This year I decided to make New Year’s nature resolutions. I’ve done some research and thinking, and I have come up with 12 things to do outside, one per month. Of course, I am outside enjoying nature much more than once a month (nearly every day, in fact), but I thought it would be fun to make some resolutions that I can look forward to and that will add to my repertoire of nature adventures.
Here’s the list:
January: Ice Formations on Lake Superior
Some of the most beautiful ice formations are found along the shores of Lake Superior from Duluth, Minnesota, and north. This month, I plan on taking a road trip (about 150 miles from where I live) to hike along the North Shore, enjoy the scenery, and get some icy photographs. Winter is a magical time!
February: Snowshoeing on the Cuyuna Range
I used to live on the Cuyuna Range, and it is one of my favorite places in Minnesota. There is so much to see and do in the nature department. Lakes, hills, woods, and more! I miss it there and return when I can. The month of February will have me trekking to the Range so I can do some serious snowshoeing through the woods. Of course, snow is the key factor here, so I’m hoping there is plenty of it!
March: Equinox Hike, 4:01 to Sunrise
Did you know the equinox occurs at an exact moment in time? This year, it is March 20 at 4:01 a.m. Central Time (that’s me!). I’m not exactly sure where I will take the hike, only that it will be long! I want to be somewhere outside at the onset of spring and hike until sunrise, which is at 7:15 a.m. Over three hours of hiking will require a place that has a good trail system and a high spot from which to watch the sun come up. I think I know where I’ll go…
April: Waterfowl Migration on the Mississippi
I live near the Mississippi River, which is a major migration route for birds. It runs from central Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. This flyway is like a highway in the sky. Each spring and fall, hundreds of bird species use it to head north or south. My adventure will be watching birds return north after leaving their wintering areas. Welcome back, birds!
May: Walleye Fishing Opener on the 10th
Fishing for walleye on the opener was an easy pick for me. I love to walleye fish, and they happen to be my favorite fish for eating. I’m not certain where I will go yet, if I will be on a fishing boat, in a kayak, or on a pier. The goal is to get out during the opener and catch my limit!
June: Amethyst Mining in Canada
Amethyst mining is something I’ve wanted to do for about 15 years. I know that is a long time to wait for something that isn’t hard to do. Thunder Bay in Canada is the heart of amethyst mining country. This semi-precious gem is beautiful! Since I love stones of all sorts, I think visiting an open-pit mine to find my own amethyst will be a fun adventure!
July: Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Kayaking
I’m (almost) ashamed to say I have never been on the waters of the BWCA. I live in Minnesota, where I have easy access to the place! Last September, I stepped foot into the BWCA when I climbed Eagle Mountain (Minnesota’s highest point at over 2,300 feet), but never made it to the water. The summer of 2025 will have me paddling my kayak on Brule Lake. Yes, a kayak, not a canoe!
August: Weekend Backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail
Okay, this trip is one I’m excited about! I have a life goal to hike the Superior Hiking Trail all the way through in one trip. That will take me about three or four weeks. (Yep!) But I’ve contemplated short, practice hikes for years. I’m going to check my first backpacking (tent and all) hike on that trail in 2025!
September: Day Hike at Afton State Park
There is a prairie restoration area in Afton State Park I want to check out. This is one Minnesota park I’ve never visited, and I’ve read about how lovely it is. There are so many parks in Minnesota, and I’ve visited and camped in many of them, but certainly not close to all. While my goal is to hike the area, there are also campsites, so maybe I’ll spend a night or two.
October: Fall Colors along the St. Croix River
I’ve read the St. Croix River Valley is a wonderfully breathtaking place to see fall colors. If it’s not a cold October, I might kayak part of the river to view the colorful tree-covered cliffs. I’ll go either early or mid-October, depending on when colors are due to peak. It varies by location and weather.
November: Migrating Tundra Swan Watch
Thousands of tundra swans migrate to their wintering grounds, moving through Minnesota along the Mississippi. I’ve heard Brownsville, Minnesota, is a great place to see them. There are some backwaters of the river where they stop to rest. Imagine thousands of swans resting on the water. I can’t wait to see this for myself!
December: Winter Solstice Camping
Winter camping is another thing I’ve long wanted to try. I’ve been camping in the cold (mid-20s overnight on Memorial weekend!), but never during wintertime. I’ve seen some workshops for winter camping in Minnesota. One was designed to teach how to set up camp and build a shelter in the snow! There isn’t information out about one for 2025, so I’ll wait. If there isn’t a structured winter camping event for me to attend, I’ll simply try it on my own. I have friends who have done it so I have sources for how to do it safely!
Well, there are my 2025 New Year’s nature resolutions. While they don’t include anything like losing weight, doing my dishes every day, saving more money, or the like, they are things I have resolved to do in the new year. And I’m confident I will do them, God willing. I plan on journaling during each outdoor adventure and taking many photos of the cool stuff I see outside.
What about you? Are there outdoor things you’ve wanted to do or try? Why not do them in this new year? You just might find out some new things about nature and yourself!
Happy New Year!
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