Carpenter Nature Center: Early Summer Ravine/Cliffs

Leaders: Jyneen Thatcher, Naturalist and MNNPS Board Member

Come join other MNNPS members for an exploration of the moist cliff areas at Carpenter Nature Center. This is challenging topography, not easily accessed, and not entirely catalogued. Many species of ferns and liverworts are to be found on the cliff faces, including walking fern, fragile fern and bulblet fern. Several unusual woodland sedges are also present, and lily-leaved twayblade should be in bloom along the trail.

Directions and Parking:  Carpenter Nature Center is located at 12805 St. Croix Trail, in Denmark Township, Washington County. It is one mile north of Hwy 10, overlooking the St. Croix River. General directions from St. Paul is southeast on Hwy. 61 south, (towards Hastings) then east on Hwy 10 to CR 21 (St. Croix Trail). If you reach the Point Douglas Park on the River, turn back to the first road to the north. At CNC, park in the main lot and meet at the entrance to the visitor’s center.

Due to the challenging and potentially hazardous terrain, this field trip is limited to 12 participants.  Please wear sensible shoes and be prepared to scoot or clamber to stay safe.

Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. To register, send an email to: Ken Arndt <ken.arndt@mnrinc.us>