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Summer 2015 Volume XXV

Issue 3 Recently, Rochester Park and Recreation made a request through the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission that Quarry Hill Park be formally designated as a park of regional significance. You may be wondering what that means and why it’s important? In 2013, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission was established to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the state legislature for grants funded by the Parks and Trails Fund. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the sales tax revenue resulting from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy amendment. Those funds may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. So, Rochester Park and Recreation is taking steps to position the Park and help preserve this premier facility into the future. The application for this designation was competitive with over 90 applicants representing 80 counties outside of the Metro area. We are pleased to announce that Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center, as well as Cascade Lake Park and Gamehaven Park, scored among the top applications and were designated as parks of regional significance. As a result of the designation and Quarry Hill's continued commitment to offering the very best in natural science education and recreational opportunities, we are in the process of creating a master plan. This master plan is a cooperative effort between the City of Rochester Park and Recreation Department and the Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center. A master plan for Quarry Hill Park to develop the long range vision for this important community recreation area and environmental education facility will bring together planning efforts over the past several years and maximize potential for Legacy funding. The vision laid out in the Master Plan for Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center will help preserve this premier facility and community and regional asset in the years to come. Some of the enhancements proposed are renovation and expansion of exhibit spaces, trail development, natural & historical interpretation, additional educational space, natural play area, honeybee apiary and educational programming. This past month, we have hosted several input sessions and in the next few weeks will be presenting our proposed master plan to the Park Board. As plans unfold, we’ll be sure to keep you informed and, together, we’ll usher in the vibrant future of Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center.

Quarry Hill Park & Nature Center Master Plan

Above left: a proposed concept for an additional education facility located in the prairie north of the nature center. Above right: mapping invasive species in an effort to manage and preserve the natural landscape is a priority. Right: proposed revitalization and expansion of the nature center exploration hall and interpretive exhibits.

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Each year, we receive requests from Boy Scouts to do their Eagle Scout Service Project by taking on a project in Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center. Last year, six Scouts completed projects in the park; the results of which may be seen as you wander and hike around the park. Each of these six scouts planned a project, led a team and executed installation. The fol-lowing is a summary of their efforts. Michael Nakada built a kiosk to house the recycling and trash containers outside the heavily used Pond Pavilion. The kiosk was designed to house multiple containers and keep unwanted critters out—an important requirement in this natural setting. Brandon Nee developed and established a grass trail from the paved bike path on the north end of the park to the storm water retention pond. This trail opened up an

opportunity for students and summer campers to safely access the pond where they conduct water quality testing and study wildlife. Jordan Haddock’s project addressed an erosion problem on a well-traveled trail in the oak savanna. To control further erosion, Jordan planned, located and installed water bars, wood timbers placed across a trail, to prevent water flowing down the trail from reaching a volume and velocity that would cause continued erosion. Joshua Cordell provided the park with an 8’ x 8’ enclosure to be used for composting the noxious weed garlic mustard. Eradication of the invasive species Garlic Mustard is a priority in the park and proper disposal using this enclosure to compost these plants helps

prevent any seeds remaining in the plants from entering the environment and keeps this noxious weed out of the waste stream and landfills. David Wick manufactured and installed three new bird feeders near the Nature Center building. Quarry Hill Nature Center is a Federal Bird Banding Station and bands birds for educational and research purposes. David built these three feeders to meet to specifications allowing use of our potters traps for attracting and capturing song birds.

Eric Bruinsma installed several picture posts in the park which will allow photographers to take exactly the same photograph at various times of year to provide a seasonal record of landscape scenes. Eric also built the platform and installed a park bench. Congratulations to these scouts for earning their Eagle Scout rank and we appreciate all they’ve done to maintain and improve the park for the community to enjoy.

Eagle Scouts make the park a better place.

Did you know the field along our entrance road is DNR land? The DNR has been working to restore this parcel of land from it’s agricultural use in recent years to lowland woodlands. It may look like an empty field right now, but there is a great deal happening if you look closely! Seeding has taken place over the last couple years and earlier this month, 1100 swamp oak trees were planted. From acorns, mighty oaks grow! We are excited to watch as this land is restored and assist the DNR in their excellent stewardship of our natural resources.

Library Storytime at Quarry Hill Join in for stories, songs, puppets, rhymes and more presented by Library staff. Saturdays at 10:00 am June 6 July 18 August 8 Program is free. No registration required. Partnering to promote science literacy through

hands on experiences for kids and families.

Find us at the Pond Pavilion!

Camp Grand

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Offered Monday, August 17 or Friday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Amazing Mammals Camp Grand for kids ages 4 - 7 with a grandparent: Step into the world of mammals when you play a survival game through the eyes of a squirrel. Hone your tracking skills on a hike- what signs do mammals leave behind as they move through the forest? Wet & Wild Camp Grand for kids ages 6-10 with a grandparent: On this “Wet & Wild” adventure, kids and grandparents will explore the Quarry Hill children’s pond and the life found in it. During camp we’ll head out to the pond to go fishing and then do some wildlife research marking, measuring and weighing turtles.

Both Camps Feature: Live Animals Cooking lunch over a campfire Keepsake craft activity Indoor and outdoor activities Small group to ensure fun and

participation by all!

Register by calling 328-3950. Fee: $45/pair, members $35/pair extra child $20 extra grandparent $10 For campers age 6 and younger we require a one adult to one child ratio. For campers ages 7 +, we prefer a one to one ratio, but will allow a one adult per two children as long as both children are 7 or older.

Good Natured Kids Good Natured Kids classes, designed for 3 & 4 year old children and an accompanying grown up, are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural environment. Explore one of the many natural wonders in nature through fun stories, crafts, hikes and yummy snacks.

All classes include a thematic snack & craft. All classes meet entirely outdoors from

9:30—11:00 a.m. Dress for the conditions. Rain date is the following Thursday. Partici-

pants will be notified by phone of post-poned classes.

All classes are offered for children ages 3 & 4 and an accompanying adult.

Attend the series or choose your favorites. Advance registration required.

Call 328-3950.

June 9: Hello, Little Blue June 23: Backyard Camper July 7: Mighty Spidey July 21: Toadstool Town August 4: Gimme Shell-ter August 18: The Bugliest Bugs

Coming Soon: ABC’s Naturally Books, like a walk in the woods, can be an adventure and an escape. They open a new world to the reader – a world that can spark interest in nature and fuel imagination. For years, Quarry Hill naturalists have used children’s books during our early childhood programs to help illustrate natural science concepts in a fun and engaging way. ABC’s Naturally will expand that concept by providing thematic tote bags for families to use while visiting the nature center. Aimed at young readers ages 2 – 8 each themed tote bag contains a variety of children’s books, chosen to introduce children to the language of science and the natural world around them. Also included is an activity to do in the park that springboards off concepts presented in the books, and a take away to continue the learning at home. Totes will be available in June and are free to check out for use in the park. Thank you ABC’s Naturally was made possible through a generous bequest to Quarry Hill Nature Center from the estate of Ms. Dolores Sande. Dolores was a longtime Rochester educator who believed in life-long learning. We believe this new program is a fitting tribute to Ms. Sande who will be remembered by those who loved her as always having a curious mind.

Register by

calling 328-3950.

CONNECT WITH US Phone (507) 328-3950

Fax (507) 287-1345

quarryhill@QHNC.org

www.QHNC.org

www.facebook.com/ QuarryHillNatureCenter

HOURS Sept 1—May 31

Mon.-Sat. 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Sun. Noon-5 p.m. June 1—August 31

Mon.—Fri. 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. Sat. 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Sun. Noon—5:00 p.m.

Board of Directors BOB CLINE President

MICHAEL SADAUSKIS Vice President

BARB AMES Treasurer

GEORGE PENOKIE Secretary

NORA DOOLEY LINDY LANGE MIKE NIGBUR KATHY OHM CHRISTOPHER DAVIS

Staff PAMELA MEYER

Executive Director JILL DANIELSEN

Volunteer/Program Coordinator JENNA DAIRE

Naturalist KAREN FINN

Office Administrator LORI FORSTIE

Outreach/Public Relations GLENNA MAKOSKY

Teacher / Naturalist JOE MELMER

Facilities Manager TRAVIS MEYER

Naturalist CARRIE NELSON

Naturalist KIRK PAYNE

Teacher / Naturalist SAMMIE PETERSON

Naturalist

Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit No.

1000 Rochester, MN

Quarry Hill Nature Center 701 Silver Creek Rd. NE Rochester, MN 55906

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Pond Pavilion Rental Host your summer gatherings at our Pavilion overlooking the Harry Buck Children’s Pond. Accommodates up 50 people Picnic table seating, Built in perimeter benches Restroom facility & drinking fountain Easy access to parking from paved trail Cost: $35 for 2 hours, $10 additional hour Reserve by calling 507-328-3950.

Sunday Programs Sundays at Quarry Hill are informal, interactive, naturalist-led programs. Changing topics mean you can participate often, nature provides ever-changing opportunities for discovery. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Programs start at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $2/adults, $1/kids, members free Bird Banding Program June 7, July 5, August 2 Experience the beauty of birds up close. Learn about bird characteristics, adapta-tions and Federal Bird Banding Program. Cave Tour and Historic Hike June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, Aug 16 & 30 Learn about the park's historical structures before heading to the sandstone cave. Carved in 1882, and used for food storage, the cave is a short walk from the center. Register ahead for cave hikes; space is limited. Call 328-3950.