Please join us as we turn the Prairie Ecology Bus into a time machine and travel back 150 years to the days of ox carts, homesteads, and market hunting. See the landscape through the eyes of the first settlers. Learn about the origins of our communities. Experience the tallgrass prairie in which horses and riders could nearly disappear. There will be some walking on uneven ground and through grassy areas. Please dress appropriately. The Heron Lake Watershed District, PEBC and Jackson County Water Plan are sponsors of the tour. For more information or to register, please call the HLWD office at 507-793-2462 or email hlwd@roundlk.net. Space is limited to 32.

Fall Bulb Sale includes daylilies, Asiatic lilies, peonies, daffodils, tulips, ornamental grasses and more. Presentations on a wide range of gardening topics soon to be announced. Free art activities for kids!

Who who whoo is out at night? Ever wonder about the night sky and what might be up there to see? At night the sky takes on a new look. The moon lights up the earth and stars join it creating a story book in the sky. Many animals are busy during the night. Can you think of any? Join PEBC naturalists for an evening hike to listen for night life and read the story book in the sky.

Southern MN has a variety of waterfowl that can be seen trekking through on their way south, as well as, some that stay for a while in the early winter months. We’ll be focusing on identification, but also give some attention to behavior and the cultural importance of these species. Join us at Sparks Park for a look at slides, specimens, and a good time with others who share your interest in the delights of the natural world.

The flying Vs start heading south. Fur on mammals is getting thicker. Squirrels are scavenging and caching nuts. We know that winter and its blistering weather is not far behind. But not all animals fly south or get thick fur to survive the winter. Join a PEBC naturalist to learn about the remarkable preparations animals take for winter!

One of nature’s most fascinating groups of animals are the birds of prey. They come equipped with numerous adaptations that enable them to successfully capture their prey. Join a PEBC naturalist to examine skulls, feet, wings and mounted specimens that will help us explore the lifestyles of these extraordinary hunters in the skies.

Can you imagine life without electricity? No TVs, computers, DVDs, video games, radios or any electronic gadgets. It may not sound like much fun by today’s standards, but families back then didn’t lack for fun things to do! Favorite movies would be skits performed by family members. Radio would be music played by family members. Toys would be home made from things found around the house. Come out to Sparks Park and find out what pioneers would do to pass long winter days! You’ll be able to make a pioneer toy to take home!