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APRIL 2018
THE COURIER | WWW.THE-COURIER.ORG
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Upcoming Events CAITLIN POTTER
CEDAR CREEK ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE RESERVE COORDINATOR
Nature Talk with Cedar Creek: The Rum River Watershed (Offsite) April 9, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Did you know that scientists at Cedar Creek have been intensively studying Anoka County’s local creeks and lakes since the 1930s? The presenters will discuss local watershed, how and why scientists study aquatic systems, and historical and current research conducted in one of the Rum River’s tributaries. Weather permitting, we will spend some time outside at the river itself. Meet at the park building: 23100 Rum River Boulevard NW, St. Francis. Free, families welcome. Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery Project annual volunteer training April 14, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Attend the yearly training to become a part of Cedar Creek’s longest-running citizen science project, now in its tenth year! You will help monitor and study Cedar Creek’s red-headed woodpecker population and contribute to the conservation of this incredible species. You’ll learn about the history of the project, our plans for 2018 and specific projects you can get involved with. Lunch provided by the Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery Project leadership team. Please RSVP to Caitlin (caitlin@umn. edu). Free, adults recommended. City Nature Challenge April 27-29 Join fellow nature nerds to document the diversity of life in urban Minnesota! A coalition of environmental organizations in the greater metro area is partnering to document urban biodiversity using the free iNaturalist app. Details will
Sherburne Spring 2018 Events
be coming soon, but plan for some time outdoors at Cedar Creek and around the metro exploring the forests, prairies, savannas and wetlands while looking for and photographing interesting plants and animals! Help Minnesota compete for the most observations with other metro areas like Chicago, San Francisco, Berlin and Sydney. Free, families welcome. Conservation on the Northern Plains lecture and discussion May 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m. (Nature walk at 5:45 p.m.) Co-sponsored by the Cedar Creek Ecology Book Club. Here’s a unique opportunity to learn about plains and prairie conservation from a trio of local authors and scientists! Conservation on the Northern Plains: New Perspectives is a compilation of essays that examines the ecology, land use and conservation of one of North America’s largest biomes. Raymond Lindeman, an early Cedar Creek scientist, features prominently in one of the chapters. Join us for short walk at 5:45 p.m., followed by a lecture and discussion at 6:30 p.m. Free, adults recommended. 4-H Environmental Fun Fair at Springbrook Nature Center (Offsite) May 5, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Come look for the Cedar Creek table at the 2nd annual 4-H Environmental Fun Fair at Springbrook Nature Center! We’re excited to participate in this youth-led event for the second year in a row. Arts and crafts, live animals, youth projects, interpretive hikes and more. Free, family friendly. For more information, please visit www.cedarcreek.umn.edu or call 612-301-2600. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is located at 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE, East Bethel.
23256 St. Francis Blvd. NW, St. Francis
JESSICA NELSON
SHERBURNE VISITOR SERVICES VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Spring Celebration Saturday, May 12 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Oak Savanna Learning Center Learn more about pollinators and migratory birds! Nature crafts, guided hikes, a Friends of Sherburne plant sale and more.
A meadowlark was captured in mid-song at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. PHOTO CREDIT: MARY CARLSON
Bird Tour Saturday, May 12 8:00-10:00 a.m. Mahnomen Trail Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day by viewing and learning about local birds. Binoculars are available to borrow. Led by Volunteer Dave Martin. Kid’s Photography Workshop Saturday, May 12 1:00-3:00 p.m. Oak Savanna Learning Center We will discuss composition tips and go outside in small groups to practice. Camera or camera phones not provided. In collaboration with the Sherburne Photography Club.
IS NOW HIRING
Lit’l Sprouts is currently hiring for positions at our growing program. Applicants must be at least 18 years or older. Call 763-753-5010, apply within or online at litl-sprouts.com.
Photography Hike Saturday, May 19 9:00-11:00 a.m. Oak Savanna Learning Center No minimum experience or equipment necessary. Bring your camera or just join to learn some tips and tricks and enjoy the outdoor exploration! Led by members of the Sherburne Photography Club. Kid’s Photography Contest K-12 students are encouraged to submit one photo that they’ve taken on the refuge. Entries are due by October 6 and winners will be announced on November 14 (prizes for top three and honorable mentions). Visit website for details and entry form. Sherburne Photography Club Monthly meetings, Second Wednesday 6:30 p.m. social, 7:00 p.m. meeting Oak Savanna Learning Center New members and individuals of all experience levels are encouraged and welcome to attend. Visit www.fws.gov/ refuge/sherburne for more information. Preregister for events by emailing sherburne@ fws.gov or calling 763-3893323.
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset on a daily basis. Refuge Headquarters is open 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and is closed on all federal holidays. Oak Savanna Learning Center (OSLC) is located at 16797 289 Avenue NW, Zimmerman, ¼ mile west of Refuge Headquarters off Sherburne CR 9. Refuge headquarters is located at 17076 293 Avenue NW, Zimmerman, Sherburne County Road 9, five miles west of Hwy. 169. * Eagle’s Nest Nature Store at the Oak Savanna Learning Center, run by the Friends of Sherburne, will be open during or following this event. Also, the refuge is beginning their prescribed fire season. Please be aware that prescribed burns can be occurring when visiting. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for special accommodation to the Refuge Headquarters: 763-3893323, sherburne@fws.gov, or TTY 800-877-8339 at least two weeks prior to the event.
4-H Clover Dash Fundraiser KIM FERGUSON
4-H VOLUNTEER UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION ANOKA COUNTY
Anoka County 4-H is hosting our 8th Annual 4-H Clover Dash on Saturday, April 28 starting at 9:00 a.m. There will be a 5K Fun Run/Walk and Two Mile Walk. The event takes place in beautiful Bunker Hills Regional Park in Andover. Race route will wind through the scenic park on paved trails. All are welcome— runners, walkers, youth and adults. There will be medals and/or prizes for top finishers and a prize drawing. Visit anokacounty. us/2432/4-H-Clover-Dash for more information. Gather your family, friends, and co-workers for a fun-filled morning to help support Anoka County 4-H youth. All proceeds from this fundraiser will support Anoka County 4-H Youth Development programs and scholarships. This event will not only raise funds for our program, but will feature and celebrate the 4-H health project and making healthy lifestyle choices. If you have any questions or if your company would like to be a sponsor for this event, contact Kim Ferguson at 763-324-3499 or fergu029@umn.edu. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
All-Night Party There will be lots of food and beverages including Mansetti’s pizza, chips and cheese, and cotton candy. There will be many prizes and two $500 scholarships given away during the evening. Information about the 2018 All-Night Party was
mailed to all St. Francis High School seniors. If anyone would like to donate prizes, money or volunteer time, please reach out to Amy Pogorelec at 763-2296723 or amypogo11@gmail. com. Find the All-Night Party on Facebook @St Francis High School Senior All-Night Party or on Twitter at #SaintsANP.