2017

I have been building water features for wildlife since I was 12 years old.  This passion led me to start my first business, Aqua Eden, where we specialize in creating waterscapes that enrich life – from wildlife to people.  I will talk about some of the design principles we like to use to make these features appealing to wildlife and low maintenance.

Presented by: Jake Langeslag “The Pondologist”

What does 2 1/2 years get us on buckthorn removal on the woodlot? What have we learned, how far have we come.? How important can it be to know the history of the area you are trying to improve? What are the plans for 2017? How can we as a club and you as an individual help?

Presented by Cheryl Batson and Tom Harris

At 218,000 acres, Voyageurs National Park has places for everyone to explore. Voyageurs is known for its amazing water-based recreation and camping experiences, pristine lakes and world-class fishing, boreal forests, calling loons, winter ice roads, and starry skies.

Come hear Christina Hausman, executive director of Voyageurs National Park Association, share ways you can make the most our of a visit to Minnesota’s largest national park.

Voyageurs National Park Association is the nonprofit partner of Minnesota’s National Park. VNPA works to connect more people to the park through education, stewardship, and outreach efforts, and to protect Voyageurs through restoration and conservation initiatives.

With the Rovers experience in living together on trips, always a mix of self-sufficiency, cooperation and interdependence on communal activities, the Rovers have already practiced cooperative living outdoors in sunny and rainy times. Cooperative Living, having a complete private residence and shared community spaces like kitchen, dining and other living spaces, could be a natural fit for Rovers who’d like to live together in the city. There will be a short presentation and discussion of interest.

Presented by Mark Anderson

This past winter MN Rovers Trailhead Adventure was set up to encourage people to get outside, discover, and explore 9 destinations in the state. Winter can’t hold you down! Come hear about the adventures of the participants, enjoy submitted photos, learn a bit more about the locations, and – of course – be present for the prize drawings!

Presented by Shelly G. & Debra G.

Explore the City of Dublin and learn why the Temple Bar is not just a pub. Then sojourn to the historical fishing village of Howth to experience the hiking trails and vistas from the peak of Howth Head Peninsula. Eight kilometers from the city of Cork we’ll amble about the well sculpted grounds of Blarney Castle. Have a desire for the gift of Blarney? Climb the medieval stairs and give the magical stone a smooch. Killarney is where we’ll trek the 11 kilometer Gap of Dunlow and embark on a tour of the renowned and stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula. Our expedition to Galway offers traditional Irish music, talented street buskers, the Aran Island of Inisheer, Jaunting Cars, and Cliffs of Moher. The grand finale for two of the four grannies is a three day sodden bike ride through the mountains and moors of the Connemara region. But don’t let the rain stop you from delighting in every minute of it. We didn’t!

Presented by Dori H.

New Zealand.
More info to follow.

Presented by Fran L.

Bike, hike or roll—the Gitchi-Gami State Trail offers plenty of ups and some really fun downs. With 29 of 89 miles completed, the current segments of trail have a lot to offer. Join the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association’s Michelle Pierson as she presents the Association’s Interactive Map Tour, shares photos and videos, highlights upcoming construction projects, and more!

Michelle Pierson
Executive Director, Gitchi-Gami Trail Association

I’m a birding enthusiast living in the metro area but grew I up in Honduras. This presentation will highlight the connections between Minnesota and Honduras related to the migratory birds that are common here in our Spring/Summer but spend Winter in the Central/South America region.

It will also showcase various opportunities for birding and adventure travel as well as local conservation efforts to preserve habitats in the country.  Honduras offers several habitat types, from rainforest, pine-oak forest, mangrove, sandy beaches to cloud forests. That diversity in ecosystems explains the huge variety of birds, nearly 800 species have been observed in the country.

Presented by Wilmer F.

Bob Timmons, Minneapolis Star Tribune Outdoors Weekend editor, on the back-stories behind some of the most-interesting projects in the paper; on the paper’s approach to the evolving Minnesota outdoors scene; on ways Rovers can add their voices to Strib Outdoors coverage.

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient spiritual pilgrimage dating back to the middle ages. Nowadays the many routes have become popular with hikers and bikers from around the world. Jeff Nelson completed the Portuguese route from Lisbon Portugal to Santiago de Compostela Spain in October of 2017. He will speak about, the historical significance, how to prepare for the trip, the unique lodging and culinary opportunities, and the amazing scenery along the entire route.

The Twin Cities metro area is home to a remarkable diversity of wild mammals. Though often illusive, they leave behind tracks and sign for us to see.

The Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project is dedicated to helping people connect more deeply with nature by sharing the art and science of wildlife tracking. We host a monthly Tracking Club, and conduct tracking surveys for the University of Minnesota and the National Park Service. Over the years, we have identified the tracks and sign of a wide range of mammals in the metro area including river otter, black bear, and even a transient mountain lion.

Our programs are free, and everyone is welcome to join us. We learn together as we explore in the field. Fair warning, however: documented side effects of tracking include sniffing animal scat, kneeling in mud puddles, and developing a strange fascination with the feet of passing dogs.

Come learn a bit about animal tracks, hear stories about adventures in the field, and find out how to get involved in tracking wildlife in the Twin Cities.

Presented by Jonathan Poppele

Members please come and participate in the running of your club and vote for the 2017-2018 Board. We need to have a quorum of 46 members in good standing for the election. The election will take place during the business section from 7:00 to 7:30.

The Salt Paths are part of a vast network of ancient trading routes leading from the Mediterranean Coast to small villages and cities of Northern Italy in the Italian Appennine Mountains.

Hiked for thousands of years since prehistory and during Roman times, since the Middle Ages they had been used by salt merchants transporting salt from the coast to the main land. Mule herders carrying precious salt from ports of the Ligurian coast would make the arduous 80-mile journey across the Apennines to exchange goods with the people in the villages of Italy.

Abandoned after World War II, these trails are being rediscovered now.

The Salt Paths can be hiked in 8-9 days from the lush vineyards of Piedmont to the rugged coast of the Mediterranean Sea, for a total of about 60-80 miles. Along the way one can meet friendly locals and spend the night at family run quaint B&Bs in the countryside.

Among the hikes highlights are the delectable local, home-made food and delicious Italian wines, the beautiful landscapes, the opportunity to experience authentic Italy and its culture.

Presented by Cinzia Gallia Schlicksup.

Steven Malikowski previously presented about his cycle trip across Britain. This time, he’ll describe a cycle tour through small French towns and WWI battlegrounds. The battlegrounds still show the scars from that war, in the landscape and in history. In contrast, this presentation will also show quiet French towns and farms, between the battlefields. If time is available, Steven will also share pictures and stories of a peaceful bike tour in Belgium.

Nepal offers arguably the best trekking opportunities in the world. See images of the beautiful scenery, cultural sites, and wonderful people from the Annapurna, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, and Langtang Valley treks also the interesting cities of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Learn how to plan and the costs for a do-it-yourself trip.

Presented by Steve Mueller

Join us as veteran snowcamper Martin Kubik pushes his luck and physical limits during a winter journey on and along the incredibly beautiful Cascade River.

Martin carefully picks the route, crosses the river back and forth guiding novices to Shrike Lake and then ascends Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota, via the tenuous “Czech Direct”/SW face route.

Whether it is twenty above or twenty below, Martin, survivor of many plunges into icy water, has many tips and a humorous story to tell that will make you want to follow the snowshoe tracks in white snow.

Hiking is part of the culture and history in Europe and hiking in the Alps is different from anything in the U.S. It feels like luxury when you hike from Alpenhuette to Alpenhuette (small, often historical, private homes or hostels) that anchor day-long hikes and offer you shelter and hot food after very challenging hikes. The focus will be on two 7-day, 60+ miles well know hikes, the Meraner Hoehenweg and portions of the “Dreampath” (Munich to Venice) through the central Alps and Dolomites. Hear stories about the wonderful people I encountered, overcoming physical and mental challenges and see photos of amazing sights. Oh and … cultural challenges for most Americans and how to do these hikes on a budget.

Presented by Heide E.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific the TransAmerica Bike Trail was developed in 1976 to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial. It follows low traffic roads through scenic and historic areas. It was a “bucket list” adventure Rover Steve Mueller and a friend had to check off. Hear about, see photos and learn the planning and costs involved with this exciting self-supported trip.

Presented by Steve Mueller

This summer I went on a wilderness trip down the Rogue River in Oregon. We were on the river for 5 days and slept under the stars every night. The Rogue River Wild and Scenic Area is a wonderful place for hiking, rafting and kayaking. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure sort of place, where you can go full wilderness or stay in comfort at lodges along the way. Come see some beautiful pictures and whet your appetite for your next adventure.

Presented by Megan C.