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Northern Ecology

Currently Scheduled Northern Ecology Courses

Most North House courses are designed for students 18+, but many welcome youth under age 18, and several allow for a young person to attend and receive our Intergenerational Discount of 25% off their tuition if they sign up with a full-paying adult.

You can find the courses with the Intergenerational Discount here. The information about specific ages allowed is in the course's description.

Teaser image for Birding and Botanizing Through May

Birding and Botanizing Through May

Let's explore the nature of May in Grand Marais. Birds are returning from their wintering…
Tue, May 5th, 2026
7am-noon
Instructors: Joe Walewski, Joe Lutz
Tue, May 12th, 2026
7am-noon
Instructors: Joe Walewski, Joe Lutz
Tue, May 19th, 2026
7am-noon
Instructors: Joe Walewski, Joe Lutz
Tue, May 26th, 2026
7am-noon
Instructors: Joe Walewski, Joe Lutz
Teaser image for Discovering the Language of Birds

Discovering the Language of Birds

We call them songs, but in reality, those sweet bird chirps and calls are more than a happy little…
Sat, May 30th, 2026
8am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sat, Jun 6th, 2026
8am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for Lichens and Mosses of the North Woods

Lichens and Mosses of the North Woods

Often overlooked and clearly underappreciated, our lichens and mosses are wonderfully diverse and…
Sat, May 30th, 2026
9am-4pm
Instructor: Joe Walewski
Sun, May 31st, 2026
9am-4pm
Instructor: Joe Walewski
Teaser image for Mushroom & Fungi Intro

Mushroom & Fungi Intro

Join us on the North Shore and in the Superior National Forest as summer wanes and the seasonal…
Fri, Sep 5th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sat, Sep 6th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Fri, Sep 12th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sat, Sep 13th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for Mushroom & Fungi: A Closer Look

Mushroom & Fungi: A Closer Look

If you've scratched the surface of mushroom identification, you probably have realized that…
Sun, Sep 14th, 2025
9am-4pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for Phenology and Art in Feltmaking

Phenology and Art in Feltmaking

Create a felt art tapestry inspired by the natural wonders found in a day of guided excursions in…
Fri, May 29th, 2026  –  Sun, May 31st, 2026
Days 1-2: 9am-5pm; Day 3: 9am-noon
Teaser image for Spring Birding on the North Shore

Spring Birding on the North Shore

Spring offers excellent birding opportunities on the North Shore. With the arrival of warblers and…
Fri, May 29th, 2026
7am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sun, May 31st, 2026
7am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Fri, Jun 5th, 2026
7am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Sun, Jun 7th, 2026
7am-3pm
Instructor: Michael Karns
Teaser image for The Magic of Northern Seasonal Ponds

The Magic of Northern Seasonal Ponds

Easily missed and usually ignored, seasonal ponds of the northern woodlands are magical places full…
Sat, May 30th, 2026  –  Sun, May 31st, 2026
9am-4pm each day
Instructors: Sue Eggert, Betsy Colburn
Teaser image for Understanding, Forecasting, and Photographing the Aurora Borealis

Understanding, Forecasting, and Photographing the Aurora Borealis

Learn how the aurora forms, when the best times are to see it, and how to photograph this amazing…
Sat, Aug 30th, 2025  –  Sun, Aug 31st, 2025
4-6pm and 9-11:30pm
Instructor: Bob King