Calendar of Events

Workshops for MOSP Survey Volunteers

These hands-on workshops are designed to give participants an in-depth introduction to the identification of the dragonflies and damselflies, as well as the specifics of how to participate in the MOSP.

June 14, 2008

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center,
Fergus Falls, MN

FREE program from 10:00 – 4:00pm
www.fws.gov/midwest/pwlc/

June 21, 2008

Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Dakota County Parks, Eagan, MN

FREE program from 1:00 - 6:00pm
www.co.dakota.mn.us/

June 28, 2008

Quarry Hill Nature Center, Rochester, MN

FREE program from 10:00- 4:00pm
www.qhnc.org/

June 28 – 29
August 16 – 17, 2008

Superior National Forest Dragonfly and Damselfly Extravaganza, Superior National Forest, Laurentian Ranger District, Aurora, MN

What: The Superior National Forest (SNF) is hosting two different weekend outings to search for dragonflies in a few of the many unique wetlands and bogs within the forest boundary.  The focus of these weekends will be to develop a species list for the SNF, but most importantly, to get outdoors and have fun!  People of all Dragonfly/Damselfly-skill levels, including beginners, are welcome. 

People participating in the dragonfly survey can camp free at the Sullivan Lake Campground for Friday and Saturday night (June 27-28; August 15-16).  If you prefer to stay at a nearby hotel, you will need to make those arrangements yourselves. Here are some options.  Beautiful scenery and lots of dragonflies (hopefully!) will be provided but meals will not.  Feel free to come for one or both weekends, or if you prefer, join us for just a day. 

What to bring: Field clothes, proper footwear for pond wading and/or shore walking (rubber and/or hip boots), hat, camera (waterproof case), “bug” net, field guides, field notebook and pen, hand lens, sunscreen, head net, insect repellant, water bottle, additional clothes and footwear for enjoying a campfire!  Please pack for a full day in the field on Saturday (June 28; August 16) and half a day on Sunday (June 29; August 17).

Why: Because we know relatively little about dragonfly and damselfly numbers or distribution, many natural resource agencies are beginning to develop species list.  Additionally, because most dragonfly and damselfly species spend the majority of their lives in water, they can be an important indicator of the health of our aquatic environments.

Registration for the first weekend is required by June 23 and by August 11 for the second weekend.

Contact Dave Grosshuesch for details and registration at: dgrosshuesch@fs.fed.us or call (218) 229-8815

July 11 - 13, 2008

Audubon Center of the North Woods,
Sandstone, MN

Minnesota Dragonfly Gathering – A weekend of field trips to the bogs, marshes, lakes and rivers of the North Woods. Housing, meals and programming provided.

$110 covers all OR provide your own meals and housing and participate in the Odonata programs and field trips for free.  Come for a day or for the whole weekend.

Contact Dianne Rowse for details and registration at dianne.rowse@gmail.com.

August 9, 2008

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge,
Zimmerman, MN

FREE program
www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne/

Programs by John Arthur and Pamela Deerwood

Join photographers John and Pamela in hunting for dragonflies and damselflies at the pond.  Learn to identify them, enlarged on a big screen, and participate in the Minnesota Odonata Survey Project.  Bring a digital camera and close-focusing binoculars in you have them.  Reservations required.

June 14, 2008
12:00, Noon

Aitkin, MN

Aitkin County Rivers & Lakes Fair
www.aitkin.com/06thingstodo/tdd-community_events.htm

June 29, 2008
1:00 PM

Lowry Nature Center

Carver Park Reserve, Three Rivers Park District, Victoria, MN
For reservations please call 763-559-6700
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/outdoor_ed/center_lowry.cfm

July 12, 2008
1:00 PM

Eastman Nature Center

Elm Creek Park Reserve, Three Rivers Park District, Dayton, MN
For reservations please call 763-559-6700
www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/outdoor_ed/center_eastman.cfm

July 26, 2008
1:00 PM

Sherburne History Center

Becker, MN
www.sherburnehistorycenter.org