Standup paddleboarding, SUP - Yoga offered at Square Lake Park

Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is water recreation and total body fitness that will be offered in Washington County Parks this summer, with sunset classes starting June 9 and Saturday morning SUP - Yoga classes starting June 13 at Square Lake Park.
Classes are $35 per person. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lifejackets.
SUP Sunset Paddle will be on Square Lake 7 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays, June 9 through Aug. 11. This is guided paddle boarding.
Saturday SUP - Yoga classes will be 9 to 10:15 a.m. on Square Lake Saturdays, June 13 through Aug. 15. This is guided yoga on the water. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lifejackets. Classes are $35 per person.
Vehicle park permits, $7 daily, and $30 annually, are also required. The park is at 15450 Square Lake Trail N. north of Stillwater.
Class size is limited and registration is required. Participants must be 14 years old or older and able to swim. Dress for water activity and the weather. The program meets at the boat launch at the park.

Outdoor Yoga at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

Outdoor yoga open for summer season at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Tune into the sights and sounds of nature and release stress through guided yoga sequences designed to improve balance, flexibility, breath awareness, and muscle tone 6-7 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 22 at the North Picnic Pavilion at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
The program is open to all levels. Dress for outdoor yoga, bring a mat, and arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Groups will be kept to fewer than 10 participants, including the instructor; registration is required.
Vehicle permits are required, which are $7 daily or $30 annually, which is not included in the individual class price. Call the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Contact Station for information at 651-430-8370 or register online.

Fishing in Washington County Parks.

Explore Your Parks Day offers fishing, natural ‘art displays’ June 6

Washington County Parks invites the public to celebrate Explore Your Parks Day Saturday, June 6. Vehicle permits will be waived and all county parks will be free to enter on June 6.
There will be free fishing and “natural art” programs.
Washington County Parks, in partnership with Minnesota Trout Unlimited and Trout in the Classroom, will offer Family Fishing Programs 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. at Big Marine Park Reserve. At least one adult is required per family. A Minnesota fishing license required for those ages 16 and older. Registration is required, and space is limited to keep group sizes less than 10 people.
Park visitors are invited to see nature from an artist’s perspective with Nature’s Art Gallery, a new program at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park opening June 6 on Explore Your Parks Day. Walk the alternate trail along the river and enjoy views and natural elements as you would art in a gallery. Natural elements will be "framed" to highlight form, composition, function, and color. Slow Looking is encouraged – take time, slow down, and enjoy the art of nature. The ever-changing, natural surroundings will allow for a different view every hour of the day. The gallery will be available for one week through June 14.
Note that the alternate trail is unmaintained and good walking/hiking shoes are recommended. Portions of the trail may not be easily accessible due to mud or fallen trees/branches. Entrance to the trail is near the boat launch.
Story strolls, in conjunction with Washington County Library, will also start Saturday at Big Marine Park Reserve and run for a week.
Call 651-430-8370 or e-mail parks@co.washington.mn.us with questions.

Fishing from a dock in Washington County Parks.

Washington County Parks feature fishing programs throughout summer

Washington County Parks will feature fishing programs at several county parks throughout the summer.
Programs include:

Family Fly Fishing at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 20. This will be free, with a vehicle permit required. Registration is required, with a capacity for eight people. Meet at the canoe launch.
Youth Drop-Off Fishing at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, July 7. This is for those ages 8 to 12. Since it is a Free Tuesday at county parks, so no vehicle permit is required; registration is required. Meet at the fishing pier; the program has the capacity is eight young people.
Family Fishing at Square Lake, 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25. This is free, with a vehicle permit required. Registration is required. Meet at the Fishing Pier; the program has a capacity for eight people.
Family Fly Fishing at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. The program is free with a vehicle permit. Registration is required. Meet at the Canoe Launch; the program has the capacity for eight people.

Bird hikes continue each month through December

Take part in a guided bird hike at Washington County Parks and join the ranks of the 47 million birders in the United States. Listen to the sounds of nature, and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix Valley home.
The program is for all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All bird hikes occur 9 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday mornings, with the next one June 13.
Space is limited to keep group sizes under 10 people. Reservations are required, made on the county website.