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Minnesota

Prairie chicken
Prairie chicken
©Dominique Braud
Event: Courtship of the Greater Prairie Chicken
Where: Bluestem Prairie
When: Early April to mid May
The dramatic courtship display of the greater prairie chickens can be observed at dawn from blinds on the preserve.

Reservations required, call: (218) 498-2679. Facilities available nearby.
Western prairie fringed orchid
Western prairie fringed orchid
©Brian Winter
Event: Rare Orchid Blooming
Where: Pembina Trail Preserve
When: First week in July
The federally endangered western-fringed orchid blooms in only a few places in the nation's remaining prairies. There is an exceptional population at this preserve, managed by the Conservancy's Minnesota Chapter.

Open to the public (but please seek permission of Conservancy preserve manager to locate plant populations.)
Cooper's hawk
Cooper's hawk
©Lin Stryker
Event: Hawk Ridge Raptor Count
Where: Hawk Ridge, Duluth
When: Late-September weekends
Thousands of hawks, including sharp-shinned, Coopers and kestrels migrate south in the autumn, following the shoreline of Lake Superior. The local Audubon Chapter organizes bird-watching activities at this 91-acre site, acquired with Conservancy help in 1971.

Open to the public.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park
©Harold E. Malde
Event: Leaves Peaking
Where: Tettegouche State Park
When: Mid to late September
Take in the colorful vistas from hiking trails - Mount Trudee, Palisade Valley, Baptism River and Lake Superior - all visible from the ridgeline trails in this 8,000+ acre wilderness.

Open to the public.
Pasque flowers
Pasque flowers
©Mike Forsberg
Event: Pasque Flowers Blooming
Where: Northern Tallgrass Prairie Preserves
When: Late April through May
Pasque flowers emerge on blustery hillsides to announce another growing season on native prairies across Minnesota, including at the Wallace C. Dayton Conservation and Wildlife Area.

For additional information on a particular location, click on the name of the preserve associated with the event or visit the Minnesota site.