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.
All Ages Programs
Youth & Family Programs
Tiny Trekkers & Nature Detectives Homeschool – “Autumn Leaves”
Tuesday, October 21st from 10:00am to 11:30am [Tiny Trekker]
Tuesday October 28th from 10:00am to 11:30am [Nature Detective]
Enjoy a ride to appreciate fall colors with Ney staff! Learn why the leaves turn color in the fall, as well as why certain trees drop leaves while others don’t. Remember to dress for the weather!
Members $5, non-members $7
Creatures of the Night
Friday, October 24th, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Come 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, coyotes, owls, and other amazing nocturnal animals. We will have a fire going in the fire ring outside of the main building. 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. – Registration Closed 10/24/25 at Noon.
Member $5, Non-member $7
2 and under free
30 registrants per half hour (4 half hour slots)
5:30pm
6:00pm
6:30pm
7:00pm
Tiny Trekkers & Nature Detectives Homeschool – “Turkeys”
Tuesday, November 11th from 10:00am to 11:30am [Tiny Trekker]
Tuesday November 18th from 10:00am to 11:30am [Nature Detective]
Learn all about Turkeys in this fun program with Ney staff! We will look for signs of Turkeys on our hike, as well as learning about the life history of these amazing birds. Remember to dress for the weather!
Members $5, non-members $7
Tiny Trekkers & Nature Detectives Homeschool – “White-tailed deer”
Tuesday, December 9th from 10:00am to 11:30am [Tiny Trekker]
Tuesday December 16th from 10:00am to 11:30am [Nature Detective]
We are going to learn all about White Tailed Deer in this month’s program. As the deer are getting ready to shed their antlers, we will talk about their life cycles before going on a hike to look for signs of them in the park. Remember to dress for the weather!
Members $5, non-members $7
Adult Programs
FAQ & Policies
Sold Out Programs: Send us an email or give us a call, we sometimes open more spots, and either way, we take public interest into account and may run the program again or add spots in the future.
Drop-Off Program Policy: If a program is listed as “Drop-Off” we ask that you step out of the building (or area where the program takes place) for the duration of the time while your child takes part in the program. You are welcome to wait in your car, go for a walk in the park, or run some errands! We will ask that you confirm your phone number on the check-in sheet before leaving and staff will call you if we need you! If you are not comfortable with the drop-off format, we welcome you reaching out to us with any concerns or questions. We also would love for you to join us at a family program if it is more your style to participate with your kids!
Public Programs Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your registration 48 hours or more before the day of the program, you can receive a 100% refund if requested. If you cancel within 48 hours of the day of the program, you can receive a 50% refund if requested. Day-of cancellations are appreciated for communication with instructors, however, we do not provide refunds in this case.
Lifelong Learner Series
Discover a new topic each month as we explore local wildlife, history, and conservation issues. The structure is tailored to be accessible for anyone, including those with limited mobility, allowing everyone to engage comfortably. Whether you’re joining us to learn, socialize, or enjoy a relaxed educational environment, this class offers a fun experience for all participants. Please inform staff of any dietary restrictions.
Bats: Thursday, November 20th from 12-1:30pm
We are going to learn all about bats, focusing on MN’s native species. Lunch will be followed by the presentation. While our native bats are not out and hunting right now, it is a wonderful time to investigate these amazing creatures. We will talk about the physiology, life history, and habitat needs of our flying neighbors. Come enjoy a fun lunch while we learn about these wonderful creatures!
Members, $12, non-members $15
Winter Bird Count: Thursday, November 20th from 10-1:30pm
It is time for our Annual Winter Bird Count! We will have a brunch followed by a presentation about our bird count. Staff will lead some hikes around the property to count birds after the event. Remember to register ahead of time so that we have enough food and coffee for everyone. Please note earlier start time.
Members, $12, non-members $15
Members-Only Events
Become a Ney Member & gain access to unique programming throughout the year.
Members-Only Stargazing & Presentation
Friday, November 7th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
A members-only event, this fall we will be hosting the Minnesota Astronomical Society who will give a 30-minute presentation, and, clear skies permitting, a guided opportunity to view a spectacular night sky, and celestial objects of interest. Attendees should dress for the weather.
All ages are welcome. Be sure to check your membership level, you won’t want to miss this one!
This is a FREE members-only event, but pre-registration is required.
Example: If your program is on a Thursday, we can provide full refunds up until Monday at midnight. If you cancel on Tuesday or Wednesday, we can provide 50% of your registration fee back. If you let us know on Thursday, we would not provide a refund.
If your registration is under $10, consider donating it instead of requesting a refund! As a small non-profit, every dollar really does count. Thank you!
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 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.
Public Programs Registration Transfer Policy: If there is a class offered at the same value or less and still has open spots, we can transfer your registration to that class up until the day of the program. However, you must request this before the start time of your original class.
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.