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September 6, 2003
All programs, unless otherwise noted, begin at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center (Park Office).
10:30-11:30a.m. Electrofishing * Electrofishing is a very important tool used by DNR Fisheries. By inspecting captured fish, the species, size, age and abundance of fish in a given section of stream can be determined. Participants will see how the equipment is used, learn of its role in research, and find out how its use is contributing to the Whitewater River Watershed Project. Youngsters get to release the fish! Meet between campsites #89 and #91.
12:30-1:30p.m. Snakes of the Blufflands * Sixteen of Minnesota's seventeen kinds of snakes live in the Blufflands. Learn how we can live, work and recreate in the Blufflands and still conserve these awesome creatures. Get an update on this summer's rattlesnake sightings. A slide show about area snakes and live snake program will be given. A bullsnake and a timber rattlesnake will be on hand, literally!
2:30-3:30p.m Survival! - You're lost in the wilds of the Whitewater Valley. It's getting dark. You're cold and wet. What would you do? At this program you'll get tips that could help you survive potentially life-threatening situations. Handouts with survival tips will be distributed.
These programs are provided free of charge, but state park vehicle permits are required. In addition to attending programs, you are invited to use the park's self-guided interpretive services, including visitor center exhibits and self-guided trails. See the "River Reflects Its Watershed" exhibit. A number of history and nature related videos are available for free viewing in the visitor center.
Whitewater State Park naturalist programs will be reduced for the remainder of the year. Due to state budget reductions summer intern funding was eliminated last year. In addition, this year funds are not available for an AmeriCorps naturalist assistant position. The park's educational staff has been reduced to one. There will be a reduction in scheduled naturalist programs as well as requested programs for schools and other organized groups. We are sorry for this inconvenience, but hope funding can improve in the future to provide the level of interpretive services that has been offered in the past.
You can help support Minnesota State Park Interpretive and Resource Management Programs by shopping at the Nature Store. The Nature Store, ? mile south of the visitor center on Highway 74, offers books, post cards, T-shirts, mugs, wildlife posters and much more. The Nature Store will be open Saturday 9a.m.- 5p.m. and Sunday 10a.m.- 5p.m.
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