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Following is a list of some programs offered by Whitewater State Parks Interpretive Services. Stop at the visitor center, or call (507) 932-3007 extension 0 for additional information. There is no charge for most of these programs, but state park vehicle permits are required. Permits, available at all state park offices, cost $5 for a daily, $25 for a regular annual and $12 for a handicap annual. Activities begin at the Whitewater Valley Visitor Center (Park Office) unless otherwise noted.
Thursday, May 17, 6-8pm
Bird Banding Demonstration
Want an up close encounter with birds? If so, join Rochester area bird banders for this exciting activity! A fine mist net will be used to capture birds visiting the visitor center feeding station. Dozens will likely be caught. Program participants will have the opportunity to handle and release birds after they have been studied, observed and banded with an aluminum tag. Find out how this scientific tool helps wildlife researchers learn more about bird populations and their natural history, including where they go and how long they live. Find out what has been learned about Whitewater’s birds!
Saturday, May 19, 1-2:30pm
Make Your Own Walking Stick
Join us for a real hands-on activity making your own walking stick. We will transform buckthorn, an invasive species, into a practical tool you can take home with you. We’ll also learn how you can stop the spread of other invasive hitch-hikers when you’re hiking, fishing, and recreating at Whitewater State Park!
Saturday, May 19, 1-3pm
Orchids of Whitewater State Park Walk
Malcolm and Rosemary MacFarlane have found and photographed all of Minnesota’s 42 orchids. Join these experts in search of the beautiful and fascinating orchids, including the yellow lady’s-slipper, of Whitewater State Park. (At 8pm the MacFarlanes will also give a slide presentation on the orchids of Minnesota! See below.) As group size is limited for the walk, call the park at (507) 932-3007 ext. 0 or stop at the visitor center, to reserve your spots.
Saturday, May 19, 8-9pm
Orchids of Minnesota Presentation
There are forty-two orchids native to Minnesota, including the state flower, the showy lady’s slipper. Malcolm and Rosemary MacFarlane have beautiful pictures of each one! They have journeyed to cedar bogs; bluff prairies, the Big Woods, and roadside ditches to get these photographs. Tonight they’ll share with us everything from common orchids to the rarest orchid in North America. Their photography is excellent and their stories of the hunt fascinating!
Sunday, May 20, 12:30-2pm
Bird Banding Demonstration
Want an up close encounter with birds? If so, join Rochester area bird banders for this exciting activity! A fine mist net will be used to capture birds visiting the visitor center feeding station. Dozens will likely be caught. Program participants will have the opportunity to handle and release birds after they have been studied, observed and banded with an aluminum tag. Find out how this scientific tool helps wildlife researchers learn more about bird populations and their natural history, including where they go and how long they live. Find out what has been learned about Whitewater’s birds!
Sunday, May 20, 3-5pm
Pioneer Music - Bluegrass Jam
Park visitors and bluegrass pickers of all skill levels are invited to recreate the music of our ancestors at a campfire jam-a-long. Imagine the Whitewater Valley during the days of the pioneers and the songs that echoed off these bluffs. Meet at the amphitheater behind the visitor center.
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