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Naturalist Programs
Saturday August 11, 2007
Unless noted, all programs begin at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center (Park Office).
Morning Youth Fishing Workshop - Whitewater State Park is hosting a fishing workshop for youth that want to learn about fishing, but have little or no experience. The workshop is presented by Minnaqua, a Department of Natural Resources aquatic education program on Minnesota' waters. Its slogan is "Fishing, Caring, Sharing". During this morning's two-hour workshop participants will do a number of activities that relate to fishing the state's streams, rivers, and lakes. Participants should bring worms and/or corn. Other equipment will be provided. Parents are encouraged to join their children. Reservations are required. Stop in or call the park's visitor center at (507) 932-3007 extension 0, during weekday business hours, for additional information and to make reservations.
1-2p.m. Fascinating Fossils - Guest Presenter Dr. Robert Sloan - The geologic resources of southeastern Minnesota's Blufflands are truly amazing! Ancient oceans left sediment that now makes up nearly one half-mile deep layers of sandstone, shale and limestone. Many of those rock formations contain fossils of those oceans' plants and animals. Dr. Robert Sloan, retired geology professor from the University of Minnesota, has written a book entitled "Minnesota Fossils and Fossiliferous Rocks". Through this program Dr. Sloan will introduce us to the life forms of the oceans that once covered the state. Copies of his book will be available for sale and signing. (After Dr. Sloan's presentation, join Park Naturalist Dave Palmquist on the fossil field trip listed next!)
2-3:30p.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? Cards to display fossils will be distributed. Bring transportation, as we drive ten miles to the fossil site.
(Attend Dr. Sloan's presentation, preceding this field trip, for an introduction to the fossils you'll find!)
5-6p.m. Go in Seine at the Beach - Many small creatures live in Whitewater's cold water streams and at the beach. Come get wet and wild as we use a seine (net) to search for some of Whitewater's miniature water monsters! Find out about the interesting critters we share the swimming hole with. How does life in the stream differ from live in the beach pool? Meet at the beach.
8:30-10p.m. Perseid Meteor Shower - Experience "meteor whiplash" during the best meteor shower of the year! Members of the Hiawatha Valley Astronomical Society will provide telescopes, expertise and slides introducing our solar system, galaxy, and beyond! There will be a program rain or shine.
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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