Dakota County Parks Program Guide - Spring/Summer 2025

Your Parks PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING & SUMMER 2025

Turning over a new leaf Natural Resources' restoration work totals thousands of acres www.dakotacounty.us/parks

INSIDE Family Fridays Music in the Park Summer Camps

Goats, machinery, bison, fire and elbow grease have one thing in common in Dakota County Parks — they each play a role in restoring natural areas.

Our Natural Resources teams have restored more than 2,500 acres of county parkland with more projects underway this year.

We restore natural areas to rejuvenate land that’s been impacted over time by different factors. We’re part of a larger effort to preserve, protect and reintroduce plant and animal life that faces increasing pressure from population sprawl and climate change.

Sometimes, that means restoring land to reintroduce a species whose habitat was plowed under long ago. Other times, our work can peel away layers of human impact to reveal long-buried species that can thrive again.

Restoring a wetland An example of that work can be found deep inside Lebanon Hills Regional Park at Buck Pond. Our Natural Resources staff discovered the pond and its surrounding area was layered in sediment left behind from farming practices.

We dug deep and found native soil beneath the sediment. Using machinery, we carefully scraped away truckloads of sediment. This sediment was also dominated by reed canary grass that had taken over the edges of the pond and was removed during the process.

The project allowed the exposed soil to grow native wetland plants whose seeds had been buried up to 100 years ago. The result? A healthy wetland at Buck Pond, where wildlife and plants are returning and diversifying.

Growing success Sometimes it takes more than removing sediment to restore a landscape. That can mean manually reintroducing species that once thrived in Dakota County’s prairies, woodlands and wetlands.

For those projects, we raise our own plants that are brought to the field and planted in concentrated areas to promote pollination.

Our program is thriving thanks to volunteers, who devoted more than 4,700 hours last year to natural resources. However, we have run out of space for this important work.

This year, we’re opening the doors on a greenhouse at the new Lebanon Hills Maintenance Facility. We will be able to grow more plugs and keep pace with expanding restoration projects, including our growing greenway network.

Going wild Over the last five years, we’ve completed wildlife projects — often with partners — involving more than 35 species at more than 15 sites.

They include: • Data collection on fishers, a mammal in the weasel family. This work, completed in partnership with a University of Minnesota-Duluth researcher, revealed a fisher living and successfully nesting in Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Crews attached

tracking equipment to the fisher to learn more about the largely unknown animal.

• Discovering a possible new bat species in Whitetail Woods Regional Park. Discovery of the evening bat would mark the second detection of the species in Minnesota. We’re continuing our work to confirm this discovery.

• Surveying and banding American woodcocks in Lebanon Hills Regional Park in partnership with a University of Oklahoma researcher.

Completing restoration work requires the right tool for the job, such as:

Fire

, used to replicate the natural process that recharges prairieland.

We conducted 13 prescribed burns across 101 acres in 2024.

Bison

, a reintroduced species that helps prairie restoration while helping us connect with and learn from our Indigenous partners.

Machinery, which can

clear brush to help sunlight reach native plants crowded out by invasive species.

Goats

, which helped control exotic species on 140 acres last year in three Dakota County parks.

Uncommon finds In 2024 alone, we discovered 10 rare or uncommon plant species in Dakota County parks, greenways and easements: •Sun drops -shown below

•White bear sedge

•Sweet grass

•Seneca snakeroot

•False melic grass

•Woodrush

•Pinweed

•Ebony spleenwort

•Brown bog sedge

•Hill’s thistle

On the move Greenway system continues to expand After opening new sections in 2024, Dakota County’s greenway system will continue growing this year.

The Hastings area and Mendota Heights are among communities that will see additional greenway growth.

At 57 miles, we’re nearly one-third of the way toward the goal of about 200 interconnected greenway miles across the county.

Last year, we: • Completed the Mississippi River Greenway, a 28-mile trail connecting Hastings and St. Paul. The final 2-mile section just west of Spring Lake Park Reserve was finished in fall 2024.

• Wrapped up the first phase of the Veterans Memorial Greenway in Inver Grove Heights, including an underpass sculpted to resemble a military bunker. Once complete, the 5-mile greenway running through Eagan and Inver Grove Heights will honor Dakota County’s veterans with memorial plazas.

• Closed gaps along the North Creek Greenway in Apple Valley, Lakeville and Farmington.

This year, we will open the Vermillion River Greenway near Hastings and

break ground on a section of the River to River Greenway in Mendota Heights.

As the system continues expanding, look for updated wayfinding markers along our greenways. New signs, kiosks and pavement markings will help greenway users get where they’re going while learning interesting facts about the areas they’ll be traveling.

More than trails All greenways are paved surfaces for walking, riding and rolling, but they’re more than recreation trails. Greenways connect communities and can be considered an extension of parks — connecting open spaces along natural, preserved areas.

Use greenways for: • Recreation, including foot and wheelchair travel, bicycling and inline skating.

• Transportation routes for commuters, students, retail shoppers and getting to destinations.

• Learning opportunities through interpretive stations along the way.

• Birding, scenery and photography.

Watch a video to learn more about Dakota County greenways:

PROGRAMS & EVENTS www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events

Program registration for spring/summer opens March 1.

Bugs YOUTH KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS

Discover nature with a child through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, art projects, storytime and more.

Age: 3–6 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Amphibians & Reptiles

These remarkable creatures are getting ready for spring. Learn where they live and what they eat.

Activity Number: 112001-01 • Thu, April 3, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-02 • Sat, April 5, 10–11:30 a.m.

Plants in Spring

Take a walk in the woods to explore how plants come to life in the spring.

Activity Number: 112001-03 • Thu, May 1, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-04 • Sat, May 3, 10–11:30 a.m.

Eggs and Young

Birds are not the only animals that hatch from an egg. Join an egg hunt and explore eggs up close.

Activity Number: 112001-05 • Thu, June 5, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-06 • Sat, June 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

Into the Woods

Be an explorer and discover what animals and plants live together in the forest.

Activity Number: 112001-07 • Thu, July 10, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-08 • Sat, July 12, 10–11:30 a.m.

Catch bugs with a net and learn how important bugs are to our ecosystem.

Activity Number: 112001-09 • Thu, Aug. 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-10 • Sat, Aug. 9, 10–11:30 a.m.

Autumn Trees

Discover how trees get ready for winter through tree games and leaf art.

Activity Number: 112001-11 • Thu, Sept. 4, 10–11:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 112001-12 • Sat, Sept. 6, 10–11:30 a.m.

HOMESCHOOL LAB

Use the park as your lab for handson study, scientific inquiry and experimentation.

Age: 6–12 Fee: $8/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Campfire Cooking

Learn fire science and safety, build the best cooking fire and try out some tasty treats.

Activity Number: 111501-01 • Wed, April 2, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-02 • Wed, April 2, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-03 • Thu, April 3, 1–3 p.m.

Spring Migration

Birding is Pokémon GO in nature — try to catch all the spring migrants before they head north.

Activity Number: 111501-04 • Wed, May 7, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-05 • Wed, May 7, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-06 • Thu, May 8, 1–3 p.m.

Poisonous Plants and Venomous Animals

Explore how organisms protect themselves from predation and learn the common ones to avoid.

Activity Number: 111501-07 • Wed, June 4, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-08 • Wed, June 4, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-09 • Thu, June 5, 1–3 p.m.

Paint with Flowers

Create natural paints and dyes from plants and craft a bookmark to take home.

Activity Number: 111501-10 • Wed, Sept. 3, 9–11 a.m.

Activity Number: 111501-11 • Wed, Sept. 3, 1–3 p.m.

Activity Number: 111501-12 • Thu, Sept. 4, 1–3 p.m.

STORYTIME

Join Dakota County Library for a fun and interactive storytime in the new yurt at Lebanon Hills.

Age: 2–6 Free Lebanon Hills Yurt Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111801-01 • Tue, April 1, 10–10:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 111801-02 • Thu, April 17, 1–1:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 111801-03 • Tue, May 6, 10–10:30 a.m.

Activity Number: 111801-04 • Thu, May 22, 1–1:30 p.m.

Activity Number: 111801-05 • Thu, June 5. 1–1:30 p.m.

SUMMER CAMPS FISH CAMP

Explore the world of Minnesota fish through hands-on games and activities and spend the afternoons learning to cast, catch and release.

Age: 8–12 Fee: $165/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-01 • Mon–Wed, June 16–18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

SMALL FRY FISH CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for the youngest anglers. Learn the basics of fishing and how to cast, tie knots, and get out on the water to catch the big one.

Age: 6–8 Fee: $60/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110407-01 • Fri, June 20, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

FISH CAMP

Explore the world of Minnesota fish through hands-on games and activities and spend the afternoons learning to cast, catch and release.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $165/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110401-02 • Wed–Fri, June 25–27, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

BOOKS IN THE WOODS

A camp for our littlest nature explorers. Read a different book each day and use the story to explore the park.

Age: 4–6 Fee: $90/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110412-01 • Mon–Wed, June 30–Jul 2, 9 a.m.–noon

JUNIOR NATURALIST CAMP

Get a feel for science in the field.

Work with park naturalists and ecologists to track and study plant and animal populations.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $225/youth Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110417-01 • Mon–Fri, July 7–11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

ARCHERY CAMP

Learn the basics of archery, including proper technique and range safety, through fun activities.

Age: 8–12 Fee: $135/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110402-01 • Mon–Fri, July 14–18, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110402-02 • Mon–Fri, July 21–25, 9 a.m.–noon

ARCHERY CAMP

Learn the basics of archery, including proper technique and range safety, through fun activities.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $135/youth Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110402-03 • Mon–Fri, July 28–Aug. 1, 9 a.m.–noon

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

From outdoor recreation and survival skills to journaling and crafts, a mix of camp favorites for LGBTQ campers and allies.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $165/youth Location: TBD Activity Number: 110419-01 • Mon–Wed, Aug. 4–6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL CAMP

Learn to survive in the woods by constructing survival shelters, building fires, learning knot-tying skills, wayfinding and more.

Age: 8–12 Fee: $215/youth Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110404-01 • Mon–Thu, Aug. 11–14, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL CAMP

Learn to survive in the woods by constructing survival shelters, building fires, learning knot-tying skills, wayfinding and more.

Age: 10–14 Fee: $215/youth Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110404-02 • Mon–Thu, Aug. 11–14, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

LITTLE RIPPERS MOUNTAIN BIKE DAY CAMP

Join us for a day camp designed for young riders, taught by Valley Bike and Ski. Bring your mountain bike and helmet. No previous experience required.

Age: 6–10 Fee: $60/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110406-01 • Wed, June 11, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110406-02 • Wed, July 16, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Grab your mountain bike and helmet, and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15 Fee: $160/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-01 • Mon–Thu, June 23–26, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110403-05 • Mon–Thu, Aug. 18–21, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP FOR BOYS

Grab your mountain bike and helmet, and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15 Fee: $160/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-02 • Mon–Thu, July 7–10, 9 a.m.–noon

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP FOR GIRLS

Grab your mountain bike and helmet, and join Valley Bike and Ski to learn bike handling skills, bike maintenance, trail maintenance and more. No experience required.

Age: 10–15 Fee: $160/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-03 • Mon–Thu, July 7–10, 9 a.m.–noon

ADVANCED MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMP

Take your riding to the next level by diving deeper into bike skills and body separation drills. Must have completed previous Dakota County Mountain Bike Camp and be able to ride black trails at Lebanon Hills Regional Park.

Age: 11–15 Fee: $160/youth Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110403-04 Mon–Thu, Aug. 4–7, 9 a.m.–noon

FAMILY FOREVER WILD FAMILY FRIDAY

Join us for family fun on the first Friday of every month. Learn about a different, exciting topic through hands-on activities, games and nature walks. Stick around for a bonfire and s'mores.

All ages Free

April Showers

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-01 • Fri, April 4, 6–7:30 p.m.

Wildflowers

East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111001-02 • Fri, May 2, 6–7:30 p.m.

Reptiles and Amphibians Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-03 • Fri, June 6, 6–7:30 p.m.

Yard Games

Garden Art

Nature Crafts

Explore the garden and experiment with fruit and flower pigments.

Use fresh veggies to make stamps, and take home a flower-pounded masterpiece.

Age: 6 and older Fee: $15/person Community Learning Garden Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110205-03 • Thu, Aug. 21, 6–7:30 p.m.

Raptor Migration

WOODCOCK WALK

Empire Shelter Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-04 • Fri, July 11, 6–7:30 p.m.

Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111001-05 • Fri, Aug. 1, 6–7:30 p.m.

Gathering Center Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111001-06 • Fri, Sept. 5, 6–7:30 p.m.

STORYTRAIL

Take a self-guided walk in the park while reading picture book pages displayed along the trail.

All ages Free Thompson Lake Loop Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110902-01 • Fri–Mon, May 23–26, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

McDonough Lake Loop Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110902-02 • Fri–Mon, Aug. 29–Sept. 1, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

WILD ART FOR FAMILIES

Gather with friends and family to create nature inspired arts and crafts.

Fused Glass Critters

Use colorful glass to make your own insects and critters. Eagan Art House will fire your artwork in their kilns.

Creations will be ready for pickup two weeks after class.

Age: 6 and older Fee: $35/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110205-01 • Thu, July 17, 6–8 p.m.

Painting with Wool

Dive into the lush and tactile world of needle felting in this easy, introductory fiber arts program.

Participants will blend fibers to create custom colors, add novelty materials to build texture, and even have a chance to add some embroidered details.

Age: 10 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110205-02 • Fri, April 18, 6–8 p.m.

Discover the well-camouflaged woodcock and take a walk to try to spot and hear the bird's aerial display.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $5/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111702-01 • Thu, April 10, 7:30–9 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD CANOE

Spend an evening with a child in your life learning the basics of canoeing and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $30/family Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111902-01 • Mon, July 14, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111902-02 • Mon, July 21, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111902-03 • Mon, July 28, 6:30–8 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD KAYAK

Spend an evening with a child in your life learning the basics of kayaking and having fun with games and activities on the water.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $15/person Schulze Beach Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111901-01 • Mon, Aug. 4, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111901-02 • Mon, Aug. 11, 6:30–8 p.m.

Activity Number: 111901-03 • Mon, Aug. 18, 6:30–8 p.m.

SPARK! MOBILE

Join the City of Eagan's puppet wagon for family friendly puppet shows and activities.

All ages Free Visitor Center Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110203-01 • Fri, June 20–Aug. 8, 10–10:45 a.m.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS FAMILY WILDFLOWER WALK Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom. Learn how to identify common wildflowers while exploring the trails.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Trailhead Miesville Ravine Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-03 • Thu, May 1, 6–7:30 p.m.

PATIO POTS

Join us on Mother's Day to build a small patio pot with native plants collected and grown in the park.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111302-01 • Sun, May 11, 11 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 111302-02 • Sun, May 11, 1–2 p.m.

PARENT/CHILD ARCHERY

Learn basic shooting techniques and range safety through games and activities.

Age: 8 and older Fee: $15/person Archery Shelter Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110101-01 • Sat, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.–noon Activity Number: 110101-02 • Sat, Aug. 9, 1–4 p.m.

BIKES AND BISON

Embark on a group bike ride and explore the Mississippi River Greenway while learning about Dakota County Parks' bison herd.

Participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. Total distance of the trip will be under 8 miles.

Age: 5 and older Fee: $5/person Fahey Trailhead Lower Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110303-01 • Sat, Sept. 20, 10–11:30 a.m.

Basket Weaving Basics

In this multi-class series, learn foundational basket-weaving techniques to make square, rectangular, round and oval basket bases. Learn about simple techniques to weave the sides of a basket, weaving tension and shaping, and how to finish a basket by adding a rim.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $75/person Lebanon Hills Yurt Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110202-05 • Thu, May 15, 22, & 29, 6–9 p.m.

ADULT INTRO TO FLY FISHING FOR WOMEN

Join us for a hands-on introduction to the sport of fly fishing, designed especially for women, taught by the Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111102-01 • Wed, April 16, 6–8:30 p.m.

Botanical Gel Prints

YOGA IN THE PARK

This summer, join Yoga Sanctuary for a series of outdoor classes and fun, interactive workshops. All levels of experience are welcome.

Yoga For All

A series of outdoor yoga classes that focus on promoting strength, flexibility and balance, while weaving together yogic philosophy, mindful movement and meditation.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $60/person Camp Sacajawea Campground Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111201-01 • Sun, June 1, 8, 22, & 29, 10-11 a.m.

Camp Sacajawea Campground Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111201-02 • Sat, July 12, 19, 26 & Aug. 2, 10-11 a.m.

Camp Sacajawea Campground Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111201-03 • Wed, Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6-7 p.m.

Nature Walk + Yoga

Experience guided mindful movement as you wander toward the A-Frame shelter to enjoy yoga amid the trees and wildlife. All levels of experience are welcome. Full trip equates to about a mile walk.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $20/person Visitor Center & A-frame Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111201-04 • Wed, June 4, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tree Hugger Yoga

Head into the woods for playful yoga among the trees. During this workshop, participants use the stability and energy of trees to help tap into a sense of grounding and connection with nature and all beings.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $20/person Camp Sacajawea Campground Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111201-05 • Wed, July 16, 6:30–8 p.m.

Sunrise Yoga

Awaken your body and soul with a rejuvenating early sunrise yoga class, set against the backdrop of Schulze Lake. A perfect way to start your day feeling centered, refreshed and in harmony with nature.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $20/person Lakeview Deck Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111201-05 • Sat, Aug. 23, 6:30-8 a.m.

WILD ART

Gather with fellow crafters and learn new skills taught by local artists.

Foraged Fibers

Dive deep into the world of basket weaving. Participants learn about locally available weaving materials, how to forage them ethically and when to harvest.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $15/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110204-01 • Thu, April 24, 6:30–8 p.m.

Dakota Lodge Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110204-02 • Sat, April 26, 10–11:30 a.m.

Natural Dyes of Spring

Learn to identify, harvest and extract dye from plants, bark, flowers and weeds found in green spaces and your own backyard. Leave with a naturally dyed textile and a wealth of knowledge to create your own dye pots at home.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $35/person Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110202-03 • Wed, April 30, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Make beautiful multi-layered prints using a variety of natural materials.

Take prints home and use as cards, gift tags or framed gifts.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110202-04 • Sat, May 17, 10 a.m.–noon

Fused Glass Windchimes

Create an exquisite wind chime out of glass. Use colorful glass and learn to cut and arrange pieces for beautiful summer-themed artwork.

Eagan Art House will fire your artwork in their kilns. Your creations will be ready for pickup about two weeks after class.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $30/person Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110202-06 • Thu, June 5, 6–8 p.m.

Natural Dyes of Summer

Learn to identify, harvest and extract dye from plants, bark, flowers and weeds found in green spaces and your own backyard. Leave with a naturally dyed textile and a wealth of knowledge to create your own dye pots at home.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $35/person Camp Sacajawea Retreat Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110202-08 • Thu, July 24, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Plein Air Painting

Learn to use oil paints and make several small paintings of landscapes, flowers, plants and other natural scenes. No previous painting experience is required.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $35/person Community Learning Garden Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110202-07 • Thu, Aug. 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

BEGINNING BIRDING

Learn the best birding locations in the parks and gain identification skills and introductory birding tips.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Schaar's Bluff Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111705-01 • Thu, April 24, 6–7:30 p.m.

Thompson County Park Trailhead Thompson County Park Activity Number: 111705-02 • Thu, May 1, 6–7:30 p.m.

Jensen Lake Trailhead Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 111705-03 • Thu, May 8, 6–7:30 p.m.

WILDFLOWER WALK

Hike with a naturalist when the spring ephemerals are in full bloom.

Learn how to identify common wildflowers while exploring the trails.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person East Shelter Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111403-01 • Tue, April 29, 10:30 a.m.–noon

BIRDING ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Bird with a naturalist along the Mississippi River Greenway and explore the unique vantage points along the river.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Kaposia Landing Kaposia Landing Trailhead Activity Number: 111701-01 • Tue, May 6, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Schaar's Bluff Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 111701-02 • Tue, May 13, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Lock and Dam No. 2 Trailhead Mississippi River Regional Trail Activity Number: 111701-03 • Tue, May 20, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR MEN

Learn mountain biking skills for men from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more.

For all skill levels.

Age: 15 and older Fee: $70/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-01 • Wed, May 21, 28 & June 4, 6–8 p.m.

MOUNTAIN BIKE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

Learn mountain biking skills for women, taught by women, from Valley Bike and Ski. Topics include bike handling skills, equipment, safety, trails and more. For all skill levels.

Age: 15 and older Fee: $70/person Mountain Bike Shelter Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 110301-02 • Wed, May 21, 28 & June 4, 6–8 p.m.

EVENTS OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP

Drop off unused outdoor gear items or pick up new-to-you gear. Don’t have anything to give away? That’s OK, all are welcome. Please do not bring chemicals or broken items. If you can't make the event, but have an item to donate, use the early drop-off option.

All ages Free Visitor Center Lebanon Hills Regional Park Activity Number: 112401-01 • Tue, April 22, 4–7 p.m.

Catch some quality time with a child in your life. Bring your own pole or borrow one of ours. Visit hands-on fishing stations to practice knottying, baiting a hooking, casting and more. Plus, food trucks.

All ages Free North Picnic Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110801-01 • Sun, June 8, noon–3 p.m.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

BIKES AND BISON

Embark on a group bike ride and explore the Mississippi River Greenway while learning about Dakota County Parks' bison herd.

Participants must bring their own bicycles and helmets. Total distance of the trip will be 12–15 miles.

Age: 16 and older Fee: $5/person Pine Bend Bluffs Trailhead Mississippi River Regional Trail Activity Number: 110304-01 • Thu, Sept. 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

TAKE A KID FISHING

SPRING AT SPRING LAKE PARK RESERVE

Experience all that Spring Lake Park Reserve has to offer. Learn more about the prairie, bison and all the amazing wildlife along the Mississippi River and check out the rental facilities and amenities that you can enjoy year-round at the park.

All ages Free Spring Lake Retreat Center & Fahey Trailhead Spring Lake Park Reserve Activity Number: 110808-01 • Sat, April 26, noon–4 p.m.

Head to Whitetail Woods for entertaining musical performances and tasty food trucks.

All ages Free Amphitheater Whitetail Woods Regional Park Activity Number: 112601-01 • Tue, May 27, 5–7 p.m.

Activity Number: 112601-02 • Tue, June 24, 5–7 p.m.

Activity Number: 112601-03 • Tue, July 29, 5–7 p.m.

Activity Number: 112601-04 • Tue, Aug. 26, 5–7 p.m.

Activity Number: 112601-05 • Tue, Sept. 30, 5–7 p.m.

SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY

Celebrate the summer with live music, yard games, food trucks and fun.

All ages Free North Picnic Shelter Thompson County Park Activity Number: 110803-01 • Fri, June 20, 6–9:03 p.m.

INFORMATION REGISTRATION To register online, search for the program using the activity number or a keyword in the program title. Registration is not required for free programs unless noted. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

PAYMENT

SCHOLARSHIPS

Payment is due at registration.

All major credit cards are accepted.

Call 952-891-7000.

IF WE NEED TO CANCEL

At least three weeks before the program, tell us what accommodation would make the program accessible to you or your family. Call 952-891-7000.

Cancellations posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks.

IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL

Refund policy is posted at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, click Programs & Events.

ACCESSIBILITY

EQUIPMENT

Provided unless specified.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Rent paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search equipment rental

RESERVATIONS BIRTHDAYS, FIELD TRIPS AND MORE

Celebrate a birthday, take a school field trip or book a private program in Dakota County Parks. www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search private program

River to River Greenway

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Biking Boating Camper cabin

Eagan

Minnesota River Greenway

Mississippi River Greenway

Inver Grove Heights

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Camping Canoeing/Kayaking

FIRST AID

Cross-country skiing

Spring Lake Park Reserve North Creek Greenway Burnsville

Dog on-leash Dogsledding/Skijoring Fishing

Rosemount Hastings

Apple Valley

Whitetail Woods Regional Park

Mississippi River Greenway

Gardening

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Geocaching Hiking FIRST AID

Horseback riding FIRST AID

Coates

Horseshoes Ice skating

Vermillion

In-line skating

Farmington

Kicksledding

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Mountain biking Nature playground FIRST AID

FIRST AID

Miesville

Paddleboarding Picnicking FIRST AID Playground

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Recreational bonfire FIRST AID Sand volleyball

FIRST AID

Cannon Falls Randolph

Skate skiing

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

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Sledding Snowshoeing Swimming beach Visitor Center FIRST AID

FIRST AID

Gear up and explore

Walking

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Whitetail Woods Regional Park

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FIRST AID

Dakota Woods Dog Park

Lakeville

Pick up a detailed Parks and Greenways Guide at any park facility.

Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Archery

Thompson County Park

Mendota Heights

PARKS & GREENWAYS

Spring Lake Park Reserve

Big Rivers Regional Trail

South St. Paul

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

West St. Paul

DAKOTA COUNTY

Lake Byllesby Regional Park

Thompson County Park

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Equipment Rental

Get rental equipment information at www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search rental.

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