The Bear That Spent The Summer

By: John Moriarty & Erin Korsmo

December 14, 2020

Category: Nature Notes

On an afternoon in June, a couple arrived at Eastman Nature Center in Elm Creek Park Reserve to go for a hike. As they walked around the side of the building toward the trails, an unusual sighting stopped them in their tracks. “Well, there’s a bear,” one of them said. 

Since this spring, several black bear sightings have surfaced in and near Elm Creek. In late May, a young black bear was reported in a backyard near the park. In mid-June, a photo of the bear at someone’s bird feeder was sent to the press. 

About the Authors

 a man in a hat and tan collared shirt holding a turtle upside down and pointing to it's underbelly.

John Moriarty is the Senior Manager of Wildlife at Three Rivers Park District and has been with the Park District for 15 years. He has been involved in many of the wildlife restoration efforts and initiated the snake and butterfly efforts. John has led several projects to increase prairie habitat in the Park District. John likes exploring natural areas and looking for all types of plants and animals, but especially turtles.

A woman in a black jacket smiles.

Erin Korsmo is the Web Coordinator at Three Rivers Park District. Her background is in journalism and content strategy. Erin has a longstanding passion for the outdoors. As a child, she went camping every summer and volunteered to count loons for the DNR with her family. Erin is a Minnesota Master Naturalist in the deciduous forest and prairie biomes. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, identifying and photographing plants and wildlife, crafting, and spending time with her husband and cat.

Dryland Training: A New Way To Work Out In The Parks

By: Tyler Thompson

September 07, 2020

Category: Recreation

Parks and trails are natural fitness centers. Whether it is your daily run through French Regional Park, your bike ride around Cleary Lake or the outdoor gym at Hyland, parks and trails are popular places to exercise. But beyond these traditional active uses, there are many other ways to integrate fitness into your visit to the park. One model for outdoor fitness is called dryland training. 

About the Author

Tyler, wears a plaid shirt, hat and backpack and holds hiking poles while standing in front of mountains in the Teton Range.

Tyler is a research and evaluation analyst in the planning department at Three Rivers. Previously he was a recreation program specialist with the Outdoor Recreation School (ORS) and a facility supervisor at various parks around the Park District. He graduated from Saint John’s University with a degree in environmental studies and economics.

In addition to sharing his passion for data with his co-workers, he also enjoys sharing his passion for winter and coaching cross-country skiing. He is an avid cross-country skier, canoer, camper and mountain biker, and loves to explore the vast public lands across Minnesota and the country. When he is not exploring the outdoors, he enjoys cheering on Minnesota sports teams, reading books by Minnesota authors and cooking delicious meals at home. 

Star of the North Sheepdog Trials & Fall Festival

September 25 | Gale Woods
Watch border collies and their handlers showcase their skills at the 15th annual Star of the North Sheepherding Trial. Meet a llama, try felting and more!

https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=Global&keyword=4GAL200T Register Now

Movie in the Park: Onward

Sept. 12 | Lowry
Enjoy a movie outside! Bring your own snacks, beverages and blanket.

https://web2.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=Global&keyword=4LNC000T

My Preschooler & Me

Ongoing | Multiple Locations
Discover the outdoors with your preschooler!

https://web2.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=Global&keyword=4LNC0110,4ENC0160,4RNC0110,4MGW0110,4GAL0115,4SIL0120,4LAN0100

My Child & Me: Eco Art

Ongoing | Silverwood
Explore the art on display at Silverwood with your child, and discover how nature influences what you see. 

https://web2.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=Global&keyword=1SIL2040

Family Apple Fun

October 6, 13 & 15 | The Landing
Explore the history of apples in Minnesota! Taste some heirloom apples and try pressing them into cider.

https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=Global&keyword=4LAN2200 Register Now
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