Blooms, Wings, and Other Fun June Things
The moccasin flowers along the Moccasin Lane hiking trail on the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center are in full bloom – a sure sign that summertime in here. On sunny days, you’ll find Canadian Tiger Swallowtail butterflies puddling in the lower parking area. (Psst, check out this year’s special exhibit on Butterflies, Skippers, and Moths of the Gunflint Trail to learn what puddling is.) In the Chik-Wauk bay, the resident loon pair is often found sitting on the artificial nesting platform. If all goes well, we just might have baby loons swimming about next weekend. It’s a peaceful, happy time on the property and we hope you’ll swing by soon to soak up some Northwoods goodness.
The museum and Gunflint Trail Historical Society offer plenty of special opportunities for you to catch up with your Gunflint Trail neighbors and friends this month:
Gunflint Trail Historical Society Annual Meeting – Monday, June 9, 1:30 p.m., Gunflint Lodge Conference Center
After a discussion of Gunflint Trail Historical Society business, including an update on the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center building projects, there will be remembrance of Gunflint Trail friends who died this past year. Bill Boissenin will also talk about his memories of growing up at his parent’s resort, Forest Lodge, on Clearwater Lake. Refreshments follow.
The Legendary Loon with U.S. Forest Service Naturalist Steve Robertsen – Tuesday, June 17, 3:00 p.m., Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center front porch
The weekly U.S. Forest Service naturalist presentations kick off with a presentation about the Minnesota state bird, the common loon. Meet on the porch at 3 p.m. Free and family friendly. Presentations will continue every Tuesday at 3 p.m. through August 19.
Welcome Summer Open House – Sunday, June 29, 1:00 p.m., Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center
Catch up with your Gunflint Trail neighbors, view the special exhibit Butterflies, Skippers, and Moths of the Gunflint Trail, and enjoy refreshments. This is also a great time to renew (or join) your Gunflint Trail Historical Society membership at the Chik-Wauk front desk. Donations will be accepted to go towards future Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center projects.