Join us at the 2025 Spring Festival for a day full of field tours, walks, and talks! You must RSVP for each activity you plan to participate in as space is limited. Scroll to the bottom of this page to enter your information to RSVP for each activity.

 

2025 Schedule

5:30 a.m. Sharp-tailed Grouse Lek Tour

Carpool through Crex Meadows to find sharp-tailed grouse dancing on their leks. Then, travel around to learn more about their habitat and how the DNR manages for this rare species.

 

7:00 a.m. Warbler Watching

Join local bird expert, Dick Sandve, for a tour through Crex Meadows in search of warblers and other migrating birds.

 

8:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast

Join us from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for our famous wild rice pancakes! The breakfast is free, but free will donations are accepted. No need to RSVP for the breakfast.

 

9:00 a.m. Flower Hike

Join plant expert, Alex Bouthilet, for an adventure into Crex Meadows to identify and learn more about our native flowers.

 

9:00 a.m. Gentle Hike with Larry Weber

Join nature guide author, Larry Weber, and wander the educational prairie at Crex Meadows. Listen as Larry talks about how crucial timing is in the spring: flowers, leaves, migrants, and more! This gentle walk and talk is best suited for those willing to take it slow. Best suited for seniors and those just beginning to learn about nature. Binoculars recommended.

 

10:30 a.m. Phantom Lake Paddle

Head out onto Phantom Lake for an adventure paddle with wilderness guide and former FOC president, Bob O’Hara. Participants will need to provide their own equipment including a canoe/kayak, paddle, and life jacket. You will not be permitted to participate without a life jacket.

 

11:00 a.m. Shinrin-Yoku: A Guided Forest Bathing Journey

Escape the noise, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature through Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing. Let a Northwest Passage Therapeutic Lifestyle Instructor lead you on a serene, mindful walk among towering trees, where the scent of earth and the whisper of leaves will soothe your soul.

 

12:00 p.m. Flower Hike

Join plant expert, Alex Bouthilet, for an adventure into Crex Meadows to identify and learn more about our native flowers.

 

1:00 p.m. Shinrin-Yoku: A Guided Forest Bathing Journey

Escape the noise, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature through Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing. Let a Northwest Passage Therapeutic Lifestyle Instructor lead you on a serene, mindful walk among towering trees, where the scent of earth and the whisper of leaves will soothe your soul.

 

1:00 Wheel & Wildlife Bike Ride

Join Friends of Crex members, Jennifer Moore & Mark Nicklawske, for a bike ride around Crex. Enjoy the wildlife and scenery as you travel. The ride will be under 10 miles long and will be primarily on gravel roads. You must bring your own bike. Mountain or gravel bikes are recommended and road bikes are highly discouraged. A limited quantity of high-vis vests will be available.

 

2:00 p.m. Birding Hike

Take a birding hike in search of migrating birds with WDNR staff member, Dicey Spring. Learn tips and tricks for effective bird watching and identify as many species as you can! This is a beginner-level hike lasting about 1 mile or less on a flat trail.

 

2:00 p.m. North Fork Paddle

Head out onto North Fork Flowage for an adventure paddle with wilderness guide and former FOC president, Bob O’Hara. Participants will need to provide their own equipment including a canoe/kayak, paddle, and life jacket. You will not be permitted to participate without a life jacket.

 

2:00 p.m. Wetland Birds Tour

Carpool around the wildlife area with DNR staff member, Lauren Thomas, to learn more about the wetlands of Crex Meadows and the bird species that call them home.

 

3:00 p.m. Flower Hike

Join plant expert, Alex Bouthilet, for an adventure into Crex Meadows to identify and learn more about our native flowers.

 

4:00 p.m. Waterfowl Viewing Tour

Head down to Fish Lake Wildlife Area for a waterfowl viewing adventure with DNR staff member, Drew Hawley. Identify waterfowl species through spotting scopes and learn more about the habitat they rely on.

 

5:00 p.m. A Bit Beyond Basic Birding: A Look at Plumage

End the day with local bird expert, Tom Nolz, in the visitor center auditorium. Tom will share information about bird plumages. This presentation is perfect for anyone looking to learn a little bit more about our feathered friends!