Science Saturday at Soudan Underground Mine Visitor Center
Check out these upcoming events at Soudan and Vermilion Lake State Parks!
Help the Damsel in Distress
June 21st
8 – 10 am
Damselflies and Dragonflies are abundant in Minnesota, or so we think. Unfortunately, there is
not much data to support this statement. We could have some rare species in our backyard and
we might not know it. Join Kurt Mead of the MN Odonata Survey Project as he goes into the
field to catch and identify the Odonata species found at Lake Vermilion and Soudan
Underground Mine State Park. Perhaps there will be a new county or state record. This session
will help one learn about the collection and identification process. There will be a variety of
other informal surveys taking place throughout the entire day.
Ladybug! Ladybug! Fly Away Home
July 5th
8 – 10 am
Ladybugs play an important role in keeping plant feeding insect populations in check. The
native “ladybug” population is facing some intense competition from non-native species. What
will this mean for our ecosystem? Join our resident naturalist as we participate in the Lost
Ladybug Project. The program will involve searching for and photographing the various
ladybugs that we find. The results will be submitted to the Lost Ladybug Project, so they can
learn what impact the non-native species may be having on our native population.
Wiggly Worm Watch
August 2nd
8 – 10 am
Worms are considered an invasive species in Minnesota. They can do irrevocable damage to the
forest habitat by depleting the natural “duff” layer on the forest floor. There are a number of
ways these critters can spread, including bait containers and nursery stock. Join our resident
naturalist as we conduct a worm survey of Lake Vermilion State Park to collect baseline data on
our worm populations. The data will be used to monitor the worm species expansion throughout
the park.
Monarch Butterfly
Tag, You’re It
August 16th
8 – 10 am
Monarch butterflies will soon begin their migration to Mexico. It is a difficult journey, as
Monarchs are losing their habitat necessary for survival. Join our resident naturalist as we tag
the butterflies, as part of the Monarch Watch program, so we can learn more about their travels.
Participants will learn about monarchs and other butterflies; they will help in the tagging process;
and they will plant some butterfly friendly seeds to help provide a way station for the migrating
butterflies. From approximately 10 am – 2 pm Tom’s Monarch World will be at the park with
his live butterfly display, so make sure you allow time for his display.
Ely Field Naturalists 