Presentations

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Eating good food on outdoor adventures brings comfort and reward. It sure seems that food taste better out there! But grocery items are heavy and bulky. Fresh items can spoil. Commercial dehydrated food is expensive—and can be high in sodium. This presentation will inform you, that with a reasonable investment in equipment and time, dehydrating your own food is a doable option to transform many favorite fresh and home cooked foods into lightweight and packable energy for your outdoor trips.

This presentation will cover:

• Types of foods amenable to dehydration
• Equipment needs
• Adapting recipes
• Best prep practices
• Food safety
• Preparing packages for the trail
• Resources

Presented by Tom Y.

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

We are spoiled in Minnesota by having 64 wonderful state parks. Each park is different – including their location, size, biome and history. See and hear what is special at each state park. By Barry S.

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.