Even in the outdoors– River Bend made adjustments

even in tHe outdoors,

River Bend made adjustments

A743-acre treasure tucked into the south- ing outdoor skills and exploring nature. Small, physically-distanced east corner of Faribault, River Bend Nature programs for scouting groups, clubs, businesses, schools, and those Center has been meeting its mission of learning from home are offered and online delivery or small group on helping people discover, enjoy, understand, site programs for school are available. and pre- The time of the pandemic also increased conservation efforts and serve the the effort to protect dwarf lily habitat—a forest wildflower only found incredible in Rice, Goodhue, and Steele Counties and nowhere else on Earth. natural There are currently 54 acres in the Conservation Partners Legacy proworld that gram which is restoring native woodland habitat to protect this rare surrounds species.us since its establishment in 1978. Invasive species removal — primarily buckthorn, garlic mustard,

With 10 miles of trails winding and dame’s rocket — is an ongoing effort that has received more through maple-basswood forests, a restored prairie, wetlands, and along the Straight River, it has been especially embraced by people during the pandemic seeking exercise and appreciating nature. Progress is a constant process at attention and will allow native plant life and wildlife diversity to flourish. Another 26 acres are enrolled in a program being restored to native hardwood forests as invasive species are removed and seeding and tree plantings take root. In addition, 36 acres are in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) which had previously been farmed and are now managed as native prairie. If you are interested in observing

River Bend. In the realm of education, schools from up to a 50-mile radius have boarded buses and hiked Guest Columnist Patrick Mader migratory birds and seeing the outdoor classroom, please consider visiting these habitats. River Bend Nature Center is a 501c3 nonprofit nature center which the trails and explored nature, some classrooms as many as two to does not receive national, state or local funding for operations. It three times per year to supplement science classes. Waste reduction depends upon community support, partnerships, and the generosity education is hosted in all Rice County schools, emphasizing ways to of individual and business donations. Please consider contributing to reduce, reuse, and recycle as part of a joint effort with the county. this Rice County wonderland! And a new partnership with Faribault High School has students on Learn more about this gem at www.rbnc.org or www.facebook. site daily learning and working on projects through a field biology com/RiverBendMN and have fun as you bike; hike through the internship course led by Peter Jacobson. woods; cross country ski in the quiet and softness created by snow;

The staff at River Bend has nimbly adapted to changes forced by observe warblers, woodpeckers, bluebirds, and scarlet tanagers; and the pandemic. Executive Director Breanna Wheeler takes justifiable witness pollinators in the prairie, fox stalking prey and browsing pride in how they have adjusted education to small groups and low deer! contact options. Summer programs became micro camps on learn- Patrick Mader is River Bend Nature Center Board of Directors’ vice president.