• Link to register:  z.umn.edu/DetectorsRegistration

• The AIS Detectors Core Course is an introduction to aquatic invasive species (AIS) science, identification, and surveillance. You will learn how to report invasive species, best practices for preventing the spread of AIS, relevant rules and regulations, and how to search for AIS on your own. This course consists of two portions: a self-paced online course and a live workshop with the instructors. After completing the course you will become a certified AIS Detector Volunteer! For more information about the course visit https://maisrc.umn.edu/detectors-core. Activity level, light. Some sitting but mostly walking around tables practicing identification skills. 

• $75

• Take a bus trip to Mille Lacs to explore the natural and cultural history of the area. In the morning, explore Mille Lacs Moraine SNA with DNR naturalists. Please note, the site may be buggy, so tick protection and bug spray are highly encouraged. We will be walking on uneven, off-trail terrain so the activity level will be moderate to high as off-trail travel can be difficult at times. There are no recreational facilities like restrooms or drinking water on site.  In the afternoon,  tour the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, including a tour of the Four Seasons room and time to explore the museum and trading post on your own. A boxed lunch will be provided for this field trip. 

Level of activity:  Active (off-trail hiking with uneven terrain in morning)

Presenter Biography: (multiple speakers)

• $50

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: 

• Jane Stevens has been a Master Naturalist since 2014. She has completed all 3 biomes and is a course instructor. She loves living in woods of the Brainerd Lakes area! 

• Eleanor Burkett  is a Minnesota Master Naturlaist and president of the Brainerd Lakes Area Master Naturalist Chapter. 

• Ron Plinske is a graduate of 2018 Northwoods, Great Lakes Biome. Current board member of the Brainerd Lakes Area Master Naturalist. Current board member for Let’s Go Fishing - Brainerd Lakes Chapter.  

• LeAnn Plinske is a MN Master Naturalist of all three biomes. Board member for the Brainerd Lakes Area Audubon Society 

• $50

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:  

• Ginger Kopp retired in February 2020 as an Agroforester from the Natural Resources Conservation Service with 32 years in 2 states VA and MN. My specialty was "working" trees on farms. She is a Master Naturalist since 2020 and the Site Steward of the Ripley Esker since 2021. She liks teaching the general public about how we use wood or wood products every day without realizing it; and how MN forests are responding to climate change. Ginger is on the Steering Committee of the MN Woman's Woodland Network as the public relations specialist. 

• $50

Description: Join the National Loon Center on the Loon Pontoon! Our Loon Pontoon, “The StewardShip,” provides a fun and informative tour of Cross Lake that includes respectful (and exhilarating) observation of loons as well as lessons about the actions we can take to conserve loons and freshwater ecosystems. There are plenty of activities and teachings aboard the Loon Pontoon to learn why and how to value the natural world we live in. We'll see loons and their habitat, conduct water clarity testing, and practice population surveys. 

After the pontoon tour, visit the NLC's temporary visitor's center, the Nest, for a chance to have your looniest questions answered, view exhibits, learn about the new building and location, and shop for some loon swag! 

• • Cash Bar and desserts will be served poolside.  Grab a treat and hang out with the Nerd Herd.

  • We will provide nature-themed board games poolside, so you can relax, have a beverage and dessert while you nerd out with your fellow MNats.

  • The Bell Museum Staff will set up telescopes on the  Sundeck for you to gaze into the heavens.  They will help you to see stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.

  • The ExploraDome (an inflatable dome to view the night sky or educational offerings) will be set up in the Tamarack Event Center.  This is a great way to see an educational film.  This year we are featuring Oasis in Space  which explores where we can find water in space, and whether or not these places can sustain life. There will be multiple showings during the evening social activity time.   There are chairs in the Dome for easy seating.  Don't miss it!

  • The Bell Museum staff will have various astronomy activities for you to participate in poolside.

  • Campfire and Smore's at the Lakeside Fire Ring-  if you have an instrument and want to share your musical talents at the campfire, please do!  

• All activities are from 7:30-10:00 pm  (In case of BAD sky watching weather, we will switch Friday and Saturday evening activities)