PARK RAPIDS — Itasca State Park will host an ecological presentation next month on mysterious mushrooms.
On Sept. 15, Jonathan Schilling from the University of Minnesota will share the history of Itasca Station and discuss how networks of fungal mycelium have sustained themselves for centuries in forests like Itasca.
Long pants and long socks are recommended for this walk along the Bear Paw Point Trail from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Schilling, according to a news release, “will discuss how networks of fungal mycelium mean life, death, and ‘conversation’ under your feet and in the trees. His science spans large networks and communities all the way down to the microscopic tips of fungal ‘hyphae.’”
Other events at Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park will host Five Facts on Thursday, Aug. 31, and Saturday, Sept. 2. Visitors can ask quick questions on the topic of the day, like lichen or mammals of Itasca, as they visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River. In the event of rain, the naturalist station will be under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Center.
Themed hikes are scheduled at Itasca State Park, including a night hike 8-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. A short hike on fruits and seeds of the forest will be 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the picnic shelter in the picnic grounds. Visitors can explore beavers on a walk 10:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at the Mary Gibbs Center, and they can learn more about Itasca’s trees from 7-7:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Itasca State Park will host a number of children and family events over the next month. The Jr. Naturalist Program will be 2-2:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, near the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds. The program will meet 2-2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Mary Gibbs Visitor Center, and at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center from 2-2:45 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. Children can explore nature and make crafts with a naturalist during the programming.
Family Fishing Fun is 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Lake Itasca Fishing Pier below the Douglas Lodge. Children must be accompanied by adults for all youth programming and grownups are advised to pack and dress children accordingly.
Visitors are invited to explore the history of the buildings at Itasca State Park. Explore the historic buildings with a walking tour 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, starting across from the Douglas Lodge. From 11:15 a.m. to noon, the Civilian Conservation Corps-constructed Old Timers’ Cabin will be open to tour at visitors’ leisure.
Dogs have a special place in the hearts of many, and visitors can learn more about wild canines in a special presentation with a naturalist from 7-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3. The group will meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum inside the picnic grounds.
For more information, contact Connie Cox, interpretive naturalist, at 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, 218-699-7259.
