2025

Online via Zoom

In 2021, a couple of enterprising Rovers designed and implemented the Beginner Backpacking Program. Its purpose was – and still is – to grow the Rovers’ backpacking community through education and structured trail experiences. To date, over 250 members have given the program a try. Join Deb & Cynthia to learn more about Beginner Backpacking, the volunteers who make the whole thing work, and some of the beginners’ best adventures.

The presentation is for backpacking-curious folks seeking to upgrade their knowledge and skills as well as experienced backpackers who may want to consider volunteering to mentor and lead trail experiences.

Presented by Deb P. and Cynthia H.

Online via Zoom

Plastic is everywhere in our lives, everywhere from food packaging to medical supplies, to outdoor gear and clothing to electronics to daily use items like pens and toothbrushes. It seems impossible to avoid. Yet we are learning about how it pollutes our waters, how it lasts forever in our environment, and now how microplastics are present in wildlife, food sources and even breast milk. The consequences seem overwhelming. This presentation will address the impact of plastic and also the steps we can take to try to minimize its use in our own lives.

Presented by Fran L.

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

NOTE THAT THE LOCATION HAS BEEN CHANGED TO WESTWOOD HILLS.

Join leadership from Boundary Waters Advisory Committee for a presentation on all things wilderness hiking trails and what it means to maintain them for future generations.

Presented by Boundary Waters Advisory Committee board and committee members, Mel Yackley, Zach Thorson, and Aaron Nosan.

Online via Zoom

Julie and David spent the month of May 2024 cycling the southern half of Ireland. They started in Dublin and biked to Counties Cork and Kerry in the southwest, then north to Counties Clare and Galway before returning to Dublin.

Presented by Julie R. and David B.

Online via Zoom

Seven Rovers canoed 52 miles on the Green River through Stillwater Canyon in the heart of Canyonlands National Park. The Green River cuts through 1500 feet of colorful sandstone as it meanders its way towards the Grand Canyon. Along the way, we did side hikes through magnificent rock formations and camped along the way.

Annie M. & Jen O. will show you what we saw and what things didn’t go as planned.

Presented by Annie M. and Jen O.

Online via Zoom

If you like learning about nature while you’re out exploring, then Griffin B. has an opportunity for you! In this presentation, you’ll hear about the Minnesota Master Naturalist program, its training courses and volunteer service opportunities around the state, and how you can get involved with the program.

Presented by Griffin B. Griffin is an extension educator at the University of Minnesota. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, his job with the Minnesota Master Naturalist program takes him around the state to help people explore and learn about the natural world. 

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

NOTE new location for in-person meetings!

Join Jerry and Stacey as they talk about their road trip from Minneapolis to Portland, Oregon and back. Sand dunes, mountains, snow, rain forests, (old) volcanoes. A Buddhist center. The 58 murals of the “Michelango of Montana.” National parks, national monuments, national forests. Lewis and Clark. American history of the 1800s. Dams (successful and unsuccessful). Elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, Sasquatch. Hear why you might want to think about driving instead of flying to your next destination!

Online via Zoom

Joan will discuss her two experiences with traveling abroad and volunteering for conservation projects.  Her first experience was in a Costa Rican National Park and focused on sea turtles nesting, jaguar camera trapping and forest surveys.  Her second experience was in Australia snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef conducting coral, animal and sea turtle surveys. 

Joan M. is a recently retired biology instructor who taught a variety of courses including Environmental Science and Field Biology.  Trained as an ornithologist, her interests have expanded to learning about all aspects of nature.