Landscape Revival | Oakdale
2022-06-04 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Oakdale Fire Station #1, 5000 Hadley Ave N, Oakdale, MN, 55128, United States
Market: Purchase MN native plants from multiple growers. No systemic insecticides.
Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental organizations. Get your landscaping questions answered.
Contact: info.landscape.revival.2022@gmail.com

Landscape Revival Growers

Landscape Revival2022 Growers

GrowerWebsiteContact NameContact PhoneContact E-mailEvents*Pre Orders

Sogn Valley Farmsognvalleyfarm.comKarin Jokela(763) 213-4341karin@sognvalleyfarm.combothfollow link on home page

Minnesota Native Landscapesmnlcorp.comChris Stumvoll(763)295-0010ridge.campbell@mnlcorp.combothhttps://mnlcorp.com/product/landscape-revival-oakdale/

chris.stumvoll@mnlcorp.comhttps://mnlcorp.com/product/landscape-revival-shoreview/

Ecoscapes Native Nurseryecoscapes1.comCraig Stark(612) 965-0848craigstark@ecoscapes1.combothdoes not take pre orders

Blazing Star Gardensblazingstargardens.comDustin Demmer(507) 402-8337blazingstargardens@gmail.comOakdalefollow link on home page

Glacial Ridge Growersglacialridgegrowers.comGene Stark(320)634-0136sales@glacridgegrowers.combothdoes not take pre orders

Dragonfly Gardensdragonflygardens.netHans Klug(715)268-7660natives@dragonflygardens.netbothfollow link on home page

(715)544-7219

All of the growers will be at both events with the exception of Blazing Star Gardens who will attend only the Oakdale event

Landscape Revival Exhibitors

EXHIBITORWEBSITE

Saint Paul Audubon Societyhttps://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/who-we-are/

Humming for Beeshttps://www.hummingforbees.org

MN Horticultural Societyhttps://www.northerngardener.org

Washington Conservation Districthttp:/www.mnwcd.org

Pollinator Friendly Alliancehttps://www.pollinatorfriendly.org

Wild Ones St Croix Oak Savannahttps://stcroixoaksavanna.wildones.org

“Ask a Master Gardener” Washington County Master Gardenershttps://washingtoncountymg.org//

“Monarchs and Milkweed” Washington County Master Gardenershttps://washingtoncountymg.org//

MN Dragonfly Societyhttps://www.mndragonfly.org

MN Native Plant Societyhttps://www.mnnps.org

Birding at the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS), Arden Hills - REGISTRATION CLOSED
2022-06-11 07:30 - 10:00 | Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Avenue North, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
Join us for birding at AHATS. A new hard surface one-mile path around Sunfish Lake is scheduled to be completed just in time for our birding enjoyment. If the path is not ready, we will travel by guided car caravan and practice social distancing at choice stops. The site has lots of prairie and wooded edges for us to explore for their birding potential.
DIRECTIONS Driving directions will be included when you receive email confirmation of your registration
INFORMATION The site has restricted access. All vehicles will enter and exit the property together. No sharing of binoculars or scopes will be allowed. Outdoor restrooms are widely spaced IF available.
REGISTRATION REGISTRATION CLOSED – Required registration. Attendance is limited to six cars or 20 adults on a first reply, first served basis. Email Chase Davies your cell phone number and the names of all attendees who will travel in your vehicle
DIFFICULTY Easy
LEADER Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com

Landscape Revival | Shoreview
2022-06-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Shoreview, MN, 3920 Victoria St N, Shoreview, 55126
Market: Purchase MN native plants from multiple growers. No systemic insecticides.
Expo: Learn to select and grow native plants for pollinators, wildlife, and water quality. Visit with educators and experts from conservation and environmental organizations. Get your landscaping questions answered.
Contact: info.landscape.revival.2022@gmail.com
Landscape Revival Growers

Landscape Revival2022 Growers

GrowerWebsiteContact NameContact PhoneContact E-mailEvents*Pre Orders

Sogn Valley Farmsognvalleyfarm.comKarin Jokela(763) 213-4341karin@sognvalleyfarm.combothfollow link on home page

Minnesota Native Landscapesmnlcorp.comChris Stumvoll(763)295-0010ridge.campbell@mnlcorp.combothhttps://mnlcorp.com/product/landscape-revival-oakdale/

chris.stumvoll@mnlcorp.comhttps://mnlcorp.com/product/landscape-revival-shoreview/

Ecoscapes Native Nurseryecoscapes1.comCraig Stark(612) 965-0848craigstark@ecoscapes1.combothdoes not take pre orders

Blazing Star Gardensblazingstargardens.comDustin Demmer(507) 402-8337blazingstargardens@gmail.comOakdalefollow link on home page

Glacial Ridge Growersglacialridgegrowers.comGene Stark(320)634-0136sales@glacridgegrowers.combothdoes not take pre orders

Dragonfly Gardensdragonflygardens.netHans Klug(715)268-7660natives@dragonflygardens.netbothfollow link on home page

(715)544-7219

All of the growers will be at both events with the exception of Blazing Star Gardens who will attend only the Oakdale event
Exhibitors

ExhibitorWebsite

Humming for Beeshttps://www.hummingforbees.org

MN Horticultural Sochttps://www.northerngardener.org

Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation Districthttps://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cd

Ramsey County Cooperative Weed Management Districthttps://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cd/cwmd/htm

Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed Districthttps://www.rwmwd.org

Wild Ones (BRBW)https://www.woldonesbigriverbigwoods.org

Ramsey County Master Gardenershttps://www.ramseymastergardeners.org

Neighborhood Greeninghttps://neighborhoodgreening.org

MN Dragonfly Sochttps://www.mndragonflies.org

MN Native Plant Sochttps://www.mnnps.org

Pollinator Friendly Alliance
https://www.pollinatorfriendly.org/

St Paul Audubon Societyhttps://saintpaulbirdalliance.org/

VLAWMO (Vadnais Lake Area Water Management )https://www.vlawmo.org/

CANCELED | Prairie Tuesday (PT) Summer Walks - #1 Prairie Walk 101
2022-06-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Fish Creek Natural Area, 2465-2475 Carver Ave, Maplewood, MN, 55119, United States
FISH Creek Prairie Walk 6:30-8:30 has been CANCELLED due to unsafe heat plus humidity weather conditions.
PT(#1) Fish Creek Prairie
This is the first of three Prairie Tuesday evening walks to highlight numerous bird-native plant interactions. All are easy walks unless noted. Bring your binoculars, a 10-power magnifier (or borrow one from Chase) and consider a camera and bug repellent. Wear closed-toe shoes with socks above the ankle. Usually no toilet facilities on site. No registration is required.
All trips led by Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com
(PT #1) Fish Creek Prairie – Prairie Walk 101
Location: Fish Creek Natural Area, 2465-2475 Carver Ave., Maplewood, MN 55119
Topic: How do native plants improve the bird-life web?
Directions: From I-94 go south on McKnight Road about 3.5 miles where it T’s at Carver Avenue. Then turn left (east) onto Carver. Just before the I-494 underpass, turn right (south) onto Henry Lane. Travel about 1/2 mile to the Fish Creek Natural Area; turn around and park on the street as directed.

Dragonflies & Flycatchers
2022-07-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Swede Hollow Park, 622 Beaumont Street, St. Paul, MN, 55130, United States
Do you like Birds? Do you like Dragonflies? Then join in the fun at Swede Hollow Park to take a closer look at dragonflies and learn of the birds who feed on them. This free fun family event is set for Saturday, July 2nd from 1 – 3 pm.
Dragonfly experts will net dragonflies and hold them to give people a closer look at these interesting creatures. Volunteers can try their own hand catching and releasing the dragonflies – in nets provided. We will learn about the life stages of dragonflies, the variety of dragonflies, what they eat and who eats them. Audubon volunteers will be on hand to discuss birds such as Flycatchers who rely on dragonflies as an important food source. Friends of Swede Hollow will share the history of Swede Hollow and dreams for the Park’s future.
Meet at the Swede Henge on the North Side of Swede Hollow Park. Follow the signs from 622 Beaumont Street and enter the Park via the Drewry Tunnel.
This event is co-sponsored by Friends of Swede Hollow, Minnesota Dragonfly Society, St Paul Audubon Society, and Saint Paul Parks Conservancy. To RSVP or for more info, call or text Brad Griffith at 651-263-2830.
You can also register on Eventbright (it’s free). Here’s the link: https://bit.ly/3HU6xa3

Birding Summer Style - #2 Silverwood Park
2022-07-05 18:00 - 20:30 | Silverwood Regional Park, St Anthony, MN, 2500 County Road E, St. Anthony, MN, 55421, United States
This is the second of three great Birding Summer Style trips offered at a variety of days and times. Why? Summer birding is more relaxed and presents possibilities for observing different behaviors once birds are settled on family territories. Birders have opportunities for lingering identifications with group interaction at a summer-time relaxed pace. The slower pace is also ideal for beginning birders to learn and experience the basics to locate, describe and identify birds.
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St. Anthony (just west of Silver Lake Rd). Please note this is an evening walk.
SUGGESTIONS Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a brimmed hat, water, sunblock and a field guide with maps or a smartphone with the app already installed. Chase will have some loaner binoculars available. Call leader if you want to borrow 8×35 binoculars.
DIFFICULTY Easy
LEADER Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com

Prairie Tuesday (PT) Summer Walks - #2 Mid-Summer Blooming Prairie
2022-07-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Rachel Lilly Preserve, 680 MN-62, Mendota Heights, MN, 55118, United States
This is the second of three prairie Tuesday evening walks to highlight numerous bird-native plant interactions. All are easy walks unless noted. Bring your binoculars, a 10-power magnifier (or borrow one from Chase) and consider a camera and bug repellent. Wear closed-toe shoes with socks above the ankle. Usually no toilet facilities on site. No registration required. All trips led by Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com
(PT #2) Rachel Lilly Preserve managed by Dodge Nature Center – Mid-Summer Blooming Prairie
LOCATION 680 MN-62, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
TOPIC This walk will focus on prairie restoration and blooming flowers.
DIRECTIONS Enter from MN-62 – bear left to park by the barn or right to park in the church parking lot. Meet by the red barn. Note: Do not park at the 590 MN-62 site.
DIFFICULTY Easy. However, the walking route covers 2 miles.

Bird & Bike the Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park
2022-07-30 08:00 - 12:00 | Snail Lake Regional Park, Shoreview, MN, 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN, 55126, United States
4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN 55126
We are reviving birding by bicycle! Discover the fun of birding from a bicycle on more than 5 miles of mostly level, paved, multi-use trails that connect four lakes in Shoreview: Grass, Snail, Sucker, and Vadnais, all of which are prime birding locations for Ramsey County (top 10 hotspots on eBird). Landscape here is varied and includes lakes, woods, wetlands, and open grassland. Optional bakery-stop midway (bring bike lock): Taste of Scandinavia Bakery is a block off the trail in North Oaks. Trail map: https://www.ramseycounty.us/sites/default/files/Parks%20and%20Recreation/Park%20Maps%20-%20Vadnais%20Snail%20Lakes.pdf.
DIRECTIONS Enter park from Snail Lake Blvd at lake level (near restrooms and boat launch), go straight ahead to park and meet group.
INFORMATION Bring your bicycle, helmet, binoculars, snacks and water.
REGISTRATION Required registration and limited to 8 participants. Contact sherrygray@yahoo.com to register. Participants will be asked to sign a liability release form at the start of the trip.
DIFFICULTY Moderate
LEADER Sherry Gray sherrygray@yahoo.com

Birding Summer Style - #3 Bass Ponds on the Minnesota River
2022-08-06 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2325 E 86th St, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
This is the last of three great Birding Summer Style trips offered at a variety of days and times. Why? Summer birding is more relaxed and presents possibilities for observing different behaviors once birds are settled on family territories. Birders have opportunities for lingering identifications with group interaction at a summer-time relaxed pace. The slower pace is also ideal for beginning birders to learn and experience the basics to locate, describe and identify birds.
Bass Ponds on the Minnesota River, 2400 E 86th St, Bloomington. Take Cedar Avenue south from 494, exit onto Killebrew Dr, go to Old Shakopee Rd, turn right (south) onto East 86th St, at the sign for Bass Ponds, bear left and come to the parking lot. If the lot is full, street park on the right as you enter or in the larger parking lot back near the corner of 86th and Old Shakopee.
SUGGESTIONS Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a brimmed hat, water, sunblock and a field guide with maps or a smart phone with the app already installed. Chase will have some loaner binoculars available. Call leader if you want to borrow 8×35 binoculars.
DIFFICULTY Easy
LEADER Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com

***CANCELLED ***Prairie Tuesday (PT) Summer Walks - #3 Late Summer Blooming Prairie***CANCELLED***
2022-08-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Valley View Park, 5575 Ozark Ave N, Oak Park Heights, MN, 55082, United States
This is the third of three Prairie Tuesday evening walks to highlight numerous bird-native plant interactions. All are easy walks unless noted. Bring your binoculars, a 10-power magnifier (or borrow one from Chase) and consider a camera and bug repellent. Wear closed-toe shoes with socks above the ankle. Usually no toilet facilities on site. No registration required.
(PT #3) Valley View Park, Oak Park Heights – Late Summer Blooming Prairie
LOCATION 5575 Ozark Ave N, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
TOPIC How do abundance and diversity of late summer native plants impact the local bird-life web?
DIRECTIONS Travel east on Hwy 36 to Osgood Avenue N, go south past 56th St N then turn left onto Valley View Park Road, meet in the first parking lot on the left.
Leader: led by Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com

Carpenter Nature Center – Wisconsin Campus
2022-08-14 08:30 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Wisconsin Campus, 279 S. Cove Rd., Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
279 S. Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Sunday, August 14, 8:30 – 11:00 AM
We are birding at the newly expanded Wisconsin Campus of the Carpenter Nature Center. The expansion includes a visitor center, paved and mowed trails, and remote teaching areas. CNC staff will provide a brief introduction prior to our group exploring the trails.
DIRECTIONS Drive east from St. Paul on I-94; cross St. Croix River into Wisconsin; take exit 2 toward Carmichael Rd. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Prescott/Crestview Dr. Merge onto Carmichael Rd. Travel 4.2 miles. Turn right onto S. Cove Rd. Travel 0.2 miles. Turn right to stay on S. Cove Rd. Travel 0.7 miles. Destination on left.
INFORMATION Bring binoculars, bird guide and water
REGISTRATION None required
DIFFICULTY Moderate; approximately 1 mile route on wide grass path traveling into and out of a coulee.
LEADERS Chase Davies 651-246-9754 RockyBirder@gmail.com and Jane Braun

Bird Up – at Sucker Lake
2022-09-07 07:30 - 09:30 | Sucker Lake, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55127, United States
Bird Up! – Something New for the Fall
This is the debut of Saint Paul Audubon’s new more informal version of birding events. Meet up at the site, and everyone will be responsible for finding and identifying the birds. SPAS will provide a convener who is familiar with the park and knows which areas to visit, and who will make sure everyone finds their way back to the parking lot. Birders of all levels welcome. Keep an eye on the SPAS website as we hope to offer Bird Ups throughout the fall.
Sucker Lake
4500 Rice Street, Vadnais Heights
Wednesday, Sept 7, 7:30 – 9:30 AM
Meet by the picnic shelters at the parking lot on the north end of the lake. The entrance is on the east side of Rice Street, about 50 yards south of Hwy 96. Go right/south at the circle in the parking lot.
DIFFICULTY: Easy. Approximately 1.7 miles on level ground. About 2/3 paved and 1/3 dirt/woodchip/grass path with some roots. Restrooms on site.
CONVENER: Jane Braun jane@promotional.com

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Jennifer Vieth, Carpenter Nature Center
2022-09-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Jennifer Vieth
Jennifer Vieth, executive director of the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, will tell us about designing and opening the brand-new Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, named after the original donors of the first 98 acres of Carpenter’s current 300-acre Wisconsin Campus. Carpenter Nature Center is 725 acres total on the Minnesota and Wisconsin sites, with 20+ miles of trails through habitats ranging from prairie to forest. The two campuses provide high-quality, diverse wildlife habitat and are the site of long-term avian monitoring studies including MAPS, Project Owl-net and the Motus network. The Al & Laurie Hein Visitors Center has been 30 years in the making. Research and planning included habitat management plans, wildlife surveys, community surveys and the inclusion of many voices. Having the opportunity to design and open a visitor’s center from the ground up was a special experience, as we will hear.
Jennifer, a native of Kingston, Ontario, has worked in the field of environmental education and bird conservation since interning at the World Bird Sanctuary in 1993. She has also worked at the University of Minnesota Raptor Center as program director. In her free time, she volunteers on the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union Board of Directors, runs a Breeding Bird Survey route, and is a curling instructor. She lives in the St. Croix Valley with her husband and two children.

Monthly chapter meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
Welcome to the 2022 – 2023 season. This year’s General Meetings will be held in a hybrid version.

In-person at the brand new Aŋpétu Téča Education Center (formerly the Fairview Community Center).
1910 County B Rd W, Room 207, Roseville, MN 55113 (map).

or join with Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85998008398
Meeting ID: 859 9800 8398

Covid Guidelines

All participants are expected to be vaccinated and boosted (if timing indicates) for COVID-19
All participants will maintain social distancing
Masks are optional but welcome

Bird Up - at William O'Brien State Park
2022-09-17 08:30 - 10:30 | William O’Brien State Park, 16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047, United States
Bird Up! – Something New for the Fall
This fall we are debuting Saint Paul Audubon’s new more informal version of birding events, Bird Ups. Meet up at the site, and everyone will be responsible for finding and identifying the birds. SPAS will provide a convener who is familiar with the park and knows which areas to visit, and who will make sure everyone finds their way back to the parking lot. Birders of all levels welcome. Keep an eye on the SPAS website as we hope to offer Bird Ups throughout the fall.
William O’Brien State Park
16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
Saturday, September 17, 8:30 – 10:30 AM
Meet at the Visitor Center. NOTE – Annual or Daily MN State Park Pass required.
DIFFICUULTY: Moderate, wood chip and sand trails, some ups and downs. About 2.5 – 3 miles. Restrooms at Visitor Center and about halfway at campgrounds.
CONVENER: Greg Burnes gburnes@comcast.net 612-205-3071

***CANCELLED ***Bike & Bird the Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park***CANCELLED***
2022-09-24 08:00 - 12:00 | Snail Lake Regional Park, Shoreview, MN, 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN, 55126, United States
4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN 55126
Saturday, September 24, 8:00 AM to Noon
Discover the fun of birding from a bicycle on several miles of mostly level, paved, multi-use trails that connect two lakes in Shoreview: Grass, and Snail, both of which are prime birding locations for Ramsey County (top 10 hotspots on eBird). Landscape here is varied and includes lakes, woods, wetlands, and open grassland. Optional bakery stop: Taste of Scandinavia Bakery in North Oaks is about a mile by bike from Snail Lake wetland. Optional side trip to Sucker Lake and/or Vadnais Lake. Map: https://www.ramseycounty.us/sites/default/files/Parks%20and%20Recreation/Park%20Maps%20-%20Vadnais%20Snail%20Lakes.pdf. Meet in the beach/boat launch parking lot at Snail Lake, 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview, MN 55126.
DIRECTIONS Enter park from Snail Lake Blvd at lake level, go straight ahead to park and meet group.
INFORMATION Bring your bicycle, helmet, binoculars, snacks, and water. Bike lock for bakery stop.
REGISTRATION Limited to 8 participants. Contact sherrygray@yahoo.com to register.
DIFFICULTY Moderate
LEADER Sherry Gray sherrygray@yahoo.com

***CANCELLED***Biking & Birding: Carlos Avery WMA***CANCELLED***
2022-10-01 08:30 - 12:30 | Carlos Avery North Loop Parking Lot, 9067 - 7801 205th Ave NE, Wyoming, MN, 55092, United States
Carlos Avery WMA – North Loop Parking Area
9067-7801 205th Ave NE, Wyoming, MN 55092
Saturday October 1, 8:30 AM to 12:30pm.
Discover the fun of birding from a bicycle on several miles of level gravel roads that connect varied habitat in this large WMA near Wyoming, MN. Carlos Avery is a prime birding location for Anoka and Chisago counties both (top hotspot on eBird for Anoka). Landscape includes lakes, small woods, wetlands, and open grassland. A bike that handles gravel roads, or a mountain bike, is recommended. Directions and map will be provided later.
DIRECTIONS Meet in the Carlos Avery North Loop Parking Area. This is where 205th Ave NE meets Wyoming Rd.
INFORMATION Bring a bicycle, helmet, binoculars, snacks, lunch, and water. A scope will be available.
REGISTRATION Limited to 8 participants. Contact sherrygray@yahoo.com to register.
DIFFICULTY Moderate
LEADER Sherry Gray sherrygray@yahoo.com

Bird Up - at Springbrook Nature Center
2022-10-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Avenue NE, Fridley, MN, United States
*** Bird Ups – Something new for the fall***
Fall 2023 marks the debut of Saint Paul Audubon’s new more informal version of birding events, Bird Ups. Meet up at the site, and everyone will be responsible for finding and identifying the birds. SPAS will provide a convener who is familiar with the park and knows which areas to visit, and who will make sure everyone finds their way back to the parking lot. Birders of all levels welcome. Keep an eye on the SPAS website as we hope to add a few more Bird Ups throughout the fall.
Springbrook Nature Center
100 85th Avenue NE, Fridley
Monday, October 3, 9:00 – 11 AM
Meet in the main parking lot by the visitor center. The entrance is on the south side of 85th Avenue, about 0.4 mile west of University Ave.
DIFFICULTY Approximately 1.4 miles on fairly level paved and dirt paths, and a boardwalk. A couple very small hills. Long sleeves, long pants, and bug spray should be considered. Restrooms on site.
CONVENER Jane Braun jane@promotional.com

SPAS Board Meeting
2022-10-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
The Saint Paul Audubon Society board meetings are held at 4 pm on the first Monday of every month, through June.
If Monday is a holiday, the meeting is on the following Tuesday.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | David Heemsbergen, Bird Photographer
2022-10-13 19:00 - 20:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86736855454
David Heemsbergen presents “Lessons Learned in Two Parts: Photography and Habitat Establishment.”
Part one will be a discussion of how preparation, practice, and patience can make taking photographs more enjoyable, and how it is not necessary to be in an exotic location to capture images that tell a story you will want to share with family and friends. With a few exceptions, he will present images taken in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Part two is about the experience David and his wife, Jan Morlock, have had to establish pollinator habitats, including mistakes and successes! They have three pollinator habitats ranging from a 15-foot triangle to a 42-acre field, size area will attract pollinators with the proper native plants. David will show images of the habitats and some of their new “friends” that live there.
David grew up on an Iowa farm, graduated from Cornell University, and returned to Iowa where he farmed for a number of years. Later he worked in sales and marketing in the ag industry and then spent roughly ten years working internationally, starting as an ag specialist for the Agriculture Bank of Papua New Guinea in the Peace Corps, and then holding various ag development positions in Bulgaria, Armenia, Uganda, and Moldova. He now spends his time working on their farm in Menomonie, Wisconsin, practicing photography and volunteering.
Photography by David Heemsbergen

Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
An option for viewing the presentations remotely will also be provided.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Aaron Morris, UM Cons Bio PhD candidate
2022-11-10 19:00 - 20:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89471039251?pwd=[REDACTED]
Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
An option for viewing the presentations remotely will also be provided.

Swans & Other Waterfowl of Pool 8 - Brownsville, MN
2022-11-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Brownsville Overlook, Brownsville, MN, 13502, 14286 Great River Rd, Brownsville, 55919
Swans galore are the norm just south of Brownsville, MN. Fall migration offers birders an opportunity to decide: trumpeter or tundra swan? Swans and dabbling ducks can be seen from one overlook, then less than one mile south is a deep water overlook with diving waterfowl. This is a staging area for one species and is used year-round for the other. From 2-3 p.m. and again from 4-5 p.m. on November 19, Chase will be at the Brownsville Overlook to talk about what swans and dabbling ducks are in sight, the life histories of the swans, and management challenges of the constantly changing Mississippi River. Sundown is at 4:38 p.m. A good number of swans remain at the Brownsville Overlook all day long. Depending on weather, around mid-afternoon the swans begin to return to overnight in Pool 8. Strings and strands of seeming unending groups come from north and south feeding areas to congregate overnight in Pool 8: this is an unforgettable experience and the reason for this late-day meeting. From 3-4 p.m., Chase will be at the Hwy 26 overlook, a mile south of the Brownsville Overlook. Diving ducks feed in this deeper part of Pool 8, possibly including canvasbacks and mergansers. Plan ahead and enjoy a “Day Along the Mighty Mississippi River,” then post your photos, bird list of sightings during your trip, and comments on Saint Paul Audubon’s Facebook page.
DIRECTIONS The time and travel distance are nearly the same whether you travel to Rochester, then use I-90, or if you travel along the river on US 61 in MN or partly in WI to I-90. North of LaCrescent MN, I-90 crosses the river between MN and WI with US 61 continuing south and continuing straight onto MN 16 going south. Stay on MN 16 for about 3 miles and on a curve stay left onto MN 26 which will take you through Brownsville to the well marked surprising Brownsville Overlook. The deep-water ‘Hwy 26 Overlook’ is a mile south from the Brownsville Overlook and is favored by diving ducks.
INSTRUCTIONS Dress for cooling temperatures and probable winds on the riverbank, including a warm hat and gloves. Bring water, snacks, bird book or app.
SAFE BIRDING GUIDELINES Masks and social distancing will be personal choice, and the same goes for sharing equipment. Chase will have a spotting scope to share. Bring binoculars, field guide, or a camera with telescopic lens.
DIFFICULTY Both overlooks are roadside at parking areas and are handicap accessible.
AMENITIES In the past, the Brownsville Overlook had a handicap-accessible portable outhouse.
REGISTRATION No preregistration. Please sign-in with Chase at the site when you arrive. LEADER Chase Davies 651 246-9754 rockybirder@gmail.com

TIPS: Swans are dispersed during the day but depending on wind small to medium size flocks may be viewed in both MN and WI on your trip. In daytime in MN from US 61 they often feed and rest within sight of the Minneiska Cemetery in MN just south of where the Whitewater River enters the Mississippi River. In WI along WI 35 just north of Alma is Riecks Lake Park which also has a viewing platform. More swans overnight here in the bottoms of the Buffalo River where it joins the Mississippi, then remain throughout the day; usually knowledgeable volunteers interact with visitors on the platform.

OTHER THINGS TO DO:
The Eagle Center in Wabasha https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/
MN Marine Art Museum in Winona https://www.mmam.org/
International Owl Center located in Houston, MN. https://www.internationalowlcenter.org/
Riecks Lake Park, on Hwy 35 just north of Alma, WI, Colville Park, Red Wing, MN., and the several well placed pullouts on WI Hwy 35 along the east side of Pool 8. Finally consider checking out some of the towns and pullouts along either side of Lake Pepin.

8.5 x 14 Map of Lower Pool 8: https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/LowerPool8.pdf

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Tom Gable, UM Voyageurs Wolf Project
2022-12-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Speaker Series – Dr. Tom Gable – Wolf Researcher
December 8 – Monthly Chapter Meeting In-Person @ 7:00 p.m.
Featuring Tom Gamble, Lead researcher for the Voyageurs Wolf Project
Join us In Person
The December chapter meeting will take place in-person in Room 207 of the new Aŋpétu Téča Education Center in Roseville, 1910 County Road B West, Roseville. December 8’s meeting will include special recognition of Richard Newmark, a long-serving volunteer.
“Studying the Secret Life of Wolves in the Northwoods”
Berry-eating, fish-hunting, beaver-ambushing wolves?? The Voyageurs Wolf Project was started to address one of the biggest knowledge gaps in wolf ecology: what do wolves do during the summer in forested ecosystems? Despite decades of research, the answer to this question has remained elusive due to the difficulties of studying wolves during the summer. With the help of advanced GPS-tracing technology and remote video cameras, the Voyageurs Wolf Project has been able to get an unprecedented look at the summer ecology of wolves in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem in Northern Minnesota. This research has revealed new aspects of wolf hunting behavior and shown just how variable wolf diets during the summer are. In Dr. Gable’s presentation, you will learn about the complex and fascinating lives of wolves in the Northwoods and literally see for yourself (from remote video footage) how these elusive wolves make a living.
Dr. Tom Gable is the project lead for the Voyageurs Wolf Project and he recently completed his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. He has been studying wolves in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem since 2014 when he started his master’s degree at Northern Michigan University. He is particularly fascinated by wolf-beaver interactions and his graduate work was focused on trying to understand this predator-prey dynamic. Much of Gable’s early interest in wolves stemmed from encountering wolf tracks, kills, and the occasional wolf while exploring the wild places around his family’s cabin just outside of Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, during the winter.

2022 St. Paul Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-17 | MN
Saint Paul Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Once again, Gregg Severson will organize and compile the count, with help this year from Kiki Sonnen. It will work in the usual way, as follows:

Each area in our CBC Circle will be assigned to a leader. Past leaders are encouraged to continue in their previous roles.
The assigned Area Leader will decide how to best survey their given area, splitting it into sub-areas for smaller groups to bird, or to all meet and bird together.
Area leaders will fill their groups as they see fit. New participants who contact Gregg or Kiki will be assigned to areas as area leaders request participants.
Anyone who lives within the count circle who wishes to participate as a feeder watcher may do so by contacting Gregg or Kiki.
Gregg will tally the overall count from area counts submitted by area leaders.

A post-count pot-luck party will take place at 6 p.m. at 1884 N Pascal St., Falcon Heights, home of Brian Goodspeed. Contact Gregg Severson at gregg.severson@gmail.com or 612-568-5272; or Kiki Sonnen at 651-331-9560.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Dr. Jesus Pinto Ledezma UM “Remote sensing of plants and birds”
2023-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Dr. Jesus N. Pinto-Ledezma will present “Harnessing Bird and Remote Sensing Data to Understand Biodiversity Change Over Space and Time.”
Biodiversity is changing due to alterations in climate and human activities at rates only comparable to the fossil record, and understanding the processes that drive and maintain the composition and structure of ecological communities is a critical challenge for biologists. Additionally, species – the primary unit of analysis in ecology and evolution – are changing their distributions, affecting how biologists understand and study biodiversity.
Pinto-Ledezma will talk about harnessing bird and remote sensing data for biodiversity assessments that allow us to go beyond the use of static data sets and perform a more realistic evaluation of the factors that determine species distribution and assemblage composition, to enhance effective management strategies and conservation actions. He will talk about how ecological communities assemble over time and the processes that drive and maintain the bird diversity we see today, about using Geolocators to help understand migration, and about how we can integrate bird observations and remote sensing data to advance modeling approaches to better understand the associations between species and their habitats.
Jesus Pinto-Ledezma is a Presidential Fellow in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. He is an evolutionary ecologist and is particularly interested in understanding geographical patterns of biodiversity, the structure of ecological communities, and the underlying mechanisms that drive, maintain, and alter such patterns. His work focuses on terrestrial systems, with a focus on avifauna and vascular plants but also other groups. He integrates evolutionary and ecological theories of biodiversity and develops methodological advances to unveil processes acting in concert at different temporal and spatial scales. The ultimate aim of his work is to apply insights about the onset of biodiversity patterns to inform conservation and management responses to ongoing global change and biodiversity loss.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Stephanie Schmidt, International Crane Foundation
2023-02-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Stephanie Schmidt, International Crane Foundation

Presentation Streaming from Baraboo, Wisconsin
Join us in-person or via Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/86703578381
February 9: “Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population.” In the 1940s, Whooping Cranes, once native to Minnesota, faced near extinction as a result of increased threats from habitat loss, hunting, and more. It wasn’t until 2001 that Whooping Cranes returned to the eastern U.S. following a collaborative reintroduction program led by the International Crane Foundation (ICF). Today around 76 Whooping Cranes make up this population, and a few individuals have made their way into Minnesota each year. Stephanie will talk about what the ICF and crane conservation partners are doing to safeguard their future. Following her presentation, you will be able to identify Whooping Cranes by sight and sound, understand the historic threats towards Whooping Cranes that led to their decline, know the ins and outs of the reintroduction program and the current work crane conservation partners are doing to protect cranes in Minnesota and throughout their flyways, and find out how you can be an ambassador for cranes in Minnesota.
Stephanie grew up in the Kettle Moraine area in southeastern Wisconsin, a region known for its many Sandhill Cranes, which ignited her early love for birds, wetlands, and nature. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
An option for viewing the presentations remotely will also be provided.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Anthony Hauck, National Audubon Conservation Ranch Program
2023-03-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Anthony Hauck, National Audubon Conservation Ranch Program

“Birds, Beef, and a Better Climate.” Traditional conservation approaches have failed to stem the continued loss of native grasslands and the precipitous decline of grassland birds, now estimated to be a 53% population decline since the first Earth Day. Nearly 70% of grassland species are vulnerable to extinction due to climate change. Audubon Conservation Ranching, the National Audubon Society’s novel, market-based approach to grassland bird conservation, is working at the intersection of wildlife, food, people, and climate to slow these trends. Anthony will talk about the Audubon Conservation Ranching’s certification program, which yields on-the-ground habitat results as well as the Audubon Certified bird-friendly seal that helps consumers recognize beef and bison products that originated on lands managed for birds and biodiversity. Grasslands also keep more carbon in the ground and capture it in plants, reducing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. The bottom line: What’s good for grassland birds is also good for climate change mitigation.
Anthony has dedicated his career to conservation communications. Before joining Audubon he served at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and prior to that, Pheasants Forever. He’s proud to call the prairie home, with grassland and agricultural roots along the Minnesota and South Dakota border. His love for birds took flight at Salt Lake, a historic prairie basin and birding destination bordered by both states.

Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
An option for viewing the presentations remotely will also be provided.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Michael North, DNR Brainerd, “Characteristics of Woodpecker Nest Trees in Minnesota”
2023-04-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Michael North, DNR Brainerd, “Characteristics of Woodpecker Nest Trees in Minnesota”
Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.
This will be an in-person meeting only. The hybrid remote option will not be available.

Monthly Chapter Meeting | Heather Holm, Pollinator Conservationist and Author, “Restoring Ecosystem Functionality and Biodiversity”
2023-05-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Aŋpétu Téča Education Center, Roseville, MN, 1910 County B Road West, Rm 207, Roseville, MN, 55113, United States
Heather Holm, Pollinator Conservationist and Author, “Restoring Ecosystem Functionality and Biodiversity”
Monthly chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of the month, September-May, at 7:00 p.m. They are open and free of charge to everyone. They include time to socialize and brief chapter announcements, followed by featured presentations each month on a range of topics.

Warbler Weekend 2023
2023-05-12 - 2023-05-14 | Hok-Si-La Park, Lake City, MN, 2500 U.S. Hwy 61, Lake City, 55041
Warbler Weekend 2023 is coming up and here is everything you need to know.
Registration: Registration for the weekend and reservations for all meals, including requests for gluten-free or vegetarian meals, are required in advance. Registration deadline has been extended to April 25th.
Registration is now closed.
Accommodations: Birders staying overnight need to make their own reservations. Lake City and Red Wing are closest.
Location: Hok-Si-La Park Dining Hall, Lake City, MN is the hub for all activities. (www.hoksilapark.org)
On-site Information: Announcements will occur after each meal. The Bird Board, Schedule, Notice, and Places to Bird will be posted prominently.
Schedule
Friday May 12
6:30 p.m. Coffee, cookies and socializing
7:00 p.m. Presentation
Saturday May 13
Birding Walks
Morning: 6:45-8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Afternoon: 1:45-3:15 p.m. and 3:45-5:00 p.m.
Evening (after Bird Tally): Swifting at Villa Maria, followed by Owling
Gather on the grass at the parking lot around appropriate signs to form groups for each scheduled walk. Please be on time. Likely spots include:

Frontenac State Park’s Sand Point Trail and Overlook
Frontenac Town Cemetery & Town Walk
Villa Maria Grounds
Hok-Si-La North and South.
Birding by ear will be offered if we are able to line up aurally talented individuals who know our avian denizens and migrants well.
Birding by car on your own is always an option as well.

Meals
8:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast. Announcements at 9:15 a.m.
12:15-12:45 p.m. Lunch. Announcements at 1:00 p.m.
6:00-6:30 p.m. Dinner. Announcements at 6:45 p.m., followed by Bird Tally.
Sunday May 14
Enjoy birding on your own!
Evaluation forms: We want your input! All birders will be asked to fill out an evaluation form so that we can continue to improve Warbler Weekend.

Migrant and Nesting Birds Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
2023-05-18 07:00 - 22:00 | Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve, Savage, MN, 15501 Murphy Lake Blvd, Savage, MN, 55378, United States
15501 Murphy Lake Blvd, Savage, MN
Thursday, May 18, 7-10 AM
One of the best birding areas in Twin Cities Metro! Focus is on songs/calls of nesting birds in a hardwood forest as well as spring migrants. Hooded warbler is a target species.
DIRECTIONS Take 35E or W to Co 42, go west ~ 2 miles, then south ~ 2 miles on Burnsville Parkway which becomes Hanrehan Lake Blvd. At Highway 75 aka Murphy Lake Rd, turn left and immediately into the parking lot on the left.
DIFFICULTY Wide natural trails. Medium to strenuous
LEADER Bill Stjern, norskestar@comcast.net 651- 458-1542
