We’ve been so busy taking care of everybody inside, we’ve kind of forgotten to report on the fascinating goings-on outside in our nature center. A quick survey of the trails confirmed that the grounds are as busy and beautiful as always with flowers blooming, bees pollinating, and birds and squirrels singing (or yammering if the case of Mr. Squirrel) from the trees.

The bountiful blueberries are anything but a secret. Even if your mind’s set on blueberries as you head into the woods, there’s plenty to be seen beside big, plump blueberries. Since your berry pail’s bound to fill up amazingly fast, take time to notice some of the other beautiful offerings of this North Woods high summer season.

You might not find a whole lot blooming along Moccasin Lane, our interpretative wildflower walk, this time of year (many of the wildflowers have fruited) but you can still find some pretty interesting things like this beautiful mushroom:

Or bluebead lilies.

It seems a little early for pearly everlasting, that harbinger of autumn, to be blooming.  Oh no! We’re not ready for summer to be slipping away!

The fruit of the sarsaparilla plants make a delicate contrast with the granite along the Amikwiish Way Trail.
Come see what you can find at Chik-Wauk!

It wouldn’t be so difficult if it weren’t for the wooden frame around the entire screen . . .

But most activities around Chik-Wauk are a little quieter in nature: like spending an overcast day knitting in the reading corner.

You never know how you’ll spend your time at Chik-Wauk. You might go on hike, have a picnic, listen to volunteer and Forest Ranger stories, or go on scavenger hunt. Stop by soon to see what’s happening!

Thanks to the hard work of our volunteer librarians, the Chik-Wauk boasts quite the library. You’ll find books about the Gunflint Trail area, books by Gunflint Trail residents, and information about the region’s flora and fauna. We also have several “wooden” books, or books compiled by the Gunflint Trail Historical Society with information on the museum and its history, historical photos, and much more. Kids can find plenty of reading material in the children’s section of the library. We have all sorts of stories about bears, moose, berry picking and the life and legends of the North Woods.

It’s not a lending library (yet), so feel free to plop down in one of our four easy chairs or spread out on the burl table in the other corner of the museum. It’s been designed with intent for you to stay a while.

If you have a book you’d like to donate to the Chik-Wauk Library, feel free to bring it with you the next time you’re in our neck of the woods. We’re always very happy for any additions to round out our selection.

Happy Reading!

Minnesota is looking for chick counters. From the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (MNBBA) website: “The Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas is an important bird conservation project that will identify every species that breeds in the state and where in the state they breed. Minnesota is one of only seven states, and the only state along the Mississippi Flyway, that has not developed an atlas.”

This is a citizen science project. Volunteers sign up for a particular location within the state, and survey it for breeding birds. Each area is assigned a coordinator, so even novice birders are able to participate.

The end of the Gunflint Trail (my survey area) has a wealth of birds to watch, whether a part of the survey, or for pure enjoyment. The loon family pictured has been observed frequently for the past month.

There are those who pick clean, and those who pick dirty. Those who pick stooped over, and those who just plunk down in the middle of the patch.

Then what? Some carefully wash each berry. Me, I prefer the cake pan method of cleaning (but I pick clean to begin with). A layer of berries in the bottom of the pan, tip back and forth, remove the green ones and any debris. Then, flash freeze ‘em. Once frozen, any leftover debris stays on the bottom of the pan. Just scoot the berries into a bag and pop into the freezer.

Then, there’s the jam and jelly folks – oodles of jars have shown up around the cabin. The smell of jelly-making is fantastic. And, of course, the occasion blueberry pie. An indulgence, but someone has to sample it.

Speaking of scavenger hunts, if you do make it to this end of the Trail, it might be worth keep your eyes peeled for something blue . . .

You might even find some berries popping up beside our hiking trails.

Word on the street is that a lady found her “life bird” (quite an accomplishment among birders) while hiking our trails a few days back.  We’re a little sketchy on details, but we believe the bird she sighted was a member of the warbler family.  Although there weren’t any quite as remarkable bird sightings, yesterday biologist Peg Robertsen gave a very well received presentation on the MN Bird Breeding Atlas, complete with a bird scouting walk around the Chik-Wauk property.

If you’re looking for birds yourself, we’re happy to report that Chik-Wauk’s birding backpacks have arrived! If you’re a birder, be sure to ask at the front desk for a bird backpack. The backpacks contain a bird guide and a set of binoculars and can be checked out for use on Chik-Wauk’s trails.