A guided bird hike is set to take flight on January 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, offering an opportunity to ruffle some feathers.
According to Washingtong County, the walk is part of a rotating schedule of bird hikes through Washington County Parks which will commence at the aptly named Nordic Center. While navigating turf, gravel, and paved trail determined by trail conditions, attendees can contribute to citizen science by participating in bird count surveys. The data collected will aid the county’s natural resources team and support efforts funded by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund grant.
These guided excursions is a chance to learn how to identify local avian habitants and gather valuable ornithological data.
For interested individuals, the event program is free, but a parks vehicle permit is required for entry ($7/daily or $30/annually). Designed to welcome individuals of all ages and abilities, the county parks department ensures ADA accommodations are available upon request. Bird watchers should come equipped with a pair of binoculars and attire suitable for hiking in whatever weather Mother Nature has on the menu. And if minors are joining, they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
For all winging questions, the county advises folks to call 651-430-8370 or to fire off an email to [email protected]. Additionally, one can always scour the Washington County's Parks page for further details on park locations and upcoming programs. For those digitally inclined, updates are just a click away – just follow @WashCountyParks on social media.
