Adult Intro to Boundary Waters Wilderness Trip
2026-07-05 - 2026-07-10 | Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, 55603
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Begin Your Adventure: Introductory Boundary Waters Canoeing Course
Have you been dreaming of exploring the pristine waters and breathtaking landscapes of the Boundary Waters but feel unsure where to start? This introductory course is designed just for you! Join fellow adventurers as you learn the essential skills, techniques, and gear needed for various styles of Boundary Waters trips, followed by hands-on practice in the Wilderness itself.
What You’ll Learn:

Trip Planning Essentials: Discover what to pack for your adventure, including gear selection and meal planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Paddling Techniques: Master the fundamentals of canoeing, including paddling strokes, steering, and teamwork on the water.
Portaging Skills: Learn the ins and outs of portaging—how to safely transport your canoe and gear between lakes, which is a crucial skill for any Boundary Waters trip.
Wilderness Navigation: Gain confidence in navigating the waterways and understanding the natural environment around you.

Hands-On Experience:
This course culminates in a practical adventure in the Boundary Waters, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a supportive environment led by a knowledgeable Wolf Ridge Naturalist. You’ll not only build your skills but also create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country.
Join us for this transformative experience, and get ready to take your friends and family back into the heart of the Wilderness with confidence!
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Advanced Bird Banding Workshop
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-10
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Refine your bird banding expertise and deepen your understanding of molt strategies, feather morphology, and plumage identification in this intensive advanced workshop. Designed for experienced banders, this class offers individualized instruction that builds on your existing skills, with a curriculum tailored to your current level and goals.
Course Requirements: This workshop requires previous bird banding experience. Before attending, participants should be comfortable with:

Handling and setting up mist-nets
Extracting birds safely from mist-nets
Aging birds, specifically distinguishing hatch-year from after-hatch-year birds

What You’ll Learn:

Enhanced Mist Net Techniques: Improve your speed and safety during bird extractions to optimize both accuracy and bird welfare.
Advanced Bird-Handling Skills: Master bird-handling techniques, including proper grips and methods to minimize stress on birds during the banding process.
Precision in Aging and Sexing: Hone your in-hand aging and sexing abilities, focusing on fine details such as skulling, scoring, and identifying molt limits.

Afternoon Lectures & Discussions:

Avian Life Histories & Energetics: Learn how birds’ life cycles and energy needs influence their behavior and physical characteristics.
Detailed Study of Molts & Plumages: Delve into the complexities of molt cycles and plumage changes, and how these factors can aid in identification.
Banding’s Role in Research & Monitoring: Explore how banding contributes to ornithological research, population monitoring, and conservation efforts.

Stay on the beautiful Wolf Ridge campus, where lodging and hearty meals are provided to ensure a comfortable and immersive learning experience. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and observations from their own banding work, allowing for personalized guidance from instructor Danielle Kaschube. For more information, visit the Institute for Bird Populations website or contact the instructor directly.
Take this opportunity to expand your bird banding skills in a supportive, focused environment, and join a community of fellow banders dedicated to the study and conservation of birds.
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