June 8, 9 & 11 | Mississippi Gateway
The Mississippi River has been threatened by an evil villain and only you can save it! Complete puzzles and challenges to thwart these destructive plans while hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
October 2 & 16 | Gale Woods
Explore the farm on a tractor-drawn wagon ride. Meet animals along the way, tour the gardens and try a self-guided scavenger hunt.
At Three Rivers Park District, we have some incredible habitat that boasts numerous species of birds that actively seek out our parks for nesting sites. With well over a hundred different nesting birds that can be found within our parks, the challenge is choosing which species to discuss. I think the most logical way to organize things is by where birds choose to nest.
Let’s begin with the ground-nesting birds. I have tried to pick species that choose to nest on the ground in forested, open and edge habitats.
The most used bird migration path in North America passes right through the heart of the Twin Cities. Learn about the Mississippi Flyway, where to look for birds, and how you can help protect these migrators.
Red-headed woodpeckers are striking birds that we think could thrive in Three Rivers — but right now we don't have many. Learn what we're doing to investigate why this might be and how we hope to attract them to our parks.
Purple martin numbers are in decline in the Upper Midwest. But with the help of dedicated volunteers, Three Rivers has successfully increased the martin populations in our parks.
There are many benefits of gardening with plants native to Minnesota. They are better for the environment and provide food for local wildlife. In addition, native plants require much less maintenance than turf grass and ornamental plants — which means more time enjoying the natural beauty and less time laboring over your yard.
Let’s explore some of the perks of growing native plants and how to get started at home.
Three Rivers Park District is home to some special spring wildflowers, some of which have a very short above-ground life. Learn about six of these flowers and where to find them.
American robins, red-winged blackbirds, the call of wood frogs — signs of spring are upon us and we are taking note! Learn what it means to notice these changes of the season and how phenology helps local and global communities.
Keeping bird feeders is a rewarding experience. Read on to learn why you should consider keeping feeders and how to get started at home.
The sunrise starts to paint the sky pink, birds call cheerfully from the trees in my yard, and the smell of coffee from my French press gives me hope that I will soon be able to function this morning. It’s not my choice to be up before the sun rises (it’s my preschooler’s), but luckily a boost of caffeine will help me keep up with her early morning energy.
The most used bird migration path in North America passes right through the heart of the Twin Cities. Learn about the Mississippi Flyway, where to look for birds, and how you can help protect these migrators.
Keeping bird feeders is a rewarding experience. Read on to learn why you should consider keeping feeders and how to get started at home.
World Car Free Day, held September 22, is an annual day with the goal of encouraging a world less reliant on cars. Read on for ideas to ditch your vehicle and challenge yourself to see if you can go car-free for one day.
David Carson participated in a new introductory camping initiative at Three Rivers last fall. He shared his experience of what it was like to go camping for the first time.
My Three Rivers camping experience started with a Community Engagement staff member, Nicole. She contacted me inquiring if I knew anyone who would like to camp using free camping gear and supplies. I jumped at the chance even though this would be my very first time truly camping by my lonesome.
Nicole Fernandez, cultural liaison at Three Rivers, finds joy in connecting others to the outdoors. Learn what draws Nicole to nature, and read about some of her favorite experiences connecting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community members to the parks.
Fourth of July weekend is almost here! Whether you are going camping, staying in a cabin or planning an adventure at home in your own backyard, try one of these basic campfire cooking techniques and recipes for a tasty meal.
Stephen Scott, volunteer Outdoor Afro leader, shares his experience in creating opportunities for Black communities to explore and connect to nature in Three Rivers and throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Learn more about Outdoor Afro and how you can support leadership in nature.
Have you ever attended a tree planting ceremony at Three Rivers or passed by a Forestry planting and wondered where the plants came from? If so, this post will provide an answer! Much of the native plants in Three Rivers, from individual trees to the larger reforestation projects, come from our Three Rivers Park District Nursery located in Crow-Hassan Park Reserve in Hanover, Minnesota.
In the winter, our skilled Forestry staff is hard at work pruning trees in picnic areas, campgrounds and other public areas in the parks. Learn all about the art of pruning and why we do it at Three Rivers.
Northern red oak trees are one of the most common trees in our area. Learn more than you ever knew you wanted to know about northern red oaks in this not-quite-comprehensive-but-pretty-close post.
Native woodland plants are disappearing from our forests. Learn what's causing this and how we're working to protect our forest understories.
