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In Nature’s Realm
A Whole New World
Ah, spring at last. A new beginning. Certainly for plants, but maybe for us, too?
Watching nature’s amazing transformation from last week’s barren grey/brown to the lush Granny Smith apple greeness of today makes all things seem possible. The work of a moment, really, like shrugging off that dull winter coat to reveal your dazzling, new spring green outfit.
Come along with us for a rejuvenating, if not transformative, gentle hike exploring the world of green at Como Regional Park. As a special treat, nature has added some party pink trees for this hike–the cherry trees that St. Paul’s sister city, Nagasaki, sent over years ago are blooming right now. Irresistible!
May 11, 2023, Thursday, 7-8:30 pm: Como Regional Park Hike (St. Paul) – Hike Leader: Linda Quammen
Now that we’re in the “pretty” part of spring let’s step out at Como Park to view the sakura (cherry) blossoms near the Butterfly parking lot as well as the lovely lake and falling waters. If there is interest and time we could also check out the Enchanted Gardens and Centennial Gardens.
Directions: From I-94 in St. Paul, exit onto Lexington Ave. & go north approximately 1.25 miles to Como Park. Continue on Lexington Ave. as it winds through Como Park to the two large parking lots for the Como Lakeside Pavilion at 1360 N. Lexington Parkway. Park in either lot & meet outside the Pavilion beside its door to the Dock & Paddle restaurant.
Aloha Autumn?
Reply
The DNR just advised Minnesotans to get out this weekend to catch the last of Mother Nature’s foliage fireworks. And who are we to ignore them? Right now, the Lebanon Hills Park oaks are peaking on the Autumnal Spectrum of pumpkin to rust to rosy red and maroon. View them in their native habitat with us before they disappear.
October 23, 2022, Sunday, 1:30-2:45 pm: Lebanon Hills Park / Jensen Lake Trailhead Hike (Eagan) – Hike Leader: Linda Quammen
Let’s make the last hike of our regular May-Oct. season a Sunday ramble around Jensen Lake. Yes, the lake is showing it’s “bottom” in a few places due to the drought, but there are still some pretty trail sections of leaves and asters. Time to enjoy this warm spell at our wilderness in the city.
Directions: Take I-35E to Eagan and exit onto Cliff Road. Proceed east on Cliff Road 1½ miles to Pilot Knob Road. Turn south onto Pilot Knob Road and drive 7/10ths of a mile to Carriage Hills Drive and its “Jensen Lake” sign. Turn east (left) onto Carriage Hills Drive then turn right immediately into the first parking lot. The group will meet at the south end of the lot in front of the Information Board.
Summiting Fall
Chasing fiery fall foliage? Dreaming of the perfect home for that “made it” lifestyle? Our beautiful Monday night hike is right up your street!
October 10, 2022, Monday, 6-7:15 pm: Shadow Falls and Summit Ave. Hike (St. Paul) – Hike Leader: Linda Quammen
Join the group for a fall color and historic house mashup hike. We’ll view the scenic, colorful gorge of the Mississippi River (St. Paul side) at Shadow Falls Park then hike east on Summit Avenue to check out the assortment of Queen Ann, Romanesque, Beaux Arts, Georgian Revival, and Italian Villa homes built between 1890 and 1920. 
Directions: From I-94, on the western edge of St. Paul, take the Cretin/Vandalia exit & go south about 1.5 miles on Cretin Ave. to Summit Ave. Turn west (right) on Summit Ave. & continue to where Summit Ave. ends at Mississippi River Blvd. That’s where Shadow Falls Park begins with its tall monument to local WWI fighters. Park in the small lot or along Summit Ave. We’ll meet at the edge of the parking lot.
September Swan Song
Colors are a-changing, from native grasses and forbs on up to the tippy-top of our tree canopies. Granted, some of this is due to drought-stress, but we’ll take our oranges and yellows how ever they come to us. Add a breezy but balmy evening plus a hike by a creek for a fun fall Friday.
September 30, 2022, Friday 6-7:15 pm: Nine Mile Creek Hike (Bloomington) – Hike Leader: Linda Quammen
Let’s say so long to September by heading to Moir Park for a hike along scenic Nine Mile Creek. We’ll decompress from the work week as we amble down the paved & unpaved trails and bridges crossing over the creek.
Directions: Take I-35W south from downtown Minneapolis to the West 106th St. exit in Bloomington, exit & go west (right) on West 106th St. At Morgan Ave. S. turn north (right) & continue on Morgan Ave. S., past West 104th St. to the Moir Park parking lot (just off Morgan Ave. S.) where we’ll meet.
Autumn Outing Around Como Lake
Autumn weather has arrived–cool but sunny days are perfect for long walks and group talks. We’ll begin at 6 pm to complete our hike before darkness falls.
September 22, 2022, Thursday, 6:00-7:15 pm: Como Regional Park Hike (St. Paul) – Hike Leader: Linda Quammen
Join our hiking group for a turn around charming Como Lake, in St. Paul’s largest public park, with a look at the waterfall and the labyrinth, too. Keep your eyes open for signs of autumn leaf colors along the way and maybe some white swan boats still on the lake.
Directions: From I-94 in St. Paul, exit onto Lexington Ave. & go north approximately 1.25 miles to Como Park. Continue on Lexington Ave. as it winds through Como Park to the two large parking lots for the Como Lakeside Pavilion at 1360 N. Lexington Parkway. Park in either parking lot & meet beside the Pavilion outside the Dock & Paddle restaurant door.
Summer Snaps
The days are getting shorter! Not to worry–our next hike is a bit earlier than usual to maximize that golden evening light. Join us as summer’s clock begins winding down to fall.
August 25, 2022, Thursday, 6:30-7:45 pm: Wood Lake Nature Center Hike (Richfield) – Hike Leader: Linda Quammen
Let’s explore along marshy Wood Lake’s floating boardwalks and the woodland’s earthen/crushed limestone trails. Keep a lookout for the late summer blooms in the Nature Center’s prairie and for hopping, swimming and flying friends making the most of these warm, sunny days.
We’ll also put our citizen scientist hats on at one of their three Chronolog stations! By snapping a photo and emailing it to the Center, over time, we and others help create a time lapse record of ecosystem change that occurs naturally and through the efforts of the Nature Center personnel.
Directions: From I-35W in Minneapolis take exit 10: 66th St./Cty. Rd. 53. Go east on W. 66th St. and turn right (south) onto the 3rd cross-street: Lake Shore Drive South. After a short distance turn right into either of Wood Lake Nature Center’s 2 parking lot entrances (6710 Lake Shore Dr S.). Meet by the Nature Center’s metal main entrance gates.
THURSDAY NIGHT HIKES 