Shetek Environmental Learning Center

06/15/2026

SLM Hiking Club is celebrating 2 years! Hike #24 will take place on Monday, June 22 at 6pm at Garvin Park. You are invited to be our guests. This will be a planned 2.5-3 mile hike. Please RSVP to [email protected] or by calling 507-763-3567. SLM Hiking Club membership information will be available at the hike and can also be found on our website https://shetek.org/project/slm-hiking-club/

06/13/2026

It’s National Get Outdoors Day. This is a great opportunity to go explore a Minnesota State Park.

It's Free Park Day! 🗺🌲

We're celebrating National Get Outdoors Day today with free entrance into all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas! No vehicle entry permit is needed today, so take this opportunity to unplug and enjoy the trails.

Use the map below to find your next state park adventure—or head to mndnr.gov/state_parks/map.html for an interactive map of all state parks and recreation areas!

ℹ mndnr.gov/freeparkdays
📷 mndnr.gov/sharephotos

05/29/2026

Always in awe of the beautiful of nature. These are a few things that have made me pause in my day and delight in the wonder and beauty of nature around me. What things in nature have made you pause from what you have been doing to take notice? Share your images in the comments.

“If one truly loves nature one finds beauty everywhere.” Vincent Van Gogh

05/09/2026

Today is World Migratory Bird Day. What is your favorite migratory bird that you look forward to seeing every year?

🌏🐦 Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 🐦🌏

On May 9, we honor the incredible journeys of migratory birds that travel thousands of miles each year between their breeding and wintering grounds. From tiny songbirds to majestic raptors, these travelers connect ecosystems across continents.

💛 Why it matters:
Migratory birds are vital for pollination, seed dispersal and keeping insect populations in check. Protecting their habitats ensures healthy ecosystems and thriving wildlife.

🌿 How you can help:
• Turn off unnecessary lights at night – they can disorient birds on their journey
• Keep bird feeders and water sources clean
• Plant native flowers, shrubs and trees to provide food and shelter
• Reduce hazards like window collisions and outdoor cat predation

This World Migratory Bird Day, let’s celebrate these amazing travelers and do our part to help them on their journey! 🕊️💙

📸A blue heron, photo submitted to DNR by Sallie Stormquist.

05/08/2026

Friday fun fact: an adult pelican can eat 2.5 to 4 pounds of fish per day.

05/07/2026

It’s a beauiful spring day here at camp. I hope you are finding time to get outside and enjoy the beauty around you. What are some of your favorite changes in nature that the month of May brings?

05/05/2026

It was a beautiful evening despite the cold wind for hike #23 at Plum Creek Park in Walnut Grove MN. The trail provided opportunities for great conversation, connection and enjoyment of nature. We completed 3 miles, hiking both the Lake Laura Trail and Plum Creek Trail. This is a county park that has so much to offer. It’s worth a visit.
Our June hike will be another new location for our hiking club at another county park. Stay tuned for more details to be announced next month.