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August 2021
 Canoeing Minnesota
Learning to canoe is a great way to explore Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes but also has 35 state water trails with over 4,500 miles of terrific paddling. Whether you want to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, the DNR has a variety of information to help you get started. Visit Minnesota State Water Trails | Minnesota DNR to find how to videos, trip planning resources, safety information and more.
New to paddling? The MN DNR State Parks I Can Paddle program has experienced guides that help you learn to paddle. I Can programs are designed especially for first-time paddlers and all equipment is provided. Afterwards, you and your friends or family will be ready to launch your own paddling adventure. For information on I Can Paddle classes visit I Can Paddle! | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
Women in the Parks Series - Fort Snelling State Park
Below are the classes available at Fort Snelling State Park located in St. Paul that are designed for women and girls ages 14 and older with guardian. Most classes are free and registration is required. A State Park day or yearly pass is required to enter State Parks and can be purchased at the park. Register by emailing Carolyn.Rock@state.mn.us or calling 612-279-3562. Classes are limited to 20 women.
Gourmet Campfire Cooking, Saturday August 14, 5 – 7 p.m., Register by August 11, Fee $15.
Become an Outdoor Foodie! Cooking over a campfire can take any camping trip to the next level. Go beyond the basic S'more, toss aside the hot dog, and wrap yourself in great baking as we go beyond the old tried and true recipes. Campfire safety cooking techniques are included. Be prepared to practice these new cooking techniques. Food fee of $15 per participant is required. Participants with food allergies or dietary needs please note those in the registration. Participants should wear close-toed shoes and bring bug spray and water.
Signs of Bigfoot, Wednesday August 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Register by August 14, Free.
What’s that scat? Who made that track? Animals leave clues that give us a great deal of information about how they survive. Learn how scat, tracks, fur, and other signs help us identify the hidden creatures of the Mississippi and Minnesota River bottoms. Join us as we explore the park in an interactive way as we work to solve the mystery of the elusive Bigfoot. We will be using GPS units to reveal clue of Bigfoot’s presence in the park. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a short walk. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, hat, and water.
Techno-Identifying Nature, Wednesday August 25, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Register by August 17, Free.
Do you ever wonder what bird species are in your backyard? Are you curious about what butterfly species are visiting your garden? Would you like to know more about the mammals that call your local park home? Discover how a free downloaded app on your smartphone can help you to identify flora and fauna. It is recommended that prior to the program participants download the Seek by iNaturalist app, directions will be sent prior to the start of the program. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a short walk. Bring bug spray, hat, and water.
Women in the Parks Series - Whitewater State Park
Below is a class available at Whitewater State Park located in Atlura that is designed for women and girls ages 14 and older with guardian. The class is free and registration is required. A State Park day or yearly pass is required to enter State Parks and can be purchased at the park. Register by emailing Sara.Holger@state.mn.us or calling 507-312-2306.
BOW Backwaters Kayaking Field Trip, Friday September 17, Noon – 2 p.m., Free.
Join state park naturalist Sara on a kayaking field trip to explore the backwaters of the Mississippi River near Kellogg. Sara will teach about the history of the river at this location and look for signs of the changing seasons. Space limited. Bring your own kayak, lifejacket and gear or rent from a nearby outfitter. Call Sara for information on how to rent a kayak from an outfitter prior to the program.
Sara recorded a webinar on kayaking the Mississippi River backwaters. View the recorded webinar: Kayaking the Mississippi Backwaters recorded webinar.
Upcoming Women Programs
Learn to Pheasant Hunt Workshop for Women, August 6 - 8, Fee $225, Limit 14, Email SandyBOW@gmail.com to register.
Join the Bird Bustin’ Babes and the Legendary Longtails Pheasants Forever chapter for a Learn to Pheasant Hunt workshop. Weekend events include shotgun basics, gun safety, sporting clays shooting, gun cleaning, basics of the shotgun shells, pheasant habitat, walking the field, hunting over dogs, how to find hunting land, what to wear in the field and shooting practice. Two nights lodging and meals are included. Two game farm hunts that will include three birds per participant will be available later. This program is held at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake.
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Women’s Canoeing, August 18, 1 – 3 p.m., Wargo Nature Center, Fee $20, Register by August 11 at Anoka County, MN - Activity Search (myvscloud.com)
This canoeing workshop is part of the Women’s Summer Workshop series for women. These workshops are a great way to learn or practice some outdoor skills while meeting other women who love the outdoors. Workshops are co-sponsored by Spring Lake Park Recreation, Wargo Nature Center and the Minnesota DNR's Becoming an Outdoors Woman program. Pre-registration is required and equipment is included in the program fee.
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Free Family Webinars
Join webinars on firearms safety and more
Are you interested in hunting, fishing or caring for the outdoors? We have some webinars coming up that can help in preparing for fall hunting seasons. The webinars are at noon on Wednesdays.
- How to get certified in firearms safety, Aug. 4
- Rifle basics, Aug. 11
- Mourning dove hunting, Aug. 18
- DNR at the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 25
The webinars are part of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series that aims to give participants quick, relevant information on upcoming seasons and events, and skills to help enjoy these opportunities.
More details: DNR outdoor skills webinar page
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