The public is invited to a winter field trip in the Carleton College Cowling Arboretum. Join Arboretum Director Nancy Braker and Astronomy Professor Joel Weisberg for a Snowshoe Walk Under The Stars on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and children are welcome. In the event of extreme weather conditions or heavy cloud coverage, the event will be rescheduled for Jan. 28 or 29.
The event begins with a brief indoor orientation to the Arboretum. Braker will discuss what animal sounds can be heard at night in the Arb, based on the season—frogs, insects, owls and other birds. The group will then snowshoe into the Arb listening for these sounds and looking up at the beautiful winter sky—featuring views of stars and Jupiter—while Weisberg shares his versions of ancient constellation stories.
Participants should plan to meet at the Carleton College Recreation Center with their own snowshoes; a limited supply of snowshoes will be available for check out from the Rec Center to members of the Carleton community. You may reserve a pair in advance; please see the contact information listed below. Please note that snowshoes are required to prevent damage to ski trails. Participants should also dress warmly, as the field trip will take place outdoors for at least 90 minutes. And in order to preserve night vision, no lights or flashlights will be allowed.
If you are not a Carleton student or employee and need snowshoes, Braker suggests you contact the Northfield Community Services Recreation Coordinator at (507) 664-3502 or The Gear ReSource (200 Division Street in Northfield) at (507) 407-GEAR (4327) about their snowshoe rentals.
The Carleton College Recreation Center is located off of Highway 19 in Northfield. For more information, and to reserve a pair of snowshoes, please contact Arboretum Director Nancy Braker at (507) 222-4543 or by email at nbraker@carleton.edu