2007 Visitor Center Interpretive Programs

Saturday, June 2, 1:00 pm
Feather Friendly Hike
Celebrate National Trails Day with a birding hike on Tamarac Refuge. This hike is co-sponsored with the North Country Trail Association’s Laurentian Lakes Chapter. Meet at the Chippewa Picnic Area on Country Hwy 26. You’re invited to bring a sack lunch to eat before we begin. This short and easy hike (2.5 miles round trip) will follow a grassy trail past Booth Lake to Johnson Lake and back. You’ll see a Bald Eagle nest, Trumpeter Swan nesting area and special needs of birds that nest in the forest. Due to bird breeding season, no dogs please.

Friday, June 8, 8:00-10:00 pm
Friday Night Frogging,
Become part of the tradition! Join Kelly Blackledge for a night of frogging. Identify frogs by their calls while learning about their natural history and significance to the ecosystem. Meet at the visitor center. Bring a flashlight and boots or shoes that can get wet. We'll tromp through a marsh and get a close up look at some of these cool, green critters.

Sunday, June 24, 2:00 pm
Double Header! Dragonfly Dreams and Butterfly Kisses
Join local favorite, John Weber for an intriguing look into the secret world of dragonflies and butterflies. Enjoy beautiful photography along with a short walk to observe these creatures in the wild. Learn about their fascinating lifestyles and their significance in the balance of nature.

Sunday, July 8, 2:00 pm
The Secret Lives of Bears
Join Ranger Janice Bengtson to find out about the unique lifestyle of bears. Learn about some amazing adaptations this creature has acquired over thousands of years of evolution. You'll get to touch a bear paw and hear them "talk."

Saturday, July 14, 10:00 am – Noon
Guided Refuge Tour
Join one of our volunteer guides for an informative and fun adventure on the refuge. Search for wildlife and learn about the natural and cultural history of Tamarac. Meet at the visitor center.

Sunday, July 15, 2:00 pm
Kayak Tour
Join Kayak enthusiasts Kelly Blackledge and Refuge Volunteer Cheryl Didier for a kayak cruise on a favorite refuge lake. Learn about future wildlife management plans while searching for wildlife during this special time of year. Meet at the visitor center and caravan to lake. Bring your own kayak or canoe. Life jackets are required

Saturday August 11 10:00 am – Noon
Guided Refuge Tour
Join one of our volunteer guides for an informative and fun adventure on the refuge. Search for wildlife and learn about the natural and cultural history of Tamarac. Meet at the visitor center.

Saturday August 18 10:00 am – Noon
Guided Refuge Tour
Join one of our volunteer guides for an informative and fun adventure on the refuge. Search for wildlife and learn about the natural and cultural history of Tamarac. Meet at the visitor center.

Friday, August 10, 9:00 – 11:00 pm
Owls, Howls and Shooting Stars
Join astronomy enthusiast Denis Mudderman and Park Ranger Kelly Blackledge for an evening of star gazing. During this moonless night, catch sight of the Persied Meteor Shower! While gazing upward, we’ll listen for and identify creatures of the night including owls. We’ll also take a tour of the wild summer constellations including two bears, an eagle and a swan. Bring a flashlight, a lawn chair or blanket. Meet at the visitor center to caravan to observation site.

Sunday August 12 2:00 pm
The Scoop on Poop
For Kids of all ages! We may not see all the critters we want to on the refuge, but they leave plenty behind! Discover the wonders of scat! You’ll even get to create your own animal scat to take home.

Saturday, September 15, 9:00 am
Morning Paddle
Get on the water with refuge staff and volunteers for a kayak cruise on a favorite refuge lake. Learn about future wildlife management plans while searching for wildlife during this special time of year. Meet at the visitor center and caravan to lake. Bring your own kayak or canoe. Life jackets are required.

Sunday, September 16, 2:00 pm
Forest Fungi Walk
Join research plant pathologist Tom Guyla for a walk in the woods. Be in the know! Learn how to identify mushrooms and other fascinating fungi as you enjoy the colors of the season. Meet at the visitor center and carpool to hiking location.

Sunday, September 22, 2:00 pm
Fall Hike
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with a hike on Tamarac Refuge. Catch the last sunny rays and color of the season. This hike is co-sponsored with the North Country Trail Association’s Laurentian Lakes Chapter. Meet at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm for an introduction to the North Country Trail and tips on hiking etiquette. We'll carpool to the trailhead. This easy hike is approximately 5 miles round trip and will traverse through a mixed forest. We'll be hiking for about two and a half hours. Special Note: Wearing an article of blaze orange is recommended and dogs on leash are welcome.

For more information, contact Matthew Davis of the North Country Trail Association (218-844-4601) or the Tamarac Visitor Center at (218) 847-2641.

September 24-30
National Wildlife Refuge Week at the Washington Square Mall
Stop by and see the amazing artwork of the Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Learn how this federal program is encouraging and promoting conservation through the arts. View Minnesota’s winning entries including ‘Best in Show’ which will be entered in the national competition.  

Saturday, September 29, 10 am - 4 pm
Tamarac Fall Festival
“Endangered Species Success Stories”
Full Program Information

Saturday, October 6, 4:00 pm
Tamarac Interpretive Association Raffle Drawing

Join us as the Tamarac Interpretive Association will draw the winning tickets for these three awesome prizes:

1st Prize – Carl Brenders Wolf Print ($750.00 value; on display at the Visitor Center)
2nd Prize – $50.00 Gift Certificate to the Tamarac Gift Shop
3rd Prize – The Sibley Guide to Birds book autographed by David Allen Sibley  ($45.00 value)

*Tickets are available for $5.00 at the Tamarac Gift Shop and from any TIA board member. Help support the refuge!

Plan to attend our Fall Festival Saturday September 29. Events will include guided refuge tours, children’s activities and special presentations.