You’ve never seen Eau Claire quite like this! Embark on a remarkably woodsy adventure (considering it’s right in the heart of the city!) with our Urban Nature Adventure Tour, a partnership with the expert naturalists from Beaver Creek Reserve. Guides will escort you off the trolley on short hikes into three hidden urban forests, wetlands, and prairies filled with plant life, rock formations, birds, butterflies, mammals, and more. You’ll hear surprising natural histories, fascinating facts, and maybe even a bird call or two as you explore hidden trails and access points unknown to the vast majority of locals.
Tour Includes:
- Explore three hidden natural areas with unexpected trails & features right in our backyard
- Professionally guided by engaging naturalists from Beaver Creek Reserve
- Discover the life of birds, butterflies, and mammals along our rivers and wetlands
- Discover the natural history of the land, waterways, and native species among us
- Enjoy open-air trolley transport and narration between each hidden site
Note: Please read the tour details for your safety and preparation. (click the DETAILS tab)
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You’ve never seen Eau Claire quite like this! Embark on a remarkably woodsy adventure (considering it’s right in the heart of the city!) with our Urban Nature Adventure Tour, a partnership with the expert Naturalists from Beaver Creek Reserve. Guides will escort you off the trolley on short hikes into threefour hidden urban forests, wetlands, and prairies filled with plant life, rock formations, birds, butterflies, mammals, and more. You’ll hear surprising natural histories, fascinating facts, and maybe even a bird call or two as you explore hidden trails and access points unknown to the vast majority of locals.
We’ll traverse concealed trails high above the Eau Claire River, immerse ourselves in native prairie habitat, see a variety of Spring ephemerals, discover low-lying trails near small waterfall rapids along the Chippewa River, and explore the new Half Moon Lake Boardwalk Trail to identify wetland and riparian native species. Between each point, enjoy open-air trolley transportation with narration, trivia, and more.
Whether you’ve been to any of these guided locations before or not; seeing, hearing, and experiencing them through the eyes of naturalist educators will open you up to a new level of understanding and appreciation.
IMPORTANT TOUR DETAILS:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & WAIVER
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours. Participants must have a reasonable fitness level.
FOOTWEAR & ATTIRE
Appropriate footwear must be worn (no flip flops, Crocs, or flimsy sandals) and as well as layers appropriate for the weather (the tour is rain or shine). Tall socks or pants may be a good idea as poison ivy may be alongside trails. If trails are damp, surfaces can be slippery, so please keep this in mind.
FOOD & WATER
Bring your own closeable water bottle, and any snacks must be consumed while off the trolley on trails. Snacks (fresh roasted and glazed nuts, granola, chips, chocolate, etc.) are also available for purchase at the Local Store before the tour.
RESTROOMS, BUGS, & BINOCULARS
There is one bathroom break opportunity approximately 2.25 hours into the 3 hour tour, so please go immediately before departure. Binoculars and/or ID books for birds, plants, etc. are welcome. Bug spray applied before the tour may be advisable.
*Final tour locations may change based on conditions, events, or other reasons).
*Final tour locations may change based on conditions, events, or other reasons).
Now, let’s explore!
