Flight Behavior
Program Schedule +
Book Discussions
Please see the calendar for a list of programs being offered for the 2022 Driftless Regional Read. Note any programs with registration requirements, as seating may be limited on some of the events.
SEPTEMBER
Does Climate Anxiety Help the Planet? An existential Toolkit for Climate Justice
September 13th, 2022
UWL - Student Union Room 2130 - 521 East Avenue N, La Crosse, WI 54601
7:00PM - 8:30PM
Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, powerless, and hopeless when you think about the scope and scale of the climate crisis? Join Sarah Jaquette Ray as she discusses the role of emotions in climate justice activism, the topic of her book, A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet. Combining insights from psychology, sociology, social movements, mindfulness, and the environmental humanities, Ray explains why and how we need to let go of eco-guilt, resist burnout, and cultivate resilience while advocating for climate justice. Small group discussions after the talk will give you the chance to reflect on your own climate justice journey.
Click here for the La Crosse Public Library event calendar.
Monarchs and Milkweed
Rescheduled for October 3rd,2022
Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
5:00PM
Monarch migration in the Coulee Region typically peaks in September. Join Nora from Happy Dancing Turtle to learn about monarchs, multiple types of Minnesota milkweeds, and what you can do to help! We'll learn about several organizations working to conserve monarch populations. You'll make your own milkweed soil bombs to bring home and throw into the wild!
***Participants must register for the program. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/wplmonarchsmilkweed. For any questions, please contact the Winona Public Library.
Click here for the Winona Public Library event calendar.
Sustainable Living
September 17th, 2022
Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
10:30AM
The Winona boathouses have made magazines, articles, and newspapers. They are even a popular attraction among those visiting Winona. Many boathouse owners on Latsch Island live there fulltime. Find out how members of the Winona Boathouse Association manage a sustainable lifestyle, and how you can too on Saturday, September 17th at 10AM in the Winona Public Library’s Bell Art Room.
Click here for the Winona Public Library event calendar.
Wildwood Trail Hike
September 20th, 2022
Wildwood Trail - Upper Loop of Holzinger Trail off of Wincrest Drive
10:30AM
The Bluffside Trail is often known for its lower loop (Holzinger Trail), but what about the upper loop, the Wildwood Trail beginning at Wincrest Drive? Join the Winona Public Library on Tuesday, September 20th at 10:30am for a guided hike of the Wildwood Trail lead by Alicia, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for the City of Winona. Along the way, participants will learn about invasive species that Bluffside Park is battling and Bluffs Traverse Project, a Legacy Amendment Funded project that would interconnect the three trail systems along the bluff (Sugarloaf, Bluffside, and Garvin Heights Parks).
***Participants must register for the program. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/wplwildwood For any questions, please contact the Winona Public Library.
What are You Afraid Of? Embracing the Outdoors
September 22nd, 2022
La Crescent Public Library - 321 Main St #1158, La Crescent, MN 55947
10:30 AM
Are you thinking you'd like to get outside and enjoy trails, woods, wetlands and nature - but don't know where to start or re-start? Join Marge Loch-Wouters as we explore the things that sometimes prevent us from getting out and spending time enjoying nature. In this conversational presentation, we'll touch on your barriers to participation (whether it's bugs; safety; gear; finding hiking/kayaking buddies; poisonous plants; finding destinations etc) and strategies that you can use to get you out and about. Marge Loch-Wouters is a long-time hiker, canoeist, biker and nature enjoyer. She is one of the co-leaders of La Crescent's Driftless Drifters hiking group, a certified MN Master Naturalist volunteer and serves on the La Crescent Park and Rec commission.
Click here for the La Crescent Public Library Event Calendar.
Lets Hike
September 24th, 2022
Apple Blossom Overlook - 169 County Hwy 1, Dakota, MN 55925
10:30 AM
Join Marge Loch-Wouters, MN Master Naturalist volunteer and La Crescent's Driftess Drifters Hiking club member (sponsored through La Crescent-Hokah Community Education) for an hour-long interpretive walk through Apple Blossom Overlook Park. We'll talk a bit about the history and geology of the park as well as its future. We'll also look at plants, wildlife and amazing views afforded at this nearby gem. There are some ups and downs on the trail so wear sturdy shoes, bring water, bug spray and your curiosity. Participants will receive a list of over 20 easy hikes in the area as well as information on the hiking club and their year-round Tuesday morning and Saturday afternoon hikes. All ages (recommended for ages 6 and up with an adult if hiking with kids).
Click here for the La Crescent Public Library Event Calendar.
Driftless Area BioBlitz
September 25th, 2022 (Insects)
WisCorps Pollinator Garden @ 1:00PM - 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse, WI 54601
There will be pulse-pounding displays of some of the most glorious insects on Earth, and Barrett will discuss examples of ways in which insects have affected our culture and history, from fashion to food, music to movies, and politics to espionage. Weather-permitting, Barrett will lead an insect walk, pointing out insects and sharing tales of their natural history along the way. If you join Barrett on his walk, please bring closed-toed shoes for your safety.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.
September 25th (Fungi)
Lower Hixon Trailhead @ 3:00PM - 2600 Old Quarry Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601
Fungi play many important roles in the environment as decomposers, pathogens, and essential partners of other organisms. Todd will talk about fungal biology, then we will collect fungi in lower Hixon Forest, and then discuss our finds. Please also feel free to bring along mushrooms or other fungi for identification and/or discussion. Please bring closed-toed shoes and a mask for your safety.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.
Pollinator Gardens
September 27th, 2022
Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
5:00PM
Did you know that several pollinators are endangered species? These are butterflies, bees, birds, and more. University of Minnesota Extension Office Master Gardener, Deb Martin, will talk about the tips and tricks of creating pollinator gardens to attract and feed many types of pollinators on Tuesday, September 27th at 5PM in the Winona Public Library’s Bell Art Room.
Click here for the Winona Public Library event calendar.
OCTOBER
National Solar Tour
October 1st, 2022
Location is TBD. Check back soon for updates.
10:00AM - 12:00PM
National Solar Tour is on October 1st. It is a day where you can tour businesses or residential areas that are solar-powered. On Saturday, October 1st, the Winona Public Library and Winona Renewable Energy will host open houses from 10AM-12PM at two Winona County Farmsteads. There you will be able to see each setup and have all your solar power questions answered.
1449 Ridgewood Dr.
Winona, MN 55987
This is the home of Tim Gulden. He is the previous owner of Winona Renewable Energy. Gulden has a wealth of solar knowledge and has solar on his home.
1110 Gilmore Valley Road
Winona, MN, 55987
This is the home of Mary Schultz and also is the original Schultz family farmstead. Solar is located on her garage; she also has a ground mount for maximum output. Mary can tell you all about solar from a homeowner’s perspective.
Click here for the Winona Public Library event calendar.
Monarchs and Milkweed
October 3rd,2022
Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
5:00PM
Monarch migration in the Coulee Region typically peaks in September. Join Nora from Happy Dancing Turtle to learn about monarchs, multiple types of Minnesota milkweeds, and what you can do to help! We'll learn about several organizations working to conserve monarch populations. You'll make your own milkweed soil bombs to bring home and throw into the wild!
***Participants must register for the program. To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/wplmonarchsmilkweed. For any questions, please contact the Winona Public Library.
Click here for the Winona Public Library event calendar.
City of La Crosse Climate Action Plan Presentation and Discussion
October 4th, 2022
5:30PM - 6:30PM
La Crosse Public Library Main Hall
800 Main St, La Crosse Wi
This program is intend to provide an overview of the City of La Crosse’s climate action planning process and solicit feedback on the draft plan. Over the course of this year, the City staff has been reaching out to community members to gather input on climate change issues in La Crosse. The resulting Climate Action Plan will anticipates the current and projected climate change impacts on the city. It will also provide focus and guidance on actions to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2030. Further the plan is intended to build the community’s resilience to these climate change impacts.
Check out the draft of the Climate Action Plan Here: https://www.lacrosseclimateactionplan.org/news/la-crosse-draft-climate-a...
Click here for the calendar event.
HUB Tour: Sustainable Urban Landscapes Done Right
October 6th, 2022
The HUB on 6th - 415 6th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
6:00PM - 7:00PM
Take a tour of the HUB apartments on 6th street with Judd Steinbeck from Coulee Region Ecoscapes. This complex is a textbook example of how housing can be done with environmental impact in mind. Learn about the urban ecology, future proofing, and green renovation practices that converted this former county admin building into a thriving downtown community.
Click here for the La Crosse Public Library event calendar.
Grow A Green Landscape
October 10th, 2022 @ 10:00AM
October 11th, 2022 @ 6:00PM
La Crescent Public Library - 321 Main St #1158, La Crescent, MN 55947
This event will introduce participants to the benefits of rain gardens and native plants. Rain gardens and native plants have many benefits which include: Removing pollutants from water before it enters surface waters. Preventing erosion by holding soil in place with deep roots. Attracting birds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Require little watering and maintenance once established.
Click here for the La Crescent Public Library Event Calendar.
Nature RX
October 13th, 2022
La Crescent Public Library - 321 Main St #1158, La Crescent, MN 55947
1:00PM - 2:00PM
This presentation will cover how nature impacts our health and wellbeing (physical, mental and spiritual) and tools and resources to help people find and explore outdoor nature areas in our region and across Minnesota. We’ll also learn about the Park Rx America effort and our local Se MN Park Rx team working to connect area health care providers to the outdoors.
Click here for the La Crescent Public Library Event Calendar.
Forest Bathing Walk & Presentation
October 15th, 2022
Pettibone Park Shelter - 700 N Pettibone Dr, La Crosse, WI 54601
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Click here for the La Crescent Public Library Event Calendar.
Phenology and Climate Change
October 18th, 2022
Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
5:00PM
Phenology is the study of the timing of recurring biological events (i.e. animal migrations, bloom times, breeding times, etc.). Scientists all over the world use phenology to study the effects of climate change, but they need your help! Join Nora from Happy Dancing Turtle to learn a brief history of phenology, examples of what we can learn from it, and how you can get involved by collecting data through a variety of citizen science programs. You'll have an opportunity to try apps for various programs, so bring a smart phone or tablet if you have one.
Click here for the Winona Public Library event calendar.
Climate Anxiety in Kids, Teens and their Caregivers: Let’s Discuss and Connect Facilitated by Beth Mullen-Houser, PhD
October 19th, 2022
La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main St, La Crosse, Wi 54601
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Adults, teens and even kids are increasingly reporting climate anxiety, at times disrupting functioning. Join a facilitated discussion to recognize, address and connect with others about climate anxiety in our younger members.
Check out these titles for more info on this topic: Generation Dread by Britt Wray, How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change by Harriet Shugarman, and No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz.
Click here for the La Crosse Public Library event calendar.
What is Just Transition? Principals and Practices for Climate Justice Work
October 27th, 2022
La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main St, La Crosse, Wi 54601
6:00PM - 7:00PM
Addressing climate change and creating a habitable, sustainable future requires deep, systemic changes. These changes are not created in a vacuum, but instead will be built on the history and infrastructure of the present. How these changes are made will have powerful impacts on the lives of people around the world. Come learn more about climate justice and how the transition to a sustainable future can be done justly, then join in a discussion facilitated by Laura Abellera from Social Responsibility Speaks.
Click here for the La Crosse Public Library event calendar.
Pollinator Identification
October 27th, 2022
Winona Public Library Bell Art Room - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
5:00PM
Have you ever wondered about the pollinators in your flowerbeds? Which ones do you want in your garden or don’t want? What’s the difference between a bee and a wasp? What kind of butterflies will you find in your garden? These are some questions that University of Minnesota Extension Office Master Gardener, Laura Armstrong will answer on Thursday, October 27th at 5PM in the Winona Public Library’s Bell Art Room.
Click here for the Winona Public Library event calendar.
NOVEMBER
Greenhouse The Game: Game Night
November 2nd, 2022
La Crosse Public Library - Main
6:00PM - 7:00PM
Who said that discussing climate change had to be depressing? Join Casey Meehan, a climate change learning and engagement expert, for an evening playing Greenhouse, a game about climate change.
Green House is a cooperative card game to help you turn your climate anxiety into hope and action. Every turn starts with a climate event, but you've got the power in your hands to do something about it by playing action cards -- real-life climate solutions that someone somewhere in the world is working on right now!
After playing the game, you’ll spend time debriefing the outcome and translating what you learned in the game into meaningful actions you can take to address climate change.
CLICK HERE TO REIGISTER. SEATING IS LIMITED.
Nuclear Power: Myths, Misconceptions, and Modern Technology
November 6th, 2022
La Crosse Public Library - 800 Main St, La Crosse, Wi 54601
2:00PM - 3:00PM
Nuclear Safety and Radiological Emergency Preparedness Specialist DJ LeClear, known online as The Rad Guy will lead a presentation on nuclear power, followed by Q&A. Come learn about new innovations and technology, challenge your perceptions, and bring your questions!
Click here for the La Crosse Public Library event calendar.
Book Discussion Schedule
September 14th, 2022
La Crosse Public Library - Main
10:00AM - 11:00AM
September 19th, 2022
La Crescent Public Library
10:00AM - 11:00AM
September 29th, 2022
La Crosse Public Library - Main
Hosted by Coulee Region Climate Alliance
6:00PM - 7:00PM
October 5th, 2022
Winona Public Library
2:00PM - 3:00PM
October 16th, 2022
La Crosse Public Library - Main
1:30PM - 2:30PM
October 25th , 2022
La Crosse Public Library - Main
6:00PM - 7:00PM
BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) Book Club
Climate Change Books
November 17th, 2022
Online Via Zoom
7:00PM - 8:00PM
B.Y.O.B. (Club) is a non-traditional book club for adults. Instead of reading a predetermined title, participants meet online to share what they’re currently reading and pick up new recommended reads. This month we will share climate change themed titles, non-fiction and fiction alike! Whether you can’t wait to talk up your new favorite title or just want to listen to the conversation, all are welcome to join!