Itasca  State  Park  September  12-­‐October  2,  2015  Nature  Programs  &  Fall  color  report  Attachments:  PDF  copy  of  September  12-­‐October  2  programs/  PDF  of  upcoming  music/  Fall  Color  report      Hello  Itasca  Friends!      September  is  here  and  autumn  is  slowly  being  ushered  in  with  the  changing  and  falling  leaves!    The  fluctuating  temperatures  are  typical  as  we  move  into  autumn.  Fall  is  a  great  time  to  go  hiking,  biking  or  boating  on  the  lake.    If  it  happens  to  rain  this  weekend  or  is  a  bit  cool  next  week,  stop  in  the  Douglas  Lodge  for  something  warm  like  soup  or  hot  chocolate  and  some  dessert.  The  Mary  Gibbs  Café  is  still  open  this  fall  so  why  not  grab  a    pizza  or  slice  of  pie.  Forgot  your  jacket?...  explore  one  of  the  three  gift  shops  (Forest  Inn  features  books  and  northwoods  themed  apparel  and  gifts).  The  gift  shops  are  pulling  out  the  sweatshirts  for  the  cooler  temps  that  are  coming  next  week.      Upcoming  Autumn  programs  and  events:  We  are  starting  to  add  our  Autumn  (gulp-­‐-­‐-­‐and  winter)  programs  to  the  naturalist  program  line-­‐up.  In  2016  Itasca  State  Park  and  Minnesota  State  Parks  will  be  celebrating  125  years!  We  are  planning  a  variety  of  special  activities  to  celebrate  our  quasquicentennial  (pronounced  'kwos-­‐kwi-­‐sen-­‐ten-­‐ee-­‐uhl').  We  are  adding  programs  to  our  on-­‐line  calendar  daily.  Watch  the  Itasca  program  calendar  on  the  DNR  webpage  for  the  most  current  posting  of  programs  and    events.    There  is  a  lot  to  do  so  check  us  out  on  the  web  at:        http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/calendar.html      

   Upcoming  Weekend  feature  Music  Concerts—      Itasca’s  Music  Under  the  Pines:  Craig  A.  Willis  Saturday,  September  19,  2015  from  7-­‐8:30  p.m.  Meet  at  Jacob  V.  Brower  Visitor  Center  Classroom  Enjoy  this  music  performance  by  singer  and  songwriter  Craig  A.  Willis,  whose  "cowboy  at  heart"  spirit  is  reflected  in  his  original  songs  about  the  beauty  of  country  living.      Itasca’s  Music  Under  the  Pines:  Hannah  Christianson  and  Friends  Friday,  October  2,  2015  from  8-­‐9:30  p.m.  Meet  inside  Forest  Inn  (across  from  Douglas  Lodge)  Join  Hannah  Christianson  and  friends  for  an  evening  of  acoustic,  heartfelt  music.  Performers  and  songwriters  from  all  over  the  country  will  share  their  original  music  in  a  celebration  of  creativity  and  community.  Many  of  these  artists  met  at  the  esteemed  Berklee  College  of  Music  in  Boston,  MA,  and  the  acts  will  include  solo  performers,  duos,  and  other  collaborations.  Surely,  an  event  not  to  miss!      Upcoming  Feature  Presentation—  “What  Makes  an  Old  Growth  Forest  an  Old  Growth  Forest?”  Talk  and  Walk Saturday,  September  19,  2015,  from  10-­‐11:30  a.m. Meet  in  the  Jacob  V.  Brower  Visitor  Center  Classroom;  walk  to  follow. Have  you  ever  wondered  what  makes  an  old  growth  forest  an  Old  Growth  Forest?  Join  Chris  Gronewold,  Itasca  State  Park  Resource  Manager,  as  he  shares  facts  about  the  old  growth  forest  within  the  park.  The  talk  will  be  followed  by  a  

demonstration  walk  on  a  nearby  trail  through  old  growth  forest.    All  are  invited  to  this  free  event  sponsored  by  the  Headwaters  Chapter  of  the  Minnesota  Forestry  Association.    Bring  a  lunch  for  later,  or  eat  out  at  Douglas  Lodge  or  the  Mary  Gibbs  Center  by  the  headwaters.        WEEKEND  FAMILY  FUN  EVENTS!    8th  Annual  Autumn  Harvest  Festival:  Lantern  Lit  Hike  and  Activities—  Saturday,  September  26,  2015  from  6-­‐8:30  p.m.  Meet  at  the  Jacob  V.  Brower  Visitor  Center  “Exploring  Itasca’s  Birds”  is  the  theme  of  this  year’s  lantern  lit  hike.  Guides  with  lanterns  will  lead  you  down  the  kerosene  lantern-­‐lit  trail  to  meet  characters  that  will  share  stories  about  special  birds  that  call  Itasca  home  during  this  family-­‐friendly  evening  hike.  Group  hikes  will  last  about  30  minutes,  departing  every  ten  minutes  from  the  Jacob  V.  Brower  Visitor  Center.  Registration  for  hikes  begins  at  6  p.m.  The  first  hike  leaves  at  6:30  p.m.  and  the  last  hike  will  begin  at  8:10  p.m.  Suitable  for  all  ages!  Children  must  be  accompanied  by  an  adult.  Other  activities  will  be  ongoing,  including  music  and  a  variety  of  children’s  activities.    Music  for  the  evening  will  be    Lori  Goulet  Reich  from  6:30-­‐8:30  p.m.  in  the  Jacob  V.  Brower  Visitor  Center  Classroom.    Join  Lori  Goulet  Reich,  a  Lake  Itasca  Transplant  from  the  suburbs  of  Minneapolis,  as  she  performs  a  variety  of  music  best  described  as  acoustic  folk  and  alt-­‐country  flavored  music.  Lori  also  has  played  in  various  bands  both  classic  rock  and  country,  so  come  enjoy  a  variety  of  well-­‐known  tunes.      28th  Annual  Ozawindib  Walk  

Saturday,  October  3,  2015  Registration:  1-­‐1:30  at  the  Jacob  V.  Brower  Visitor  Center  Walk:  1:30-­‐3:30  Join  the  Friends  of  Itasca  State  Park  during  the  peak  of  fall  colors  for  a  family  fun  afternoon  during  the  28th  Annual  Ozawindib  Walk.  Sponsored  by  Friends  of  Itasca  State  Park,  the  Ozawindib  Walk  commemorates  Ozawindib,  the  Ojibwe  guide  who  lead  Henry  R.  Schoolcraft  to  the  Headwaters  of  the  Mississippi  River  in  1832.          Headwaters  in  Autumn—Watch  the  Webcam  and  check  out  the  fall  color  report  on  the  web!  The  grains  of    wild  rice  are  now  beginning  to  ripen.    Check  out  the  rocks  at  the  headwaters  on  the  webcam…  and  watch  the  stand  of  wild  rice  as  wood  ducks  and  other  waterfowl  jump  from  the  water  surface  to  feed  on  the  newly  ripening  grains.    You  will  be  able  to  see  the  sublt  color  change  over  the  next  few  weeks  as  we  move  into  fall.  Watch  the  tamaracks  for  their  first  hints  of  gold!  Go  to:    http://www.paulbunyan.net/weathernews/webcam/headwaters/headwaters.html    Side  note:  some  users  with  Android  systems  might  have  problems  viewing  the  webcam.  For  the  Fall  color  season  we  will  be  creating  a  weekly  report,  updating  everyone  on  the  color  status.  To  check  it  out,  go  to:    http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html      Attached  is  a  pdf  copy  of  this  week’s  report.  You  too  can  upload  your  Itasca  Fall  color  photo  to  the  web!      Our  phenology  report  includes  (for  the  dates  of  August  26—September  2,  2015):   · Cooler  mornings  are  resulting  in  more  foggy  areas,  

especially  over  lakes  and  ponds,  creating  magical  photo  opportunities. · Red  squirrels  are  beginning  to  cut  white  and  red  pine  cones  and  acorns  from  the  bur  oak  for  their  winter  food  stash.  Watch  out  along  the  roadways  as  the  squirrels  and  chipmunks  dash  across  park  roads  with  their  harvest  of  pine  cones. · Fawns  are  still  displaying  their  white  spots.  They  can  be  seen  along  roadways  in  the  early  morning  and  just  before  sunset. · Hummingbirds  are  very  active  at  park  feeders  as  they  get  ready  to  migrate  in  the  next  week  or  two. · Yellow-­‐bellied  sapsuckers  and  pileated  woodpeckers  are  being  seen  and  heard  more  frequently. · Tiny  gray  tree  frogs  are  seen  in  the  early  morning  on  windows  of  buildings,  having  fed  on  the  insects  attracted  to  the  night  lights. · Watch  for  beavers  on  ponds  and  lakes  at  dusk  as  they  begin  to  build  up  their  winter  food  cache. · Acorns  from  the  bur  and  red  oak  are  beginning  to  drop,  making  a  loud  clatter  on  tin  roofs. · Cygnet  swans  are  seen  swimming  with  the  adults  on  smaller  lakes. · Several  loons  are  gathering  on  Lake  Itasca  as  the  adults  are  preparing  to  migrate.  The  juveniles  continue  to  call  their  mournful  wail  at  night. Postscript:  PS:  Feel  free  to  share  this  program  schedule  with  your  friends!  If  you  no  longer  wish  to  receive  this  email  update,  please  send  an  email  with  your  first  and  last  name  and  email  address  toConstance.Cox@state.mn.us  and  your  name  will  be  removed.  In  the  subject  line  type:  “remove  name  from  newsletter”.      

   Connie  Cox,  Lead  Park  Naturalist  Itasca  State  Park  36750  Main  Park  Drive  Park  Rapids,  MN  56470  218-­‐699-­‐7259  constance.cox@state.mn.us      

“Live in the sunshine. Swim the sea. Drink the wild air.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson                                                  

 

Friday, October 2nd, 2015 8—9:30 p.m. Meet inside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge).

Free Concert!

Itasca’s Music Under the Pines Hannah Christianson & Friends

Join Hannah Christianson and friends for an evening of acoustic, heartfelt music. Performers and songwriters from all over the country will share their original music in a celebration of creativity and community. Many of these artists met at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and the acts will include solo performers, duos, and other collaborations. Surely, an event not to miss!

 

 

Saturday, September 26th, 2015 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom

Itasca’s Music Under the Pines

Lori Goulet Reich

Join Lori Goulet Reich, a Lake Itasca Transplant from the suburbs of Minneapolis, as she performs a variety of music best described as acoustic folk and alt-country flavored music. Lori also has played in various bands both classic rock and country, so come enjoy a variety of well-known tunes.

concert

 

           

Itasca’s Music Under the Pines Craig Willis

Enjoy this music performance by singer and songwriter Craig A. Willis, whose "cowboy at heart" spirit is reflected in his original songs about the beauty of country living.

Free Concert!

Saturday, September 19th, 2015 7—8:30 p.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center

 

 

ITASCA STATE PARK

Programs and Special Events Saturday, September 12, 2015 Saturday, September 12 Five Facts in Five Minutes: Mysteries of the Deep 10 a.m.-Noon Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if rain.) 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. Aiton Heights Fire Tower Hike 2-4 p.m. Meet in front of Douglas Lodge. Come enjoy a beautiful fall day as you hike to Itasca’s fire tower! Learn about the history of fire in Itasca, and then enjoy the spectacular views as you climb to the top of the 100-foot tall fire tower! Jr. Naturalist: Legend Painting 2-2:45 p.m. Meet by the Museum Amphitheater, below Wegmann’s Store (If raining, in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center classroom). Kids, learn about ‘legend’ or traditional Ojibwe painting that often looks like an xray of the subject. You can them make your own legend painting to take home.

Powwow: Everybody Dance Now! Evening Talk 7-8 p.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom. Join us as we discuss the evolution of traditional gatherings to the contemporary powwow. Learn about the different kinds of dancers, the drums and music, the purpose of a powwow, etiquette for visitors, and more. For more information: http//:www.mndnr.gov/Itasca or 218-699-7251.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT: Saturday, September 26 from 6-8:30 p.m. 8th Annual Autumn Harvest Festival: Lantern Lit Hike and Activities “Exploring Itasca’s Birds” is the theme. Guides with lanterns will lead you down the kerosene lantern-lit trail to meet characters that will share stories about special birds that call Itasca home during this family-friendly evening hike. ITASCA STATE PARK

Programs and Special Events Sunday, September 13, 2015 Sunday, September 13 Fall Colors Legends Walk 11:30 a.m.-Noon Meet outside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge). Enjoy the early fall colors as we hike along the Mary Lake Trail to Mary Lake. Along the way, the naturalist’s will share legends about why the leaves change colors. Five Facts in Five Minutes: 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Talking Bird Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if rain.) 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. Jr. Naturalist: For the Love of Birds (and Beaks) 1:30-2:15 p.m. Meet by the Museum Amphitheater, below Wegmann’s Store (If raining, in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center classroom). Join us as we explore the different shaped beaks of our song birds. Learn the different shapes for eating insects, sap or nuts. Explore the world of bird beaks and make a bird seed heart to take home. For more information: http//:www.mndnr.gov/Itasca or 218-699-7251.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT: Saturday, October 3 28th Annual Ozawindib Walk from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Take in the rich colors of autumn during this afternoon hike! Join the naturalist lead tour to learn more about Ozawindib—Henry Rowe Schoolcraft’s Ojibwe guide who lead the way to Lake Itasca in 1832. Sponsored by the Friends of Itasca State Park. ITASCA STATE PARK

Programs and Special Events Saturday, September 19, 2015 Saturday, September 19 “What Makes an Old Growth Forest an Old Growth Forest?” Talk and Walk 10-11:30 a.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom; walk to follow. Have you ever wondered what makes an old growth forest an Old Growth Forest? Join Chris Gronewold, Itasca State Park Resource Manager as he shares facts about the old growth forest within the park. The talk will be followed by a demonstration walk on a nearby trail through old growth forest. All are invited to this free

event sponsored by the Headwaters Chapter of the Minnesota Forestry Association. Bring a lunch for later, or eat out at Douglas Lodge or the Mary Gibbs Center by the headwaters. Fall Color Fire Tower Hike 2-4 p.m. Meet in front of Douglas Lodge. Come enjoy a beautiful fall day as you hike to Itasca’s fire tower! Learn about the history of fire in Itasca, and then enjoy the spectacular fall colors as you climb to the top of the 100-foot tall fire tower! Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Craig A. Willis 7-8:30 p.m. Meet at Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom. Enjoy this music performance by singer and songwriter Craig A. Willis, whose "cowboy at heart" spirit is reflected in his original songs about the beauty of country living. For more information: http//:www.mndnr.gov/Itasca or 218-699-7251.

ITASCA STATE PARK

Programs and Special Events Saturday, September 26& Friday, October 2, 2015 Saturday, September 26 8th Annual Autumn Harvest Festival: Lantern Lit Hike & Activities 6-8:30 p.m. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center “Exploring Itasca’s Birds” is the theme of this year’s lantern lit hike. Guides with lanterns will lead you down the kerosene lantern-lit trail to meet characters that will share stories about special birds that call Itasca home during this family-friendly evening hike. Group hikes will last about 30 minutes, departing every ten minutes from the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. Registration for hikes begins at 6 p.m. The first hike leaves at 6:30 p.m. and the last hike will begin at 8:10 p.m. Suitable for all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Other activities will be ongoing, including music and a variety of children’s activities. Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Lori Goulet Reich 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meet at Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom. Join Lori Goulet Reich, a Lake Itasca Transplant from the suburbs of Minneapolis, as she performs a variety of music best described as acoustic folk and alt-country

flavored music. Lori also has played in various bands both classic rock and country, so come enjoy a variety of well-known tunes. Friday, October 2 Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Hannah Christianson and Friends 8-9:30 p.m. Meet inside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge). Join Hannah Christianson and friends for an evening of acoustic, heartfelt music. Performers and songwriters from all over the country will share their original music in a celebration of creativity and community. Many of these artists met at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and the acts will include solo performers, duos, and other collaborations. Surely, an event not to miss! For more information: http//:www.mndnr.gov/Itasca or 218-699-7251.