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Calendar of Events
April 2024
Rochester Reservoirs Field trip
Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 8:00 am - Noon / Leader: Lance Vrieze & Mike Degerstrom
Meet in the east parking lot at the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool. The flood control reservoirs around Rochester have created some of the best bird habitat in Olmsted County and are more often than not where local rarities are found. We will visit several to see what we can turn up during migration. There will only be a few short walks totaling less than a mile. Bring a scope and binoculars if you have them.
Saturday, April 20, 2024 / 8:00 am - Noon / Leader: Lance Vrieze & Mike Degerstrom
Meet in the east parking lot at the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool. The flood control reservoirs around Rochester have created some of the best bird habitat in Olmsted County and are more often than not where local rarities are found. We will visit several to see what we can turn up during migration. There will only be a few short walks totaling less than a mile. Bring a scope and binoculars if you have them.
Armstrong Wetlands / Rice Lake State Park Field Trip
Sunday, April 21, 2024 / 7:00 am - early afternoon / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Meet in the Hy-Vee Barlow's south parking lot (nearest Civic Center Drive) at 7 am to car pool to the wetlands (about a 45 minute drive). Dress for the weather, bring your own binoculars, lunch, snacks and water. Trails are generally good at Rice Lake but be prepared for uneven ground and muddy/wet areas. At Armstrong Wetlands we'll be parking on the edge of a gravel road. Between both locations we should see several kinds of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, raptors, woodpeckers, early arriving warblers, and possibly Sand Hill Cranes. Note: Vehicles entering Rice Lake State Park park must have a MN State Park sticker or purchase a day pass. Note: this field trip will be postponed if the wetlands are dry or if it's raining.
Sunday, April 21, 2024 / 7:00 am - early afternoon / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Meet in the Hy-Vee Barlow's south parking lot (nearest Civic Center Drive) at 7 am to car pool to the wetlands (about a 45 minute drive). Dress for the weather, bring your own binoculars, lunch, snacks and water. Trails are generally good at Rice Lake but be prepared for uneven ground and muddy/wet areas. At Armstrong Wetlands we'll be parking on the edge of a gravel road. Between both locations we should see several kinds of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, raptors, woodpeckers, early arriving warblers, and possibly Sand Hill Cranes. Note: Vehicles entering Rice Lake State Park park must have a MN State Park sticker or purchase a day pass. Note: this field trip will be postponed if the wetlands are dry or if it's raining.
ZVAS Monthly in-Person Program:
Birding in Colombia: presented by Jerry Pruett
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 / 7- 8 pm / Quarry Hill Nature Center
701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Did you know that many of the birds that are now migrating north to Minnesota spend their winters in Colombia and other South American countries? Of course, they don't all come here, but Colombia is home to 1,954 species of birds, nearly 20% of the world's bird species. Local bird expert Jerry Pruett visited Colombia in 2021 & 2022. During his time there his birding group covered 6700 miles, 7 distinct ecological regions, and saw 785 birds. Jerry will tell us about his trip and show us photos of some of the birds, butterflies and other animals he encountered.
This program is free and open to the public.
Birding in Colombia: presented by Jerry Pruett
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 / 7- 8 pm / Quarry Hill Nature Center
701 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Did you know that many of the birds that are now migrating north to Minnesota spend their winters in Colombia and other South American countries? Of course, they don't all come here, but Colombia is home to 1,954 species of birds, nearly 20% of the world's bird species. Local bird expert Jerry Pruett visited Colombia in 2021 & 2022. During his time there his birding group covered 6700 miles, 7 distinct ecological regions, and saw 785 birds. Jerry will tell us about his trip and show us photos of some of the birds, butterflies and other animals he encountered.
This program is free and open to the public.
Arbor day Celebration
Friday, April 26, 2024 / 11 am - 1 pm / Three Links – Silver Lake Park, located at 840 7th St NE in Rochester
The annual celebration hosted by Rochester Public Utilities is open to the public. The festivities include live music, lunch, free trees, various vendors, and many family activities. Winners of the elementary school Arbor Day Poster Contest are also announced. ZVAS will be on hand with our Bird Wheel of Fortune and more. Visit RPU's website for more details.
Friday, April 26, 2024 / 11 am - 1 pm / Three Links – Silver Lake Park, located at 840 7th St NE in Rochester
The annual celebration hosted by Rochester Public Utilities is open to the public. The festivities include live music, lunch, free trees, various vendors, and many family activities. Winners of the elementary school Arbor Day Poster Contest are also announced. ZVAS will be on hand with our Bird Wheel of Fortune and more. Visit RPU's website for more details.
Bird Walk at Root River County Park
Sunday, April 28, 2024 / 9am - Noon at Root River County Park / Leader: Sandy Hokanson
Located just south of Rochester near Simpson, Root River has a nice 2 mile loop walking trail and good diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. We'll look for early-blooming wildflowers, newly arriving migrants like Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and other signs of spring. Dress for the weather. Meet in the parking lot near the picnic tables. Trails can be slippery when wet. This trip will be cancelled if it's raining harder than a light sprinkle.
Sunday, April 28, 2024 / 9am - Noon at Root River County Park / Leader: Sandy Hokanson
Located just south of Rochester near Simpson, Root River has a nice 2 mile loop walking trail and good diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. We'll look for early-blooming wildflowers, newly arriving migrants like Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and other signs of spring. Dress for the weather. Meet in the parking lot near the picnic tables. Trails can be slippery when wet. This trip will be cancelled if it's raining harder than a light sprinkle.
May 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, May 4, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, May 4, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Earthfest
Saturday, May 4, 2024 / 9 am - 2 pm / Northrop Community Education Center
201 8th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Visit our booth and many more conservation-minded vendors at the 10th Annual Earthfest Expo in Rochester. 30+ Sustainability Exhibitors, Keynote: Dr. Heidi Roop, UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership, Electric Vehicle Car Show, Activities for All Ages, Games, Food Trucks, Live Music & more!
Saturday, May 4, 2024 / 9 am - 2 pm / Northrop Community Education Center
201 8th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Visit our booth and many more conservation-minded vendors at the 10th Annual Earthfest Expo in Rochester. 30+ Sustainability Exhibitors, Keynote: Dr. Heidi Roop, UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership, Electric Vehicle Car Show, Activities for All Ages, Games, Food Trucks, Live Music & more!
Wildflower Walk at Izaak Walton Wetlands
Saturday, May 4, 2024 / 1 - 3 pm / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier, Sandy Hokanson
Meet at the Wetlands parking lot (overflow parking on edge of road - please carpool if possible). We'll circle the wetlands focusing on what's blooming (but we'll also point out the birds we see). We're hoping the Bluebells will be at their peak by this date. The Izaak Walton League of Rochester has been doing a lot of habitat restoration improvement here so it will be great to see their progress as well. Dress for the weather. Event will be cancelled if raining. Free and open to the public - no registration required
Saturday, May 4, 2024 / 1 - 3 pm / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier, Sandy Hokanson
Meet at the Wetlands parking lot (overflow parking on edge of road - please carpool if possible). We'll circle the wetlands focusing on what's blooming (but we'll also point out the birds we see). We're hoping the Bluebells will be at their peak by this date. The Izaak Walton League of Rochester has been doing a lot of habitat restoration improvement here so it will be great to see their progress as well. Dress for the weather. Event will be cancelled if raining. Free and open to the public - no registration required
Birding at Kutzky Park
Kutzky Park near downtown Rochester comes alive with migrating warblers, vireos, orioles, and more every Spring. Join us for a walk at the peak of migration. Arrive and leave as your schedule requires. Walks start near the picnic shelter. Later arrivals can locate the group along the creek between 11th and 16th Ave NW. Additional dates & times will likely be added as migration starts.
Kutzky Park near downtown Rochester comes alive with migrating warblers, vireos, orioles, and more every Spring. Join us for a walk at the peak of migration. Arrive and leave as your schedule requires. Walks start near the picnic shelter. Later arrivals can locate the group along the creek between 11th and 16th Ave NW. Additional dates & times will likely be added as migration starts.
- Monday, May 6 / Noon - 1 pm Leader: Lance Vrieze
- Wednesday, May 8 / 6:30 - 7:45 am Leader: Mike Degerstrom
- Thursday, May 9 / Noon - 1 pm Leader: Lance Vrieze
- Monday, May 13 / 6:30 - 7:45 am Leader: Miike Degerstrom
BIG Birding Day
Saturday, May 11, 2024 / Leaders: Lance Vrieze. Mike Degerstrom, Brendan Lanpher, Dave Gross. Sandy Hokanson
This year’s event takes place at the peak of spring migration so we should see a wide variety of birds. We’ll survey several local habitats that include marshy wetlands, lake shore, woods and prairies. To participate simply show up at one of the locations listed below - no pre-registration needed.
Wetlands: 6:30 am – 7:45am
Meet in the Eastside WMA (County 9 Marsh) parking lot. We’ll look for waterfowl, rails, shorebirds, cranes and other birds from the observation deck before leaving to visit the Silver Creek Reservoir where we hope to see pelicans, cormorants and more.
Chester Woods: 8:00 am - noon
Meet in the boat landing parking lot. If you didn't go to the earlier walks we recommend you be at Chester Woods by 7:45 am in case we arrive early. Depending on how many people attend we may divide into two groups. Warblers, sparrows and other songbirds will be our focus. Be prepared for a 3 mile hike. Leaders will decide which trails offer the best possibilities for seeing birds. We’ll likely cover a combination of the Dam Overlook and North Trails.
Lunch: After the morning walks, we'll pause for lunch and to talk about our favorite finds at Picnic Shelter #1 in Chester Woods. Bring your own food and beverages.
Kutzky Park: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Meet in the parking lot at 400 16th Ave NW in Rochester. We’ll walk along the creek looking for migrating warblers. This is often a good spot to see Northern Waterthrush as well as Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
Izaak Walton Wetlands: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Meet at the wetlands. Located on South Salem Rd, just south of the Weatherhill neighborhood. Park in the area marked or along the shoulder. We’ll circle the wetlands looking for all types of birds including warblers, herons, wood ducks, vireos and other songbirds.
Other notes:
Come to one or all of the hikes. Come and go at your own schedule. This event is appropriate for teens - adults. Event takes place in light rain but will be canceled if thunderstorms are present. Bring binoculars, water, your own lunch/snacks and insect repellent if desired. Be prepared to hike over uneven ground.
Saturday, May 11, 2024 / Leaders: Lance Vrieze. Mike Degerstrom, Brendan Lanpher, Dave Gross. Sandy Hokanson
This year’s event takes place at the peak of spring migration so we should see a wide variety of birds. We’ll survey several local habitats that include marshy wetlands, lake shore, woods and prairies. To participate simply show up at one of the locations listed below - no pre-registration needed.
Wetlands: 6:30 am – 7:45am
Meet in the Eastside WMA (County 9 Marsh) parking lot. We’ll look for waterfowl, rails, shorebirds, cranes and other birds from the observation deck before leaving to visit the Silver Creek Reservoir where we hope to see pelicans, cormorants and more.
Chester Woods: 8:00 am - noon
Meet in the boat landing parking lot. If you didn't go to the earlier walks we recommend you be at Chester Woods by 7:45 am in case we arrive early. Depending on how many people attend we may divide into two groups. Warblers, sparrows and other songbirds will be our focus. Be prepared for a 3 mile hike. Leaders will decide which trails offer the best possibilities for seeing birds. We’ll likely cover a combination of the Dam Overlook and North Trails.
Lunch: After the morning walks, we'll pause for lunch and to talk about our favorite finds at Picnic Shelter #1 in Chester Woods. Bring your own food and beverages.
Kutzky Park: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Meet in the parking lot at 400 16th Ave NW in Rochester. We’ll walk along the creek looking for migrating warblers. This is often a good spot to see Northern Waterthrush as well as Baltimore Orioles and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.
Izaak Walton Wetlands: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Meet at the wetlands. Located on South Salem Rd, just south of the Weatherhill neighborhood. Park in the area marked or along the shoulder. We’ll circle the wetlands looking for all types of birds including warblers, herons, wood ducks, vireos and other songbirds.
Other notes:
Come to one or all of the hikes. Come and go at your own schedule. This event is appropriate for teens - adults. Event takes place in light rain but will be canceled if thunderstorms are present. Bring binoculars, water, your own lunch/snacks and insect repellent if desired. Be prepared to hike over uneven ground.
Field Trip to Hok-si-la Park
Sunday, May 12, 2024 / 8 am - mid afternoon / Leaders: Dave Gross & Sandy Hokanson
Meet at 8 am at the east parking lot of the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool to Lake City. (Or meet up with us in the parking lot at Hok-si-la at around 8:50 am.)
Located along the Mississippi River, Hok-Si-La is a magnet for migrating birds. Bring water, a snack or a bag lunch and dress for the weather. We'll return mid-afternoon. This park has nice walking trails and good diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. http://hoksilapark.org/
Sunday, May 12, 2024 / 8 am - mid afternoon / Leaders: Dave Gross & Sandy Hokanson
Meet at 8 am at the east parking lot of the RCTC Heintz Center, 1926 Collegeview Rd E, Rochester, MN 55904 to car pool to Lake City. (Or meet up with us in the parking lot at Hok-si-la at around 8:50 am.)
Located along the Mississippi River, Hok-Si-La is a magnet for migrating birds. Bring water, a snack or a bag lunch and dress for the weather. We'll return mid-afternoon. This park has nice walking trails and good diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. http://hoksilapark.org/
Birding at Assisi Heights
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 / Details to be announced
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 / Details to be announced
Un Paseo para observar Aves (en Español)
El sábado 18 de Mayol a las 9 de la mañana, Centro de Naturaleza Quarry Hill. Leader: Eric Matteson
La Sociedad Audubon de Zumbro Valley está llevando a cabo una "caminata de aves" (identificación de aves). Únase a nosotros en un paseo por el Centro Natural de Quarry Hill mientras buscamos aves, otra vida silvestre y plantas interesantes. La idea es charlar sobre pájaros y cualquier otra cosa de interés en español en el parque. No necesitas estar especialmente interesado en las aves, solo estar dispuesto a salir y divertirnos. Los niños deben estar acompañados por sus padres. Nos reuniremos frente al Centro de Naturaleza Quarry Hill a las 9:00 a.m. y caminaremos por el parque hasta las 10:30 a.m. Si tiene binoculares, tráigalos. Si no lo hace, le proporcionaremos algunos.
Bird Walk for Spanish Speakers
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 9:00 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center. Leader: Eric Matteson
Join us on a stroll around the Quarry Hill Nature Center as we search for birds, other wildlife, and interesting plants. The idea is to talk about birds and anything else of interest in Spanish in the park. You don't need to be especially interested in birds, just be willing to go out and have fun. Children must be accompanied by their parents. We will meet in front of the Quarry Hill Nature Center at 9:00 a.m. and walk through the park until about 10:30 a.m. If you have binoculars, bring them. If you don't, some will be provided.
El sábado 18 de Mayol a las 9 de la mañana, Centro de Naturaleza Quarry Hill. Leader: Eric Matteson
La Sociedad Audubon de Zumbro Valley está llevando a cabo una "caminata de aves" (identificación de aves). Únase a nosotros en un paseo por el Centro Natural de Quarry Hill mientras buscamos aves, otra vida silvestre y plantas interesantes. La idea es charlar sobre pájaros y cualquier otra cosa de interés en español en el parque. No necesitas estar especialmente interesado en las aves, solo estar dispuesto a salir y divertirnos. Los niños deben estar acompañados por sus padres. Nos reuniremos frente al Centro de Naturaleza Quarry Hill a las 9:00 a.m. y caminaremos por el parque hasta las 10:30 a.m. Si tiene binoculares, tráigalos. Si no lo hace, le proporcionaremos algunos.
Bird Walk for Spanish Speakers
Saturday, May 18, 2024, 9:00 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center. Leader: Eric Matteson
Join us on a stroll around the Quarry Hill Nature Center as we search for birds, other wildlife, and interesting plants. The idea is to talk about birds and anything else of interest in Spanish in the park. You don't need to be especially interested in birds, just be willing to go out and have fun. Children must be accompanied by their parents. We will meet in front of the Quarry Hill Nature Center at 9:00 a.m. and walk through the park until about 10:30 a.m. If you have binoculars, bring them. If you don't, some will be provided.
Field Trip to Moon Valley WMA
Saturday, May 18, 2024 / Details to be announced
Saturday, May 18, 2024 / Details to be announced
ZVAS Monthly in-Person Program:
American Kestrels presented by Kirk Payne
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm at Quarry Hill Nature Center.
In the aftermath of the banning of DDT in 1972, and with the help of reintroduction efforts, the populations of the Bald eagle, the Osprey and the Peregrine Falcon have rebounded. Conservation success stories! Their smaller cousin, the American Kestrel, unfortunately, has continued to experience population declines. Join retired Quarry Hill teacher/naturalist Kirk Payne to learn more about these small falcons. He will also discuss an on-going nest box project that began back in 2018 to support American Kestrels here in Olmsted County. This project is managed by Zumbro Valley Audubon and Quarry Hill Nature Center.
American Kestrels presented by Kirk Payne
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm at Quarry Hill Nature Center.
In the aftermath of the banning of DDT in 1972, and with the help of reintroduction efforts, the populations of the Bald eagle, the Osprey and the Peregrine Falcon have rebounded. Conservation success stories! Their smaller cousin, the American Kestrel, unfortunately, has continued to experience population declines. Join retired Quarry Hill teacher/naturalist Kirk Payne to learn more about these small falcons. He will also discuss an on-going nest box project that began back in 2018 to support American Kestrels here in Olmsted County. This project is managed by Zumbro Valley Audubon and Quarry Hill Nature Center.
June 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, June 1, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, June 1, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Bird Song Walk at Chester Woods
Saturday, June 8, 2024 / 6:45 - 9 am at Chester Woods Park / Leaders: Mike Degerstrom & Dave Gross Meet in the boat landing parking lot. With the Spring migration over, birds are busily defending territories, nesting, and raising young birds. The birds are difficult to see but very vocal. This trip will focus on learning many of the songs and calls of the local breeding birds.
Saturday, June 8, 2024 / 6:45 - 9 am at Chester Woods Park / Leaders: Mike Degerstrom & Dave Gross Meet in the boat landing parking lot. With the Spring migration over, birds are busily defending territories, nesting, and raising young birds. The birds are difficult to see but very vocal. This trip will focus on learning many of the songs and calls of the local breeding birds.
Damsels & Dragons at Chester Woods
Date to be determined / 2 - 4 pm at Chester Woods Park / Leaders: Joel Dunnette
Meet in Chester Woods Park by the kiosk near the boat ramp. Dragonflies and damselflies are amazing creatures – ferocious predators, fantastic flyers, with incredible body shapes, beautiful colors, and a distinctive life cycle. Join us to catch some of these alien-looking creatures to examine up close. Families with children are welcome at this fun activity.
Date to be determined / 2 - 4 pm at Chester Woods Park / Leaders: Joel Dunnette
Meet in Chester Woods Park by the kiosk near the boat ramp. Dragonflies and damselflies are amazing creatures – ferocious predators, fantastic flyers, with incredible body shapes, beautiful colors, and a distinctive life cycle. Join us to catch some of these alien-looking creatures to examine up close. Families with children are welcome at this fun activity.
Summer Solstice Potluck Social & Bird Walk
Thursday, June 20, 2024 /5:30 - 8:30 pm at Chester Woods Park Picnic Shelter #6
Everyone is welcome to join us for our potluck and social. Meet at Picnic Shelter #6 at 5:30 pm and we’ll plan to eat by 6 pm. Afterwards we’ll take a short walk to look for birds, plants and to enjoy the long summer solstice evening.
What to bring: Your own plates, utensils and drinks (no alcohol). Please bring a dish to share: if your last name starts with A-G bring a salad or appetizer; H-L bring a dessert; M-Z bring a main dish.
Thursday, June 20, 2024 /5:30 - 8:30 pm at Chester Woods Park Picnic Shelter #6
Everyone is welcome to join us for our potluck and social. Meet at Picnic Shelter #6 at 5:30 pm and we’ll plan to eat by 6 pm. Afterwards we’ll take a short walk to look for birds, plants and to enjoy the long summer solstice evening.
What to bring: Your own plates, utensils and drinks (no alcohol). Please bring a dish to share: if your last name starts with A-G bring a salad or appetizer; H-L bring a dessert; M-Z bring a main dish.
July 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, July 6, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, July 6, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
26th Annual Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 13, 2024 / All Day / Various Locations
Join us as we survey our region’s butterflies! Enjoy finding beautiful and delicate butterflies as we document their populations. Many eyes are needed to locate as many butterflies as possible during our official one day count. Participants in this Citizen Science project should have some experience with butterflies, be prepared for the weather, and be able to walk a mile or more on and off trails. Novices will be paired with an experienced team leader. Bring close-focusing binoculars or a digital camera with close-focusing capability. These are key to field identification of butterflies. Chester Woods has excellent habitat, so we’ll spend considerable time there. See past years’ results here.
For more information or to sign up for a specific time or area, contact Sandy Hokanson at 507-202-4283 or email editor@zumbrovalleyaudubon.org
Saturday, July 13, 2024 / All Day / Various Locations
Join us as we survey our region’s butterflies! Enjoy finding beautiful and delicate butterflies as we document their populations. Many eyes are needed to locate as many butterflies as possible during our official one day count. Participants in this Citizen Science project should have some experience with butterflies, be prepared for the weather, and be able to walk a mile or more on and off trails. Novices will be paired with an experienced team leader. Bring close-focusing binoculars or a digital camera with close-focusing capability. These are key to field identification of butterflies. Chester Woods has excellent habitat, so we’ll spend considerable time there. See past years’ results here.
For more information or to sign up for a specific time or area, contact Sandy Hokanson at 507-202-4283 or email editor@zumbrovalleyaudubon.org
Bug Hunt!
Date to be determined / Leader: Joel Dunnette
Meet at Picnic Shelter #2 at Chester Woods Park. Summer is a time of abundance, particularly for insects. Their diversity and beauty is amazing, yet usually overlooked. We'll search the prairie and woods for as many as we can find. We will see up close dragonflies, butterflies, bugs, beetles, and more. Bring your kids, as this will be an active, fun search that will need their keen eyes and youthful enthusiasm.
Date to be determined / Leader: Joel Dunnette
Meet at Picnic Shelter #2 at Chester Woods Park. Summer is a time of abundance, particularly for insects. Their diversity and beauty is amazing, yet usually overlooked. We'll search the prairie and woods for as many as we can find. We will see up close dragonflies, butterflies, bugs, beetles, and more. Bring your kids, as this will be an active, fun search that will need their keen eyes and youthful enthusiasm.
August 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, August 3, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, August 3, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Tagging Monarchs
Date to be determined / at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Hold a live Monarch Butterfly in your hand and tag it for its journey south to Mexico. You'll learn about their life cycle and have fun walking in the prairie to catch your Monarch for tagging. (We'll have some pre-caught monarchs ready as well). Come and go on your own schedule - we'll provide some nets. This activity is for all ages.
Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Date to be determined / at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Hold a live Monarch Butterfly in your hand and tag it for its journey south to Mexico. You'll learn about their life cycle and have fun walking in the prairie to catch your Monarch for tagging. (We'll have some pre-caught monarchs ready as well). Come and go on your own schedule - we'll provide some nets. This activity is for all ages.
Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
September 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, September 7, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, September 7, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
ZVAS Monthly Program - to be announced
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
October 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, October 5, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
ZVAS Monthly Program - to be announced
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
November 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, November 2, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
ZVAS Monthly Program - to be announced
Tuesday November 26, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday November 26, 2024 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
December 2024
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, December 7, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 / 9 am at Quarry Hill Nature Center / Leaders: Terry & Joyce Grier
Join us on a casual walk around Quarry Hill Park. Meet by the Nature Center entrance. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Stay for any length of time. Walks usually last 60 - 90 minutes. Free and open to the public - no registration required.
ZVAS Annual Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 14, 2024 / All Day / Leader: Clifford Hanson
Each year teams of interested birdwatchers search designated sections of the Rochester area to see what birds can be found. We’ll meet at 7:15am at the west Silver Lake parking lot (near the former fire station), then take a break from noon - 1pm at Quarry Hill Nature Center for a quick lunch and tally. More counting is done in the afternoon with a final tally and pot luck held at 4:45 at Quarry Hill. You’re invited to participate with one of our teams for part, or all of the day’s count. Novices will be assigned to teams with expert leaders. Be prepared for the weather, bring your own binoculars, lunch and beverages. To pre-register or for more information contact Clifford Hansen at 507-281-0249 or clhroch@yahoo.com. See photos from last year's coun here: https://www.zumbrovalleyaudubon.org/christmas-bird-count.html
Saturday, December 14, 2024 / All Day / Leader: Clifford Hanson
Each year teams of interested birdwatchers search designated sections of the Rochester area to see what birds can be found. We’ll meet at 7:15am at the west Silver Lake parking lot (near the former fire station), then take a break from noon - 1pm at Quarry Hill Nature Center for a quick lunch and tally. More counting is done in the afternoon with a final tally and pot luck held at 4:45 at Quarry Hill. You’re invited to participate with one of our teams for part, or all of the day’s count. Novices will be assigned to teams with expert leaders. Be prepared for the weather, bring your own binoculars, lunch and beverages. To pre-register or for more information contact Clifford Hansen at 507-281-0249 or clhroch@yahoo.com. See photos from last year's coun here: https://www.zumbrovalleyaudubon.org/christmas-bird-count.html
Click to view upcoming programs at Whitewater State Park
Click to view upcoming programs at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Click for information about Olmsted County Parks
Click to view upcoming programs at the International Owl Center
Click to view upcoming programs at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Click for information about Olmsted County Parks
Click to view upcoming programs at the International Owl Center