Ney Calendar and Upcoming Programs

Candlelight Event

February 15th from 6-9pm

Free event! Enjoy this beautiful winter night snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing by candlelight along our peaceful trails. Stop in the education building to say hi and grab a cup of cocoa or a s’mores ticket to take with you to the S’more Stop next to the pond.

Pricing for add-ons:
Cocoa – $2
S’mores Ticket (good for 2 s’mores) – $3
Snowshoe or XC Ski Rental – $5/members or $8/non-members

All proceeds for add-ons are a fundraiser in support of Ney Nature Center and must be purchased inside the education building. We take cash, card, or check! No charge to walk/ski through the lit trails with your own (or no) equipment.

No registration is required, but snowshoes and skis are first-come, first-serve. No rentals past 8:30pm and you must return by 9pm. Cocoa and s’mores are available until sold-out.

Interested in volunteering? Click here!

Tiny Trekkers & Nature Detectives Homeschool Programs

Discovery during the week! These drop-off programs are during the week, so they work well for homeschoolers. However, all are welcome! Tiny Trekkers are for ages 4-6 years old, and Nature Detectives are for ages 7-11 years old. Descriptions for each topic can be found on the registration site.

January: What is Snow?

Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, January 21st from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, January 28th from 10am-11:30am

February: Crows

Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, February 11th from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, February 25th from 10am-11:30am

March: Maple Syrup

Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, March 18th from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, March 25th from 10am-11:30am

Pre-registration required. $3/member or $5/non-member.  Register here.

Snowshoe Saturdays

Saturday, February 1st from 1-2pm
Saturday, March 1st from 1-2pm

Join us each month for a guided snowshoeing adventure at Ney Nature Center! Discover the beauty of winter as we trek through snowy trails, explore hidden paths, and learn about local wildlife and winter ecology. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snowshoer, this class offers a fresh, peaceful way to experience nature and embrace the magic of Ney in winter. Snowshoes are provided if you need them, and each session brings a new route and unique theme!

Each registration is for one individual, ages 7+ recommended. Pre-registration required.

$3 for members, $5 for non-members. Register here.

Nordic Skiing Programs

Ski Trail Condition Updates Here

Youth Nordic Ski Club

CANCELED DUE TO LACK OF SNOW: January 23rd from 4:15-5:30pm
January 30th from 4:15-5:30pm
February 6th from 4:15-5:30pm
February 13th from 4:15-5:30pm
ADDED DATE: February 20th from 4:15-5:30pm

Join our Youth Nordic Ski Club and experience the thrill of gliding through the snow! This month-long program is perfect for kids ages 8-14 who want to learn the basics of Nordic skiing or improve their skills. Each week, participants will receive hands-on instruction, focusing on proper technique, balance, and endurance. All skill levels are welcome, and equipment rentals are included in the price. Bundle up, embrace the cold, and discover the joy of Nordic skiing with us! Registration closes on January 23rd.

Please note, in the event of there not being enough snow, we will postpone and provide alternative dates, otherwise refunds will be provided in full. Thank you!

$25 for members, $30 for non-members. Register here.

Beginning Nordic Ski Skills Workshop
January 25th from 9am-12pm 
Rescheduled due to lack of snow to February 1st from 9am-12pm

Sharpen your Nordic/Cross-Country Skiing skills in this 3-hour workshop. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, this workshop offers instruction focused on essential skiing fundamentals. Participants will work on balance, form, and efficient movement, all while learning valuable tips for tackling the trails. Join us for a morning on the trails and take your Nordic skiing to the next level! Equipment rental cost is included in class, however you are welcome to bring your own equipment.

Each registration is for one individual, ages 15 and older. Please note, in the event of there not being enough snow, we will postpone and provide alternative dates, otherwise refunds will be provided in full. Thank you!

$10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register here.

Sauna Sessions

Celebrate the season with a session in a woodfire sauna at Ney Nature Center! Each session is 75 minutes. You will enjoy a series of sauna rounds cycling between the heat of the sauna and a cool-down of your choice (the winter air, a roll in the snow, or an ice-cold bucket of water). More information is available when you are booking! If you are a Ney Member, use SAUNAMEMBER at checkout to get $5 off each spot, please only have Sauna Sessions in your cart, no other programs or items at checkout.

What to wear:

• During your session you can either wear a swimsuit or athletic clothing that can get sweaty and wet. We recommend arriving with your swimsuit under your clothes to dress down into before your session.

What to bring (required items have a *):

• water bottle*
• a full-size towel to sit on while inside the sauna*
• sandals to wear while you are outside the sauna that can get wet, as to not track mud and dirt into the sauna*
• additional towel, robe, sweatshirt, or something to wear outside between sauna rounds

What to know:

• We will have Ney staff on-site to maintain the wood fire stove and answer questions.
• Children 12 and up are allowed with a guardian present.
• There are up to 6-spots available in each session, if you would like a private session, you may buy all 6 spots if available at that time.
• Cancellations are non-refundable within 2 days of the event. Open only February 7th-9th. Depending on interest we may bring the sauna back for another weekend!

Pre-registration required. Registration closes 12 hours before each session. $20/member (use SAUNAMEMBER code at checkout), $25/non-member.  Register here.

Lifelong Learner Series

Discover a new topic each month as we explore local wildlife, history, and conservation issues. This class is designed in a lecture-style format, ensuring that participants can remain seated throughout the session. The structure is tailored to be accessible for anyone, including those with limited mobility, allowing everyone to engage comfortably without the need for physical exertion. Whether you’re joining us to learn, socialize, or enjoy a relaxed educational environment, this class offers an inclusive experience for all participants. Please inform staff of any dietary restrictions.

Chimney Swifts: Thursday, February 20th from 12-1:30pm

Chimney Swift populations have been reduced dramatically in the past few decades.  In addition to discussing why that is, we will go over what we can do to help.

Extremophiles: Thursday, March 20th from 12-1:30pm

In some of the most inhospitable places on Earth, we find amazing creatures called extremophiles.  These creatures are able to survive blazing heat, caustic conditions, and other mind boggling things.

Pre-registration required. $12/member or $15/non-member.  Register here.