NEWSLETTERS ~ CURRENT NEWS ~ BUTTERFLY COUNT ~ CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ~ NATIVE PLANTS & PRAIRIE ~ VOLUNTEER
Calendar of Events
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Everyone is welcome to attend our programs, walks and events, you don't need to be an Audubon member. Our field trips and bird walks are free of charge and open to the public.
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June 2025
Damsels & Dragonflies
Sunday, June 15, 2025 / 2 - 4pm at at Chester Woods Park/ Leader: Joel Dunnette
Meet by the kiosk near the boat ramp. Dragonflies and damselflies are amazing creatures – 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. Free and no registration required.
Sunday, June 15, 2025 / 2 - 4pm at at Chester Woods Park/ Leader: Joel Dunnette
Meet by the kiosk near the boat ramp. Dragonflies and damselflies are amazing creatures – 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. Free and no registration required.
July 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, July 5, 2025 / 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 5, 2025 / 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.
Summer Potluck Social & Bird Walk
Thursday, July 10, 2025 / 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Oxbow Park Picnic Shelter #1
Everyone is welcome to join us for our potluck and social. Meet at Picnic Shelter #1 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 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.
Oxbow Park is located at 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920
Thursday, July 10, 2025 / 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Oxbow Park Picnic Shelter #1
Everyone is welcome to join us for our potluck and social. Meet at Picnic Shelter #1 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 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.
Oxbow Park is located at 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN 55920
ZVAS Field trip to Lost Valley Prairie SNA and Spring Lake Park Reserve
Saturday, July 12, 2025 / 7:15 am - 4:30 pm
FEE: $10 per person plus $5 for car pool riders / Registration required
Join us on an all-day field trip to explore a restored tallgrass prairie and learn about the reintroduction of bison to Spring Lake Park Reserve.
In the morning: Lost Valley site steward Steve Poole will give us a tour and talk about work that’s been done to restore the tallgrass prairie, the site’s history, geology, and topography and how that affects the plant communities. We should see a variety of native grasses and wildflowers such as puccoon, stiff gentian and prairie smoke. Of special interest are the fire-dependent Hill's thistle, a Minnesota special concern species, and state-threatened rock sandwort. See more here: www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna01041
After lunch a representative of Dakota County’s Outdoor Education Team will give us a 40-minute presentation at the shelter about the 2022 reintroduction of bison to a 150-acre fenced-in prairie at Spring Lake Park Reserve. Currently the bison herd consists of 11 animals. After the presentation we'll walk or drive to see the bison, depending on which paddock the animals are grazing. If we need to walk, it will be 1.5 miles each way on a paved flat bike path. See more here: www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/parksTrails/SpringLake/Pages/bison-prairie.aspx
Schedule:
7:15am: Meet at Apache Mall on the south side near Macy’s to carpool. Joan will collect $10 (cash only) for bison program.
7:30am: Depart for Lost Valley Prairie (approx. 1 hr & 15 minutes). We will stop at Kwik Trip in Hastings for a bathroom break, as there are no facilities at the SNA.
9:00am: Meet site steward Steve Poole at Lost Valley Prairie.
11:30am: Drive 14 miles/25 minutes to Spring Lake Park Reserve Fahey Picnic Shelter for lunch. (13690 Pine Bend Trail, Rosemount, MN)
1:00pm: Bison program at Spring Lake Park Reserve
3:30pm: Return to Rochester
Participants should:
• Be prepared to walk on uneven terrain with no established trails in the morning. The afternoon walk will be on a flat paved bike path.
• Wear long pants, sturdy footwear, and a hat.
• Bring sunscreen and insect repellant.
• Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water for the day.
TO REGISTER: Email Joan Leof at jleof@charter.net Let Joan know if you can be a driver or prefer to be a rider.
Saturday, July 12, 2025 / 7:15 am - 4:30 pm
FEE: $10 per person plus $5 for car pool riders / Registration required
Join us on an all-day field trip to explore a restored tallgrass prairie and learn about the reintroduction of bison to Spring Lake Park Reserve.
In the morning: Lost Valley site steward Steve Poole will give us a tour and talk about work that’s been done to restore the tallgrass prairie, the site’s history, geology, and topography and how that affects the plant communities. We should see a variety of native grasses and wildflowers such as puccoon, stiff gentian and prairie smoke. Of special interest are the fire-dependent Hill's thistle, a Minnesota special concern species, and state-threatened rock sandwort. See more here: www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna01041
After lunch a representative of Dakota County’s Outdoor Education Team will give us a 40-minute presentation at the shelter about the 2022 reintroduction of bison to a 150-acre fenced-in prairie at Spring Lake Park Reserve. Currently the bison herd consists of 11 animals. After the presentation we'll walk or drive to see the bison, depending on which paddock the animals are grazing. If we need to walk, it will be 1.5 miles each way on a paved flat bike path. See more here: www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/parksTrails/SpringLake/Pages/bison-prairie.aspx
Schedule:
7:15am: Meet at Apache Mall on the south side near Macy’s to carpool. Joan will collect $10 (cash only) for bison program.
7:30am: Depart for Lost Valley Prairie (approx. 1 hr & 15 minutes). We will stop at Kwik Trip in Hastings for a bathroom break, as there are no facilities at the SNA.
9:00am: Meet site steward Steve Poole at Lost Valley Prairie.
11:30am: Drive 14 miles/25 minutes to Spring Lake Park Reserve Fahey Picnic Shelter for lunch. (13690 Pine Bend Trail, Rosemount, MN)
1:00pm: Bison program at Spring Lake Park Reserve
3:30pm: Return to Rochester
Participants should:
• Be prepared to walk on uneven terrain with no established trails in the morning. The afternoon walk will be on a flat paved bike path.
• Wear long pants, sturdy footwear, and a hat.
• Bring sunscreen and insect repellant.
• Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water for the day.
TO REGISTER: Email Joan Leof at jleof@charter.net Let Joan know if you can be a driver or prefer to be a rider.
Bug Hunt!
Sunday, July 13, 2025 / 2 - 4pm at at Chester Woods Park/ Leader:Joel Dunnette
Meet at Picnic Shelter #2. 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. Free and no registration required.
Sunday, July 13, 2025 / 2 - 4pm at at Chester Woods Park/ Leader:Joel Dunnette
Meet at Picnic Shelter #2. 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. Free and no registration required.
27th Annual Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 19, 2025 / 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 19, 2025 / 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
August 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, August 2, 2025 / 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 2, 2025 / 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 Walk at Assisi Heights
Saturday, August 9, 2025 / 8:30 - 10 am at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leaders: Sandy Hokanson & Sue Hayes
Join us on a casual walk in this beautiful area as we search for migrating warblers. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. In case of inclement weather, the walk may be canceled. NOTE: There is a $5 fee payable to Assisi Heights - and you must register for this event.
A link will be available on the Assisi Height Event Calendar in late July or early August here: https://rochesterfranciscan.org/events/
Saturday, August 9, 2025 / 8:30 - 10 am at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leaders: Sandy Hokanson & Sue Hayes
Join us on a casual walk in this beautiful area as we search for migrating warblers. Wear good hiking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. In case of inclement weather, the walk may be canceled. NOTE: There is a $5 fee payable to Assisi Heights - and you must register for this event.
A link will be available on the Assisi Height Event Calendar in late July or early August here: https://rochesterfranciscan.org/events/
Monarch Tagging
Thursday, August 21, 2025 / at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Time: 3 - 6 pm at the WEST Quarry Hill Entrance at 2100 9th St NE, Rochester, MN 55906
All ages are welcome at this free event. Help us catch, tag and release Monarch butterflies as they migrate through our area on their journey south to Mexico. Citizens just like you are important contributors to Monarch research and conservation. Tagging helps answer questions about the geographic origins of Monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of the migration, mortality during migration, and changes in geographic distribution. Monarch tags are tiny, round stickers that don't hurt the butterflies or impede their movement in anyway.
Visit our displays where you'll learn about the Monarch’s life cycle. Then have fun walking in the Oak Savanna to try and catch a Monarch for tagging. The trail is a bit steep and not paved so wear good shoes. We'll provide some nets, and we'll have some pre-caught monarchs ready as well. Come and go on your own schedule. We hope to have enough Monarchs for each family to release at least one.
Park at the west entrance to Quarry Hill Park (Not at the Nature Center entrance) and be prepared for a short hike up the hill to the Oak Savanna. Come and go on your own schedule. Water bottles and sunscreen are recommended.
Thursday, August 21, 2025 / at Quarry Hill Nature Center
Time: 3 - 6 pm at the WEST Quarry Hill Entrance at 2100 9th St NE, Rochester, MN 55906
All ages are welcome at this free event. Help us catch, tag and release Monarch butterflies as they migrate through our area on their journey south to Mexico. Citizens just like you are important contributors to Monarch research and conservation. Tagging helps answer questions about the geographic origins of Monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of the migration, mortality during migration, and changes in geographic distribution. Monarch tags are tiny, round stickers that don't hurt the butterflies or impede their movement in anyway.
Visit our displays where you'll learn about the Monarch’s life cycle. Then have fun walking in the Oak Savanna to try and catch a Monarch for tagging. The trail is a bit steep and not paved so wear good shoes. We'll provide some nets, and we'll have some pre-caught monarchs ready as well. Come and go on your own schedule. We hope to have enough Monarchs for each family to release at least one.
Park at the west entrance to Quarry Hill Park (Not at the Nature Center entrance) and be prepared for a short hike up the hill to the Oak Savanna. Come and go on your own schedule. Water bottles and sunscreen are recommended.
Swift Sit at Assisi Heights
Friday, August 22, 2025 /7:30 - 9 pm at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leader: Sandy Hokanson
Each year citizen scientists count migrating Chimney Swifts that gather in large numbers to roost for the night at sites all over the United States. The large chimney at Assisi Heights is an important roosting spot for these birds and we’ve been invited to come watch and count the Swifts as they enter the chimney for the night. Bring a lawn chair, bug spray and binoculars. Note: Assisi Heights is private property and not open to the public – do not visit this site without permission. Rain date will be Saturday, August 23.
Friday, August 22, 2025 /7:30 - 9 pm at Assisi Heights (park in Canticle Parking lot) 1001 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 / Leader: Sandy Hokanson
Each year citizen scientists count migrating Chimney Swifts that gather in large numbers to roost for the night at sites all over the United States. The large chimney at Assisi Heights is an important roosting spot for these birds and we’ve been invited to come watch and count the Swifts as they enter the chimney for the night. Bring a lawn chair, bug spray and binoculars. Note: Assisi Heights is private property and not open to the public – do not visit this site without permission. Rain date will be Saturday, August 23.
September 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, September 6, 2025 / 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 6, 2025 / 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 - Update from Guatemala
Tuesday September 23, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday September 23, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
October 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, October 4, 2025 / 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 4, 2025 / 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 - TBA
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
November 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, November 1, 2025 / 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 1, 2025 / 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 - TBA
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 / 7- 8:15 pm
Watch for details to come.
December 2025
ZVAS Monthly Bird Walk
Saturday, December 6, 2025 / 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 6, 2025 / 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 Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 20, 2025 / Various locations - All Day
We'll meet at 7:15 a.m. at Silver Lake in Rochester near the old fire station to divide into teams. Each team will cover a section of the Rochester count circle. A mid-day tally will be held at Quarry Hill Nature Center from noon to 1 p.m. (bring your own lunch). An end-of-day tally will be held at the Nature Center starting around 4:45 p.m. All participants are invited to attend. This will be a light potluck supper with soup and bread provided. Some teams bird just in the morning, and some go out all day. Counting is done from the warmth of cars or on short hikes. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, field guides, and a pen or pencil. To pre-register or for more information contact Clifford Hansen at 507-281-0249 or clhroch@yahoo.com.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 / Various locations - All Day
We'll meet at 7:15 a.m. at Silver Lake in Rochester near the old fire station to divide into teams. Each team will cover a section of the Rochester count circle. A mid-day tally will be held at Quarry Hill Nature Center from noon to 1 p.m. (bring your own lunch). An end-of-day tally will be held at the Nature Center starting around 4:45 p.m. All participants are invited to attend. This will be a light potluck supper with soup and bread provided. Some teams bird just in the morning, and some go out all day. Counting is done from the warmth of cars or on short hikes. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, field guides, and a pen or pencil. To pre-register or for more information contact Clifford Hansen at 507-281-0249 or clhroch@yahoo.com.
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