Photo by Layne Kennedy

BOREAL BIRDING &
NORTHERN LANDSCAPES FESTIVAL
June 1-3, 2012

Discovering the birds, wildflowers, geology and more of this dynamic and rich northern landscape is the focus of the Boreal Birding & Northern Landscape Festival.   A series of inter-related, field-focused courses (1-3 days in length) form the backbone of the event, complimented by featured presentations and programs.

Event Schedule and Info coming March 2012

FESTIVAL COURSES
- Minnesota Birding (with Bob!) - May 31-June 2
- Wildflowers of Early Summer - June 1-2
- Boreal Field ID Workshop (with Bob!) - June 2
- Life on the Edge: Shoreline Ecology and Wildflowers - June 2-3
More to come!

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Looking Back on Boreal Birding 2011

PUBLIC PROGRAMS Click Here to Download Complete Event Program
Thursday, June 2
  Kick-off Hike Oberg Mountain w/ Peg Robertsen - 3 pm (download more info)
   Presentation Bird Monitoring in the Superior National Forest: MAPS (bird banding)
      - 7 pm at the USFS Gunflint Ranger District
Friday, June 3
   Kick-off Hike Oberg Mountain w/ Peg Robertsen - 7 am (download more info)
   Presentation "The Big Belching Bog: The Story of a Book" w/ Betsy Bowen &
      Phyllis Root - 7 pm at Bowen Gallery
Saturday, June 4
   Featured Program "Moose in Northern Minnesota" w/ Mike Schrage - 7 pm
   Family Program "Let's Get Outside: Natural Explorations For Youth & Families"
    w/ Ann Russ - 9 am - Noon

FEATURED PROGRAM
Presentation "Moose in Northern Minnesota" w/ Mike Schrage - 7 pm, Sat
The long-eared, rubber-nosed swamp donkey, perhaps better known as the moose, has been an icon of the northern wilderness for decades.   Well-designed for long, cold and snowy winters, moose actually consider northern Minnesota to be a southern locale.  However, as has been noted by casual observers and scientists alike, moose sightings in Minnesota have become less frequent in recent years.  Join Mike Schrage, wildlife biologist for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, for a lively and informative presentation about moose, their habitat, and what challenges may lay ahead.  Since 1995, Mike has zealously followed moose around northern Minnesota by foot, canoe, snowshoe and helicopter, and will provide an in-depth perspective on the biology of these strangely majestic creatures.

FESTIVAL COURSES
Field-focused courses are featured during the festival weekend,
see below or review all of the courses on the June 2011 calendar.

Starting Thursday, June 2
- MN Birding (with Bob!) - June 2-3
 
Starting Saturday, June 4
- Boreal Field ID Workshop (with Bob!) - June 4
- From the Deck: Lake Superior Naturalist Tour - June 4
- Dragonflies of the North Woods: Field Workshop - June 4
- Let's Get Outside! Natural Explorations for Youth & Families - June 4
- Boreal Field ID Workshop (with Bob!) - June 4
- North Shore/Boreal Forest Birding - June 4-5
- Wildflowers of Early Summer - June 4-5
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can we stay during the festival??
There are many wonderful places to stay both in Grand Marais and throughout Cook County. Upon registration, North House mails all participants a comprehensive listing of all lodging and camping options in the area.

Information about lodging is also available from:
** Grand Marais Area Tourism Association 888-922-5000

2. So, where is Grand Marais and North House Folk School?
Grand Marais, Minnesota, is located on the stunning and rugged North Shore of Lake Superior. Grand Marais is about 100 miles northeast of Duluth or about 250 miles north of the Twin Cities. From the Twin Cities take I35 north to Duluth, and from Duluth proceed on Highway 61. Northwest Airlines serves both Minneapolis-St. Paul International and Duluth International Airports.

3. What clothing and resources should I bring?
Upon registration, a comprehensive confirmation packet that includes lodging options and recommended clothing lists will be mailed to all participants.
Weather can be highly variable in Grand Marais and on the Gunflint Trail this time of year. In addition to your binoculars and spotting scopes, we suggest that you bring:
1. Layered, light-colored clothing; including sweatshirts/light jackets & long pants
2. Rain gear
3. Waterproof footwear
4. Hat
5. Insect head net and repellent
6. Lightweight gloves