Three of our favorite local organizations are sharing ways the fun is not cancelled. Check out these ideas from the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota DNR and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. These uplifting messages that are landing in my inbox today are worth sharing, so I’ve cut and pasted the information here for everyone:
Minnesota Historical Society:
Via an April 3, 2020 Newsletter:
Discover a Variety of MNHS Resources to Engage in History at Home
While MNHS historic sites and museums remain closed through June 30th, there are still many ways the public can engage with Minnesota history. MNHS has created a new webpage with resources for Minnesotans to do #HistoryatHome all in one convenient place.
At mnhs.org/historyathome, you’ll find options like:
- Explore your family history
Now is a good time to share stories and reflect on family history—then research it online.- Watch videos to discover the stories we share
From musicians reflecting on their memories of First Avenue (the club turns 50 today!) to artists discussing their work as part of MNHS’s Native American Artist-in-Residence Program, viewers will find a variety of engaging video content.- Become an expert on Minnesota
Discover a wide range of Minnesota stories from diverse perspectives and time periods by exploring MNopedia,Minnesota History magazine and MNHS Press books.- Research the MNHS collections and archives
Dive into Minnesota records, artifacts, digital newspapers, oral histories, art, photos and much more that MNHS has collected since 1849.- Color our collections
Find activity books,coloring pages and brain teasers created for Minnesota kids.- Take advantage of distance learning tools
Explore a variety of educational resources aimed at teachers and students, including free access to the Northern Lights Interactive Ebook.- Tune into MNHS Press author events
Starting next week, join virtual author events on the MNHS Facebook page, including weekly kids’ storytimes and book launches for Duluth: An Urban Biography by Tony Dierckins and A Woman’s War, Too: Women at Work During World War II by Virginia Wright-Peterson.In addition, MNHS is working to document the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on Minnesotans as it happens. The public can submit stories, images, videos and more to this form to potentially become a permanent part of the MNHS collection.
Minnesota State Parks and Trails:
Via an April 3, 2020 Newsletter:
Looking for a Sign
Looking for signs of spring? Listen for bird song, look for moss, and feel the warmth.
Our daily routines have been disrupted. Activities are canceled, including school. You know what’s not been canceled? Spring!
Learning is not canceled! There’s a plethora of options to keep our kids entertained while at home. How about outdoor and nature-related learning? The Young Naturalist section of our favorite magazine offers stories and teacher guides (talking to you, Homeschooling parents.) Make firestarters for your next campfire or observe seasonal changes and start a phenology journal.
The great outdoors is not canceled! While we are altering some of our operations at Minnesota State Parks and Trails, you can step outside your home to get your dose of nature. Remember, recreate locally to help stop the spread of the virus.
However you choose to enjoy the outdoors during this time, stay healthy and safe… and six feet away from others!
COVID-19
Safety is part of our culture at the Minnesota DNR. It is a top priority, now and always.
We have a dedicated web page to keep you up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 operation changes at Minnesota state parks, trails, and forests: mndnr.gov/COVID-19
Do your part and check for updates on a regular basis when planning your time outdoors.
Not Canceled: Campfires, Bird Song, Fresh Air
Backyard Birding 101
With the sky quieter than usual due to reduced air traffic, conditions are favorable to listen for spring bird song—even in the city.
Order a poster of the original illustration “Can you name the birds?” at the Minnesota Bookstore
New to Birding?
Learn about the code of birding ethics.
Birding by Ear
Listen to bird song and use the CornellLab page to help you identify the bird. Can you imitate some of the chirps and calls?
Timing Is Everything
Poke your head out in the morning and evening when birds actively search for food to refuel for their night journey.
CREDIT: John J. Werner
(Full) Moon Birding
Each spring birds migrate from winter grounds to summer breeding habitats. Most species fly at night, several thousand feet in the sky, making it hard to spot them with the naked eye. Take advantage of the full moon on Apr. 7 to practice moon birding: Watch for silhouettes of migrating birds against the glowing white moon.
Tools of the Trade
Use a binocular, spotting scope or telescope to help you see high flying birds.
For the first time since 2017 the EagleCam has a family of eaglets. All three eggs have now hatched. Watch the new brood at mndnr.gov/EagleCam.
Strange Mating Dances
In early spring, observe the fascinating mating rituals of our feathered friends:
- The American woodcock, also called timberdoodle, performs its mating sky dance at dusk, near wooded openings. The woodcock’s bill has highly sensitive nerve endings that can detect earthworm movement below the soil.
- The sandhill crane, one of Minnesota’s largest bird species, can be heard near wetlands as it migrates or performs its distinctive bowing courtship ritual.
- Bald eagles build pair bonds by performing acrobatic mating rituals including various sky dances such as the chase display, rollercoaster flight and cartwheel courtship flight.
Sandhill crane colt. COPYRIGHT: Carrol Henderson
Keeping Tabs on Spring
Do you get excited to see the first spring bluebird, dandelion, pussy willow… or even mosquito(!)?
Tracking seasonal changes is called phenology. Phenology journals are important for studying climate change. Some of the journals used today were written between 1881 to 1918 by Dr. Johan C. Hvoslef who included notes on birds he saw near his southeastern Minnesota home of Lanesboro.
If you pay attention to seasonal cues, you will know when to expect to see hummingbirds or morel mushrooms. Learn what to look for and start your own phenology journal.
Dr. Johan C. Hvosleft. PHOTO: Minnesota Historical Society
Activities for your Young Naturalists
The Young Naturalists series is designed to engage elementary and middle school students with a wide variety of nonfiction topics on natural science and outdoor life. The teachers guide includes ready-made classroom activities. Read about red-winged blackbirds in the most recent issue.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer is a print magazine dedicated to Minnesota’s wild places and creatures. For more stories, visit mnDNR.gov/MCV or subscribe.
A male red-winged blackbird sings from atop his perch. PHOTO: Bill Marchel
Minnesota State Parks and Trails:
Via an April 3, 2020 Newsletter:
Art From Home
While our doors remain closed, we’re bringing the creativity to you! With a variety of art-making ideas, fun activities, and learning resources inspired by the museum, you can engage with Mia from wherever you are. From coloring pages to toddler time activities to instructor-led videos with step-by-step instructions, we’ve got something for everyone. Let us know what you think and share what you make by tagging us on social media @artsmia and using the hashtag #InspiredByMia.
Learn More
Coloring the Collection
Download coloring pages inspired by the artworks in Mia’s collection.
Virtual Open Studios
Inspired by Mia’s Free Open Studios, browse how-to-videos and projects with step-by-step instructions to create your own artworks.
Virtual Family Day
Engage with activities and videos inspired by Mia’s Family day to enjoy with your family wherever you are.
Virtual Third Thursday
Join Sun Yung Shin and Su Hwang of Poetry Asylum, with special guests Heid Erdrich, Roy Guzmán and Michael Torres, for a virtual evening of poetry that interrogates what home means to them, how home is created, and why home often won’t let you stay.
Activities for Virtual Visits
Connect with Mia’s collection and learn about art with worksheets and self-guided virtual tours.
Toddler Time Activities
Explore projects designed for young kids to bring some fun and creativity to your day.
Educator Resources
Curriculum materials, activities and scavenger hunts, and mini audio stops for K-12 educators and learners.
Inspired by Mia
How does Mia inspire you? Show us! Our collection is here for you online. Download a high res image or dataset and start creating. Inspiration is limitless beyond Mia’s walls. Share your masterpieces inspired by Mia’s collection here! #InspiredByMia
