A six-inch diameter hole in the ice on Academy Pond in Baker Park Reserve Near-Wilderness Settlement is used to test ice thickness, water temperature, and to see what kinds of deep Winter wildlife can survive under the ice for several months each year. The Three Rivers Park District hosted a Webelos Naturalist Badge program Sunday, Feb. 5, in Maple Plain. About 40 Webelos split into two groups for the two-hour event, locating and classifying animal tracks and other signs of life before heading into the lodge for other lessons and information needed to earn a Naturalist Badge.

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