All classes require registration to attend unless otherwise noted.
Please note that our calendar only shows public Ney programs, board & committee meetings, and volunteer opportunities. It does not show field trips or private event rentals. If you are curious if a day is open on our calendar, please reach out to us directly.
Youth & Family Programs
Creatures of the Night: A Halloween Event
Friday, November 1st from 5:30-8:00pm
Learn about and celebrate all of the amazing creatures of the night that call MN home! Staff will be on hand to teach all about bats, moths, owls, and other amazing nocturnal animals along the prairie loop trail. We will have a fire going in the fire ring outside of the main building, and you can pick up a treat or take home a craft from each animal’s table as you move through the loop. This evening program is family-friendly and will include walking lit trails at dusk or in the dark. Costumes are welcome but not required. Please dress for the weather, as this is an outdoor event.
Registration Information
- Registration includes choosing the time slot you would like to arrive during, we would like to stagger participant arrival to ensure people are not crowded at stations. There is no time limit for participation, however, activities and tables will be open until 8pm.
- Please do not arrive after your time slot, if you choose to arrive early, please note that you will have to wait until your time slot to begin the trail.
- Pre-registration is required, limited spots available for each time slot.
- Registration is per individual attending, those under 2 years old attend for free.
- If you are a member, this event is free to attend, just select member at checkout.
Pre-registration is required. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Register 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.
November: Raccoons
Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, November 19th from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, November 26th from 10am-11:30am
December: Foxes
Tiny Trekkers: Tuesday, December 10th from 10am-11:30am
Nature Detectives: Tuesday, December 17th from 10am-11:30am
Pre-registration required. $3/member or $5/non-member. Register here.
Tinsel & Tillandsia: Air Plant Ornaments
Thursday, December 5th, from 6-7pm
Create your own unique holiday decorations in this fun and creative Air Plant Ornament class! Using beautiful, low-maintenance air plants, participants will craft two custom ornaments to take home and enjoy throughout the season. Learn how to design your ornaments with natural materials, such as moss, twine, and decorative accents, while discovering the basics of air plant care. Perfect for gift-giving or adding a touch of nature to your holiday décor, this class is great for beginners and experienced crafters alike. All supplies are included, and hot cocoa will be provided for a cozy crafting experience.
$10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register here.
Cold Creativity: Winter Crafts Drop-In
Friday, December 27th from 9:00am-3:00pm
Cold Creativity is a drop-in crafting experience perfect for those looking for a fun family activity over winter break! Stop by anytime between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to create three fun, winter-themed nature crafts. Whether you stay for a few minutes or an hour, you’ll get the chance to explore easy-to-follow projects that are fun for all ages. All supplies are provided, and hot cocoa will be available to keep you cozy while you create!
Each registration includes one free winter equipment rental (nordic skis or snowshoes) that can be used anytime that day or for the remainder of the season.
You need only register the youth taking part in the crafting, unless you would like to make your own creations too!
$3 for members, $5 for non-members. Register here.
Adult Programs
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.
Intro to Backyard Birding: Thursday, November 21st from 12-1:30pm
Come learn all about bird identification! We will be learning how to use a field guide, the basics of bird ID, and how to focus a pair of binoculars. Get into the spirit of backyard birding ahead of our Christmas Bird Count season!
Winter Bird Count Brunch: Saturday, December 14th from 10-11:30am
This month, join us for a presentation by local naturalists Art and Barb Straub and to learn about the Ney Winter Bird Count and our participation in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. We will enjoy food and talk birds, and there is an option to go birding with us after the presentation is over!
Pre-registration required. $12/member or $15/non-member. Register here.
FAQ & Policies
Public Programs Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your registration 48 hours or more before the start of the program, you can receive a 100% refund. If you cancel within 48 hours of the start of the program, you will receive a 50% refund. If you leave partway through or no-call, no-show, you will not receive a refund.
Ney Nature Center reserves the right to cancel any program due to illness, staffing issues, low registration, weather, etc. We promise to try our best to avoid cancellations and will try to give participants fair notice of any changes, but we are not always able to do this, so we appreciate your understanding. If Ney cancels a program, all participants will receive a 100% refund of their registration.
COVID-19 & Illness: At this time we are following CDC guidelines for all of our procedures, please visit the MN Department of Health website for more information. If you are experiencing symptoms of a communicable illness, please stay home! You can reach us by email or call us at 507-357-8580.