Let's explore the nature of May in Grand Marais. Birds are returning from their wintering grounds! Where have they come from? Where are they going? What’s going on?

As well, the plants (aka botany) are changing; greening and growing. What’s that over there? How is it connected to the bird story?

These birds are returning HOME! Millions will return; often to the same patch of trees and other plants where they hatched last year. We should welcome them back with a big party. If not a party, we should at least honor them by taking the time to get to know where they are and what they are doing. Let’s learn about the plants in their lives too. Learning about our neighbors is one of the first things we should do when building a community.

Join our community on any or all of the scheduled days. The best birding requires practice, practice, and community. We will explore the best birding and botanizing areas around Grand Marias including the shoreline and a little bit up the Gunflint Trail. To maximize flexibility in the field, students will need to drive themselves or carpool to a variety of locations. All levels welcome. Lunches are not included. Students aged 16+ may register for this course independently. Students aged 12-15 may register with a full-paying adult. The youth student will receive a 25% intergenerational discount; call to register.

Physical Ability/Skills Needed

• We will move around, but will focus on places with the simplest accessibility.

Required Tools

• BINOCULARS!!
• Field notebook
• Your favorite birding field guide (available for purchase @ North House School Store)
• Layered, warm, light colored clothing (sweatshirts, jackets, long pants)
• Hat
• Lightweight gloves
• Rain Gear
• Sturdy footwear for hiking (trails may be wet from dew and rain)
• Insect repellant, and/or insect head net
• Sunglasses for bright outdoor sun
• Sun-block
• Water bottles
• Lunch and Snacks
• Small backpack to hold the above