Introduction to Kayaking
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve,
Centerville Beach
August 10, 2-4 pm

East Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
August 23, 2-4 pm

Rum River South County Park
August 25, 6-8 pm

Ages 15+
$25/person (+ tax)

Kayaking is a fun and easy way to get out and enjoy Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. During this flat water course we will cover basic strokes, kayaking safety, and boat/equipment selection. Most of our time will be spent out on the water. No experience is necessary. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. 

Kayaking - The Next Level
East Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
August 23, 4-6 pm
Ages 15+
$25/person (+ tax)

This second (but still introductory) level kayaking class is designed for the kayaker with some previous paddling experience. You will learn a variety of second level skills including wet exits and entries, draw and sweep strokes, bracing, and more. Reduce fatigue and increase your paddling enjoyment by improving your technique. Space is
limited. Bring your own boat or we will provide one. Pre-registration is required. Participants under 18 must be accompanied

Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
Centerville Beach
August 11, 3-4:30 pm
August 11, 6-7:30 pm

East Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
August 24, 1-2:30pm

Ages 15+
$20/person (+ tax)

Fun, easy, cool, and a great workout! Class sizes are very small and the instruction is short and easy, so most of our time will be out on the water. Pre-registration is required. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Canoe & Kayak By The Light Of The Moon
Wargo Nature Center
August 18, 7:30-10 pm
Ages 15+
$15/person (+ tax) Includes canoe or kayak rental

The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes makes for a perfect setting to paddle under the light of a full moon. We will get out on the water and let Mother Nature entertain us with an abundance of wildlife, a beautiful sunset, and a spectacular full moon. Space and boats are limited. Pre-registration is required. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Voyageur Canoe
East Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
August 26, 2-4 pm
All Ages
$10/person (+ tax)

Join us as we step back in time and travel like fur traders in a 30 ft Thompson-style Voyageur canoe.Participants will have the unique opportunity to paddle this big boat with up to 15 other paddlers. Pre-registration is required.

Bunker Butterfly Bash
Bunker Hills Regional Park
August 13, 2-3 pm
All Ages
$5/person (+ tax)

Come and join us for an introductory class to butterfly identification at Bunker Hills Regional Park. We’ll meet at the Activities Center for a brief introduction to butterfly identification and then take a stroll through prairies and flower gardens throughout the park. You will get a chance to spy butterflies and other pollinators through binoculars and even swipe a closer look using a butterfly net. Binoculars and butterfly nets are provided but feel free to bring your own! Pre-registration is required.

Wildflower & Phenology Walks
East Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
August 11, 10-11 am
All Ages
FREE

Join naturalists for a leisurely wildflower walk around the East Coon Rapids Dam. We’ll see what is blooming, discuss strategies for flower and plant identification, and observe other phenological events in the park. Pre-registration is required. 

Birding for Beginners
Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve
Heritage Lab
August 25, 8-10 am
Age 12+
$5/person (+ tax)

Learn your way around a pair of binoculars and a field guide as we take a walk around the diverse habitats at Heritage Lab. We will become familiar with some common species and maybe see some fall migrants as well. Meet at the Heritage Lab site on the east side of Co. Rd 14, just across the road from the entrance to the Wargo Nature Center. Pre-registration is required.

Birding By Boat
Wargo Nature Center
August 30, 9-12 pm
All Ages
$10/person (+ tax) 
Kids 17 and under are free; all equipment is provided.

By water, we will access areas most other birders can’t and see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and upland bird species. No experience in boats or birding is required. Binoculars are available for use. Pre-registration is required.