Outdoor Activities & Trips

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.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY EVENTS CALENDAR SPRING 2020

TRIPS EVENTS CALENDAR SPRING 2020

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, JAN 21, 5- 6PM
No Registration Required
Meet: Sports and Health Center Room 191
We will have regular meetings and activities throughout the semester on Tuesdays at 5pm. To get details on volunteering or get on the staff e-newsletter, email Ryley (olive255@d.umn.edu). Even if you can't make the meetings, we can get you involved.

WINTER ADVENTURE SAMPLER

Snowman building! Cross Country skiing! Hot chocolate! Come join the Outdoor Program for our Winter Outdoor Sampler! Learn about what we do and enjoy some fun winter outdoor activ-ities that include snowshoeing, campfire cook-ing, a wood fired "hot tent", and more.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1-4PM
Register By: No registration required. Just show up!
We Provide: Food and necessary gear
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: FREE

CONSTELLATION SNOWSHOE

Join us for a fun night of snowshoeing out on Park Point! Find some of your favorite constella-tions and learn more about them on a nice hike enjoying our Duluth winters!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 5PM-8PM
Register By: Thursday, January 23 at Noon
We Provide: Snowshoes
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC
Cost: $5 UMD Student Members/ $11 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

BACKCOUNTRY SKI AT JAY COOKE

Jay Cooke State Park is one of the premier state parks around Duluth! Join us for a great day of exploring the backcountry ski trails as we traverse through the great outdoors. Get to parts of the park that few people go to. Discov-er wildlife and fun in the northwoods.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 10AM-3PM
Register By: Friday, January 24 at Noon
We Provide: Transportation, Ski Gear, Leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC
Cost: $9 UMD Student Members/ $18 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

FAT BIKE FUN AT HARTLEY PARK

Fat biking in Duluth has become a "BIG" deal. Join us on a winter cruise through Hartley Park. All skill levels are welcome. Take a break from the stress of school and enjoy the beauty of a nearby park.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2-4PM
Register By: Friday, January 24 at Noon
We Provide: Fat Bikes and Leaders
You Provide: Warm clothing in layers
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC
Cost: $7 UMD Student Members/ $15 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WAXING CLINIC

Want to learn how to wax your skis or snow-board? Already familiar with what to do and just want to wax? Come join us to learn the basics of waxing or refine your technique
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 6-8PM
Register By: Monday, January 27 at Noon
We Provide: Waxing Supplies & Tools
You Provide: Skis (alpine or nordic) or Snow-board to Wax
Meet: Sports & Health Ctr. Room 191
Cost: $6 UMD Student Members/ $12 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

SNOWSHOE INTO THE PAST

Come snowshoe the historical portage trail between the Brule River & Lake St. Croix, the headwaters of the St. Croix River (about 40 miles southeast of campus). For hundreds of years this trail was used by natives and voyageurs as a major travel route between Lake Superior and Mississippi River watersheds. So, lace up your boots and lets hit the trail with Voyageurs on one side & Brule River beauty on the other.
Saturday, February 1, 10am-5pm
Register By: Friday, January 31 at Noon
We Provide: Transportation, Snowshoes, Leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather, bag lunch
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC
Cost: $12 UMD Student Members/ $22 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

FREE SKI AND SNOWSHOE SATURDAYS

Here is your chance to get out and try a new activity or build your skills in skiing or snowshoeing. And it’s FREE for UMD Students!! We’ll have gear out in the Bagley Nature Area at the Classroom building for you to check out. Classic ski on the groomed trails or snowshoe off the groomed trails. We’ll also have staff that can help you with your skills development. Get out and try it!
Saturdays, 10am- 12pm  February 1, 15, 22, & 29
No Registration is Required, equipment is first-come-first-served
We Provide: Skis and snowshoes (we only have adult ski boot sizes)
You Provide: Warm clothing for the conditions (dress in layers so you don’t get too hot)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: FREE for UMD Students/ $3 Others (Cash or check only - collected on site)

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.
Wednesday, February 5,  9:30am-2pm
Meet: Kirby Student Center Main Hallway
Cost: FREE

INTRO TO WINTER CAMPING

Keep warm when it’s cold! Learn how to prepare yourself to not only survive but thrive while winter camping. We will talk about food, clothes, and shelter basics for camping in the winter!
Wednesday, February 12, 5-7pm
Register By: Wednesday, February 12 at Noon
We Provide: Instruction and Winter Camping Gear
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather (we’ll be inside and outside)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/ $7 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

SNOWSHOE GOOSEBERRY

Enjoy the beauty of Gooseberry Falls State Park, even in the winter. Trek through the winter wonderland with us as we explore the trails and frozen river. If you don’t have your own snowshoes, no worries! We provide them for you.
Saturday, February 15, 1-6pm
Register By: Friday, February 14 at Noon
We Provide: Snowshoes, Transportation, Leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather, snacks & water
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC.
Cost: $10 UMD Student Members/ $18 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

DRIFTWOOD WIND CHIMES

Join us in turning driftwood into cool, classy windchimes. Everyone will get to use basic tools and techniques and go home with a driftwood wind chime
Thursday, February 20, 6-8pm  
Register By: Thursday, February 20 at Noon
We Provide: Craft Materials, Tools, Instruction
Meet: Sports and Health Ctr. Room 191
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/ $8 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WINTER BIRD IDENTIFICATION AND SNOWSHOE

Sax-Zim bog is world renowned for the opportunity to see amazing rare birds like great-gray owls, boreal chickadees, and evening grosbeaks.  And, there are so many more. Join us on this unique opportunity as we snowshoe parts of the bog to find and identify common as well as rare winter birds.  
Saturday, February 22, 2-7:30pm
Register By: Friday, February 21 at Noon
We Provide: Transportation, Binoculars & Field Guides, Leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather, snacks.  Bring your own binoculars, if you have them.
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC
Cost: $10 UMD Student Members/ $18 Others
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.  We’ll ski through canyons, over frozen cascades, and see nature at its finest.
Sunday, March 1, 10am-3pm  
Register By: Friday, February 28 at Noon
We Provide: Skis, Transportation, Leaders
You Provide: Proper Clothing for the weather, snacks and water
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC
Cost: $10 UMD Student Members/ $18 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

SPRING AWAKENING YOGA

Want to feel refreshed from our long winter and welcome spring? Want to feel like you are awakened into a new world? Join us for a refreshing early morning yoga session in our very own Bagley Nature Area!  
Thursday, March 26, 7-8am
No Registration Required
We Provide: Yoga Instruction and Mat
You Provide: Wear comfortable fitness clothing
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: FREE!

OUTDOOR GEAR SWAP

Join the UMD Outdoor Educators Club at their 22nd Annual Outdoor Gear Swap/Fundraiser. Bring your outdoor gear to sell during the drop off times, and/or come to the sale and take advantage of some great deals! Gear to help people enjoy the outdoors will be sold by students, community members and local businesses. 15% of the sale price is taken to promote outdoor education. This is a Duluth tradition. Get there early for the best deals!
GEAR DROP OFF TIMES:
Friday, March 27, 3-7pm
Saturday, March 28, 8-9am
SALE: (OPEN TO EVERYONE)
Saturday, March 28, 9:30-NOON (numbers given starting at 8am, raffle for the first 10 spots to get in)
Meet: Malosky Stadium (follow the signs)

MAPLE SYRUPING: FROM TREES TO PANCAKES

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 30, 4pm-6pm
Register By: Monday, March 30 at Noon
We Provide: Maple Syruping Supplies & Instruction
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom.
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/ $7 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

LEAVE NO TRACE CLINIC

Come to this clinic and learn what it means to be a responsible traveler in the wilderness. We will go over the seven principles of Leave No Trace and how they apply to Minnesota. We will learn new skills to keep you safe and the areas you love pristine.  
Tuesday, March 31, 5pm-7pm
Register By: Tuesday, March 31 at Noon
We Provide: Instruction
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather (we’ll be both inside and outside during this class)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $2 UMD Student Members/ $5 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WOODEN BUTTER SPREADER

“Carve out some time from your day” and make a usable beautiful butter spreader with traditional green woodworking tools.
Thursday, April 2, 6-8pm
Register By: Wednesday, April 1 at Noon
We Provide: Carving Materials and Tools
You Provide: Yourself and a pocket knife (optional)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/ $8 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WOODEN SPOON MAKING

The word spoon translates to chip of wood.  In this workshop you will learn how to make a wooden eating spoon with green woodworking techniques and all with hand tools. Tools will be provided but feel free to bring any hook and straight knives, small hatchets and gouges.
Saturday, April 4, 1-5pm
Register By: Friday, April 3 at Noon
We Provide: Tools and Materials
You Provide: Yourself and a pocket knife (optional)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $4 UMD Student Members/ $8 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

BIKE REPAIR MONDAYS

Bring in your bike and learn how to do basic repairs while fixing your ride.  Lubrication, flat repairs, and adjustments. Learn while doing with expert direction from our mechanics, using our tools.  Minimal charges for materials and time.
Mondays, April 6, 13, & 27, 6-7:30pm
Just show up. No registration required.
Meet: Bring your bike to the Rental Center (154 SpHC)

HOW TO PLAN A BOUNDARY WATERS TRIP

This clinic will go over everything you need to know to plan your own BWCA trips. This includes how to get permits, gear, route planning and skills you will need while out there.  
Tuesday, April 7, 5-7pm
Register By: Monday, April 6 at Noon
We Provide: Instruction and materials
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/ $7 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

STAR HIKE PARK POINT

What’s better than a night hike? A night hike at the beach! Join us as we hike and sip hot chocolate under the stars at Park Point.
Wednesday, April 15, 8-10pm
Register By: Tuesday, April 14 at Noon
We Provide: Transportation, Hot Chocolate, Leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather
Meet: Benches outside the Rental Center, 154 SpHC
Cost: $4 UMD Student Members/ $8 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

EARTH DAY CLEAN UP

Come join us for a friendly clean up session dedicated to celebrating our beautiful Earth!  We’ll focus our energy on Bagley Nature Area, and other nearby natural areas.
Tuesday, April 21, 5-7pm
You Provide: Work gloves and clothes
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: FREE!  Just show up.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Love the outdoors but haven’t been able to capture the moment? Bring your camera, or check one out from the Media Hub, and come take a walk with us through Bagley. We will be teaching different camera techniques to help you better your skills and remember your time spent outside!
Thursday, April 23, 5pm-7pm
Register By: Wednesday, April 22 at Noon
We Provide: Instruction
You Provide: Proper clothing and a camera (can be checked out of the Media Hub in the Library)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: FREE for UMD Student Members/$3 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

FROG HIKE

Hop along with us as we search frog hot spots for activity during a new Spring! Learn about identifying frogs, and how these amphibious friends survived the chilly winter. Bring your headlamp and come on by for a ribbiting good time.
Wednesday, April 29, 8-9:30pm
Register By: Wednesday, April 29 at Noon
We Provide: Instruction
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: FREE for UMD Student Members/$3 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

HOT TENT WINTER CAMPING

Don't let the cold stop you from enjoying camping! This shorter trip will be to Boulder Lake (just north of Duluth), where the beauty of winter is spectacular. The stars will be amazing and maybe we'll see northern lights and wolf tracks. We'll ski or snowshoe (pulling sleds) into our nestled camp spot on the north end of the lake. If you are new to winter camping, we'll help you learn how to stay warm and comfortable during the day and night. We'll even bring along a "hot tent" which is a large tent, heated with a wood stove. Comfy and cozy! Get out with us and become a true Minnesotan!
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22, 9AM - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 4PM
Register By: Friday, February 21 at Noon
We Provide: Winter Camping Gear, Food, and Transportation
You Provide: Personal camping equipment (full list available online)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $62 UMD Student Members/$112 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

CANOEING THE OZARKS

Spring break 2020 in the Ozarks of Arkansas is warm and beautiful! Here is your chance to get away from winter and enjoy spring as it is emerging along the Buffalo River, a "National River" (a National Park that is a river). This is one of the most beautiful and spectacular rivers in the United States, that some call a museum of natural history with a wide variety of mammals, plants, fish, birds, and spectacular geology. History buffs will also enjoy the human history, which includes Civil War skirmishes, old homesteads, and cemeteries. Hop in the canoes for a ride down the clear water of the Buffalo River. Early on we'll pass steep walls of rock over 500 feet high and have some thrills of occasional small rapids. Campsites will be on gravel bars along the river. Side hikes to waterfalls, Caves, old homesteads, cemeteries, and overlooks will be included. Fun paddling, amazing scenery, short hikes, and new friends. What more could you ask for?
DEPART: FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 4PM
RETURN: SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2PM
Register By: Noon, February 21
We Provide: Group Equipment, Food, Transportation
You Provide: Personal Gear
Cost: $512 UMD Student Members/
$795 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

INFOSHEET