Adult Virtual Adventures

Overview

Join Wilderness Inquiry and other outdoor experts on virtual adventures to explore topics & destinations near and far. During each session you will gain a deeper understanding of outdoor spaces by learning about unique ecosystems, natural & cultural history, and how we can venture out to enjoy these spaces. This program is designed for an adult audience. 

Can’t join at the scheduled time? No problem! Each session is recorded and sent to all registrants for on demand viewing.

Cost: $10 per person/per session

Have a group? Please contact Anne ([email protected] or 612-676-9423) to discuss group pricing.

March – Birds ‘n Bees

Presentation by the Bird Chick – March 3rd, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

Have you ever wondered what is making all that racket outside? Join Sharon Stiteler, National Park Service ranger, author and self described “Bird Chick” as she shares her knowledge of how birds communicate. Discover the species and fun facts about who is flying and chirping in your backyard!

All About Bees – March 17th, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

Spring is a-buzz! Time to shake off that cabin fever and get ready to learn about the little insects who help make the spring more beautiful by playing a crucial role in pollination: bees! While many species are important pollinators, bees hold a special place in our hearts… perhaps it’s that delicious honey? For today’s session we are joined by a bee specialist to teach you all you’ve ever wanted to know about bees.

April – Out of Hibernation

A Year in the Life of a Bear – April 7th, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

Sometimes there is more to life than eating honey and stealing picnic baskets! Join University of Minnesota researcher Spencer Rettler as he discusses a year in the life of a bear including hibernation, raising cubs, finding food, and preparing for winter. You will learn how Yogi uses his sense of smell to navigate through the forest, what type of wild berries he likes to eat, and where he builds a den for hibernation.

Outdoor Cooking with Beth Dooley – April 21st, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

Whether camping, or enjoying a COVID-19 safe outdoor dinner with friends or family, you don’t have to sacrifice the joy and comfort of a hearty home-cooked meal! For this session, join James Beard award winning cookbook author, Beth Dooley, as she guides you through how to shake off that cabin fever, get outside, and cook a delicious meal out in the fresh air! Whether you have a camp stove or a campfire, Beth will share recipes and techniques to make your outdoor meal worth donning your snow-pants for!

May – Boats, Boats, Boats!

Canoe History: An Engineering Masterpiece – May 5th, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

Join author Mark Neuzil as he shares the history of canoes in North America, from their origins thousands of years ago to present-day craft. A common thread through its history is that the design of the canoe is virtually unchanged over all those years — it was a perfectly engineered piece of transportation technology long before white settlement. Dugouts, birch bark and wood-and-canvas canoes will be covered, along with post World War II synthetic materials with a focus on the canoe as a cultural artifact, both for work and pleasure.

Inside the Manufacturing of a Canoe – May 19th, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

As you are paddling your canoe downriver or across a lake have you ever wondered “How’d they make that?” This virtual session will answer that question as we delve into the workshop of a Midwestern canoe manufacturer. Join us for a tour starting with the design process to the final layer of paint.

June – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Natural History of the BWCAW – June 9th, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

Situated along the Canadian border in northern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) encompasses over 1 million acres within the Superior National Forest. In this session learn about the unique mixture of forests, glacial lakes, and streams that are the cornerstone of this popular canoeing, hiking, and fishing destination.

A Year in the Wilderness with Dave and Amy Freeman – June 23rd, 2:00-3:00 p.m. CST

In September 2015, Dave and Amy Freeman embarked on a yearlong adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness along the Canadian border in northern Minnesota. During their 366 days in the Wilderness, they traveled more than 2,000 miles by canoe and dog team and visited more than 500 lakes and streams. Join us on this virtual presentation to learn why they went on this adventure and explore the pristine terrain that is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Dates & Fees

What to Expect

MATERIALS NEEDED: Participants need internet service, a device that connects to the internet, and a Zoom account in order to participate.