Week of May 18th - 24th

We welcomed Zion Lutheran School, St. Mary's School, Lanesboro Schools, St. Casimir's School, St. Benedict School, Cyber Village Academy, Horace Mann Elementary, Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools, and Cityview Performing Arts Magnet School.

On Monday, 7th and 8th graders from Zion Lutheran School arrived in the morning for South Treetops.

The 7th graders from St. Mary's School also arrived on Monday to spend the day on East Treetops and Group Challenges.

Lanesboro Schools arrived on Monday with their 5th graders for an overnight visit. While they were here, they were able to experience Root River Hike, Oneota, and East Treetops.

The 8th graders of St. Casimir's School arrived on Monday. They participated in Group Challenges, Canoeing, Fungus AmongUs, and South Treetops before leaving on Wednesday.

St. Benedict School also arrived on Monday with their 8th graders for a visit until Wednesday. While they were here, they took Canoeing, Group Challenges, Archery, Pioneer Life, and East Treetops.

Cyber Village Academy 8th graders also joined us for a Monday-Wednesday visit. They were able to participate in Group Challenges, Competitive Orienteering, South Treetops, and GPS Pathfinders.

The 6th graders of Horace Mann arrived on Monday as well. They were able to experience GPS Pathfinders, Pond Life, Karst Geology, Rock Climbing, Archery, Canoeing, Oneota, and South Treetops before leaving on Friday.

Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools arrived on Tuesday for their stay until Friday. While they were here, they participated in Minimum Impact Camping, Group Challenges, East Treetops, Canoeing, Amphibians, Stream Lab, Rock Climbing, Pioneer Life, Oneota, and Animal Signs.

The 4th-6th graders of Cityview Performing Arts Magnet School arrived Wednesday. They were able to experience Oneota, Insects, Group Challenges, Treetops, Birds, Pioneer Life, Archery, and Root River Hike before leaving on Friday.

Phenology:

• A Tiger Swallowtail butterfly was seen around Eagle Bluff. See photo by Jim Williams.
• A Giant Swallowtail butterfly has also been seen.
• A Cicada Exoskeleton was found.
• A Monarch was spotted.
• Lightning Bugs have been seen.
• Deer Ticks are out - don't forget to look for them!
• Blue-eyed Grass is growing.
• Solomon's Seal is blooming.
• False Solomon's Seal is blooming.
• Spiderwort is blooming.
• Creamy Wild Indigo is blooming.
• Nodding Trillium is in bloom.
• Two Fawns were seen with a Doe.
• American Toads have been heard calling and seen mating.
• Green Frogs are starting to call.
• Goslings have been seen on the Root River.
• Common Nighthawks have been seen and heard.
• Whip-poor-wills can be heard at night.
• Common Yellowthroats are back and singing.
• Yellow Warblers can also be heard singing.

Thought for the Week:
"Water is life for all species, for the living Earth, it must be cherished."
Kirkpatrick Sales

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
The Baltimore Oriole received its name from the fact that the male's colors resembled those on the coat of arms of Lord Baltimore.

This Week's Question:
Common Nighthawks, Whip-poor-wills, and Chuck-wills-widow are all part of the "Goatsucker" family. Where did the "Goatsucker" name come from?