Friday May 16

Friday Pre-Conference Sessions    

Full Day

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Session

Aquatic Invasive Species Detectors Core Course (see link below for pricing)

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Session

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park and Mille Lacs Indian Museum Field Trip


Level of activity:  Active

Presenter Biography: (multiple speakers)


Half Day

12:30 - 5:00 p.m. Sessions

"Loven" the spring ephemerals at Fritz Loven Park/History and Nature of the upper Mississippi 

 

Description: Take a two-part field trip to explore Minnesota’s lands and waters! We will meander through Fritz Loven Park to search for Spring Ephemeral flowers. The trail will lead us along the babbling Stoney Brook, where we will find trilliums, spring beauties, bloodroots, hepaticas and more. The woods is waking up, and trail may be damp or muddy, so wear sturdy shoes! And, join us for a cruise up the breathtaking upper Mississippi River Valley. We’ll discuss the history of this portion of the river, the flora and fauna that make their home along its shoreline, and how the Mississippi Flyway funnels millions of birds during migration. Cameras, binoculars, and a light jacket are recommended.


Level of activity:  Moderately active/inactive

Presenter Biography: 


Nothing Rhymes with “Esker” at Ripley Esker/Crane Meadows Tour

 

Description: Visit the Ripley Esker, a unique landform remnant of the Wisconsin glaciation the last glaciation advancement in Minnesota. We will explore the esker, an ancient remnant of an “upside-down river,” and its surroundings. After exploring the Ripley Esker, we will head over to the Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to explore its habitats and creatures that call it home. Hiking boots, water bottle, bug repellents are recommended. A notebook or journal, and binoculars are optional.           


Level of activity:  Moderately active (some hills and rough trails)

Presenter Biography:  


1:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. Session

National Loon Center Field Trip

 

Description: Visit the National Loon Center and take a pontoon tour of Cross Lake to learn more about the lives of Minnesota's state bird.




Conference Begins:

6:00 p.m. (Dinner and Keynote)

7:30 p.m. - Evening social activities

Nature Board Games, S'mores and campfire , Bell Build an Aquatic Biome, Star Gazing, Exploradome, Cash bar, and Dessert