Presentations

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

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.

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.