Twin Cities Active Millennials Exploring Nature and Events

Tamarack nature description

🌿 Sunday Morning Nature Walk: Explore Tamarack Preserve 🌳
When: Sunday, July 26th | Meetup Time: 11:00 AM (We will start walking at 11:10 AM)
Where: Tamarack Nature Preserve, Woodbury, MN

⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT: MEETING LOCATION
To ensure no one gets lost, we are meeting in the Main Parking Lot off Tower Drive.

• Address: 1825 Tower Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.
• Look for: The "Tamarack Nature Preserve" sign and the trailhead near the water treatment facility.
• Alternative Parking: If this small lot is full, please park along Woodpark Blvd, just down the street, and walk toward the trail entrance.
• Meetup Spot: I will be standing near the entrance of the main trail/wooded area. I will let you all know what I’m wearing the day of.

About the Event
Join our nature group for a relaxing, conversational Sunday morning hike through one of Woodbury’s hidden gems! The Tamarack Nature Preserve is a unique 169-acre wetland/bog complex.

In July, the preserve is lush, green, and vibrant. We’ll walk along floating boardwalks through the "rich fen" (the southernmost tamarack swamp in Minnesota!), hike through wooded areas, and hopefully catch some blooming mid-summer wildflowers and spot wildlife.

Trail Details:

• Distance: Approx. 2–3 miles (we can adjust based on group interest).
• Terrain: Combination of paved paths, rustic dirt paths, and wood boardwalks.
• Difficulty: Easy/Casual pace.
• What to expect: Quiet, wooded trails that sometimes back up to residential areas.

What to Bring/Wear

• Bug Spray: Highly recommended! Because it is a bog-like, wetland environment, insects can be active in late July.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers. While the boardwalks are dry, rustic sections can be muddy.
• Water: Stay hydrated, as there are no water stations in the preserve.
• Camera/Binoculars: Great for identifying birds, turtles, and wetland plants.

Logistics & Community

• Pets: Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
• Restrooms: There are no permanent buildings, but there are portable toilets near the parking lot.
• Safety: Please watch your step on the boardwalks and remain on designated trails to protect the fragile wetland habitat.

After the walk, we can discuss heading to a nearby café to grab a coffee or cold drink!
This event is free to attend. I will send a message via Meetup the day before if there are any drastic changes to weather.
Can’t wait to see you all out in nature!

Title: Millennials and wine 🍷 Afternoon Picnic at Alexis Bailly Vineyard!
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 18200 Kirby Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033
About this Event:

Ready to trade the city noise for rows of vines and a glass of local wine? Join us for a laid-back afternoon at Minnesota’s first commercial winery, Alexis Bailly Vineyard. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just here for the scenery, this is the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and your fellow group members.

We’ll be taking advantage of the vineyard's picnic-friendly policy, so feel free to pack a spread of your favorite snacks. If you forget your basket, their onsite deli has a great selection of local cheeses, meats, and crackers available for purchase.

What We’ll Be Doing:

• Wine Tasting: Sample a flight of estate grown wines, ranging from smooth reds to refreshing rosés.
• Vineyard Strolls: Take a walk through the picturesque grounds and explore the sculpture park tucked among the vines.
• Bocce Ball: Challenge a new friend to a game on the vineyard's regulation bocce courts.
• Good Conversation: We’ll grab a spot in the outdoor seating area to relax and enjoy the pastoral views.

What to Bring:

• A Picnic Blanket: While there is outdoor seating, a blanket gives us more flexibility to lounge near the vines.
• Your Own Food: Feel free to bring a full lunch or just some light bites.
• Nature-Friendly Vibe: Dress for the weather and prepare for a relaxed, outdoor experience.

Good to Know:

• Parking: There is a free parking lot available on-site.
• Dogs: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are typically welcome on the grounds.
• Winery Rules: No outside beverages (besides water) are allowed.
  Come for the wine, stay for the sunshine and good company. See you at the wine! 🍷

🌿 Nature Walk at Hyland Lake Park Reserve
Date: Sunday, September 27th
Time: 10:00 AM
Meeting Spot: Richardson Nature Center (Main Entrance)

Join us for a mid-morning trek through the diverse landscapes of Hyland Lake Park Reserve. We’ll be exploring the northern section of the park, which features beautiful restored prairies, oak forests, and active wetlands. This time of year is perfect for spotting nesting trumpeter swans and ospreys.

📍 Logistics & Meeting Point

• Exact Location: We are meeting at the Richardson Nature Center, located at 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438.
• Important Note: Do NOT go to the main Hyland Lake Visitor Center (the "Chutes and Ladders" side). The Nature Center is a separate entrance approximately 2 miles north.
• Where to find us: Look for the group gathered outside the main doors of the Nature Centerbuilding.
• Parking: Ample parking is available in the paved lot directly at the Nature Center and it is free for personal vehicles.

🥾 The Route

• Distance: Approximately 3–4 miles (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
• Terrain: A mix of paved trails and woodchip paths. Expect some rolling hills; while the trails are well-maintained, woodchip sections can be uneven.
• Facilities: Modern restrooms and water fountains are available inside the Nature Center at the start/end of our walk. There are no restrooms along the trail loop itself.

🎒 What to Bring

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes (water-resistant is best if there was recent rain).
• A water bottle and sunscreen.
• Binoculars if you’re a birdwatcher!.
• Please note: While the park is dog-friendly, some organized nature walks prefer no pets to better view wildlife—please check the park rules if you plan to bring a furry friend.

🍔 Post-Walk Lunch Suggestions
After we work up an appetite, let's grab a bite! Here are a few great spots nearby:

Mallards Southern Kitchen (Bloomington) – A local favorite for Southern comfort food, seafood, and a great patio.

Wooden Hill Brewing Company (Edina) – Located just down the road on Bush Lake Rd. They have a massive taproom, great burgers, and loaded fries.

Q. Cumbers (Edina) – A classic choice for hiking groups, offering a massive healthy buffet with endless salad and soup options.

Taco Libre (Edina) – A fun, casual spot for authentic street tacos and a great salsa bar.