Jay Cooke State Park will offer the following naturalist programs (meet at the River Inn Visitor Center unless noted):
Friday, July 18, 8-8:30 p.m. "A Walk in the Park" - Join guest speaker and photographer Allen Anway during this slide presentation as he "walks" you through areas of the park that most people never see. Beautiful photography of the park in all seasons highlights this half-hour presentation.
Saturday, July 19, 11 am to noon "Wet and Wild: Discover Wetlands" - This adventure will take you into the fascinating world of wetlands. Learn the who, what, where and how of this unknown habitat and why it is important to save this majestic ecosystem.
Saturday, July 19, 1-4 p.m. "Minnaqua History Fishing Fun" - From willow sticks to the Ugly Stick, learn about the history of fishing on the St. Louis River. Try fishing with a variety of rigs and make your own pop-can fishing rig to take home. The entire program involves crafts, kids' games, presentations and fishing in the river. Bring an empty pop can.
Saturday, July 19, 8-9 p.m. "Running with the Pack" - Learn about the wolves of Minnesota and discover what it's like to be a member of a pack by exploring the lives of these interesting animals. Meet at the River Inn amphitheater; in case of rain or bugs, the event will be inside the visitor center.
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Sunday, July 20, 2-4 p.m. "Biking Through the Past" - Learn the history of the area as you bike along the Willard Munger State Trail. Stop at the naturalist outposts along the way to hear interesting tidbits on this self-guided tour. Trail runs from Forbay/Munger Trail intersection west to Carlton public parking lot. Stop anytime between 2-4 p.m.
Sunday, July 20, 7-9 p.m. "Voices of the Park: Hard Work and a Good Deal: The CCC in Minnesota" - Join this week's guest speaker and author Barbara Sommer during this presentation on her new book, "Hard Work and a Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota." The book traces the history of the CCC, which supplied jobs to more than 77,000 Minnesotans during the Great Depression. Learn about life in the camps, how much work can be accomplished on a dollar a day, and the stories of the "CCC boys" she has interviewed.
