The events for the Itasca State Park Nature Program from May 11 to May 30 are listed below.
Take Flight! Spotting Spring Birds- Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 8-10 a.m.
Meet at Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center
Discover the songs and sights of Minnesota’s spring migratory birds! Join Itasca State Park naturalists for a birding walk to discover recently arrived breeding birds as well as species passing through on their northward migration.
Are you new to birding? Don’t worry; birders of all levels are welcome. This program is designed to improve birding knowledge, learn bird songs, and have fun watching birds outdoors.
WHAT TO BRING: Bring binoculars and bird field guidebooks. Itasca State Park has a limited number of binoculars to lend. Dress in layers for the temperatures. Other items to consider bringing: Insect repellant, hat, snack, and water if you need it for this short outing.
Jr. Naturalist: Frog Chorus Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Green spots, brown stripes, a black X, and a dark mask. Kids, come learn about the different frogs that live around Itasca’s ponds and wetlands. NOTES: Kids must be accompanied by adults. The program will be inside the Lakeside Museum if weather conditions are poor.
Nature of Science: Ticks and Mosquitoes of Minnesota- Don’t Let Them Bug You! Friday, May 24, 2024, from 2-3 p.m.
Meet at Lake Itasca Amphitheater on the picnic grounds. If it is raining, meet at the Biome Center, the University of Minnesota Itasca Biological Station (along Main Park Drive)
Are you curious about how nature functions? Tag along with a scientist! Today’s guest is Jordan Mandli, a vectorborne disease expert with the Minnesota Department of Health. Learn how to protect yourself from tick and mosquito bites while enjoying the great outdoors! This program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Itasca State Park.
Wildflower Walk Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Meet outside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Enjoy a short walk through Itasca’s forest in search of spring wildflowers! We will search for large-flowered trillium, yellow lady slipper orchids, large-flowered bellwort, and much more. What we find will depend on the weather. Bring your camera!
Jr. Naturalist: Senses in Nature Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 2-2:45 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Kids, come learn about the 5 senses animals, including humans, use to survive. Discover how these senses are used in the natural world. Participants will have a chance to challenge their own senses. NOTES: Kids must be accompanied by adults. The program will be inside the Lakeside Museum if weather conditions are poor.
Campfire Basics Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 7-7:45 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Families, come to the council ring and learn how to make and enjoy a campfire. Practice campfire construction, explore fun ways to boost the campfire experience, and take in the campfire prepared for the program. NOTES: Bench seating is provided around the council ring.
Outdoor Kids-Frogs and Toads Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 1:30-3 p.m. (come and go at your leisure). Meet by the Swim Beach/ Playground (at the south end of the picnic grounds on Lake Itasca)
Kids of all ages come out and explore nature at your leisure. This program series allows kids to connect with nature through hands-on activities that focus on life around the lake. Have fun discovering Itasca while hanging out at the swimming beach or playground.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 3-4 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)
Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail below Douglas Lodge
Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building as well as what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.
Family Fishing Fun Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 6:30-8 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Fishing Pier below Douglas Lodge
Kids and adults, are you a ‘first-time’ fisher person wanting to try the new skill of fishing? Learn to identify common fish species in Minnesota, do a craft, and have the chance to catch some fish. Suitable for ages 6-12. NOTES: An adult must accompany children. Bring your own fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Poles are available on a first come, first serve basis. Bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license.
Nature of Science: All about Bats! Learning About the Bats of Minnesota and How Scientists Study Them Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Meet at the Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Are you curious about how nature functions? Tag along with a scientist! In this presentation, we will talk about bats, a fascinating group of mammals (and the only ones that can fly!). You will also learn how biologists study bats and about the many threats to bats, including those here in Minnesota. Today’s guest is Dr. Erin Gillam, Professor of Biological Sciences at North Dakota State University. This program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Itasca State Park.
May 2024 Five Facts in Five Minutes Program Series
Five Facts in Five Minutes Series
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if it rains.)
Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? Check out a unique feature at the naturalist station as you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Topics for the Month of May include:
Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 1:30-3 p.m. –Porcupines
Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 1:30-3 p.m. –Itasca Biological Station
Learn about what takes place at the University of Minnesota’s biological field station located in the state park. We will share information about research and education that takes place at this iconic and historic field station.
