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
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!!!
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)
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
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
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.
Hamline-Midway Neighborhood
Sat., May 18, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Hewitt Ave. and Tatum
Volunteers: 20: Supervisors: 3
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 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.
Volunteers are needed to help remove garlic mustard in the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom. Garlic Mustard is an invasive species that poses a threat to other native wildlife in the surrounding area. For more information regarding garlic mustard and why it's invasive, check out the Minnesota DNR webpage. The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation environmental team will be on hand to kickoff the event, provide training, and educate community members about the project. This is a fun, family-friendly event.
Blooming Saint Paul Day, Saturday, May 18th, is a day to promote volunteer gardening and to prepare public gardens for the coming growing season. 2013 is the first year for Blooming Saint Paul Day and we hope to have 250 volunteers helping in as many as 40 sites throughout Saint Paul.
For more information click here
Come celebrate St. Paul's Spring Arbor Month in Prospect Park! Saturday, May 18; tree planting kick-off starts at 9:00 a.m. From 10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m there will be info tables, climbing wall, ask the arborist, demonstrations, and guest arborators
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
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.
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.
Upcoming Volunteer Events
Blooming Saint Paul Day
Saturday, May 18th, 9:00 - 12:00pm
Help Make Saint Paul beautiful! Volunteers are needed to clean out and prepare gardens in parks throughout the city.
Tasks may include: weeding, removing dead vegetation, mulching, installing new plant material, and more!
Volunteers are asked to supply their own gardening tools. The Parks and Recreation Department will be supplying the mulch and other materials needed.
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
"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."
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
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.
Help track the "green wave" as trees progress through seasonal changes. More information can be found here.
Dear potential volunteer,
Lac qui Parle State Park has many opportunities for you to build your resume' and volunteer in the summer of 2013.
First, we have a monthly "Nature Story and Craft time at the Park." Two volunteers are needed to lead this two hour activity time. I have attached an outline of the four time periods. The dates are May 25, June 29, July 27, and Aug. 31 from 10 am to noon. Geared for 3-10 years olds.
Second, opportunity is on June 8, "National Get Outdoors Day." On this day, we will have various activities for visitors. Three volunteer opportunities are at this event: 1. Archery in the Park- help is needed to line kids up to take turns learning Archery techniques. It is nice to have extra eyes and ears when working with kids. 2. Fishing fun with kids- volunteers are needed to help kids learn how to improve their fishing skills. And lastly, 3. Nature craft at the Lower Campground Warming shelter- volunteers would help kids make an animal track book and lead short hikes along the trail to look for animal signs. Total volunteers needed 9
Last opportunity is on July 6, "Day of Exploration at the Beach." Local historian and naturalist Dave Craigmile will be sharing his knowledge and leading visitors on various learning activities. You could be stationed at one of three posts: 1.canoe and take visitors out canoeing and teaching basic canoeing skills, 2.fishing skills area, and 3. geo-caching station. Total volunteers needed 7
Thank you for your interest and support of our Minnesota State Parks. Please let me know if you or any of your like-minded friends would like to volunteer for any of the above mentioned activities.
Please contact me either by e-mail or the phone numbers below.
Sincerely,
Cara
Cara Greger, NR Park Spec.
DNR, Lac qui Parle State Park
14047 20th Street NW
Cell 320-808-4897
Work 320-734-4451 ext. 225
Cara.Greger@state.mn.us
Greetings everyone!
I think that I've got a good start on owl routes, but I still have some that are open and need volunteers. If you know of anyone in the following areas that might be interested in taking a route (or if you want to consider taking on another route), please connect us!
County:
Aitkin (6 open routes!)
St. Louis (4 routes... one near Hoyt Lakes, 3 north - Lake Vermillion area)
Central and East Itasca (7 routes)
Southern Houston
Eastern Otter Tail
far NW corner of the state (11 routes)
far SW corner of the state (15 routes)
scattered routes in Renville, Chippewa, Todd, Grant, Big Stone, Freeborn, Lac qui Parle
I wish I could offer a bounty for new volunteers, but we'll have to settle for the good feeling of knowing that you've brought more resources to the program. ;-)
Thank you!
Julie
Julie O'Connor
joconnor@hawkridge.org
218-348-2291
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory
www.hawkridge.org
Three Rivers Park District
Outdoor Recreation School Projects
Contact: Katie Andersen for more information.
KAndersen@threeriversparkdistrict.org
763-694-7723
Drying/Storage Rack:
Help to build a sleeping bag storage rack and a collapsible tent drying rack for our storage room. Ideas needed. Materials provided.
Animal Tracking Flip Charts:
Needed: Laminated cards (maybe 5"x5") on a ring that can be carried on a hike and flipped through for reference. Would include images of common MN animals and their tracks (tracks to scale) along with information regarding animal stride/gate, how to differentiate from similar tracks, and other helpful clues and signs for each animal. Materials provided.
Grants - Adaptive Programs & Connections
Research and identify potential funding sources for Adaptive Programs and/or adaptive equipment. Work with ORS staff to gather information and complete grant applications for submission. Seek out adaptive program networking opportunities, create collaborative connections with other organizations and recruit new adapted recreation participants.
Database Organizing:
Interested in working with computers? Help digitize our paper records to make reporting easier. This will consist of entering past information on private and public ski lessons into our MS Access database.
Adapted Bow Stand:
Welders or handy people needed. The bow stand is a platform on the ground with a metal bar extending up holding the bow so someone with arm weakness or low arm function can pull back the bow string without holding the bow. The participant can roll their wheelchair or stand on the platform. This will keep the bow stand stable. The metal bar can be adjusted up or down depending on if the participant is sitting or standing. There is a metal plate at the top of the bar that the bow claps on to. This can be adjusted up or down to help the participant aim the bow.
Composting Bins:
We are looking for volunteers to build 2 worm composting bins. These bins would be a freestanding wooden structure. The tops would be large enough to dig in and rotate the soil, but critter-proof. We may also make ones that are lattice structures. We would like to produce night crawlers for our fishing program, so they need to be approximately 2-3 feet in diameter. Dimensions, plans, and material gathering can be discussed.
Portable Snowshoe Rack:
We need removable racks made for snowshoes to be stored and transported to programs. Materials provided.
Ice Fishing/Fishing Pole Bags:
We need a quick and efficient way of moving and transporting our fishing poles for programs and camps. Right now we have a heavy duty tarp material that the poles slide into. The problem that we see with this is that the poles will get snagged and also when it rains the bag holds water so then we run into rusting problems. A roll up system would work well that drains easily.
Ice Shack:
We are looking for a person to develop a lightweight shack on skis that we can push across the ice to setup for programs. It would need to be lightweight but with options to anchor to the ice so in windy conditions the shelter won't ski away. It would be great if it was large enough for 4 holes inside so participants can get out of the elements during programs.
Kids Kayak Trailer:
We need someone to help us figure out a good way to protect boats on the kayak rack while still providing strength and stability when strapping them down. Also the addition of a ladder off the back would be very helpful, especially for putting the boats on top. Innovation needed, materials provided.
Katie Andersen
ORS Educator
ORS Volunteer Coordinator
Three Rivers Park District
763-694-7723
Volunteer with MN DNR this Spring!
DNR Volunteer Opportunities - Spring 2013
All of the newest DNR volunteer opportunities are NOW posted on our website! Check them out to see how YOU might get involved in the outdoors!
Minnesota Frog and Toad Calling Survey
Volunteer to participate in the Minnesota Frog and Toad Calling Survey (MFTCS), Minnesota's portion of the nation-wide program (North American Amphibian Monitoring Program). Participants will be assigned to pre-selected routes and asked to conduct nighttime "listening surveys" on three evenings per year between April and July.
Help is needed statewide, but especially in southwestern and northern Minnesota. Available route locations and other information can be found on our website.
Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program
Volunteers across the state are needed to track Minnesota's loon population. You will be assigned to a pre-selected lake to count the number of loons you see on one morning between June 28 and July 8, 2013.
Call or e-mail the following DNR Regional Nongame Wildlife staff to be assigned to a lake(s) in one of the listed counties:
Becker or Otter Tail Counties: Contact Sherry Wright, Bemidji, 218-308-2620, sherry.wright@state.mn.us
Cook, Lake, or Itasca Counties: Contact Sarah Verke, Grand Rapids, 218-999-7808, sarah.verke@state.mn.us
Aitkin or Crow Wing Counties: Contact Karen McLennan, Brainerd, 218-828-2605, karen.mclennan@state.mn.us
Kandiyohi County: Contact Dorie Tess, New Ulm, 507-359-6036, dorie.tess@state.mn.us
Over 50 Campground Host Opportunities this Summer at a Minnesota State Park!
If you enjoy the great outdoors, scenic vistas, and the company of other campers, then consider volunteering to be a "live in" host for at least 4 weeks (one month) during the period of May to October at a Minnesota State Park campground.
A host's primary responsibility is to assist campers by answering questions and explaining campground rules in a cheerful and helpful manner. Campground Host volunteers should be familiar with state park campground rules, perform light maintenance work around the campground such as litter pickup, sweeping, stocking supplies in toilet buildings and making emergency minor repairs when possible. Hosts may be requested to assist in the naturalist program by posting and distributing schedules, publicizing programs or helping with programs. Volunteers will set an example by being model campers, practicing good housekeeping at all times in and around the host site, and by observing all rules.
Campground Host volunteers generally work independently. Volunteers are accountable to the park manager who will provide training and orientation for hosts and assist hosts throughout the season with any question or problems that may arise. Length of period, workdays and hours are established with the campground manager, but will generally include all weekends and holidays. Avid campers or RV'ers are encouraged to apply!
Read more about the Campground Host Program. Email your questions to campground.host@state.mn.us or call 888- MINNDNR ( 888-646-6367) or in the Metro area call 651-259-5607.
To apply for any of these volunteer positions, fill out the Campground Host application and email it to campground.host@state.mn.us
Greetings Monarch Watchers!
We are finally moving forward with our monarch tagging database project and we need some help! :-)
As most of you know, citizen scientists just like you have been tagging monarch butterflies through Monarch Watch since 1992. In all, more than ONE MILLION monarchs have been tagged with Monarch Watch tags over the years - representing a HUGE volunteer effort. Most of these tagging records have been returned to us in the form of paper datasheets, organized by students into binders, and relocated when a tagged monarch is reported to us - thus allowing us to complete the tag record and add it to our online tag recovery database (currently more than 16,000 records).
This system has its inefficiencies and limitations but given funding constraints this was the only workable solution for many years. The really big downside to this storage method is that it does not give us easy access to the majority of the data set - those records that include date, location, and other data for more than one million monarch
butterflies. An infinite number of analyses could be done using this massive data set and we are determined to whip it into shape and have it available very soon. In the process, the online recovery database (http://monarchwatch.org/recoveries) will get an overhaul as well.
We now have a firm plan in place to renovate our existing databases, clean up the data, and add records to make the set as complete as possible. We already have about 975,000 tagging records in an electronic database and estimate that we have an additional 300,000 records that still need to be entered in order to complete the set - data from the 1992-1999 tagging seasons as well as sheets that are still coming in for
this season (monarchs tagged last fall).
This is where we need some help.
Ann has just hired one data entry student and may be able to hire one more, but we would also like to open this up to any Monarch Watcher out there that would like to assist us - either in person (Lawrence, KS) or by working remotely at home. This data entry will involve taking the hard copy datasheets (or digital versions of them) and typing the information into a spreadsheet (using Excel, etc.). If you are not familiar with our datasheets, you can check them out via http://monarchwatch.org/tagging - including a spreadsheet format that will be used for this data entry project. As you can see, for any given datasheet there will be a lot of duplicate (date, location) or sequential (tag codes) data, so there are some shortcuts that can be used to make data entry go faster (copy/paste, fill down, etc.) - we will provide you with all the information you need to speed things along.
If you can help us in person, we will provide everything you need; if you would like to work remotely, you will need a computer, spreadsheet software (Microsoft's Excel, Apple's Numbers, Apache OpenOffice's Calc, etc.), and internet access - we will send you a set of scanned datasheets and the spreadsheet template. Beyond that, all we ask is that you return the completed data to us in a timely manner, follow the simple instructions we will provide, and be very focused when entering the data to reduce the number of keying errors :-)
The amount of time that you spend volunteering will be up to you - we will send you a small number of sheets initially so that you can get a feel for the data entry and how long it takes. When you submit your data you may request additional sheets if you'd like to continue.
If you would like to assist us in this endeavor, please respond to this message expressing your interest and we will get back to all potential volunteers as soon as possible with additional details.
We're excited to be forging ahead with this - thank you for your help and continued support!
Sincerely,
Jim, Chip, & Ann
http://monarchwatch.org/staff
Dear Fellow Naturalist,
We invite you to join NABA's Butterfly Count Program so that scientists studying butterfly distribution and population fluctuations will have the benefit of important data from your area. Now is the time to plan a new count - it's a great way both to help the environment and to have an exciting day in the field with friends who enjoy the natural world.
Butterflies are ideal indicators of the health of the environment because they are exquisitely sensitive to small changes in their world. Yet surprisingly little is known about butterfly population fluctuations and distributions throughout North America. Gathering information about these important pollinators is the goal of the annual Butterfly Count Program organized by NABA, the North American Butterfly Association.
Celebrating almost 40 years, the Butterfly Count Program is a long-term citizen-scientist project, involving almost 500 counts and thousands of volunteers throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Volunteers select a count area with a 15-mile diameter count circle and assemble a group to conduct a one-day census of all butterflies sighted within that circle.
Published annually in the NABA Count Report, count data provide critical information about the geographical distributions and population sizes of the species counted. Increasingly, these data are being used by scientists to help address a wide variety of topics, including the fall migration of Monarchs and the effects of habitat changes on butterflies.
Currently, NABA Butterfly Counts are conducted from March to October in nearly every state. If there is no existing NABA Butterfly Count in your area, we encourage you to start one! For more information about how to start a count and about the Count Program in general, please visit NABA's website, www.naba.org, send an email to naba@naba.org, or call NABA's national headquarters at 973-285-0907.
If a count already exists in your area, we hope that you can participate in and facilitate the existing count. Location of counts and contact information for their compilers can be found on the NABA website at
http://www.naba.org/butter_counts.html.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Glassberg, Ph. D
President, NABA
Do you have experience paddling? How about interpretive skills? Do you think you can do both at the same time? We just might have the opportunity for you!
Become a river rafting volunteer for Three Rivers Park District. Help TRPD staff lead groups of program participants down the Mississippi river. Volunteers will navigate inflatable white water rafts on half-day and full day trips exploring cultural, geological, and natural history on a three to six mile stretch of the river located in the north metro area. You will receive both interpretive and raft training on and off the river. All trips launch from West Coon Rapids Dam in Brooklyn Park.
River raft volunteers should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to maintain a friendly, courteous, and professional demeanor. Volunteers should be confidant in their paddling skills and be able to work without direct staff supervision. Interpretive experience is highly desired.
Volunteers work outdoors for 4-8 hours depending on the program with a commitment of 2 or 3 trips for the season (late June-Sept.). Trips are planned for early mornings, weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Heavy lifting and being able to stand in the river up to your knees are part of this volunteer position. You must sign up to become a Three Rivers Park District Volunteer and submit to a background check. Contact Paula Suchy, Naturalist, West Coon Rapids Dam, Three Rivers Park District, at 763-694-1117 or PSuchy@threeriversparkdistrict.org
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!
Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park Planting
Saturday, May 18, 8:30am - 12:30pm
New Prague, MN
Volunteers: 150 Supervisors: 15
Identified as one of the Last Best Places in the Metropolitan Council's Regional Parks Policy Plan, this 300-acre park includes the last remaining undeveloped shoreline on Scott County's Cedar Lake. Volunteers will plant native upland and aquatic vegetation as a component of a major wetland and shoreline restoration project.
A project of our Metro Area Program. This project is made possible with support from Scott County Parks, Scott Watershed Management Organization, Three Rivers Park District, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Pond Dakota Mission Restoration
Saturday, May 11, 8:30am - 12:30pm
Bloomington, MN
Volunteers: 150 Supervisors: 15
Take a step back in time and help out at the site of the Gideon Pond House, constructed in 1856. Volunteers will assist in removing undesirable brush and sowing native seed to restore the oak savanna that was here at the time Gideon first arrived. With buckthorn and other undesirable trees and shrubs removed, the site will once afford visitors stunning views of the Minnesota Valley.
A project of our Metro Area Program. This project is made possible with support from the City of Bloomington, the Bloomington Noon Rotary, and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
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.
Great River Greening is a local 501 c3 nonprofit with a mission to secure the legacy of Minnesota land and water through community restoration, stewardship and partnerships. We work in collaboration at a grassroots level so partners, landowners and volunteers feel connected to an area, understand the power of working together, and are protective of the legacy that we pass on to future generations.
Major operating support for Great River Greening programs is provided by McKnight Foundation.
27th Annual Citywide Cleanup
Over the past 26 years, the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department has established a tradition of hosting an annual Spring Parks Cleanup event to collect the trash that has accumulated over the winter. Now, with the help of the Department of Public Works, the event has transformed into a citywide effort to clean our parks, neighborhoods, and streets.
Without the help of volunteers, trash accumulates in many areas, polluting lakes, rivers, and detracting from the beauty of our community. This event is a fun and effective way to improve our natural environment while also contributing to the overall beautification of Saint Paul.
Blooming Saint Paul Day
In an ongoing effort to promote volunteerism and the beautification of Saint Paul, the Parks and Recreation Department has decided to host a new event titled Blooming Saint Paul Day. The purpose of this event is to recruit new and current volunteers to assist in cleaning and preparing various garden locations for the summer months.
Tasks may include:
· weeding
· removing dead vegetation
· mulching
· installing new plant material
· and more!
Blooming Saint Paul Day will take place on Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
To Register, Click Here
For more information, please email Shannon.Obrien@stpaul.gov or call 651.632.2458
Community Volunteer Events
Interested in planting trees for Arbor Month? Come on down to Crosby Regional Park on Saturday, May 4th! For more information or to register, click here (Registration for this event is hosted by REI)
Community events are added on a consistent basis from spring to fall.
Check out www.stpaul.gov/parks/environment for updates.
NEW! Project Based Volunteering
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers to assist in ongoing natural resource based projects throughout the city. Projects vary from prairie restoration to wildlife surveys.
For more information or to submit a volunteer inquiry, http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=5124
Restoration Supervisors
Restoration Supervisors assist with supervising volunteers during large habitat restoration events. They also lead small volunteer events in the absence of staff. Restoration Supervisors increase Saint Paul Parks' capacity to engage the public in actively restoring and protecting our natural resources.
For more inforamtion or to submit a volunteer inquiry, Click Here
Greenhouse Assistants
Volunteer Greenhouse Assistants work closely with gardening staff to help grow and care for plants at the Harriet Island greenhouse facility. Plants and flowers used in Saint Paul's parks and streetscapes are more sustainable when grown on site in the greenhouse. This saves valuable resources as shipping and transport modes are reduced. Greenhouse volunteers greatly increase our capacity to grow more of our own plants and become more sustainable.
For more information or to submit a volunteer inquiry, Click Here
Contact Information
Andy Rodriguez
Volunteer Coordinator
Andy.Rodriguez@stpaul.gov
651-632-2411
Shannon O'Brien
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Shannon.OBrien@stpaul.gov
651-632-2458
