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Fabulous Fall Geek Out: Hikes from Days to Weeks
September 30 @ 3:00 pm - October 2 @ 1:30 pm
$390
Spend a glorious fall weekend on the North Shore of Minnesota gaining hands-on experience and learning from experts in their field.
Workshops take place on the Wolf Ridge campus and surrounding areas, with lodging and meals provided. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just a curious learner, the experience is designed for lifelong learners who have a passion for the natural world. Participants select a single workshop for the weekend but will have an opportunity to connect with other workshop groups during meals and evening programming.
Workshop: Hikes from Days to Weeks
Spend your weekend exploring parts of the Superior Hiking Trail, one of the country’s premier long-distance hiking trails right in Wolf Ridge’s backyard! During this weekend-long workshop you will day hike sections of this beautiful trail, learn about some of the natural history and stories of the trail, as well as learn essential skills for enjoying this area for both day trips and multi-day excursions. Recommended equipment for this workshop includes sturdy hiking shoes/boots, a daypack, water bottle, other day trip essentials, and any other personal equipment (hiking poles, etc.)
Instructor: David Butcher
David Butcher is the Adventure Programs Coordinator for Wolf Ridge ELC and has been working as a naturalist and wilderness guide for over a decade. His teaching experiences include working in parts of Minnesota and upstate New York, as well as guiding trips in the Boundary Waters, Quetico, Isle Royale, and the Apostle Islands. When he’s not working you might find him sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, cycling, or home-brewing beer.
Weekend Workshop Schedule
Friday, Sep 30, 2022
- 3:00 – 4:45 pm — Student registration and check-in at the Wolf Ridge office
- 4:00 – 4:45 pm — Tour of the Margaret A. Cargill (MAC) Lodge
- 5:15 pm — Dinner
- 6:00 – 6:30 pm — Orientation in MAC Lodge Wiesner Commons
- 7:00 – 9:00 pm — 1st learning session
- 10 pm — Quiet time
Saturday, Oct 1, 2022
- 7:30 am — Breakfast
- 8:30-10:00 am — Continental breakfast for Owl Workshop
- 8:30-11:30 am — 2nd learning session
- 12:15 pm — Lunch
- 1:30 – 4:30 pm — 3rd learning session
- 5:15 pm — Dinner
- 6:30 – 7:15 pm — Evening presentation
- 7:30 – 9:30 pm — Social hour & campfire
- 10:00 pm — Quiet time
Sunday, Oct 2, 2022
- 7:30 am — Breakfast
- 8:30-10:00 am — Continental breakfast for Owl workshop
- 8:30-11:30 am —4th learning session
- 12:15 pm — Lunch & check-out
- 12:30 – Owl workshop ends
- 12:30-1:30 pm — Optional: Use of designed rooms to shower before leaving
On Friday afternoon before registration or on Sunday afternoon you’re welcome to hike our trails and enjoy the fall colors.
Packing List
You should plan to venture out in rain or shine and the instructors may follow up with more information on specific details about your workshop if applicable. You can expect nighttime temperatures to range from 25°F to 50°F and daytime temperatures up to 65°F. Please be prepared so you can feel comfortable if it is cool or rainy. Most of the walking you will do is on nice graveled trails, but some trails are rugged. Photography will be a common thread throughout the weekend so we encourage you to bring a camera. If you do not own a digital camera, we can loan you one for the weekend.
- Rain suit with pants and hood
- Walking or hiking shoes
- Warm jacket
- Sweater or fleece
- Warm hat
- Light shirts
- Light pants
- Wool Socks (recommended for hiking)
- Soap, shampoo, other toiletries
- Personal water bottle
- Sunscreen, sun hat
Optional Items:
- Knee-high rubber boots
- Non-aerosol insect repellent
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Alarm clock
- Small backpack for day use
- Snacks (space available in group refrigerator)
Wolf Ridge will provide linens, blankets, towels, and a pillow.