Zumbro Valley Audubon Society

Programs and Field Trips
ZVAS has programs on the 4th Tuesday of each month except in December (when the Christmas Bird Count is held).  ZVAS programs are held at Quarry Hill Nature Center, 701 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester, MN (see the map below).  Everyone is welcome to attend, whether an Audubon member or not.  The social gathering begins at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7:00 pm.

ZVAS has field trips that take place throughout the year.  Many of these use the Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) east side parking lot as the gathering location.  The parking lot is on the east side of Heintz Hall - take 4th street east from downtown or County 9 west from the stoplight at East Circle Drive (County 22).

 
2010 Schedule for ZVAS and SE Minnesota Events
 

          For birding and nature related events being held in Minnesota outside of the
            southeast corner of the state, see the Birding-Minnesota Events Calendar

    June
June 5th
  (Sat)

ZVAS Field Trip - 9:00 AM
Bird Watching Tour at Quarry Hill Park.  Trip leaders are Terry and Joyce Grier.  Meet at the Nature Center.
June 12th
  (Sat)

Geology "Drain" Field Trip - 9AM- 4 PM
 This trip is organized by the Zumbro Watershed Partnership.  The trip leaves from RCTC in Rochester and there is a $25 fee.  The tour will circle from Rochester to the Root, Whitewater, Zumbro and Cannon River watersheds to look at the geology, hydrology and ecology of the Bluffland Landscape in the season of the spring rains.  See the pdf flyer for details and registration form.
June 13th
  (Sun)

ZVAS Field Trip - 7:00 AM
 Birding Field Trip Adventure.  Trip leader is John Hockema.
John Hockema, one of the top Southeastern Minnesota birders, will lead us to some of his favorite birding spots.  Everyone is welcome.  Meet at the RCTC Heintz Center at 7 AM to car pool.

June 13th
  (Sun)

ZVAS Prairie Field Trip - 3:00 PM
 Chester Woods (Olmsted County) - led by Joel Dunnette
This park has several types of prairie, and active management is improving the outlook for prairie plants and animals.  See bluff prairie in early summer splendor, and hear how further brush clearing will allow more bluff prairie to thrive in the sun.  The park charges admission.  You may want to consider a swim, picnic, or boat ride while you are there.

Directions: meet at the boat landing at Olmsted county’s Chester Woods park.  We will walk the mile or so to the main bluff prairie.
Questions: call Joel at 507-269-7064
June 22nd
  (Tues)

ZVAS Monthly Program - 7:00 PM at Quarry Hill Nature Center
 Nature Digital Photography - presented by Dr. Denise Dupras

Dr. Denise Dupras, an experienced nature photographer and author of  “A Passion for Loons - A Photographers Journey”, will lead a program on nature digital photography.  Bring your cameras and participate in some hands-on practice after the program.
    July
July 3rd
  (Sat)

ZVAS Field Trip - 9:00 AM
Bird Watching Tour at Quarry Hill Park.  Trip leaders are Terry and Joyce Grier.  Meet at the Quarry Hill Nature Center.
July 10th
  (Sat)

ZVAS Field Trip - 9:00 AM
Nature Walk at Chester Woods Park.  Trip leaders are Ruthann and Nora.  Meet at the Chester Woods boat parking area.
July 11th
  (Sun)

ZVAS Prairie Field Trip - 2:00 PM
 Weaver Dunes (TNC) - led by Joel Dunnette
Join us to tour this large sand prairie that is managed by The Nature Conservancy.  Enjoy the diverse and distinctive plant and animal life and climb the dunes and enjoy the vistas.  Hear how the sand prairie benefits wildlife from the nearby backwaters of the Mississippi River.  We may even see some elusive Fameflower in bloom.

Directions: Weaver Dunes is on Wabasha county 84, about 1 mile north of the intersection with US 61 just north of Weaver MN.  Meet at the maintenance building area, down the driveway from the sign on 84.
Questions: call Joel at 507-269-7064
July 17th
  (Sat)

Butterfly Count - 9:00 AM
 Quarry Hill Nature Center
July 27th
  (Tue)

ZVAS Field Trip - 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Nature Walks at Chester Woods Park.
A Double Feature – Come for one or both.  Both programs will start at the Chester Woods boat landing.

Aquatic Wonders led by Joel Dunnette:  6 PM - Meet at the boat landing to see and learn about the aquatic life of Minnesota including Dragon and Damsel Flies.

Prairie Walk led by Jim Peterson:  7 PM - Join us to explore the wonders of one the largest prairies in SE Minnesota.  We will view many of our native wild flowers, grasses, birds and of course butterflies in one of the best habitats around.

    August
Aug 7th
  (Sat)

ZVAS Field Trip - 9:00 AM
Bird Watching Tour at Quarry Hill Park.  Trip leaders are Terry and Joyce Grier.  Meet at the Nature Center.
Aug 14th
  (Sat)

ZVAS Field Trip - 9:00 AM
Nature Walk at Chester Woods Park.  Trip leader is Joel Dunnette.  Meet at the Chester Woods boat parking area.
Aug 24th
  (Tues)

ZVAS Monthly Program - 7:00 PM at Quarry Hill Nature Center
 Banding Monarch Butterflies led by Pam Meyers

Join us and learn about the fascinating Monarch Butterfly as it prepares for its long journey back to Mexico.  We will have a hands-on experience of tagging the butterflies and learn about this incredible creature.
   

If you have any suggestions for future programs, please contact our Program Chairperson, Jim Peterson (507-398-5390)

For more information about a specific ZVAS field trip, contact the trip leader or the Field Trip Chairperson, Joel Dunnette (507-365-8091)

Map to Quarry Hill Nature Center

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