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Naturalist programs
June 8-9, 2007
All programs, unless noted, begin at the Whitewater Valley Visitor
Center (Park Office).
Friday, June 8
8:30-9:30p.m. So, How Can You Learn to Trout Fish? * A good way
to start is with this evening*s program. Kathy Beaulieu, DNR Aquatic Education Specialist, will give you the basics needed to start trout fishing. All you need to bring is an interest in catching trout! Several handouts including *Basic Trout Fishing Tactics*, *Fish of Minnesota* posters and stream maps will be available.
Saturday, June 9
At the time of this printing, the following activity is full. Call the park at (507) 932-3007 ext. 0, or stop at the visitor center to see if there have been cancellations.
Morning Take a Kid Fishing Day
Whitewater State Park*s 9th annual Take a Kid Fishing Day is designed to help youngsters 5 to 15 start trout fishing. Guides will take small groups of kids and parents to different parts of the middle branch of the Whitewater River within the park. Kids will learn how to rig their pole, where to cast and how to release fish safely. Lunch is provided.
Participants will receive a small starter tackle box. Bring a spinning rod and reel if you have one. One adult signs up per youth. Reservations required.
9:30-11:30a.m. Fossil Field Trip - On this trip you will find, and can keep, fossils of plants and animals that lived here hundreds of millions of years ago. They were on earth long before the dinosaurs!
What can they tell us about this area's past? Fossil cards, to display your collection, will be distributed. Bring transportation, as the site is nine miles from the park.
1-2p.m. Electrofishing Demonstration - 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 Watershed Project. Youngsters get to release the fish! Meet between campsites 89 and 91.
3-4p.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 spring's rattlesnake sightings. A slide show about area snakes and live snake program will be given. See a live timber rattlesnake, bullsnake and fox snake.
Bring a camera for a picture of your loved one with a snake around their neck!
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. A number of history and nature related videos are available for free viewing in the visitor center.
The park's staff hopes you enjoy the Blufflands' resources of
Whitewater State Park!
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