Upcoming Activities

The public is welcome to our regular Social/Educational meetings 7:30 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Chapter House. Linger afterwards for light refreshments and conversation with the speaker and other attendees,
8816 West River Road, Brooklyn Park.

 

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Tuesday, September 26, 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Scott Sharkey -

Tales of a Minnesota Marsh

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Have you ever wondered why biologists consider wetlands so important? Join us for a story about restoring a special

Minnesota marsh…complete with a photo-essay illustrating why these places are so remarkable.

 

In autumn, three decades ago, Scott had his first “encounter” with the “Opus Marsh”, while on a hike on the north side of the Minnesota River near my home in Bloomington. In essence, he adopted this marsh as an open-air studio for observation, photography and recharging. What he saw prompted him to return, time and again, with camera gear and tripod in tow, to document my experiences with this amazing place.

 

“What began on a September day in 1993 has now become a 30-year odyssey. This was not a planned natural history documentary, rather a series of spontaneous explorations when time allowed, over days, months…and eventually years. What I have seen must be shared with others.

 

“A century ago, Bloomington Minnesota was farmland. The wetlands were emptied of water using clay drain tiles dug 20 feet deep with outlets into the Minnesota River. The Opus Marsh had 2 of these drain tiles…during many years it was devoid of water. Working with the biologists at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, we “decommissioned” the drain tiles. The recovery that followed was an example of nature at its finest.”

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Tuesday, October 24, 7:30 p.m.

Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman 

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