February
Don’t Hibernate this January and February! The Ney Nature Center will be open Saturdays and Sundays in January and February from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Come snowshoe or cross country ski (some equipment available). Relax inside while finishing a puzzle, bird-watch at the feeders, kids activities, or read books out of our library. Enjoy some hot chocolate after sledding or skating by the pond.
Local Expert
Saturday Morning Coffee Series
February 13th – 2 p.m. (Please note the time change)
Valentines Day in Nature presented by Cindy Sparrow
Would you like to come together for a fun afternoon? Coffee, dessert and a fun look at how the animal world enjoys a little “romance”. We will look at some of the more humorous mating rituals nature has to offer. This program is for adults, couples, or singles; anyone who just wants to have a little fun. Come join us for the program then take a stroll around the center and see why we love it here in the winter.
Cindy is a resident of St. Peter who has developed an appreciation for the Ney Center over the years. Ms. Sparrow has earned her Master of Science degree from Mankato State University and is currently teaching at South Central College.
The Second Saturday of each month the Ney Nature Center invites you to join us for an informational presentation and discussion presented by locals. Topics will vary monthly so watch our website calendar and newsletters for the list of upcoming presenters, topics, and program descriptions. (Program offered at no cost, donations appreciated.)
Lil’ Ney Naturalist (and their folks)
Third Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Allow your Preschooler to explore the natural world, looking for bugs, birds, animals and their signs! Lil’ Ney Naturalist will enjoy learning through nature hikes, games, stories, songs and seasonal activities.
Dates: The third Saturdays of the Month: February 20th, and March 20th from 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $4.00 per family w/NNC Family membership, $5.00 per family for non-NNC Members. You can register for multiple classes in a row or one at a time.
Registration is required by the Thursday before the program. Please call 507-248-3474 for more information or to register.
Garden Planning: Higher yields and longer harvests
Presented by Josh and Sally Reinitz
Tuesday, February 23rd from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Local vegetable farmers Josh and Sally Reinitz will give a presentation on planning a vegetable garden for the year. Middle to Late winter is when you plan your garden calendar, select varieties, order seeds, and purchase supplies for your upcoming vegetable garden, so it’s never too early to plan! This class will cover topics like succession planting for multiple harvests of each vegetable; using a calendar to organize seed starting, transplanting, and harvesting; and ideas for season extension and creative garden projects. This class is suited for the beginner/hobby gardener who wants to produce a higher diversity of food for their family or wishes to start selling at farmers markets.
Cost: $5.00 per family w/NNC Family membership and $2.00 per individual w/NNC membership, $7.00 per family for non-NNC Members and $3.00 per individual for non-NNC Membership.
Pond Hockey
February 27th from 1-4pm
Are you game? If not come watch! Join us for some hockey on the pond at the Ney Nature Center! Bring your own equipment. How we play depends on who shows up: One on One, five on five, or team on team! Join on your own or as a group. If you are interested in helping organize this event contact Becky at 507-248-3474.
March
Local Expert
Saturday Morning Coffee Series
March 13th – 9 a.m.
Up close and personal with Bluebirds presented by Earl Gransee
Would you like to get up close and personal with birds? If so, join Earl Gransee on Saturday March 13, 2010 at the Ney Nature Center. The bluebird one of nature’s friendliest and beautiful birds will be the topic at March’s Saturday Morning Coffee Series. Learn about the bluebird’s habitat, recovery program, nesting preferences, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase an already made bluebird house or construct their own from a kit. Registration would be appreciated if you would like to purchase an already made house or kit. Call Nicole or Becky at 507-248-3474 by March 10th. Looking forward to seeing you on March 13.
Earl has lived in Belle Plaine, MN for 27 years. He was the Belle Plaine Elementary School Principal for 20 years until retiring in 2003. Earl has always had a love of the outdoors and the environment. In 1989 he started a bluebird house construction class for Belle Plaine and Jordan elementary schools fourth grade classes. Earl continues to teach the class to Belle Plaine fourth graders each spring at the Ney Nature Center. Over the years more than 2,200 bluebird houses have been constructed. Earl severs on the Ney Board of Directors and also on Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center Board of Trusties at Finland MN.
Eco Explorers Day Camp
Saturday, March 27th
10 am – 2:00 pm
K-2nd graders (Bluebirds)
3-6th graders (Eagles)
Attend Day Camp for a day of exploration at the Ney Nature Center. Students will be enthralled with learning opportunities that will allow them to experience nature through observation and education. Lunch will be provided. Dress for the weather/outdoors, bring a water bottle and be prepared for hiking.
Cost: $20.00 per student w/NNC Family membership and $25.00 per student for non-NNC Members.
Registrations due by March 22nd.
To Register call or E-mail Becky at 507-248-3474/rebecca@neycenter.org
Save the Date for these Big Events!
• Saturday, May 15th - 3rd Annual Spring Fling
• Saturday, October 16th - 2nd Annual Fall Festival
• Thursday, November 11th NEEF Annual Meeting
Registration
Some of the programs and events at the Ney Nature Center require registering in advance. If you need a registration form, please download the required form below. These files a .pdf, and will require the free Acrobat Reader or any other .pdf viewer to print. It is best to “right-click” and “save to disk” before printing. If you have questions, or need assistance with these forms, contact Becky at rebecca@neycenter.org.