Anoka County Parks Invites Residents to Explore Winter Mysteries with Wildlife Tracking Program

ANOKA, MN — Anoka County Parks is offering residents a chance to view the winter landscape through a new lens this season with its "Winter Wildlife Tracking" program. The series invites participants to explore the outdoors, identify tracks, and piece together the stories of animal life during the winter months.

Tracking Program Details

Held at the Wargo Nature Center, the sessions are scheduled for select Saturdays throughout the winter: December 13, January 10, and February 21. Each class runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..

The program offers expert instruction, as each unique session is taught by a naturalist certified by Tracker Certification North America. Participants can choose to attend a single session or sign up for all three. Additionally, registered participants have the option to purchase a tracking field guide at a reduced rate to assist with their learning.

Additional December Activities

Beyond tracking, Wargo Nature Center and Anoka County Parks have announced a full slate of activities for December, ranging from educational talks to active outdoor recreation.

Educational and Family Programs:

• Once Upon a Story Time: Winter is Coming: A free event for ages 2+ on Tuesday, December 2, from 9-10 a.m..
• Lunch with a Naturalist: A free session focused on raccoons for ages 16+ on Wednesday, December 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m..
• Nature Play: Bears: Sessions for children ages 2-5 on Thursday, December 4 ($6/child).
• Eco-Art Series: Create a Gnome Ornament on Saturday, December 6 ($7/person).
• Homeschool Sessions: Classes for Kindergarteners (Off Trail Adventure) and Grades 6-12 (Predator & Prey Simulation) are available on December 18 and 19 ($8/child).

Outdoor Recreation:

• Serene Snowshoe Hike: Scheduled for Monday, December 29, from 1-3 p.m. for ages 13+ ($7/person).
• Group Games Day: An event for all ages on Tuesday, December 30, from 1-3 p.m. ($5/person) .
• Learn to Cross-Country Ski: Held at Bunker Hills Campground on Wednesday, December 31, from 1-3 p.m. for ages 13+ ($7/person).

Registration Information

Those interested in the Winter Wildlife Tracking series or other December events can learn more and register by visiting anokacountyparks.com or scanning the QR code available on park materials.

For media inquiries, contact Nicole Greenwell, Parks Communications Supervisor, at 763-324-3300 or via email at nicole.greenwell@anokacountymn.gov.

MinneapoliMedia