Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers snowshoe expedition

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center near Fergus Falls invites the public to a free snowshoe expedition this Saturday, January 12.

Participants will find out what prairie, wetlands and the animal and bird residents do in winter. An “expedition” defined means a journey undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective. The objective is to discover animal, bird and other wildlife activity observe beauty and experience the wonder of nature while traveling by snowshoe.

Start time is 9:30 a.m. but participants are urged to come earlier to put on their snowshoes and organize into small expedition groups.

Each small group will travel with a member of the PWLC staff. Participants will be outside most of the morning so be certain to dress for an extended time outside. Winter gear, boots, mittens, a winter hat, and extra layers will be needed, even if this winter has been mild so far.

If you have your own snowshoes, bring them with you. If you need to borrow snowshoes, there will be several available. The expedition will end before 11:30 a.m. with each group sharing their discoveries in the PWLC Great Hall.

This “expedition” is for all ages, even young children. It will take place with or without snow.

The PWLC is comprised of 330 acres of wetlands and prairies, and includes a visitor center with classrooms, exhibit hall, and dining area, plus four miles of trails and 28 wetlands. It is located on State Highway 210 East, south of Fergus Falls, one mile from exit 57 off I-94. For more information, call (218) 998-4480, or visit www.fws.gov/midwest/pwlc.

The PWLC is part of the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The service manages the 150-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 560 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 63 Fish and Wildlife Management offices and 81 ecological services field stations. For more information, visit www.fws.gov.

Tags: regional news, news, updates, outdoors, snowshoe