August
Master Naturalist Chapter Meeting – (August 3, 2010) 6:00 p.m.? Boulder Lake ELC service project to be determined

Master Naturalist Volunteer Training (August 24, 28, 31 Sept 7, 14, 18, 21, 28)

September

Woodland Advocate Program (Pending USDA grant) – Engaging Beginning Woodland Owners in Responsible Forestry – Connecting woodland owners to resources.

October
Agate Festival – (October 9, 2010) This annual family event is centered around the MN state gem: the agate.  In an open house format, participants learn about the geologic formation of the region, learn basic rock i.d., see a working cider press, and other autumn or geology-related activities.
Program support or education project: Help set up, check people in, announce starting times of various activities, or conduct educational activities.

November
Gathering balsam boughs and making wreaths as a fundraiser for Boulder Lake ELC.

December
Christmas Tree Cut (December 4, 2010) – This successful December event attracts hundreds of people within a six-hour day!  We meet along one of BLMA’s snowmobile/ski trails and allow families to come cut their own balsam fir Christmas tree.  We also try to incorporate informal education on coniferous tree identification and advertise upcoming events.
Program support: Help make wreaths for fundraiser sale, set up tables, etc., collect money, direct incoming visitors, put up road signs.

February
Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe – This is typically an event we schedule around Valentine’s Day, but we may convert it into a general public event.  From 6 to 9 p.m., folks come out and either ski or snowshoe along a lit trail and then enjoy snacks around the fire. 
Program support: Help light candles on trail, tend to the fire, set up snacks and drinks, decorate the Ski Den, and check people in.

March
Breeding Owl Survey – The breeding owl survey is conducted annually by volunteers to monitor the species of owls in the area.  Generally, the survey begins in late March and ends with two survey periods in early April. 
Citizen science: Follow designated routes and fill out survey forms while listening for owl species and recording weather conditions.

May
Spring Frog Calling Tour – This is a daytime family event in which we introduce the species of frogs and toads found in the area, learn some of their calls and ways to identify them, then travel to a nearby pond and catch tadpoles or frog species.
Program support or education project – Help with set-up and registration, or help conduct the educational activities.

Boulder Birding Big Day – 2010 will be our 16th year conducting BBBD.  Beginner, intermediate and advanced birders count bird species for 3.5 hours and tally their findings as we wrap up the public event. 
Program support or education project – Get people signed in, organize and send out teams, or be a team leader (solid knowledge of bird i.d. is required).  We may also need help with additional tasks this year. 

Additional activities

Paint Bat symbol on bat houses and hang them up around Boulder..

Marketing – Help get the word out about Boulder Programs…help distribute/post flyers.

Help to improve basement interpretive displays

Get the word out about handicap accessible camping/fishing options at Boulder Lake.

Grant research-  research grant opportunities/draft proposals for Boulder Lake ELC

Assist in the development of organized recreation event like canoe race, triathlon, etc.

Interested in any of these….

Please contact

John Geissler
Director
Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center
7328 Boulder Dam Road
Duluth, MN 55803
218-721-3731
www.boulderlake.org