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. A porta-potty is available on site. We don’t have participants share equipment if possible. If the equipment is shared it is sanitized between use.
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!
Snow Fest & Candlelight Event
Youth Learning Series
Lifelong Learner Series
KidVenture
Guided Hikes
Maple Syrup Tours
Snow Fest & Candlelight Event
Saturday, February 6th; 3-8:30pm
Break up the winter blues with an afternoon of snow-filled fun. We’ll have plenty of snow themed activities for the whole family: snow creature building, snow art, snowflake science, and more! In the evening strap on your skis or snowshoes for a candle-lit walk around the prairie. Rentals available.
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.
Cross Country Skiing: Tuesday, February 9th
Cross country skiing is a wonderful way to enjoy the snow. Learn the basics of cross country skiing and practice as we play games and ski around the park.
Maple Syrup: Tuesday, March 9th
Mmmmm sweet syrup! Explore the history of maple syruping, visit our sugar bush, and try your hand at processing sap into syrup.
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-1:00 pm
Discover a new topic each month as we explore local wildlife, history, and conservation issues. Ages 18+. Until further notice, this series will be hosted virtually via Zoom.
Climate Change: Thursday, January 21st
How has the climate changed over the last several thousand years and what are we doing at Ney Nature Center to track and mitigate climate change? Join us as we explore climate science!
Phenology: Thursday, February 18th
Phenology is the study of how seasons change, and this is a great time of year to start keeping track of the arrival of spring. We’ll discuss the first indicators of spring and share several ways you can track the seasonal change on your own.
Maple Syrup: Thursday, March 18th
As the sugaring season ends, join us as we learn about the history of maple syrup and the process we use to turn sap into syrup!
$3 for members; $5 for non-members. Register here. Registration required for each program. Must register two days in advance.
KidVenture
In this exploratory, youth-guided program, participants will decide as a group the activity of the day. With the support of our naturalists, youth will have the opportunity to explore the pond, head down into the ravine, track critters in the woods, and get up close and personal with prairie plants. Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared for a variety of activities (getting wet and muddy, for example). A snack will be provided; please let us know if your youth has any dietary restrictions. Please bring a water bottle and backpack if you have one. Ages 8-11.
This program is for youth only. We invite their adults to enjoy a walk around the nature center or drop off their child.
Sunday, January 24th, 1-4pm
Sunday, February 28th, 1-4pm
Sunday, March 28th, 1-4pm
$5 for members/$8 for non-members. Register here. Registration required for each program. Must register two days in advance.
After School Clubs
Phenology Club: Mondays, March 22nd, 29th, & April 5th, 4-5:00pm
Watch the arrival of spring in central Minnesota! We are hoping to host this in person at the Nature Center. Check back for more updates!
Guided Hikes
Snowshoe Hike: Saturday, January 23rd, 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+
Full Moon Snowshoe: Friday, February 23rd, 6-7:30pm
Enjoy the park by the light of the full moon! Join a naturalist for this snowshoe night hike. Ages 7+
$3/member or $5/non-member; $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+
Register here. Registration required for each event. Registration closes two days before each event.
Maple Syrup Tours
Learn about and participate in the maple syruping process. Tap trees, collect sap, and taste a sample. All Ages.
$3/member or $5/non-member; $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+
Saturday, March 13th, 1-2:30pm
Sunday, March 21st, 1-2:30pm
Register here. Registration required for each event. Registration closes two days before each event.