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Tue Jun 162026

Moving into Moving

7:00p.m. — In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Rovers are movers — hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, skating, climbing — and your moving Rover body deserves a bit of recuperation after a morning on your bike, an afternoon on the trail, or a day in your kayak. So tonight we will try out some exercises to rejuvenate muscles tired out from repeating the same actions for hours and hopefully refresh the whole body for your next adventure.
Bring a fitness or yoga mat.

Presented by Sherry S.

Tue Jun 92026

Learning Lichen Love: Lichen Identification Fundamentals

7:00p.m. — In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

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.

Tue Jun 22026

Rovers First Tuesdays — A Social-Only Meeting

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds Picnic Shelter, near the NW corner of the parking lot.

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!

Tue May 262026

Loading boats on vehicles

7:00p.m. — In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Rob and others will demonstrate various ways to load various boats (canoes & kayaks) onto your vehicle safely and securely.
We’ll cover different systems (roof racks, J-hooks, Hullinator lift systems etc.) and teach a few basic knots that are simple and applicable in mount anything to anything.
There will be sections of rope handy to use to practice the knots you learn.

IF YOU HAVE A UNIQUE BOAT LOADING SYSTEM PLEASE LOAD YOUR BOAT ON YOUR VEHICLE AND BRING IT ALONG if you’re willing to demo your system to others. Past demos of this sort have proven that just a handful of people learning at each system is more effective so folks can learn the system that best suits their own boat & vehicle.

Presented by Rob C.

Tue May 192026

BWCA Trip Planning

7:00p.m. — In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Learn the very basic steps to planning a BWCA trip from someone who has done it but still muddles through the process. The hope is to inspire some Rovers to post a BWCA trip in 2026. Rob will have several BWCA maps to aid the process and is COUNTING ON PARTICIPATION, suggestions, etc…from veteran BWCAers.

Presented by Rob C.

Tue May 122026

Rovers Gear Swap

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!

Tue May 52026

Rovers First Tuesdays – A Social-Only Meeting

Rovers–IRL! Join us for the first outdoor meeting of 2026.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds Picnic Shelter, near the NW corner of the parking lot.

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!

It’s Cinco de Mayo, so feel free to bring your favorite Mexican/Tex-Mex/etc. food for the potluck! (Also, rumor has it there may be a pinata!)

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!

Tue Apr 282026

The Great Divide Trail

Online via Zoom.

The Great Divide Trail is a rugged and challenging wilderness hiking trail traversing the Canadian Rockies crossing the divide 30 times. It begins in Waterton Lakes National Park at the Canada-US border and ends 700 miles to the north at Kakwa Lake, British Columbia. Alison thru-hiked the trail over 44 days last summer.

Presented by Alison Y.

Tue Apr 212026

Bird Window Collisions: The Invisible Threat in Plain View – Solutions for Homes and Buildings

Online via Zoom.

Bird populations are experiencing staggering declines, and window collisions are now recognized as the third leading human-related cause of bird mortality. Each year, an estimated 1 billion birds die after striking glass in the United States alone. This presentation explains why collisions happen, when and where risk is highest, and why ordinary homes play such a large role, with roughly half of all collisions occurring at residential sized buildings. Participants will learn how reflections and artificial light confuse birds, how to identify risky windows around their own homes, and the simple, science-backed solutions that can dramatically reduce collisions and make everyday living spaces safer for birds.

Presented by Jeannine T.

Tue Apr 142026

From Fork to Forest: Why We Can’t Solve the Climate Crisis Without Changing How We Eat

Online via Zoom.

Even if we stopped using fossil fuels today, emissions from our food system would still cause the earth to exceed targets. This lively presentation discusses the under-appreciated impact our food system has on climate and the environment. Learn actions you can take at your very next meal to start changing things for the better.

Presented by Anna L. and Nicola P.

Tue Apr 72026

Rovers First Tuesdays — A Social-Only Meeting

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

This meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

First Tuesdays is about making connections! There is no presentation. Instead, we gather for a potluck at 6:00. At 7:00, we gather at tables to learn about specific topics, play games, or catch up with friends! In the past, there has been lots of great conversation and connecting! This will be the last indoor First Tuesdays meeting until autumn.

Schedule:

6:00 PM Potluck. Bring:

– An item to share that is enough for about 6-8 people (don’t forget the serving utensil!). If ingredients are hard to identify, indicate them to help people with dietary restrictions. While all desserts would be nummy, it’s not very healthy….Help us to have a variety of food by indicating what you will likely bring. You can always change your mind. POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE

– 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.

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

Tue Mar 312026

Backpacking Series: The Big Three – Backpack, Shelter and Sleep System

Online via Zoom.

For beginners and experienced backpackers, choosing the right gear is critical for your safety and enjoyment on the trail. Zoom in to learn and share our collective knowledge about “The Big Three”. You are encouraged to ask questions and add to the conversation about these three very important elements of your backpacking kit. I will also provide an update on learning and hiking events our backpacking committee has planned for this spring.

Presented by Chris B.

Tue Mar 242026

Altitude, Solitude and Multitudes: CO hikes in a state and national park


Online via Zoom.

Nearly next door neighbors, State Forest State Park and Rocky Mountain National Park offer rewarding, though contrasting Colorado mountain hiking and camping experiences. Tune in to discover some highlights of each park, interesting trails, overnight options, and strategies to access and enjoy the national park.

Presented by Tom Y.

Tue Mar 172026

From Mount Moosilauke to the Bigelows: A Journey on the AT through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Southwestern Maine

Online via Zoom.

Join Pat as he recounts his 186.3-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Southwestern Maine. Experience breathtaking views from peaks like Mount Washington, known as the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather,” and navigate the unique challenges of these stunning mountain ranges. Witness diverse landscapes and the thrill of the Appalachian Trail as it winds through this beautiful region. The journey included 20 of the 4000-footers and is considered the hardest section of the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, Pat encountered wildlife, visited numerous hostels and huts, and faced the notorious Mahoosuc Notch, often referred to as the most difficult mile of the Appalachian Trail. This hike is a testament to the resilience and beauty of the northeastern United States.

Presented by Pat E.

Tue Mar 102026

Discovering California’s Lost Coast Trail

Online via Zoom.

The Lost Coast Trail is 26 miles of stunning, rugged Northern Californian coastline that is only accessible by foot, with some sections only passable at low tide. Come learn about permits, gear, tide maps, shuttles, recommendations, and highlights from this bucket list backpacking adventure.

Presented by Ellen Y.

Tue Mar 32026

Rovers First Tuesdays — A Social-Only Meeting

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

This meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.

First Tuesdays is about making connections! There is no presentation. Instead, we gather for a potluck at 6:00. At 7:00, we gather at tables to learn about specific topics, play games, or catch up with friends! In the past, there has been lots of great conversation and connecting!

Schedule:

6:00 PM Potluck. Bring:

– An item to share that is enough for about 6-8 people (don’t forget the serving utensil!). If ingredients are hard to identify, indicate them to help people with dietary restrictions. While all desserts would be nummy, it’s not very healthy….Help us to have a variety of food by indicating what you will likely bring. You can always change your mind. POTLUCK SIGN-UP HERE

– 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.

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

Tue Feb 242026

Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS), the Duluth Traverse, and a City Reimagined

Online via Zoom.

The Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) is a leading non-profit mountain bike advocacy organization in the Duluth/Superior Twin Ports Area of Minnesota and Wisconsin. COGGS was established in 1994 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our trail network was recognized by IMBA as a Gold Level Ride Center, one of only six on the planet. From the beginning, the Duluth Traverse, and the trail networks across Duluth, were about more than than just building great bike trails. As part of a broader plan to revitalize a historic industrial city, outdoor recreation has been a key driver in population retention and growth, local business development, and an improved quality of life for all. See more here: https://www.coggs.com/

Presented by Ansel Schimpff, Executive Director

Tue Feb 172026

Gardening for Life: The Benefits of Native Plants

Online via Zoom.

Twenty years ago, Dr. Douglas Tallamy wrote, “Chances are, you have never thought of your garden as a wildlife preserve that represents the last chance we have for sustaining plants and animals that were once common throughout the U.S. But that is exactly the role our suburban landscapes are now playing …”

Now, the stakes are even higher. With a native plant landscape, we must support biodiversity, mitigate climate change and make our communities more resilient in the face of challenges to come.

Presented by Marilynn T.

Tue Feb 102026

A Story of Winter Survival

Online via Zoom.

In February 2024, Martin and a partner in adventure seized a rare chance to reach the Arrow Lake BWCA campsite in an area of the Powwow Trail that has become almost inaccessible due to flooding from beaver activity and thick overgrowth of jack pine after the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. A planned eight-mile round trip to the Arrow Lake campsite became a 24-hour overnight winter hiking survival test.

Martin will present slides on this adventure, information on gear prep, the importance of checking gear at home and at the trailhead before starting a hike, and the importance of the right attitude when confronted with unexpected challenges.

Presented by Martin K., a lifelong advocate for hiking trails in the BWCA

Tue Feb 32026

Rovers First Tuesdays — A Social-Only Meeting

THE FIRST TUESDAY POTLUCK ON FEBRUARY 3RD HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO MINNESOTA’S 2026 PRECINCT CAUCUSES.