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The following
courses are currently scheduled.
Join the
North House E-Newsletter to
receive
regular course updates.
The Northern Ecology
courses listed below are both stretched across the seasons
of the North and purposefully interconnected on specific
festival weekends. In particular, North House will
be hosting:
Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival
June 5-8, 2008
* details regarding field sessions/courses
are highlighted below, signing up for a course
automatically during the festival weekend automatically
enrolls you in the festival weekend
* get more
details visit
www.northhouse.org/birding
Autumn Migration & Superior Ecology Series
August
23-Ocotber 26, 2008
* courses and workshop exploring the dynamic North Shore
* get more
details visit
www.northhouse.org/birding
* details about all series courses included below
A
Shore Thing - Fall Migration On The North Shore
Dedrick Benz
Session Options:
. . .
9/12/2008
Fall on Lake Superior is a Shore
Thing for Birders. Watch for good numbers of raptors,
sparrows, warblers, etc. as we stop at various spots along
the north shore to observe birds that get funneled along
the north shore. Students carpool to several key areas
that promise intriguing birding opportunities. For more
birding fun, enroll for the Down the Shore, Back up for
More course on 9/13 - 9/14. This course is part of the
Autumn Migration Birding Series - a number of ongoing
field opportunities to explore the extended migration
season that the North Shore has to offer.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 7am-Noon
. . . Tuition: $60
. . . Materials Fee: $5
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $100/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Boreal
Birding Immersion
Dave
Grosshuesch
Session Options:
. . .
6/7/2008 - 6/8/2008
Spring brings millions of migratory birds as they seek
a suitable habitat for breeding and, ultimately,
recruitment into future generations. The boreal forest
habitat like that along the Gunflint Trail is home to the
greatest diversity of bird species in North America,
making it perfect for this two-day workshop. The class
includes field trips with hiking as you learn bird
identification by sight and sound, and habitat needs. This
course is part of the Boreal Birding and Northern
Landscapes Festival – enrollment includes participation in
the festival’s Friday and Saturday evening programs.
The Superior National Forest is home to over 160 breeding
bird species. Both morning field trips will access key
birding locations in various habitat types. Specific
species that are anticipated include: Black-backed
Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo,
Gray Jay, and 15 species of Warblers-including Northern
Parula, Northern Watertrush and, Mourning Warbler. A
series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies, van transportation and morning
refreshments for festival participants.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: Day 1: 7am-3pm, Day 2: 7am-1pm
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: $45
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $180/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Butterflies In Your Backyard
David
MacLean/Pat Thomas
Session Options:
. . .
6/6/2008
This course offers novice to advanced naturalists and
gardeners an opportunity to learn more about 'Canadian
life zone' butterflies of northern Minnesota while also
learning about butterfly gardening and habitats for your
backyard. You will learn about the ecological and economic
significance of butterflies, their life cycles, behavior
and ways to observe and photograph them. There is also a
class field trip during which you will learn to identify
some of the butterflies and skippers of northern
Minnesota. The course's schedule will vary depending on
weather.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies and morning refreshments for festival
participants.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All Levels
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dragonflies of the North Woods
Kurt
Mead
Session Options:
. . .
6/7/2008
Dragonflies have been both revered and reviled by
humans throughout the centuries. Until recently, it has
been very difficult for the amateur naturalist to identify
these beautiful predators, but with several regional field
guides these insects can be identified by anyone. Come
learn the basics of dragonfly biology and identification,
followed by a field trip to a local dragonfly hotspot to
net some of these winged jewels and learn field
techniques. For the aspiring 'citizen-scientiest', you'll
get the training needed to participate in the newly-formed
Minnesota Odonata Survey Project - a state-wide survey of
dragonfly and damselfly distribution.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies and morning refreshments for festival
participants. Participants in this course will carpool to
the selected field sites.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All Levels
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Down
The Shore, Back Up For More
Dedrick Benz
Session Options:
. . .
9/13/2008 - 9/14/2008
Fall migration is an exciting time to be
birding on Lake Superior. Most of the birds that are
spotted on any given day weren't present a week ago and
won't be around a week from now. This two-day session
emphasizes field exploration and identification. We will
spend two days working the shoreline up and down from and
Grand Marais (as well as birding the town itself).
Students will carpool to spots from State Parks to sewage
ponds, trying to find as great a diversity of species
possible. We should find good numbers of raptors, Sparrows
and Warblers. For more birding fun, enroll for Friday
course as well, A Shore Thing. This course is part of the
Autumn Migration Birding Series - a number of ongoing
field opportunities to explore the extended migration
season that the North Shore has to offer.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: Daily: 7am-Noon
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $180/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Life
On The Edge - Shoreline Ecology and Wildflowers
Chel
Anderson
Session Options:
. . .
6/28/2008 - 6/29/2008
Can't make it to the Arctic this year? Join us for a
little taste of the far North on Minnesota's Lake Superior
shore. The conditions of the shore make it home to a
unique group of plants and plant communities, including a
"home away from home" for plants found primarily in the
Arctic. This course is designed for all wildflower and
Lake Superior enthusiasts who would like to learn about
this dynamic habitat and its intriguing plant life. On
the field trips, we'll explore a variety of shoreline
communities and learn about individual species
identification, life history, natural disturbances and the
influences of geology and climate on today's shoreline
wildflowers; individual species identification, life
history and natural disturbances.
The field trips to at least three different shoreline
locations will focus on bedrock shores and gravel/cobble
beaches; their geological past and characteristic plants.
We'll review the stories of how these habitats were
formed, the amazing continental migrations of plants and
the dynamic forces that keep the lakeshore 'suspended in
time.'
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1.5
. . . Hours: Day 1: 9am-5pm; Day 2: 9am-Noon
. . . Tuition: $115 per person
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: All Levels
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Magnet
On The Shore – Birding Intro Workshop
Jerry
Bonkoski/John Hockema
Session Options:
. . .
6/8/2008
Each spring the North Shore comes alive with bird
migration. With fieldwork in the Grand Marais Harbor area
and a classroom session we'll review basic field skills
including use of binoculars, current birding field guides
and an introduction to birding by ear. Our goal is
finding, identifying and discussing approximately 65
species of birds - both resident and migrating birds.
This course is part of the Boreal Birding and Northern
Landscapes Festival – enrollment includes participation in
the festival’s Friday and Saturday evening programs.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies and morning refreshments for festival
participants.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 7am-Noon
. . . Tuition: $70
. . . Materials Fee: $5
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $100/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minnesota Birding (with Bob!)
Bob
Janssen
Session Options:
. . .
6/5/2008 - 6/6/2008-
FULL, call for waiting list
Wish you could explore the wooded trails of the North
Shore and learn the fundamentals of birding with an
instructor who might just qualify as a birding
super-hero? Meet Bob Janssen: an active Minnesota birder
for almost 60 years, author, award-winner and inspiring
teacher. This course is an opportunity to tap into the
passion and skills that have fueled Bob’s birding
successes. With his assistance, you will investigate the
occurrence and distribution of birds throughout Minnesota,
while also working to enhance your birding field skills.
Materials fee covers lunches both days as well as van
transportation for the entire group to maximize
opportunities for discussion during the field outings.
This course is part of the Boreal Birding and Northern
Landscapes Festival.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies, van transportation and morning
refreshments for festival participants.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: Day 1: 9am-5pm; Day 2: 7am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $75/person
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $240/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mushrooming
Mike
McCall
Session Options:
. . .
8/23/2008
. . .
8/24/2008
. . . 9/1/2008
Our parents always told us to stay away from them, but
now you can spend an afternoon with 'the' fungus expert
and discover which mushrooms are safe, delicious, and easy
to identify. This course is appropriate for all levels of
mushroom hunters because the local climate and conditions
change often enough to provide numerous opportunities for
discovering and re-discovering the fungus of northern
Minnesota. Bring a knife, a collecting basket and a
mushroom guide, as a portion of the course is spent in the
field collecting and identifying. You are encouraged to
bring mushrooms from your local area for identification.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 0.5
. . . Hours: 10am-2pm
. . . Tuition: $60
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
North
Shore/Boreal Forest Birding
Jerry
Bonkoski/John Hockema
Session Options:
. . .
6/6/2008 - 6/7/2008
Each spring, the North Shore comes alive with bird
song as birds of every size participate in the season’s
dynamic cycle. This two-day workshop introduces
participants to birding in the northern landscape,
exploring several different habitat types along the North
Shore and the inland boreal forest for migrating birds
returning to their nesting grounds. This course is part of
the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes Festival, an
opportunity to explore a wide variety of flora and fauna
of the North Shore. Your enrollment includes
participation in the festival’s Friday and Saturday
evening programs. Participants will carpool to a variety
of field-sites.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies and morning refreshments for festival
participants.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: Day 1: 7am-4pm, Day 2: 7am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $240/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
North
Shore Fall Migration (with Bob!)
Bob
Janssen
Session Options:
. . .
9/6/2008 - 9/7/2008
Fall birding along Minnesota's North Shore is a time
of tremendous transition. Migratory movement of numerous
species occurs as many birds move along the shore rather
than cross the Big Lake. In the eyes of instructor Bob
Janssen, this is the time to witness migration at it's
best (height of warbler migration) on the North Shore and
all across Minnesota. We'll explore this unique time of
the birding year during this course, and with Bob's
assistance you will investigate the migratory movement of
birds throughout the region while also working to enhance
your birding field skills. While all Minnesota bird
species will be touched upon, the course will concentrate
on northern/boreal bird species. Tuition includes van
transportation for the entire group to maximize
opportunities for discussion during the field outings.
This course is part of the Autumn Migration Birding Series
- a number of ongoing field opportunities to explore the
extended migration season that the North Shore has to
offer.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: Day 1: 7am-4pm; Day 2: 7am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $75 for van transportation
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Intermediate
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
North
Shore Geology - A Heritage of Fire and Ice
John
Green
Session Options:
. . .
6/6/2008 - 6/8/2008
Have you ever wondered what makes the North Shore such
a dramatic and beautiful part of Minnesota? Why does
Lake Superior exist, and what are all those dark rocks
that make its rugged shoreline so unique? In this class
we'll start with the basics of geology and learn on a
journey up the Gunflint corridor, along several major
North Shore river gorges, and to a number of key coastal
outcrops. John has spent many years exploring and mapping
the geology of the North Shore, introducing hundreds to
the fascinating story it has to tell.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies and morning refreshments for festival
participants. Participants will carpool to a variety of
field sites.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: n/a
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
North
Shore Geology - Lake Superior's Volcanic Heritage
John
Green
Session Options:
. . .
10/25/2008 - 10/26/2008
Long before there was a Lake Superior, this region was
a dramatic landscape of fiery volcanic eruptions and huge
lava flows. Join University of Minnesota Professor
Emeritus John Green for this two-day course that combines
indoor background sessions with field trips along the
North Shore. Examine the rocky evidence of this dramatic
volcanic history and how geologic processes have shaped
our wonderful scenery and influenced the birding and
wildflower populations. John has spent many years
exploring and mapping the geology of the North Shore,
introducing hundreds to the fascinating story it has to
tell.
Using the definitive guide on North Shore geology, you
will refer to the text "Geology on Display" to help shape
your explorations and understanding of this incredibly
geologically rich region. Put on your boots - it's time
to read the rocks!
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Searching For Migrants - The October Session
Jerry
Bonkoski/John Hockema
Session Options:
. . .
10/18/2008 - 10/19/2008
Jerry and John return for a late-fall session of
Searching For Migrants. Many of the resident birds will
have already left for their wintering grounds, so the
number of birds may have dwindled, but the possibilities
of rarities increases during the late-fall migration.
During this two day session, we will travel to many of the
well know migration sites, including the Croftville Road,
Five Mile Rock, Paradise Beach, Judge C. R. Magney State
Park, Hovland and Superior Game Refuge. We will search
Lake Superior shoreline and adjacent land areas for
migrating waterfowl and other species. On day two, we
will visit Good Harbor Bay, Cascade River State Park and
the Spruce Creek area, which involve moderate hiking.
This trip will also include some inland birding to look
for other migrating species. This course is part of the
Autumn Migration Birding Series - a number of ongoing
field opportunities to explore the extended migration
season that the North Shore has to offer.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: Day 1: 7am-Noon, Day 2: 7am-Noon
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $180/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Searching For Migrants - The September Session
Jerry
Bonkoski/John Hockema
Session Options:
. . .
9/20/2008 - 9/21/2008
The North Shore becomes a funnel of activity for
migrating birds in September. This workshop emphasizes
searching the shoreline and surrounding areas for species
on their journey south. Day 1 of our experience starts
with field trips to Croftville Road, Five Mile Rock,
Paradise Beach, Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Hovland and
Superior Game Refuge. We will search Lake Superior
shoreline and adjacent land areas for migrating waterfowl
and other species. Day 2 destinations include: Good
Harbor Bay, Cascade River State Park and the Spruce Creek
area, which involve moderate hiking. This trip will also
include some inland birding to look for other migrating
species. This course is part of the Autumn Migration
Birding Series - a number of ongoing field opportunities
to explore the extended migration season that the North
Shore has to offer.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: Day 1: 7am-Noon, Day 2: 7am-Noon
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $180/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Shoreline & Pelagic Tours of Lake Superior
Ann
Russ
Session Options:
. . .
6/7/2008
. . . 7/5/2008
. . . 7/19/2008
. . . 8/9/2008
. . . 8/23/2008
Looking back at the coast from an ecological,
historical and geological view is the goal of this outing
as we head out on Lake Superior armed with binoculars,
naturalist books and cameras. The group will
travel out on the waters of Lake Superior's North Shore to
a remote rookery or to view nesting bald eagles, greet migratory
waterfowl and view resident seabirds up close. This
water-based workshop takes place aboard the charter boat
“Fishin’ Chicks,” a 27’ boat with twin engines to ensure a
safe and comfortable learning platform. A final checklist
and discussion in the classroom wraps up the course.
Comfortable seating and a private bathroom below deck
ensure a safe outing on Lake Superior. Students should be
prepared that in bad weather and wave conditions, the
class may cancel. The discretion of safe travel on Lake
Superior will be determined by the Captain. With the
Sawtooth mountains and rugged shoreline as a backdrop, be
sure not to forget your camera!
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
in early June as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern
Landscapes Festival. Participation in this course
includes the festivals' featured evening programs - please
visit the Festival page for more details. Materials fee
covers course supplies and morning refreshments for
festival participants.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 0.5
. . . Hours: Noon-2pm
. . . Tuition: $105
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What’s
So Fantastic? (About Birding)
Bob
Janssen
Session Options:
. . .
6/7/2008
Early morning in the Grand Marais fen listening to
warblers, sparrows, flycatchers and vireos – learn and be
inspired by the songs of the dawn chorus. During this
course you will hear and learn to identify an amazing
array of northern birds. A relaxed workshop testing
birdsong skills, discussing Minnesota birding and more
follows outdoor fieldwork. Our final question to answer:
Why is birding so fantastic? Materials fee covers lunch
as well as van transportation for the entire group to
maximize opportunities for discussion during the field
outings. This course is part of the Boreal Birding and
Northern Landscapes Festival.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies, van transportation and morning
refreshments for festival participants.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 7am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: $40
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14-17
. . . Intergenerational Tuition: $120/adult-child pair
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wildflowers of Early Summer
Jim
Gilbert
Session Options:
. . .
6/7/2008 - 6/8/2008
Wildflowers are an important part of our natural and
cultural heritage, a heritage that provides colorful
outdoor enjoyment and intriguing ecological perspectives.
Of the 1,700 species of flowering plants that grow wild in
Minnesota, about one-quarter might be considered
wildflowers. What makes a wild plant a wildflower? It
depends upon its appearance, where it grows, and who sees
it. A rose is a rose unless you decide it’s a weed. Both
days of coursework start at North House and visit multiple
destinations. We will hike to a variety of field sites to
identify wildflowers, enjoy their beauty and discuss their
importance in the natural environment.
A series of parallel festival course offerings are offered
as part of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes
Festival. Participation in this course includes the
festivals' featured evening programs - please visit the
Festival page for more details. Materials fee covers
course supplies and morning refreshments for festival
participants. Participants in this course will carpool to
a variety of field sites.
Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 1pm-5pm
. . . Tuition: $105
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Intergenerational Tuition:
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced
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