2025

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Urban foraging is gaining popularity across metropolitan areas. Learn how to do it safely and sustainably with Maria Wesserle of Four Season Foraging. Plants we will probably encounter include gooseberry, mulberry, burdock, plantain, and many others! We will discuss identification, harvest, and preparation of each plant. Please note that we won’t be harvesting anything, but we will have lots to look at and learn!

Presented by Maria W. of Four Season Foraging

No Rovers meeting – enjoy National Night Out with your neighbors!

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building). More details and a map under Weekly Meeting – Tuesday Meeting.

Rescheduled from May 20th — Going camping in bear country? Bears can be an issue in many of our favorite places, from the BWCA to backpacking trips out west. This presentation will be a demonstration of hanging bear bags – one way to keep your tasty food away from critters. As in the past, we will demonstrate a few different methods for different circumstances. And, again, we will encourage folks to try their hand at various elements of the process (tossing rope over a branch, tying the appropriate knots). New this year – WE INVITE FOLKS TO BRING THEIR OWN “HANGING KITS,” and we will help you use it and/or evaluate whether you may need to add pieces.

Presented by long-time Rovers Rob C., Gary C., and Ron T.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Nature is a tremendous source of inspiration for art in so many ways, including all the patterns that occur naturally in flowers, pinecones, shells, and so many other places. We will begin by looking at some of these examples, but we’re going to look for inspiration for patterns in a different part of nature – the missing pieces. We’re going to look at the channels dug into tree branches by bugs, skeletal leaves and the brittle remains of dried flowers. First, we’ll spend time examining our objects and logging our observations. Then we’ll talk about ways to incorporate these shapes and patterns into our art practice as mark-making, meditative drawing and even storytelling. We’ll also discuss how to use this process as a way to ignite wonder about the natural world and encourage us to spend more time looking deeper into our surroundings.

Supplies to bring:

∙A journal or sketchbook
∙A waterproof pen
∙Watercolors or something to add color

Presented by Molly Anthony. Molly’s artwork can be found on Instagram at @mkranthony and on her website TheFoundArtWalk.com.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

There are lots of choices in bicycles these days. Let’s educate each other on this broadening two-wheeled market. Regardless of whether you’re a new, or seasoned bicyclist, bring your bike to Como and share why you chose the bike you ride, how well it meets your expectations, and what’s been your best adventure on it.

We’ll group people by bike type (e.g. Mountain, Gravel, Road, E-Bike, Cargo, etc.) and ask you to spend a maximum of 5 minutes addressing the following topics:

o Why you purchased this type of bike, this particular brand, and model
o What you like best about its fit or performance
o What about your bike has not met expectations
o What modifications have happened, or are planned
o What is the best trip you’ve taken on your bike
o Your assessment of your bike shop’s sales and service efforts

If you have a bike, bring it! If you don’t have a bike, be sure to attend and learn something about all the types of bikes that are out there!

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Don’t let a flat tire leave you stranded on the road or trail. Get a hands-on opportunity to remove a bike wheel and tire, then prepare & apply an inner tube patch. (Glue, patches and sacrificial tubes will be provided!)

Time permitting, you’ll also learn about DIY bike lubrication, brake adjustment, and handlebar & seat adjustments to make you more comfortable and efficient.

Come participate—you’ll leave more attuned to your bicycle!

In person at Como Park in St. Paul — Como Park’s West Picnic Shelter in the West Picnic Grounds (on west side of Midway Parkway at Estabrook Drive, near the zoo). This is ACROSS the parking lot from our usual meeting location.

Note that this meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

First Tuesdays is about making connections! There is no presentation. Instead, there is a potluck at 6:00. At 7:00, you are invited to gather at tables about specific topics, play games, or catch up with friends!

Schedule:

6:00 PM Potluck. Bring:

1. An item to share that is enough for about six people (don’t forget the serving utensil!). If ingredients are hard to identify, indicate them to help people with dietary restrictions. POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE

2. Your own beverage, plate/bowl, and utensils.

7:00 PM Visit topic tables, play games, or chat with friends! Tables will be set up so you can learn more about various topics. There will always be a New Member table and a Game table (bring your favorite board or yard game!). Additional topics will depend on the interests of those attending. Anyone can host a table. Just ask the Presentations person for a sign.

Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones! Feel free to invite guests to join us!

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

This year, we’re asking people to show off a backcountry cooking recipe (instead of having a Cook-Off). Come and prepare a favorite backcountry recipe and help other outdoor enthusiasts expand their backcountry cooking repertoire. Show off your “old reliable” or try an interesting new recipe before you take it out on the trail. Here are the guidelines: It’s day three of a wilderness backpacking or canoe/kayak camping trip. Recipes should be appropriate for the backcountry, take 20 minutes or less to prepare, and require only a single-burner stove. We’re looking for a number of entries, and we hope you’ll consider entering. All entrants will receive something for participating.

If you want to participate as one of our cooks, email Stacey at [email protected] with your name and title of what you will prepare (Easy-Peasy Nut and Fruit Couscous, Spaghetti with Dried Veggie Sauce, etc.). Please bring everything you need (ingredients, stove, pots/pans, etc.). Water is available from the sinks in the nearby restrooms. Cooking will begin as soon as the meeting part of our night is concluded (around 7:20).

We need taste testers! Bring your plates/bowls and utensils to sample the offerings and vote for your favorite. But we really need cooks!

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building). More details and a map under Weekly Meeting – Tuesday Meeting.

Adventure Labs are a variant of geocaching that uses your phone to give you self-guided tours most anywhere you may travel — designed by locals to bring you to fun sites and often teach you a bit as well! We’ll have a very brief presentation and spend most of the time doing the 5 stops on “Historic Como Park” Adventure Lab – a literal walk in the park. If you use a smart phone, download the app ahead of time (available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store); if not there should be plenty of people to share.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

The topic for tonight is being changed to “S’mores and Camping Hacks.” We’ll provide the S’mores fixings and a propane fire pit. We’ll roast marshmallows for S’mores while exchanging Camping Hacks.
We’ll move to Gabe’s afterwards.
___________________
Lichen presentation CANCELLED.

You will learn the primary lichen forms and major features needed for identification. Basic lichen biology and their role in the environment will also be covered. There will be plenty of time for questions and resources available for further learning, and Tanner will give you hands on time with lichens letting you learn about them intuitively. Come and learn more about these easily missed beauties!

Presented by Tanner B.

CANCELLED DUE TO THE UNHEALTHY AIR QUALITY INDEX

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Note that this meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. at our usual location, not the picnic shelter.

First Tuesdays is about making connections! There is no presentation. Instead, there is a potluck at 6:00. At 7:00, you are invited to gather at tables about specific topics, play games, or catch up with friends!

Schedule:

6:00 PM Potluck. Bring:

1. An item to share that is enough for about six people (don’t forget the serving utensil!). If ingredients are hard to identify, indicate them to help people with dietary restrictions. POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE

2. Your own beverage, plate/bowl, and utensils.

7:00 PM Visit topic tables, play games, or chat with friends! Tables will be set up so you can learn more about various topics. There will always be a New Member table and a Game table (bring your favorite board or yard game!). Additional topics will depend on the interests of those attending. Anyone can host a table. Just ask the Presentations person for a sign.

Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones! Feel free to invite guests to join us!

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building). More details and a map under Weekly Meeting – Tuesday Meeting.

You have probably had a class in CPR and AED, but it may have been a while. These are important skills that could save a life. In a cardiac arrest, each passing minute without intervention decreases survival rates by 10% and adds to the risk of brain injury. Bystander CPR is a major factor in survival. The presenters are three people whose lives were saved by CPR and use of an AED. They will tell their stories and demonstrate hands only CPR and use of an automatic external defibrillator. Then you can have the chance to try it out and practice. Most often, people are saved by their friends or loved ones, so you could be in a position to help someone you love.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building). More details and a map under Weekly Meeting – Tuesday Meeting.

Going camping in bear country? Bears can be an issue in many of our favorite places, from the BWCA to backpacking trips out west. This presentation will be a demonstration of hanging bear bags – one way to keep your tasty food away from critters. As in the past, we will demonstrate a few different methods for different circumstances. And, again, we will encourage folks to try their hand at various elements of the process (tossing rope over a branch, tying the appropriate knots). New this year – WE INVITE FOLKS TO BRING THEIR OWN “HANGING KITS,” and we will help you use it and/or evaluate whether you may need to add pieces.

Presented by long-time Rovers Rob C., Gary C., and Ron T.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

No presentation – come to the Gear Swap! Twice a year the Minnesota Rovers host a gear swap at one of the regular Tuesday night meetings. Anyone who has any type of gear that they are no longer using can bring it to the swap and either sell it outright or make a trade with someone else. The gear is in good shape, and usually, the owners have simply chosen to upgrade or no longer have a need for that particular piece of equipment. It is a great way to get your hands on some gear if you just want to try it out without having to make a huge investment in brand new equipment.

Note: If you are a seller, you may want to start setting up before 7:00 p.m. Some buyers come before 7:00 to start shopping early.

P.S. Tell your outdoor friends about this great opportunity to buy gear they need OR sell gear they no longer need!

In person at Como Park in St. Paul — Como Park’s West Picnic Shelter in the West Picnic Grounds (on west side of Midway Parkway at Estabrook Drive, near the zoo). This is across the parking lot from our usual meeting location.

Note that this meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

First Tuesdays is about making connections! There is no presentation. Instead, there is a potluck at 6:00. At 7:00, you are invited to gather at tables about specific topics, play games, or catch up with friends!

Schedule:

6:00 PM Potluck. Bring:

1. An item to share that is enough for about six people (don’t forget the serving utensil!). If ingredients are hard to identify, indicate them to help people with dietary restrictions. POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE

2. Your own beverage, plate/bowl, and utensils.

7:00 PM Visit topic tables, play games, or chat with friends! Tables will be set up so you can learn more about various topics. There will always be a New Member table and a Game table (bring your favorite board or yard game!). Additional topics will depend on the interests of those attending. Anyone can host a table. Just ask the Presentations person for a sign.

Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones! Feel free to invite guests to join us!

Hybrid program
In person at the Aspen Room at Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426 and also being presented over Zoom

Have you ever wondered what the heck that trail seems to be that sometimes parallel’s Hwy 61 on the North Shore of Lake Superior? Why, that’s the Gitchi-Gami State Trail!  Michelle Pierson will present 25 hidden gems and trail tips to celebrate 25 years of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail!  

Presented by Michelle P.

Online via Zoom

Are you interested in exploring a national scenic trail right in Minnesota and Wisconsin? Learn more about the North Country National Scenic Trail. The NCT stretches 4,800 miles across eight states from Lake Sakakawea State Park in ND to the Appalachian Trail in VT. Great Lakes shoreline, country roads, forests, prairies, and more. Day-trippers and thru-hikers will both find something to like about the North Country Trail. Come and learn more about this treasure in our own backyard and whether you might want to include the NCT in your summer plans!

Presented by Matt D. (NCTA Coordinator) and Derrick P. (NCTA Board Member)

Hybrid program
In person at the Aspen Room at Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426 and also being presented over Zoom

In Jan 2019, Zack completed a 300 mile/500km sea kayak expedition from El Chalten Argentina to the Atlantic Ocean with two other friends. They traversed Lago Viedma, Rio La Leona, Lago Argentino and the soon to be dammed Rio Santa Cruz. The main focus of the trip was to retrace the journey of Charles Darwin and Robert Fitzroy as they spent 22 days traveling up river to find the Andes mountains without success in 1834 during the voyage of the beagle expedition around South America. It was also a journey into ‘Deep Time’ as they explored the fossil riches from 70 million year old mammals. The purpose of this presentation is to raise awareness of the incredibly rich ecosystem along the Santa Cruz River and discuss the dams that will soon destroy the most important free flowing river in Patagonia. If time, Zack may also go over what there is to do in the ‘Patagonia region in both Chile and Argentina for kayaking, hiking and general exploring.

Presented by Zack K.

Hybrid program
In person at the Aspen Room at Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426 and also being presented over Zoom

Let’s talk about volunteering in Three Rivers Park District! Learn basics about Three Rivers, what do volunteers do in the parks, and the benefits to volunteering with us.

Presented by Katie B.

In person only at the Aspen Room at Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Introducing Rovers First Tuesdays!

In person only at the Aspen Room at Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426

The first Tuesday meeting of each month will be a special Rovers meeting devoted to making connections! Instead of a presentation, First Tuesdays will feature a potluck supper, followed by “Table Time”, in which people can gather at tables around specific topics or activities.

Schedule:

6:00 PM Potluck Supper. Bring an item to share and don’t forget a serving utensil! If ingredients are hard to identify, please bring a list for those with restrictions. Please provide your own beverage, plate, and utensils. POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALCOHOL IS NOT ALLOWED AT THIS EVENT.

6:50 PM Dinner Clean Up- everyone please help

7:00 PM Welcome and Table Time. Tables will be available for various topics or activities. If you have an idea for a discussion topic, feel free to designate a table for it. Topic tables will depend upon the interests of those present but will always include a New Member table and Game tables (Bring your favorite game!). Other tables will vary and depend upon the interests of those present. Some options include trips, conservation, backpacking, paddling, the Border Route Trail, or anything else you choose.

Join us for First Tuesdays and make connections with your fellow Rovers!