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Saturday June 14, 2008
Unless noted, programs begin at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center (Park Office).
12:30-1:30pm Sculpting the Blufflands - The Flood of 2007 in Whitewater State Park Walk - Between 8a.m. August 18 and 8a.m. August 19, 2007 11.45 inches of rain fell on Whitewater State Park. The resulting flood had consequences on a geologic scale. Join the Park Naturalist on this short walk to see how the park was changed by this historic event.
2:30-3:30pm 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 bullsnake around their neck!
Late Afternoon/Early Evening Biking to Save the Turtles - Each June rare Blandings Turtles lay their eggs at a site twenty miles from Whitewater. Females leave their wetlands and cross a busy road en route to their sand prairie nesting area. You can help this threatened species survive by assisting them across the road. To years ago we moved dozens! Participants, ten years of older, will patrol the road on bicycles. Call (507) 932-3007, ext. 0 for time, meeting location and reservations
***Flood Video A DVD on the 2007 flood is available for viewing on request. Inquire at the visitor center's front desk.***
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.
Whitewater State Park is still recovering from the flood of August 2007. During your visit, you will find a different park than you're used to. The river and flood plain forest areas are greatly changed. Hiking is limited as many valley floor trails and stream crossings are yet to be repaired or replaced. See current trail maps on bulletin boards. Much restoration work has been done, but work still remains. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time of recovery. If you're interested in volunteering in the flood recovery effort contact the park's staff.
The park's staff hopes you enjoy the Blufflands' resources of Whitewater State Park!
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