Outdoor Activities and Trips provides opportunities for students and community members to participate in nature based workshops and excursions. Goals include skill development, social interaction, environmental awareness and relaxation.
Safety of participants and leaders is essential. Due to Covid-19, the following are practices that will be part of each outdoor activity:
1. Each participant will follow UMD policy on protocols related to possible Covid exposure.
2. Please bring along a face covering for all outings. We will wear face coverings during outings, unless it impedes cardiovascular activity or will get wet.
3. In general, arrive dressed to participate in the activity and for the weather conditions.
Hey UMD Students, if you are tight on money and would like to get outdoors, we can help! Thanks to a couple of former student staff, we have scholarship money to support you getting outdoors. Just fill out this form. We’ll get back to you within a few days! It’s that simple. Available for any of our outdoor options - trips, hikes, paddling, climbing, and workshops.
 Volunteering With The Outdoor Program
Do you love the outdoors and have a desire to share it with others? The Outdoor Program is always seeking new student staff members for a variety of opportunities. You don’t need to be an expert in the wilderness to join us and there will be opportunities to fit your schedule, with lots of free training.
Kick Off Meeting: Tuesday, January 19, 5- 6pm
Meet: Outside the Bagley Nature Area Classroom
We will have regular meetings and activities throughout the semester on Tuesdays at 5pm. To get details on what the topics are or how to get involved, email Zach (hassi081@d.umn.edu ). Even if you can’t make the meetings, we can get you involved. |
 Winter Sampler
Snowman building! Cross Country skiing! Fat biking! Snowshoeing! Come join the Outdoor Program for our Winter Outdoor Sampler! Learn about what we do and enjoy some winter outdoor activities.
Monday, January 18, 1-4pm
We Provide: Equipment, leaders, FUN!
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, sturdy shoes or boots, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free! Just show up
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 Winter Birding Hike
The thrill of birding is a feeling that never fades! Join us as we explore the winterscape and use binoculars with field guides to observe and identify the birds that are around during these snowy months. Birds are amazing creatures, and the ones who stick around during the cold winter months are out and about, thriving.
Saturday, January 23, 10-11:30am
Register by: 4pm, Jan. 22
We Provide: Binoculars, field guides, birding knowledge, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, water, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free!
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Cross Country Skiing
Have you ever been cross-country skiing? You can learn the basics of classic-style skiing here in Bagley. We will discuss and practice different strides, how to stop, and how to climb hills. Once you learn the basics, you can have fun in the winter wonderland.
Saturday, January 23, 2-4pm
Register by: 4pm, Jan. 22
We Provide: Cross-country skis, ski boots, poles, expertise, leaders
You Provide: Warm clothing in layers, water, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $4 UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Fat Biking the Snowy Trails
A snowy forest is beautiful… but it’s arguably better to observe while cruising through on a bike! Come along on this wintery ride on the Duluth Traverse through Hartley Park.
Sunday, January 24, 2-4pm
Register by: 4pm, Jan. 22
We Provide: Fat bikes, helmets, instruction, leaders
You Provide: Warm clothing in layers, sturdy shoes, water, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $5 UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Winter Fire Building
Join us for an introduction to fire building in the winter. You will learn different techniques on how to build a strong winter fire and maybe even roast the perfect marshmallow for a s’more!
Monday, January 25, 4:30-6pm
Register by: Noon, Jan. 25
We Provide: Supplies, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free for UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE
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 Adventure Hike
You've learned to walk, get ready to learn how to adventure hike. We will head out to explore the differences between walking, hiking, and climbing on and off rugged trails through wild places near UMD.
Tuesday, January 26, 5-7pm
Register by: Noon, Jan. 26
We Provide: Knowledge, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, water, face covering
Meet: At the Tennis Courts outside SpHC
Cost: Free for UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Bird Feeder Making
The birds need some extra help getting by in the winterscape! Join us as we create bird feeders from items found around the house. Watch as local birds come feed at your very own handmade bird feeder!
Wednesday, January 27, 4-5pm
Register by: 4pm, Jan. 26
We Provide: Supplies, bird seed, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, face covering, extra supplies-- optional (TP roll, paper towel rolls, etc.)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free!
REGISTER ONLINE
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 Full Moon Snowshoeing on Park Point
What's better than a snowshoeing trip? A full moon trip at the beach! Come join us as we strap on our snowshoes for a snowy trip to Park Point.
Thursday, January 28, 7-9pm
Register by: Noon, Jan. 28
We Provide: Snowshoes, leaders
You Provide: Headlamp/flashlight, clothes for the weather, sturdy shoes, water, face covering
Meet: End of Park Point at the parking lot just before the airport
Cost: $4 for UMD Student Members/ $10 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Boulder Lake Ski Trip
Boulder Lake is home to an awesome environmental learning center that is partnered with UMD and a wonderful vast outdoor space that’s close-by but feels like a deep wilderness. Join us as we explore the ski trails at Boulder Lake and cruise through breathtaking winter scenes. You will need to pick up ski equipment from the Rental Center on Friday afternoon.
Saturday, January 31, 2-4pm
Register by: Noon, Jan. 30
We Provide: Ski equipment, leaders
You Provide: Transportation, warm clothing in layers, water, personal snacks, face covering
Meet: Boulder Lake Bear Paw/Blue Ox Trailhead
Cost: $6 UMD Students/ $12 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 How to Dress for Winter Adventures
Have you ever wondered how to stay warm the smart way? Dressing properly for winter adventures is an art form. There’s a lot more than meets the eye. Join us as we go over tips and tricks on how to dress to impress (yourself)! We’ll talk about how to stay warm, dry, and happy despite cold and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, we’ll go over tips on how to stay warm if you do get cold.
Monday, February 1, 4-5pm
Register by: Noon, Feb. 1
We Provide: Supplies, knowledge, instructors
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free!
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Outdoor Jobs Fair
Need a summer job? Looking for a great internship or employment after graduation? Interested in learning more about outdoor and environmental education professions? Join us to meet with representatives from summer camps, canoe camps, resource management and government agencies, environmental education centers, and others that will be on hand to answer your questions and talk about opportunities in outdoor and environmental education.
Thursday, April 8, 1-3pm
This is a virtual event.
REGISTER HERE
Cost: Free!
Participating organizations as of 3/24/2021:
Birch Trail Camp for Girls
Hungry Jack Outfitters
City of Duluth
WeHaKee Camp for Girls
Camp Mishawaka
Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry
Camp Kamaji
Deschutes Wilderness Therapy
Chippewa Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America
Camp Nebagamon |
 Free Snowshoe/Ski/Fat bike
Here is your chance to try cross country skiing, snowshoeing and/or fat biking right on campus! Bagley Nature Area is beautiful in the winter and this is your chance to explore it!
Saturdays, February 6 (FEB 6 CANCELLED DUE TO COLD TEMPS), 13, 20, 27, 10am-12pm
We Provide: Equipment, expertise, instructors
You Provide: Clothes for the weather (in layers!), face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free for UMD Student Members Only - Just show up |
 Wildlife Tracking Hike
Ever wanted to learn more about winter wildlife? Now’s your chance! Come join us for a fun hike where we’ll watch for wildlife signs and learn about the basics of tracking.
(POSTPONED TO SATURDAY, FEB 20, 3-5PM DUE TO COLD TEMPS)
Register by: 4pm, Feb 19
We Provide: Knowledge, skills, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, water, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free for UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Hawk Ridge Constellation Snowshoe Hike
Join us as we fasten our snowshoes and set out for a winter night hike. We'll hike to Hawk Ridge, with the expansive panorama over Lake Superior, to observe the night sky and explore constellations along with their stories.
(POSTPONED TO FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 7-9PM DUE TO COLD TEMPS)
Register by: Noon, March 11
We Provide: Snowshoes, leaders, stories, knowledge
You Provide: Transportation, headlamp/flashlight, clothes for the weather, sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, water, face covering
Meet: Hawk Ridge Trail Parking
Cost: $4 for UMD Student Members/ $10 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Snow Shelter Fun!
Join us in Bagley Nature Area and learn how to make a couple types of simple snow shelters for fun or winter camping. We will build a quinzee, tarp, and trench shelter and have fun while doing so!
Wednesday, February 17, 4-6pm
Register by: Noon, Feb. 16
We Provide: Supplies, knowledge, and leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather (dress in layers!), water, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free!
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Stream Ski
The only thing more pleasant than skiing up a frozen North Shore stream is skiing back down it. Come out and enjoy both on this long running program, about as old as the UMD Outdoor Program itself. Upon registration, you will need to get fitted for ski gear at the RSOP Rental Center (154 SpHC).
Sunday, February 21, 10am-12:30pm
Register by: Noon, Feb 19
We Provide: Skis, ski boots, leaders
You Provide: Transportation, warm clothing in layers, water, personal lunch/snacks, face covering
Meet: Location will be determined the day before the outing. Registrants will be notified by email. We will be within 20 miles of campus.
Cost: $8 UMD Student Members/ $18 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Maple Syruping
Join us in UMD’s Bagley Nature Area for our annual maple syruping program. Learn syruping history and how sap is collected and turned into maple syrup. You will tap maples, collect sap, and sample the sweet stuff. You also will learn about resources so you too can make maple syrup. This is a great time to be in the woods.
Monday, March 29, 4-6pm
Register by: Noon, Mar. 29
We Provide: Materials, instruction, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/ $7 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Planning a Boundary Waters Trip
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the most pristine inland waterways in the world and luckily it's just a short drive away! If you have ever wanted to travel this wilderness safely and smartly but have questions then this session is for you! We will go over everything you need to stay safe and have fun while paddling through historic waters. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and any questions.
Wednesday, April 7, 6-7:30pm
Register by: Noon, Apr. 7
We Provide: Expertise, instructors
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free for UMD Student Members/ $4 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Camp Coffee
Have you ever made coffee on a fire? Camp coffee is superior! You will learn how to make coffee by using only a pot. Plus at the end, you get to enjoy a nice, warm cup of coffee surrounded by a beautiful winter day!
Tuesday, April 13, 5-6:30pm
Register by: Noon, April 13
We Provide: Coffee supplies, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, mug, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free for UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Crocheting and Finger-Knitting
Feeling a little chilly? Join us for a run down of the basics of crocheting and finger-knitting. You'll soon be able to make anything you put your mind to, but we'll start with scarves and hats. Equipment is provided but if you have a special crochet needle or cool yarn, feel free to bring it.
Thursday, April 15, 6-8pm
Register by: Noon, Apr. 15
We Provide: Supplies, knowledge, leaders
You Provide: Creativity, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $2 UMD Student Members/ $4Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Spoon Carving
Ever made your own spoon? I bet not… here's your chance! During this course you will learn how to make a wooden eating spoon with green woodworking techniques, all done with hand tools. Tools will be provided but feel free to bring any hook or whittling knife, small hatchets, or gouges if you have them.
Saturday, April 17, 1-5pm
Register by: 4pm, Apr. 16
We Provide: Tools, knowledge, instructors
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, face covering, any tools you have
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/ $9 Others
REGISTER ONLINE
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 How to Make a Fleece Hat/Neck Gaiter
Have you ever wanted to rock a handmade hat or neck gaiter but never knew how to make one? Come join us for an afternoon of sewing and creating! No prior sewing experience required.
Tuesday, April 20, 5-6:30pm
Register by: Noon, Apr. 20
We Provide: Sewing supplies, leaders
You Provide: Creativity, face covering
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $2 UMD Student Members/$4 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Butter Knife Carving
Looking for a great way to get introduced to green woodworking and carving? Come learn how to carve a butter spreader where you will learn basic knife and axe techniques along with some tips and tricks and cool designs. The goal of this class is to teach you tangible skills and have you leave with something you made.
Saturday, April 24, 10am-12pm
Register by: Noon, Apr. 23
We Provide: Tools, knowledge, instructors
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, face covering, any tools you have
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $2 UMD Student Members/ $6 Others
REGISTER ONLINE |
 Spring Frog Hike
Ribbit-Ribbit! Did you hear that? The time is approaching where the frogs are thawing and reappearing back into our world. Join us on this trek where we’ll observe the different species of frogs in the area and key ways to identify them!
Wednesday, April 28, 8-10pm
Register by: 4pm, Apr. 29
We Provide: Frog knowledge, leaders
You Provide: Clothes for the weather, headlamp/flashlight, sturdy shoes or boots for hiking, water, face covering, curiosity
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: Free for UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE
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