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Explore Minneapolis’ regional parks parks during the winter on a snowshoe stroll during the day or under the light of the moon. The MPRB offers naturalist-led public snowshoeing and natural history programs for families and individuals of all ages. Watch for wildlife and explore wintertime’s nature as you tromp through the snow.
Snowshoes are easily strapped to your boots and spread your weight over a larger distance allowing you to stay on top of the snow for easier travel. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.
Wear sturdy snow boots and dress in layers; snowshoes are provided. For programs that require field guides and binoculars, bring yours if you have them or indicate you need them at registration. Class sizes are limited so registration is required at www.minneapolisparks.org – Program Registration or 612-313-7725; the deadline is noon two days before the event.
2009-2010 SCHEDULE
Snowshoeing at Loring Park, Wednesdays, Nov. 25, Dec. 2 and 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Join the naturalist staff for a series of snowshoeing walks through Loring Park and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Meet at the Loring Park recreation center; $10.
Bird Watching at the Robert’s Bird Sanctuary, Saturday, Nov. 28, 10-11:30 a.m. – Take a guided walk through the park and discover birding in the city. We’ll use binoculars and field guides to identify birds wintering in Minneapolis. Meet at the western gate near the Lake Harriet Band Shell; $5.
Hardwood Forest Ecology at Minnehaha Park, Saturday, Dec. 12, 10-11:30 a.m. – Walk through Minnehaha Park and learn about the hardwood forest and how all living things within it are preparing for the Minnesota Cold. Discover how all the living things in this park live together to form a community. Meet at the Minnehaha Falls Pavilion (also known as Sea Salt); $5.
Snowshoeing at Wirth Park, Saturday, Dec. 26, 10-11:30 a.m. – Snowshoe through Wirth Park in an area that most people only see in summer. Watch for wildlife as you tromp through the snow. Meet at the Wirth Beach parking lot on Glenwood Ave. just east of Theodore Wirth Parkway; $10.
New Year’s Eve Full Moon Snowshoeing at the Chain of Lakes, Thursday, Dec. 31, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Snowshoe the Chain of Lakes as the moon rises over the city. Watch for wildlife, listen for owls and see tree silhouettes as you tromp through the snow. Meet at the North Beach parking lot at Lake Calhoun on Excelsior Blvd.; $15.
Bird Watching on Snowshoes at the Mississippi River Gorge, Saturday, Jan. 2, 9-10:30 a.m. – Join a naturalist for bird watching while snowshoeing at the only gorge along the length of the Mississippi River. Snowshoes provided. Meet at the parking lot just south of 36th street on West River Parkway; $10.
Snowshoeing the Chain of Lakes, Saturday, Jan. 9 10-11:30 a.m. – Snowshoe on the Chain of Lakes passing through canals and getting close to islands. Watch for wildlife as you tromp through the snow. Meet at the North Beach parking lot at Lake Calhoun on Excelsior Boulevard; $10.
Snowshoeing at Wirth Park, Saturday, Jan. 16, 10-11:30 a.m. – Snowshoe through Wirth Park in an area that most people only see in summer. Watch for wildlife as you tromp through the snow. Snowshoes provided. Meet at the Wirth Beach parking lot on Glenwood Ave. just east of Theodore Wirth Parkway; $10.
Snowshoeing at Lake Nokomis, Saturday, Jan. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. – Snowshoe on Lake Nokomis and into the wetland areas that are difficult to reach in warmer weather. Watch for winter wildlife as you tromp through the snow. Snowshoes provided. Meet at the Lake Nokomis Main Beach at 5001 W. Lake Nokomis Parkway just east of Cedar Ave.; $10.
Bird Watching at Robert’s Bird Sanctuary, Saturday, Jan. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. – Take a guided walk through the park and discover birding in the city. We’ll use binoculars and field guides to identify birds wintering in Minneapolis. Meet at the western gate near the Lake Harriet Band Shell; $5.
Moonlight Snowshoeing at the Chain of Lakes, Friday, Jan. 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m. – Take an evening tour of the Chain of Lakes on snowshoes. We’ll look for night creatures and watch the sky with the city glowing in the distance. Meet at the North Beach parking lot on Lake St./Excelsior Blvd. on the north end of Lake Calhoun; $15.
Snowshoeing Along the Mississippi River, Saturday, Jan. 30, 10-11:30 a.m. – Snowshoe along the Mississippi River in an area that most people only see in summer. Watch for wildlife as you tromp through the snow in a secluded area just a few miles from downtown Minneapolis. Meet just south of the Franklin Ave. Bridge on East River Road; $10.
Night Owl Hike at Robert’s Bird Sanctuary, Saturday, Feb. 6, 5:30-7 p.m. – Take an evening walk of the park with the chance to hear or see one of the many owl species of Minnesota. A guide will lead you through the park, as well as through the life of an owl. Meet at the western gate near the Lake Harriet Band Shell; $5.
Sunset Snowshoe Hike on the Chain of Lakes, Sunday, Feb. 14, 4-6 p.m. – Snowshoe on the Chain of Lakes at sunset looking for and viewing wildlife areas that are inaccessible during warmer months. Meet at the North Beach parking lot at Lake Calhoun on Excelsior Blvd.; $10.
Tracks in Winter at Wirth Park, Saturday, Feb. 20, 10-11:30 a.m. – A naturalist will lead a guided hike as you look for tracks and other signs of animals in winter. Many animals stay active in winter or can return in February as nature readies itself for the coming spring. Meet at the Wirth Beach parking lot on Glenwood Ave. just east of Theodore Wirth Parkway; $5.
Moonlight Snowshoeing at Lake Nokomis, Saturday, Feb. 27, 5-7 p.m. – Take an evening tour of Lake Nokomis and Minnehaha Creek. We’ll look for night creatures and watch the sky with the city glowing in the distance. Meet at the Nokomis Beach parking lot on East Lake Nokomis Parkway just east of Cedar Ave. S.; $15.
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