Winter Fun with Judy Thompson of the DNR
Posted by Steve Frazier
Our Program on February 23rd was presented by Judy Thompson from Minnesota's DNR (Department of Natural Resources). Judy is a Regional Naturalist for the agency,and has been with them for 30 years. The DNR has divided the state into four regions, and there are 17 parks run by the DNR in this area. They do not count or control the parks established by the cities, counties, or park authorities (like Three Rivers). Her motive in coming to speak to us was to remind us that the parks are fun places in the winter, too.
Judy pointed out that there are advantages in attending Minnesota parks in the winter. Her first point was that there are no mosquitoes in the winter. Secondly, the parks are not nearly as crowded in the winter. And finally, they are calm and bright on a sunny winter day.
Activites are varied and fun during the winter. A partial list of possible activities included skiing (both downhill and cross-country), snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skating, winter camping (there are some cabins that can be rented in some of the parks for overnight stays - warmer than the old tenting!) photography, wild life tracking, and the new "event" is geo-caching. Geo-caching is sort of like the old-fashioned treasure hunt, but done with GPS's and electronics.
She also pointed out that Minnesota laws require that fish houses be removed from the lakes by March first. (Story by Tad Shaw)
Judy pointed out that there are advantages in attending Minnesota parks in the winter. Her first point was that there are no mosquitoes in the winter. Secondly, the parks are not nearly as crowded in the winter. And finally, they are calm and bright on a sunny winter day.
Activites are varied and fun during the winter. A partial list of possible activities included skiing (both downhill and cross-country), snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skating, winter camping (there are some cabins that can be rented in some of the parks for overnight stays - warmer than the old tenting!) photography, wild life tracking, and the new "event" is geo-caching. Geo-caching is sort of like the old-fashioned treasure hunt, but done with GPS's and electronics.
She also pointed out that Minnesota laws require that fish houses be removed from the lakes by March first. (Story by Tad Shaw)