Click here to view our Public Programs Cancellation Policy.
Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 15th
Help the Ney Nature Center to record resident and migratory bird statistics. Count from home or join us at the Education Building between 8:30am and 4:30pm. All ages. Click here for more details.
FREE! Pre-registration is not required for this event.
NATURAL WONDERS PRESCHOOL SERIES: Way Up in the Sky (CANCELLED)
Wednesday, December 19th 10-11am
Adults and preschoolers enjoy time together with crafts, stories, and outdoor activities. Ages 3-6 plus an adult.
$5/child
Register online through Le Sueur-Henderson Community Education. Reservations required.
HOMESCHOOL SERIES: Geocaching for S’mores
Wednesday, December 19th 1-2:30pm
Programs designed just for homeschool classes! In December, embark on a technology-based scavenger hunt while searching for a tasty treat. All equipment provided. Supervisory adults may attend for free. Ages 5+.
$5/student
Register online by December 17th. Reservations required.
NEY SENIOR LEARNING SERIES: Aquatic Invasive Species
Thursday, December 20th 12-1:30pm
Designed for adults interested in learning more about wildlife, history, and conservation issues. In December, learn about aquatic invasive species with DNR Specialist, Allison Gamble. Lunch included. Ages 50+.
$10/member or $12/non-member
Register online by December 13th. Reservations required. Please indicate any dietary needs when registering.
Carving Club
Sunday, December 23rd 1-3pm
Participants receive hands on lessons regarding the fundamentals of wood carving from talented instructor, Ollie Heitkamp. Participants are responsible for bringing their own basic tools after their first session. Ages 12+. Occurs on the fourth Sunday of every month. Click here to view the revised fee structure for this program.
$3/member or $5/non-member per session
New participants must register online by December 16th. Returning participants must register online by December 21st. Reservations required.
Winter Explorers Camp
December 26-28th (Wednesday – Friday) 9am-4pm
Winter break doesn’t have to be a bore! Snowshoeing, snow-forts, and more! Ages 6-13.
$84/member child or $99/non-member child.
Register online by December 19th. Reservations required.
Ollie’s Reading Club
Saturday, January 5th 11am-12pm
Read a new nature-themed book each month. Upon completion of the book, discuss your opinions and your insights with founding member, Ollie Heitkamp. All ages.
FREE! Register by calling the office. Reservations required.
SCOUTS ONLY: Snowshoeing
Saturday, January 12th 10-11:30am
Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and American Heritage Girls are invited to join us for these exciting adventures! In January, learn about snowshoe history and techniques before embarking on a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist guide. All equipment provided. Supervisory adults may attend for free. Ages 7+.
$5/scout
Register online by January 10th. Reservations required.
Family Snowshoeing
Saturday, January 12th 1-2:30pm
Learn about snowshoe history and techniques before embarking on a snowshoe hike with a naturalist guide. All equipment provided. Ages 7+.
$3/member or $5/non-member; $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+.
Register online by January 10th. Reservations required.
NATURAL WONDERS PRESCHOOL SERIES: Under the Snow
Tuesday, January 15th 10-11am
Adults and preschoolers enjoy time together with crafts, stories, and outdoor activities. Ages 3-6 plus an adult.
$5/child
Register online through Le Sueur-Henderson Community Education. Reservations required.
HOMESCHOOL SERIES: Snowshoeing
Tuesday, January 15th 1-2:30pm
Programs designed just for homeschool classes! In January, learn about snowshoe history and techniques before embarking on a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist guide. All equipment provided. Supervisory adults may attend for free. Ages 7+.
$5/student
Register online by January 13th. Reservations required.
NEY SENIOR LEARNING SERIES: Blue Zones
Thursday, January 17th 12-1:30pm
Designed for adults interested in learning more about wildlife, history, and conservation issues. In January, learn about “Blue Zones” and the secrets to living a long, healthy life with Blue Zones Representative, Dave Tsang. Lunch included. Ages 50+.
$10/member or $12/non-member
Register online by January 10th. Reservations required. Please indicate any dietary needs when registering.
Beginner Cross-country Skiing
Saturday, January 19th 1-3pm
Learn about cross-country ski equipment and techniques before taking a beginner-rated tour with an instructor. All equipment provided. Ages 10+.
$3/member or $5/non-member
Register online by January 17th. Reservations required.
Full Moon Snowshoe
Saturday, January 19th 5-6:30pm
Enjoy the park after dark while embarking on a snowshoe hike with a naturalist guide. If the sky is clear, peer through a telescope to view the moon up close! All equipment provided. Ages 7+.
$3/member or $5/non-member; $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+. Reservations required.
Register online by January 17th. Reservations required.
Carving Club
Sunday, January 27th 1-3pm
Participants receive hands on lessons regarding the fundamentals of wood carving from talented instructor, Ollie Heitkamp. Participants are responsible for bringing their own basic tools after their first session. Ages 12+. Occurs on the fourth Sunday of every month. Click here to view the revised fee structure for this program.
$3/member or $5/non-member per session
New participants must register online by January 20th. Returning participants must register online by January 25th. Reservations required.
Ollie’s Reading Club
Saturday, February 2nd 11am-12pm
Read a new nature-themed book each month. Upon completion of the book, discuss your opinions and your insights with founding member, Ollie Heitkamp. All ages.
FREE! Register by calling the office. Reservations required.
Candlelight Event
Saturday, February 16th 6-8:30pm
Luminaries will light your way as you snowshoe, hike, or cross-country ski on the trails. All ages. FREE!
Ski and snowshoe rentals available for $3/member or $5/non-member; $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+. Ski rentals for ages 10+. Snowshoe rentals for ages 7+.
Pre-registration is not required for this event.
NATURAL WONDERS PRESCHOOL SERIES: Animal Valentine
Tuesday, February 19th 10-11am
Adults and preschoolers enjoy time together with crafts, stories, and outdoor activities. Ages 3-6 plus an adult.
$5/child
Register online through Le Sueur-Henderson Community Education. Reservations required.
HOMESCHOOL SERIES: Cross-country Skiing
Tuesday, February 19th 1-3pm
Programs designed just for homeschool classes! In February, learn about cross-country ski equipment and techniques before embarking on a beginner-rated tour. All equipment provided. Supervisory adults may attend for free. Ages 10+.
$5/student
Register online by February 17th. Reservations required.
NEY SENIOR LEARNING SERIES: Snowshoeing
Thursday, February 21st 12-1:30pm
Designed for adults interested in learning more about wildlife, history, and conservation issues. In February, embark on a snowshoe hike with a naturalist guide. All equipment provided. Lunch included. Ages 50+.
$10/member or $12/non-member
Register online by February 14th. Reservations required. Please indicate any dietary needs when registering.
SCOUTS ONLY: Cross-country Skiing
Saturday, February 23rd 10am-12pm
Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and American Heritage Girls are invited to join us for these exciting adventures! In February, learn about cross-country ski equipment and techniques before embarking on a beginner-rated tour. All equipment provided. Supervisory adults may attend for free. Ages 10+.
$5/scout
Register online by February 21st. Reservations required.
Family Snowshoeing
Saturday, February 23rd 1:30-3pm
Learn about snowshoe history and techniques before embarking on a snowshoe hike with a naturalist guide. All equipment provided. Ages 7+.
$3/member or $5/non-member; $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+.
Register online by February 21st. Reservations required
Carving Club
Sunday, February 24th 1-3pm
Participants receive hands on lessons regarding the fundamentals of wood carving from talented instructor, Ollie Heitkamp. Participants are responsible for bringing their own basic tools after their first session. Ages 12+. Occurs on the fourth Sunday of every month. Click here to view the revised fee structure for this program.
$3/member or $5/non-member per session
New participants must register online by February 17th. Returning participants must register online by February 22nd. Reservations required.
Educator’s Workshop: Project WILD
Saturday, April 6th 9am-2:30pm
Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. It provides dozens of fun, hands-on activities for learning about the outdoors. The K-12 Project WILD Activity Guide includes 144 different activities.
$35 per participant (includes Activity Guide, 5 Continuing Education Units, and lunch)
Register online by March 21st. Reservations required.