Anoka County Press Release

 
Anoka County Parks Announce May Programs    

Spring has sprung! It’s time to get out and enjoy all that the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department has to offer! For more information about the programs listed, call the Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007 or the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department at 763-757-3920.

Just want to get out and paddle? The Wargo Nature Center has a brand new fleet of 2008 Gander Mountain kayaks and canoes available to rent for use on the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. Call 651-429-8007 to request a specific boat and check availability. Fees: $10/hour or $35/day for single kayaks; $15/hour or $40/day for tandem kayaks; and $7/hour or $25/day for canoes.

The Kids Fishing Clinic is a free event open to children age 5 and up. Children will learn about lure selection, casting, boat and water safety, fishing ethics and more. All participants and chaperones will receive a hot dog, chips, and pop lunch. Children will also receive fishing equipment and accessories provided by Fishing Pro-Mo’s. No reservations required. Registration closes at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3; 9 a.m.-noon. at Cenaiko Lake in Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids.

This course offers certification in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) Firearms Safety program. Pre-registration and pre-payment required through the MN DNR Information Center by calling 651-296-6157. Fee: $10/person. Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

We’ll explore the exciting life of the prairie by examining the unique plants that live there and using “sweep nets” to search for insects. Build your own bug box to take home! For young explores ages 6-7. Pre-registration required by calling 651-429-8007. $3/child. Saturday May 10; 10 a.m.-noon at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

Discover which plants are growing on the Wargo peninsula. We will use field guides to identify woodland wildflowers and make a nature journal to record some of our findings. Please prepare to be outside, even if it rains. Pre-registration required by calling 651-429-8007. For children ages 8-11. Fee: $3/child. Saturday, May 10; 10 a.m.-noon at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

Join us on this introductory course on sea kayaking. We’ll start out with on-land instruction and then spend the rest of the evening kayaking and exploring the beautiful Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. Dinner will be provided. This program is being held in cooperation with the Minnesota Becoming an Outdoors Woman program. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $25/person (includes food, kayak, life vest, and paddles.) Limited to12 participants. Tuesday, May 13; 4-9 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center.

More than thirty birds of prey can be found in Minnesota. Sixteen of those species have been seen near the Coon Rapids Dam. Some are general hunters and some have very special characteristics. Join us to learn some easy identification tips. A live raptor will be our special guest. Fee: $4/person. Saturday, May 17; 10-11 a.m. at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids.

The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department is again offering this popular introductory level kayaking class at several locations around the county. We will be using sea kayaks to learn the basics of kayaking as we explore the lakes around the Wargo Nature Center, the Mississippi River at the Coon Rapids Dam, and the Rum River. Space is limited so sign up early. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $25/person. Tuesday, May 20; 7-9 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes or Wednesday, May 14; 6-8 p.m. at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids.

Summer is coming! Let’s head outside and explore what lives in the lakes, prairies and forests at this time of year. This program is geared for preschool children ages 4 and 5. Pre-registration is required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $3/child. Wednesday, May 21; 9:30 -11 a.m. at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids or Wednesday, May 21; 1-2:30 p.m. at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

Spring is the time to find beautiful flowering native plants. Some are edible, some are colorful, and a few are dangerous. Join us as we search for some of each. Remember to bring your camera. Fee: $4/person. Saturday, May 24; 10 a.m.- noon at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids.

This second level class is designed for the kayaker with some previous paddling experience. You will learn a variety of basic skills including wet exits and entries, draw and sweep strokes, bracing, and more. Learn how to reduce fatigue and increase your paddling enjoyment by improving your technique. Class will be held at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids. Space is limited. Bring your own kayak or we will provide one. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $25/person. Wednesday, May 28; 6-8 p.m. at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park.

Join us for a leisurely paddle on the Mississippi River. We will meet at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, shuttle upriver, have lunch (bring your own), and explore before we float back to the dam. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: $10/person, $30/family of four. Saturday, May 31; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids.

Rum River North County Park in St. Francis provides abundant wildlife, diverse plant life, and easy access. This new, monthly program will feature a trained naturalist to help you explore different natural elements in the park. Afterwards, enjoy a snack and complete a nature-themed craft. Pre-registration is required by calling 651-429-8007. Fee: (each session) $5/person or $12/family of 4. First session is Saturday, May 31; 1-3 p.m. at Rum River North County Park in St. Francis.

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page last updated - 04/25/2008

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