Summertime at Chik-Wauk
After a refreshing couple days of rain, beautiful weather has returned to the end of the Trail. Fireweed, goldenrod, and bellflower line the Gunflint Trail roadways and Chik-Wauk hiking trails. We think it’s always a lovely day to end up the Trail for a visit to the museum, but these days, with their endless blue skies, are especially lovely.
Hiking Trail Update
The very high water levels on Saganaga Lake are starting to recede, which means Chik-Wauk is slowly reclaiming its hiking trails and parking lots. All trails are in great shape, with the exception of Tamarack Alley which remains flooded. Maybe we should rename it Tadpole Alley!
Blueberries
While the blueberry season most likely peaked last week, the recent rainfall probably means there will be plenty of blueberries to be found in the weeks to come. There are many blueberry patches scattered around Chik-Wauk’s property, especially along the new Blueberry Hill Trail. You may have to get a little ways off the established trails to find the berries. It’s just fine to bushwhack a little bit, but please stay cognizant of the route you took so you don’t get lost.
Wildlife
We’ve had a yearling bear sighted on the property a couple times a month this summer. He’s quite shy, so if you do happen to bump into him, he’ll likely be more startled than you. A busy beaver is also in the process of “restoring” the old beaver lodge along the Amikwiish Way hiking trail. If you stop in, you might just see him ferrying timber across the bay.
Upcoming events
We have many exciting events planned for August. Mark your calendars for:
August 1, 2 p.m. Erik Simula’s “Arrowhead Journey” presentation
August 5, 2 p.m. The Story of the Port Arthur, Duluth and Western Railway and the Paulson Mine with researcher and educator Dave Battistel
August 8, 1:30 p.m. Forest Frenzy: Piecing Together the Boreal Forest Kids’ Activities
August 9, 3 p.m. U.S. Forest Service “Bats of Northern Minnesota” presentation
August 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Old-Fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social
August 12, 2 p.m. Northern Moths and Butterflies with professor David MacLean
and more!
Trail signage fund
Have you enjoyed hiking on Chik-Wauk’s nature trail system in the past? If so, please consider a contribution to Chik-Wauk’s trail signage fund. With the addition of the Blueberry Hill Trail to our trail system, new trail maps need to be designed and new trail signs made. You can make a donation online –> here or use our printable contribution form –> here.