For the month of September we have two natural history field trip programs planned for the general public, courtesy of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College’s Extension Program. Please note that the date for the Hawk Ridge trip has changed from the earlier field trip overview. Also, the felsenmeer trip will depart at 9:00 a.m. and involves traversing some very rugged uneven ground, so flip-flops or heels are NOT recommended! J The trips are as follows:
Saturday September 18th: Hawk Ridge from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 5:30 p.m.
If birds of prey fascinate you, then you and your binoculars will want to join us at Hawk Ridge by Duluth as we observe these remarkable birds during the best time of day at the very peak of their migration. Most raptors prefer not to cross large bodies of water, so they get funneled around Lake Superior at this point. Twenty species of raptors and vultures occur there, including the rare peregrine falcon and gyrfalcon. Some nest as far north as the arctic and winter as far as South America. A naturalist will be on site to help answer questions.
Saturday September 25th: The Blue Hills Felsenmeer from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 5:00 p.m.
Hiking the Blue Hills Felsenmeer, a State Scientific & Natural Area, is the closest thing to being in the alpine zone! Cold air emanates from the pink quartzite talus all summer long, sustaining a lichen & moss community normally found much farther north. We will hike down what is locally known as the "box canyon", a magical fern-enveloped cleft and come back up the base of the felsenmeer, which means "sea of rock". Every member of the family able to hike on rocks will enjoy the incredible scenery, interesting plant life, and geological features of this special place. This hike is not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Although lunch will be provided, you will need to pack it in. If it is raining the trip will be postponed until Saturday, October 23rd.
We will meet at the main entrance in front of the LCO College. The field trip programs are sponsored by the Extension Department at no cost to the participants. This includes registration, the tasty bag lunch, and transportation in the college’s new touring van. Working closely with the college’s Covid Coordinator, we have concluded that the field trips can proceed in a relatively safe manner, altho there is of course always a slight element of risk to those who remain unvaccinated. Once the van fills, you can carpool or follow us in your own vehicle. Please feel free to bring the entire family to enjoy Nature and learn more about its wonders. Hawk Ridge is handicapped-accessible. Please make sure that you register ahead of time at this link: https://forms.gle/aZYbm8vauJbp2sqv7, or if you have questions contact Cali Quaderer-Cuddy, LCO College Extension Program Coordinator, at cquaderer@Lco.edu, phone 715-634-4790 ext. 137.
Hope to see you there!
Mike