Hike Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area.

THE HIKE:
This SNA does not have marked or groomed trails so we will be following some worn paths and in a couple spots no path at all. The grass and brush can reach up to chest high. You will probably want to wear long pants and maybe a long sleeved shirt along with good boots, the terrain can be a bit uneven.

TICK WARNING- It is getting to be that time of year so take tick precautions!

THE GOOD PART - we will start down an overgrown field road next to some prairie restoration. The road fades away and we will cross a high bluff with wonderful views of the Mississippi below. We will then descend the bluff, cross some railroad tracks
and enter a wooded area along the Mississippi. The trail then runs along the river, another spot with wonderful views. We may be able to see some eagles along the river.
The path then moves away from the river through mixed grassy areas and woods, under the railroad tracks (Yep- there is a little tunnel) and back to the parking area.

Along the way we will stop mand check out a U of M bee nesting block that is being used for a survey.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/citizen-science/bee-atlas/

DISTANCE: 2.7 miles / DURATION: approximately 1.5 hours

SPEED: We will go at a relatively slow pace. This is not a long hike and we want to enjoy the beauty of Grey Cloud Dunes.

DESCRIPTION:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna01101

PARKING:
In Cottage Grove, from US Hwy 61 0.75 mile S on Jamaica Ave, then 1.4 miles W on 100th St, then 0.25 mile S on Hadley Ave. Park in lot on East.

There are two parking areas we will meet at the one east of Hadley.
(See the Description link above)

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING:
long pants!, bug spray, water, a snack and a camera- great views!

FACILITIES: None/No Water

ENTRANCE FEE: None

DOGS: Not Allowed in this SNA

Photos from a previous hike:

https://www.meetup.com/MN-Sierra-Club-Outings/photos/26276328/#439941579

Grey Cloud Dunes encompasses two sandy terraces along the Mississippi River (http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/snas/detail_maps/01101.pdf). The first, 40 to 60 feet above the river, is remarkable for its crescents and blowouts sculpted by southwesterly winds. The second, 110 feet above the river, has a dramatic cut-face. These river terraces mark the height of the river at various periods following the melting and retreat of the continental glaciers.

Dunes on both terraces rise in waves, cresting 10 to 20 feet above the swales. Elm, silver maple, cottonwood, and box elder rim a wetland and a half mile of today's riverbank. Look for distinct plant communities on dune crests, slopes, and swales, as well as on blowouts, erosional faces, and small wetlands. Distinctive species adapted to the dry, sandy environment include little bluestem, penstemon, prairie dropseed, sand reed grass, gramma grass, silky prairie clover, among others. Rare sea-beach needlegrass (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=PMPOA0K160) occurs in several of the blowouts; purple sand grass (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=PMPOA66021), on bare sand areas. Louisiana broomrape (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=PDORO04071) and Hill's thistles (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=PDAST2E1C0) are also found here. North American (blue) racers (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=ARADB07010), an uncommon Minnesota snake, live here.