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FESTIVAL PARTNERS:
11TH ANNUAL
SPRING BOREAL BIRDING & NORTHERN LANDSCAPES FESTIVAL
June 5 - 8, 2008
   Photo by Bruce Stahly |
2008 Event Overview
WELCOME
A Weekend of Discovery and Exploration Awaits!
Including:
- ten field workshops focused on birds, wildflower, rocks and more
- "Owls of the North" with author and naturalist Dave Benson
- "The Bird Feed" at Sivertson's Art Gallery
Spring is an explosion of life in the North. After an extended season defined by white snow, frozen water and deep cold, spring and early summer surge forward, launching the region into dynamic months of growth and reproduction. Welcome to the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes Festival!
Returning migrants as well as resident bird species stake claim to territory, vigorously singing for all to hear. Bright blooms of spring's northern wildflowers accentuate the importance of the season, echoing the bright breeding plumage of birds. The rocky ridges of the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior's shoreline cliffs reflect the region's rich geologic history.
Discovering the birds, wildflowers, geology and more of this dynamic and rich northern landscape is the focus of the festival. A series of inter-related, field-focused workshops/courses (1-3 days in length) form the backbone of the event. Each workshop offers participants its own unique mixture of field trips, classroom discussions and afternoon workshops. Two evening programs with featured speakers are open to all participants in each of the seminars.
North House Folk School, home of the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes Festival, hosts the event to nurture hands-on exploration of the North. North House is located in Grand Marais, Minnesota, on the North Shore of Lake Superior, and in the midst of the Superior National Forest. The Superior National Forest is composed of over three million acres and includes deciduous and conifer forest, bogs, streams, and lakes. Included within its borders is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The region was designated as a Globally Important Bird Area in 2001. A total of 155 birds breed within its boundaries - more species than in any other national forest.
Forest and terrain vary significantly: great bodies of fresh water, deciduous (birch and aspen) forest, maple forest, conifer mixed forest with inland lakes, and the incredible boreal forest with inland lakes. Each year, workshop themes are adjusted, offering participants the opportunity to explore different areas on foot and by van.
The Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes Festival emphasizes sharing the excitement and curiosity of field exploration. Time spent together in the field is complemented by opportunities to relax and share conversation. Whether you are working on your "birding life list," curious about rocks or simply hoping to explore northern forests - participants of all abilities are welcome!
For a complete list of species spotted in past years, see the "Combined Previous Festival Bird List."
Where is Grand Marais?
What do I bring to the festival?
Ready to explore another season? Learn more about the AUTUMN MIGRATION & SUPERIOR ECOLOGY SERIES
North House Folk School offers year-round hands-on coursework, seasonal special events and numerous northern ecology field workshops.
For more information contact:
North House Folk School
218-387-9762 or 1-888-387-9762
P.O. Box 759
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Copyright © Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival 2008