: Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave, Duluth
$175 for Hartley members, $225 for non-members
Registration: call 218-724-6735 to register

Scientific illustrator Rachel MaKarrall will guide you through the process of creating nature drawings that will satisfy your inner artist. We will cover basic drawing techniques including line, shape, value and perspective as applied to local natural subjects. This course is for beginners - those who are curious about drawing but think they lack the talent. Put your fears aside and learn what it takes to unleash your creative side! All supplies are included, so all you have to bring is your willingness to learn. Get signed up soon, as we expect class to fill.