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• "What's That Plant" is Back!

  • Start
    05/01/2024
  •  
    7:00 AM
  • End
    08/07/2024
  •  
    8:00 PM
  • Location
    Browns Creek Trail starting at the park, 8312 Neal Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA

  Welcome to the "What's That Plant?" event, a delightful exploration of the botanical wonders along Brown's Creek Trail!

  This event offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to immerse themselves in the natural world while discovering the diverse array of plants that adorn the trail. Whether you're intrigued by the vibrant hues of pink flowers or the allure of red berries, this event invites you to satisfy your curiosity and deepen your understanding of the local flora.

  No prior registration is required—simply stop by at your leisure and embark on a journey of discovery. Throughout the first week of each month, plant signage will be strategically placed along the trail, guiding you through an educational and enriching experience.

  As you wander along the trail, you'll have the chance to learn about the vital role that diverse plant life plays in supporting ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. From attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to providing habitat for various species, each plant tells a story of its own.

  Whether you're a seasoned botanist or a curious nature enthusiast, this event offers something for everyone. Take advantage of this opportunity to sharpen your plant identification skills, explore the wonders of the natural world, and foster a deeper connection with the environment.

  May 1st - 7th

  June 1st - 7th

  July 1st - 7th

  August 1st - 7th

  Learn more about this event - https://www.sustainablestillwatermn.org/plant-event 

  
  

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• Spring Migration Bird Hike

  • When
    05/04/2024
  •  
    7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
  • Location
    Browns Creek Park, 8312 Neal Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA

  Spring Migration offers an exciting opportunity to witness the wonders of avian migration amidst the serene beauty of Browns Creek Park.

  Led by seasoned birder George Vania, this event invites nature enthusiasts of all levels to explore the diverse habitats around the pond, through the wooded areas, and across the open fields, in search of the vibrant array of migratory birds passing through.

  ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE! 

  Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or new to the hobby, this event caters to all levels of birding ability. Bring along your binoculars and come prepared to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the spring migration phenomenon.

  Don't forget to dress appropriately for the weather and meet at the park's designated parking lot to embark on this captivating journey into the world of birds during their seasonal migration.

  Join us as we marvel at the beauty of nature's winged travelers and deepen our appreciation for the natural world around us.

  Hosted by Bird City Stillwater of Sustainable Stillwater MN. Contact Allison McGinnis if you have questions - allison@sustainablestillwatermn.org

  REGISTER HERE

  
  

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• Volunteer Event: Tree Planting

  • When
    05/04/2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Westminster Street, No St Paul, where the Gateway Trail Crosses

  Register

  The Gateway-Brown's Creek Association is stepping in to help the MN DNR restore the tree cover at the recently reconstructed Westminster Bridge section of the Gateway Trail.

  May 4, 9 am to Noon

  Location: Westminster Street in St. Paul, just north of Arlington Ave. (map)

  
  

  Volunteers will be planting 30 trees that day.

  Please register if you are attending so we know our volunteer count for the day.

  Volunteers should bring:
  

  • Sturdy soled shoes with ankle support. We will be planting on slopes.
  • A shovel or two, if available.
  • Work gloves.
    
  • Sun protective clothes and a good layer of sunscreen.
  • A water bottle.
    

  Parking on Westminster at the planting site. Please observe signs for local bus stops.

  If conditions are too wet, we may need to cancel due to the angle of the slopes. We will contact you via email if that is an issue.
  

  All attending volunteers are presumed to be in agreement with the following: I am doing this work at my own risk. I acknowledge that the GBCTA makes no warranty or representation, express or implied, regarding the condition or safety of the work environment and conditions, or the safety of the activities themselves.  
  

  
  

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• Gateway and Brown's Creek Bird Walk Double Header

  • When
    05/11/2024
  •  
    7:00 AM - 9:30 AM
  • Location
    Parking lot at the Gateway Trail & Hwy 96 crossing

  
  Gateway Trail Bird Walk
  7:00-8:00 a.m.
  Gateway Trail/Hwy 96 Crossing
  Backup in case of cancellation: Sunday, May 12
  
  We will leave the parking lot at 7:00 a.m. and return to the starting point at 8:00 a.m.  We will identify as many species as we can by sight and sound during the hour. Bring binoculars if you have them. This is usually a good time and place to see migrant warblers.
  
  Brown’s Creek Trail Bird Walk
  Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve
  8:30-9:30 a.m.
  The Preserve can be accessed from Neal Ave in Stillwater, approximately 500 feet south of McKusick Rd N.

  Backup in case of cancellation: Sunday May 12
  
  We will leave the nature preserve parking area at 8:30 a.m. and return to the starting point at 9:30 a.m.  We will identify as many species as we can by sight and sound during the hour. Bring binoculars if you have them. This is usually a good time and place to see resident and spring migrant birds.
  ________________
  
  No registration is necessary.  Participate in either or both walks as you wish.
  
  Drizzle or light rain is OK, but the walks and sit will be cancelled if it’s very windy or significant precipitation is likely.
  
  Special thanks to you our host and guide, Bob Bystrom!!
  
  

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• Gateway Trail Birding Double Header

  • When
    05/18/2024
  •  
    5:15 AM - 8:00 AM
  • Location
    Gateway Trail at Myeron Rd N (61)

  Dawn Chorus—A Bird Listening Event
  5:15-6:15 a.m.
  Gateway Trail at Myeron Rd. N.  (61)
  Backup in case of cancellation: Sunday May 19
  
  Dawn chorus is that splendid concentration of bird song at first light (usually ½ hour before until ½ hour after sunrise) during the breeding season.
  
  Park at the nearby Washington County Public Works Department, 11660 Myeron Road North.
  
  Little Sit Bird Watch
  7:00-8:00 a.m.
  Gateway Trail at Myeron Rd. N.  (61)
  Backup in case of cancellation: Sunday May 19
  
  Adjacent wetlands make this a good place to view migrant and resident birds along the trail.  We will sit or stand here from 7 to 8 a.m. (no walking) and identify as many species as we can by sight and sound during the hour. Bring binoculars and a chair (optional) if you have them. Watchers with limited mobility are welcome!  
  
  Park at the nearby Washington County Public Works Department, 11660 Myeron Road North.
  
  No registration is necessary.  Participate in either or both events as you wish.
  
  Drizzle or light rain is OK, but the walks and sit will be cancelled if it’s very windy or significant precipitation is likely.
  
  Special thanks to you our host and guide, Bob Bystrom!!
  

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• National Trails Day on the Gateway Brown's Creek

  • When
    06/01/2024
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Brown's Creek Trail Head, Neal Avenue, Flicek Park, and Hadley

  Help the Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association celebrate National Trails Day!  Stop by to say hello to Board Members, volunteers, and members at four locations:

  • Brown's Creek Trail Head - 401 Laurel Street, Stillwater
  • Flicek Park - 1141 Frost Avenue, Maplewood
  • Brown's Creek Park - 8312 Neal Avenue, Stillwater
  • Hadley Avenue Parking Area - Hadley/55th Street, Pine Springs

  We will have water, lemonade, cookies, and treats.  Tell us how you use the trail.  We are so thankful for all the trails in Minnesota.

  
  

  
  

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