What's in Bloom: A Guided Hike at Spirit Mountain
Monday, June 1 · 5:00–6:30 p.m. Spirit Mountain / Superior Hiking Trail
Meet at the Grand Avenue Chalet Trailhead · 8551 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN
This is a free, casual hike open to all skill levels. This event is limited to 20 and registration is required: https://forms.gle/beBiYxZaFhsyRJGS6
Spirit Mountain from on the water on the St. Louis River.
Join the St. Louis River Alliance for an evening hike along the Superior Hiking Trail at Spirit Mountain to learn about the land and restoration efforts in this area. We'll walk along Knowlton Creek, where naturalist Shannon Kesner will point out what's blooming, budding, and returning to this special stretch of trail, and various uses and stories of these plants. Along the way, you'll hear from Minnesota DNR's Jeramy Pinkerton about why Knowlton Creek was in need of restoration, the work completed, and what it means for the St. Louis River Area of Concern cleanup effort.
We will walk approximately 2 miles up a gradual incline. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. We'll wrap up by 6:30 p.m.
This event is part of our River Connection Event Series and is supported by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency with funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Presenter Bio
Shannon Kesner is a citizen and life long resident of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She holds a B.A. in biology and Master's degree in Tribal Resources and Environmental Stewardship from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has spent her career working at the intersection of land, water, and community.
Shannon is an herbalist and wild food harvester with a deep appreciation for the plants that sustain both ecosystems and cultural traditions. She previously worked as a wetland specialist for Fond du Lac and is a certified Master Naturalist and former instructor, sharing her knowledge of local ecosystems and plant communities with others.
She currently serves as the Director of Tribal Affairs at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, where she works to strengthen relationships with Tribal Nations and support environmental collaboration.
Through her plant walks, Shannon shares knowledge of native plants, their ecological roles, and their cultural and practical uses. Her approach centers on respect, relationships, and observation, encouraging participants to slow down, engage their senses, and build a deeper connection to the landscape.