By Sara
October 17, 2025
Autumn has finally made its way to Ney! The past couple of weeks have been filled with several opportunities to celebrate this incredible season. So far in October, we have welcomed six field trip groups, hosted two public wagon rides, explored the park with 19 MEA Break campers, and logged over 50 (and counting) donations for the Fall Fling’s silent auction. With each exciting activity, we are grateful for the beautiful weather and our active participants. Keep reading for some detailed highlights and information on how you can help ensure that Ney continues to be a welcoming place for fall fun.
Peak fall colors are bringing visitors and program participants to the park!
Photo taken by staff member Sara Corbin
This past week, our group of lifelong learners got together for their monthly lunch. Luckily, just as the rain stopped, we were ready to take them around the park on a wagon ride. They spent time telling stories, learning about changing leaves, and seeing just how beautiful the trees are.
Lifelong Learners enjoying a fall wagon ride.
Photo taken by staff member Sara Corbin
Just one day later, our first group of MEA Break campers had their opportunity to learn about all the wonders nature has to offer in fall. They took a closer look at some famous fall seeds – Black Walnuts and apples. Together they made and wrote with Black Walnut ink then celebrated their success by enjoying the apple cider they pressed themselves.
Campers making apple cider from Ney-grown apples
Photo taken by staff member Sara Corbin
It has been inspiring to see generations of learners appreciate and be excited by fall on full display in our park. This renewed joy is arriving at the perfect time as our staff and supporters are preparing for our 17th Annual Fall Fling Fundraiser.
Since its humble beginnings in 2008, our annual fundraising event has been an opportune time to come together and ensure that Ney continues to fulfill our mission of inspiring appreciation and respect for nature. You are invited to this year’s Fall Fling held on Sunday, November 2nd at Gustavus Adolphus College’s Jackson Campus Center.
We are excited to announce that hosting the Fling at Gustavus marks the first time in program history that we have gathered in Saint Peter, MN. After making its debut at Ney, the Fling has traveled around our community to towns including Belle Plaine, Montgomery, Le Center, and Le Sueur. It has been a joy for our staff, board members, and participants from the past 17 years to host the celebration throughout our widespread community.
Although Saint Peter is a new destination for the Fling, many of the event traditions will be back again this year. We’ll enjoy a delicious meal, bid on silent auction items, hope to win the raffle prizes, support needs important to Ney, and hear a great presentation from our guest speaker. The event’s first keynote speakers, Art and Barb Straub set wonderful expectations for the quality of information and entertainment at the Fling. From there, we’ve welcomed speakers including Al Batt, Tim Walz, and Stan Tekiela. This year, Dr. Mark Seeley, former Extension Climatologist and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota, will surely continue the pattern of offering engaging insights and information.
Overall, whether you’re buying a ticket to the event or gifting a sponsorship donation, interacting with the Fall Fling Fundraiser is an essential way to ensure that Ney is able to host exceptional programs, not only during the fall, but throughout the entire year. Every dollar we raise through the Fling has an impact. Thank you for believing in our mission and being a part of our generous community.
Click here to learn more about this year’s Fling and to purchase tickets. We hope to see you soon!