BEMIDJI, Minn. — Believing that climate change could have a negative impact on winter recreation in places like Bemidji, Bemidji State University is helping to promote a series of “Keep Winter White” ski outings in February.

Event organizers hope those participating in the ski outings will be encouraged to think about their carbon footprints and consider how their behaviors might contribute to the global problem of — or ultimate solution to — climate change. Each outing will explore one of Bemidji’s lesser-traveled ski areas. Skiers will be asked to consider a thought-provoking question or idea along the way, which will pertain to one of three topics: global warming myths, green lifestyle choices, or conservation ethics.

The first outing is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, from 3-4:30 p.m. and a second outing is planned for Saturday, Feb. 28, from 1:30-3 p.m.

The trail for the Feb. 4 outing will be chosen based upon weather and trail conditions, and registered participants will be told of the location prior to the outing. The Feb. 28 event will be held at Concordia Language Villages and will include a tour of the Das Waldsee BioHaus, the village’s environmental learning center.

There is no charge for the events. However a Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for skiers 16 years or older. Ski passes are available at Lake Bemidji State Park or through the state’s Electronic Licensing System for $5 each.

The outings are a collaboration between Bemidji State University, Concordia Language Village, the Bemidji Cross-Country Ski Club and Lake Bemidji State Park.

To register or for more information, contact John Fylpaa at Lake Bemidji State Park at (218) 308-2300; Edwin Dehler-Seter, environmental education and natural resource management specialist at Concordia Language Villages at (218) 556-1347, or Erika Bailey-Johnson, Bemidji State University sustainability coordinator at (218) 755-2560. Information is also available by e-mailing bemidjikeepwinterswhite@gmail.com.

ON THE WEB
• Great Minnesota Ski Pass: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/skipass/index.html

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 7 – 3-4:30 p.m. – “Keep Winter White” ski outing, sponsored by Bemidji State University, Concordia Language Villages, the Bemidji Cross Country Ski Club and Lake Bemidji State Park. Location: to be announced. Admission: free; Great Minnesota Ski Pass required for participants 16 years of age and older; information: bemidjikeepwinterswhite@gmail.com.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 28 – 1-3:30 p.m. – “Keep Winter White” ski outing, sponsored by Bemidji State University, Concordia Language Villages, the Bemidji Cross Country Ski Club and Lake Bemidji State Park. Location: Concordia Language Villages. Admission: free; Great Minnesota Ski Pass required for participants 16 years of age and older; information: bemidjikeepwinterswhite@gmail.com.