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For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.

First Annual Kinnickinnic Nature Festival Planned

MAY 5, 2006--The first annual “KinniFest: A Celebration of Our River,” June 2-3, aims to create a better understanding of the Kinnickinnic River, a nationally renowned Class I trout stream in Pierce County, Wis., known regionally for its beauty and outstanding water quality.

Free and open to the public, KinniFest offers opportunities to learn about the “Kinni” and the resources it provides for the community. The festival will also feature nature art displays from local artists and a historical presentation of River Falls. As a sponsor of the event, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will have a tent and exhibits for the public as well.

The event begins Friday, June 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. with music in Veterans Park in downtown River Falls and the dedication of Riverwalk. On Saturday, June 3, the celebration continues from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with with nature field trips, demonstrations and exhibits by local businesses, organizations and schools. Exhibits open at 10 a.m.

Saturday’s events include eight guided field trips departing from Glen Park at various times throughout the day, starting with “Birdwatching” from 7 to10 a.m. led by Mike Middleton, UW-RF professor of plant and earth science, and birder Larry Persico. Other field trips include the “Geology of Glen Park” led by William Cordua, UW-RF professor of plant and earth science, and “Fish of the Kinni” led by Marty Engel, fisheries biologist for the Wisconsin DNR.

Children can read a compass, examine mammal bones and pelts, preserve a flower and taste wild food plants at the Children’s Discovery Realm, featuring eight fun and educational stations.

The day’s events also include a Harris Hawk demonstration by Nell Henry, a long time volunteer at the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, as well as rock and fossil identification by Cordua and a Trout Unlimited Fly Fishing Seminar.

All are welcome to attend KinniFest to help celebrate, protect and enhance the Kinnickinnic River. For more information please contact festival coordinator Joyce Mattson by sending an email to jycmttsn@yahoo.com.

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