Click here to view our Public Programs Cancellation Policy.
COVID19 Communications for Program Participants:
Please note due to COVID19 we conduct the full program outside, the staff wears masks at all times and we request participants and chaperones wear masks. Masks are required to enter the building for the flush bathrooms, there is a porta-potty on site if masks cannot be worn for whatever reason. We have installed an outside hand washing station, we remind participants to physically distance, we don’t have participants share equipment if possible. If the equipment is shared it is sanitized between use. We also use a google form for participants (or their adult) and chaperones to fill out the health check survey the day of their program, asking about fever, exposure, and such.
NOTE: Although we are hopeful that our upcoming public programs will be able to run, we understand that we are currently in uncertain times throughout this COVID-19 situation and may need to cancel or modify our programs at any given time. Because of this, we are temporarily modifying our cancellation policy. We will do our best to give at least a 48-hour notice prior to a program if it needs to be canceled or modified, however, at any point before the program, regardless of if we cancel the program or if you are unable to make it because of safety concerns or because of the modifications that we did, we will offer a 100% program refund. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any concerns or questions regarding our programming. Thanks!
Youth Learning Series
Lifelong Learner Series
Guided Hikes
Fall Membership Appreciation Week
Youth Learning Series
Monthly on the second Tuesday, 9-11 am
Whether you’re a distance learner, homeschooler, or anything in between, join us for a morning of exploration and investigation. Participants will be split into groups grade K-5 and 6-12. Each session stands alone, and participants must register for each one they wish to participate in.
Fall Foliage: Tuesday, October 13th
Learn about how and why the leaves change color in the fall. Explore how different types of trees get ready for the cold.
Winter Adaptations: Tuesday, November 10th
How do your favorite Minnesota critters get ready for winter? Join us as we explore how different animals are adapted to the cold winter months.
Backyard Birding: Tuesday, December 8th
Winter is a great time of year to start watching backyard birds. Learn the basics of birding and how to attract feeder birds to your yard!
The instructor will wear a mask; participants are strongly encouraged to wear masks (see “COVID19 Communications for Program Participants” explanation up above).
$5 per student. Register here. Registration required for each session. Registration closes two days before program. Maximum of 20 participants.
Lifelong Learner Series
Monthly on the second Thursday, noon-1:30 pm
Discover a new topic each month as we explore local wildlife, history, and conservation issues. Lunch included. Ages 18+. Sessions will be led outdoors, weather permitting.
Life in the Pond: Thursday, October 15th
Learn about the critters found in our pond. We will also discuss how to understand the health of waterways by looking at the macro invertebrates found there.
Winter Adaptations: Thursday, November 19th
Winter is on its way! From hibernation to migration, we’ll discuss how different animals prepare for winter and adaptations they have for surviving the cold winter months.
Backyard Birding: Thursday, December 17th*
Learn tips for attracting birds to your backyard and tricks for identifying them! Great for beginning and advanced birders alike. *will be hosted via Zoom, lunch not included ($3/member; $5/non-member)
The instructor will wear a mask; participants are strongly encouraged to wear masks (see “COVID19 Communications for Program Participants” explanation up above.) Additional COVID19 practices: sessions will be held outside; we will communicate ahead of time if program will be canceled or re-formatted if weather does not permit us to be outside. Lunch will be an individually wrapped boxed meal prepared by a caterer.
$10 per member or $15 per non-member
Register here. Registration required for each program. Must register one week in advance.
Guided Hikes
Full Moon Hike: Friday, October 2nd, 7-8:30 pm
New Moon Hike: Friday, October 16th, 7-8:30 pm
Full Moon Hike: Monday, November 30th, 6-7:30 pm
Winter Solstice Hike & Bonfire: Monday, December 21st, 6-7:30 pm
The instructor will wear a mask; participants are strongly encouraged to wear masks (see “COVID19 Communications for Program Participants” explaination up above.)
$3 per member or $5 per non-member; $9 per member family of 3+ or $15 per non-member family of 3+.
Register here. Registration required for each event. Registration closes two days before each event.
Members Only Event: Fall Membership Appreciation Week
October 19-25th
As a thank you for our members, we have a special week of activities planned. Schedule a time to geocache for your pumpkin, participate in a scavenger hunt around the park, and more! Stay tuned for the full list of activities.
Free pumpkin for members; additional pumpkins $3/each. New memberships available. Register here before October 14th.