Upcoming Public Programs - Ney Nature Center

Click here to view our Public Programs Cancellation Policy

NEY SENIOR LEARNING SERIES: Chimney Swifts

Thursday, September 21st 12-2pm

Learn why chimney swifts are one of the most interesting birds in the state with local naturalists, Art and Barb Straub. Lunch included. Conducted on the third Thursday of each month. Ages 50+

Cost: $10/member or $12/non-member

Wood ducks

Carving Club

Sunday, September 24th 1-3pm

Participants receive hands on lessons regarding the fundamentals of carving wood from the amazingly talented Ollie Heitkamp. Contact Michelle if you would like to join as new members are always welcome but prep time is needed! Participants are responsible for bringing their own basic supplies.

635926147455080146-1390940647_18699-geocache_0408_sgengler_445x260

HOMESCHOOL SERIES: Geocaching Challenge

Wednesday, September 27th 1-2:30pm

Programs designed just for homeschool classes. Challenge yourself on a technology-based scavenger hunt in the park. Learn how to use a GPS and search for hidden containers. All equipment provided. Ages 5-17. Supervisory adults may attend for free.

Cost: $5/student

Fall Colors Hike

Saturday, September 30th 10-11:30am

Join a naturalist as we explore the fall colors and local wildlife on the trails. All Ages. Youth under the age of 10 must attend with a registered adult.

Cost: $3/member or $5/non-member
$9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+

635926147455080146-1390940647_18699-geocache_0408_sgengler_445x260

SCOUTS ONLY: Geocaching Challenge

Saturday, September 30th 1-2:30pm

Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts are invited to join us for these exciting adventures. Challenge yourself on a technology-based scavenger hunt in the park. Learn how to use a GPS and search for hidden containers. All equipment provided. Ages 5-17. Supervisory adults may attend for free.

Cost: $5/scout

Guided Fall Colors Canoe Trip

Sunday, October 1st 1-4:30pm

Canoe on the Minnesota River while enjoying the vibrant fall colors. All equipment provided. Ages: 5+ Youth under the age of 14 must attend with a registered adult.

Cost: $35/member or $45/non-member

Limited to the first 20 participants. Register online by September 24th! Reservations required.

Fall Festival

Saturday, October 7th 12-4pm

Celebrate the fall season with family-friendly activities including: a prairie maze, tractor wagon rides, petting zoo, cornhusk dolls, cross-cut saw, pumpkin painting, homestead tours, face painting, butter-making demonstrations, and homesteading games.

Family activities are FREE and all new or renewed memberships receive a FREE pumpkin. Pancake Lunch $6/member or $8/non-member. Pre-registration is not required for this event.

12:00-1:30pm Pancake Lunch with NNC Maple Syrup
1:30-4:00pm Activity Stations OPEN!

Fall Festival Trail Run

Saturday, October 7th 10:30am-12pm

All racers who pre-register by October 1st will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a free pancake lunch after the race.

10:30am 6k Trail Run ($20/member or $30/non-member)
11:45am 1k Kids Dash ($10/member or $15/non-member)

NEY SENIOR LEARNING SERIES: East Henderson Farm

Thursday, October 19th 12:00-2pm

Learn about sustainable foods and the role they play in our local economy with the owner of the East Henderson Farm, Josh Reintz. Lunch included. Conducted on the third Thursday of each month. Ages 50+

Cost: $10/member or $12/non-member

SCOUTS ONLY: Outdoor Survival Skills

Saturday, October 21st 10am-12pm

Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts are invited to join us for these exciting adventures. Learn about outdoor survival and practice wilderness skills including shelter construction and fire building. Ages 5-17. Supervisory adults may attend for free.

Cost: $5/scout

Live Animal Meet and Greet

Saturday, October 21st 1-2pm

Learn about local wildlife and meet live educational animals up close! All Ages.

Cost: $2/member or $3/non-member

Wood ducks

Carving Club

Sunday, October 22nd 1-3pm

HOMESCHOOL SERIES: Outdoor Survival Skills

Wednesday, October 25th 1-3pm

Programs designed just for homeschool classes. Learn about outdoor survival and practice wilderness skills including shelter construction and fire building. All equipment provided. Ages 5-17. Supervisory adults may attend for free.

Cost: $5/student

Full Moon Hike

Friday, November 3rd 5:30-7pm

Join a naturalist guide for a walk under the full moon. Explore different topics including nocturnal wildlife, animal adaptations, and of course the moon! If the sky is clear, peer through a spotting scope to view the moon up close. Ages: 5+. Youth under the age of 10 must attend with a registered adult.

Cost: $3/member or $5/non-member
$9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+

NEY SENIOR LEARNING SERIES: Nature in Winter

Thursday, November 16th 12:00-2pm

Find out how Minnesota animals are capable of surviving the winter chill with Ney Nature Center Naturalist, Beth Beuch. Lunch included. Conducted on the third Thursday of each month. Ages 50+

Cost: $10/member or $12/non-member

Nature Craft Night: Spa Make and Take

Friday, November 17th 6-8pm

Planning in progress! Check back for more information this fall.

Burn off the Turkey Hike

Saturday, November 25th 10-11:30am

Burn off those Thanksgiving calories by taking an intermediate hike on the Nature Center trails. Ages: 5+. Youth under the age of 10 must attend with a registered adult.

Cost: $3/member or $5/non-member; $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+

Wood ducks

Carving Club

Sunday, November 26th 1-3pm

HOMESCHOOL SERIES: Renewable Energy

Wednesday, November 29th 1-2:30pm

Programs designed just for homeschool classes. Learn about renewable energy including solar and wind energy. Use demonstration-sized windmills and panels to simulate how much electricity can be generated. Ages 5-17. Supervisory adults may attend for free.

Cost: $5/student

Snowshoe Weaving Workshop

Mondays, December 4th and 11th 6-9pm

Weave your own snowshoes under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Ages 14+

Cost: $150/member or $160/non-member

NEY SENIOR LEARNING SERIES: American Bison

Thursday, December 21st 12:00-2pm

Learn about the largest mammal in Minnesota, the American Bison, with local Minneopa Area Naturalist, Scott Kudelka. Lunch included. Conducted on the third Thursday of each month. Ages 50+

Cost: $10/member or $12/non-member

Wood ducks

Carving Club

Sunday, December 24th 1-3pm

Midwinter Concert

Saturday, December 30th 7-9pm

Enjoy a selection of bluegrass music performed by Dick Kimmel and Pamela Longtime. Light snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. All Ages.

Cost: $8/member or $10/non-member; $24/member family of 3+ or $30/non-member family of 3+

Candlelight Ski

Friday, January 26th 6-9pm

Luminaries will light your way as you cross-country ski on the Nature Center trails. All Ages. This event is FREE and open to the public. Ski rentals available for $3/member or $5/non-member. Pre-registration is not required for this event.

Save