Coronavirus/COVID-19 Information

Page updated 8/12/2021

Carpenter Nature Center recognizes the importance of keeping our visitors and community safe during these challenging times. We are doing our part to be proactive by making temporary changes in our operations based on guidance from regional medical experts, the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions related to our current operations:

The Visitor Center on the Minnesota Campus is open daily from 8:00am – 4:30pm. Due to rising concerns related to the Delta Variant, we strongly encourage mask wearing while in the building for the safety of all our visitors, especially those who cannot be vaccinated.

Carpenter Nature Center’s trails are open to the public daily:

Minnesota Campus Trail Hours – 8:00am to 4:30pm

Wisconsin Campus Hours – Sunrise to Sunset

Additionally, there is increased security on both sites to ensure the safety of our visitors, and to maintain the well-being of habitats and wildlife.

You are welcome to bring your furry friend to CNC. In order to ensure the safety of all visitors and animals at CNC, please follow these guidelines:

Carpenter Nature Center is offering opportunities for physically-distanced environmental education and outdoor recreation. Visit our Calendar for information about upcoming programs, or participate in a self-guided activity such as, searching for animal cut-outs on our camouflage trail, looking for man-made objects on our un-natural trail, or geocaching!

Now more than ever, nature is proving vital for our mental and physical health. We are committed to providing educational and entertaining resources for you to enjoy either outdoors or from the comfort of your home. From livestreams to take-home activities, we are finding creative ways to come together virtually to continue serving our community during this challenging time.

Listed below are example of some of the fun activities that you can find on our Nature News page:

Also be sure to check out our Facebook page to see videos of our previous live streams including a raptor meet & greet and a critter feeding session. Our WI Campus Facebook page has also been live streams of peaceful nature moments, and will be sharing fun phenology facts and updates about what’s happening on the site.

Keep checking our website and social media pages to see what we come up with next!

During this time of crisis, we understand that many families are struggling with financial insecurity. Spending time in nature is one of the most beneficial, stress-reducing, free activities available to our community at this time. It is our intent to keep the trail system open and available, free of charge to visitors, unless we are advised to close by officials.

As a private, non-profit organization, Carpenter Nature Center heavily relies on donations from generous supporters. If you are able, please consider making a donation, either online through  GiveMN or PayPal, by becoming a Friend of CNC. Support from our donors is what enables us to educate families, conserve wildlife habitat, and support the physical and mental health of the community.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has several provisions which encourage charitable giving. The CARES Act allows individuals who take the standard deduction on their taxes to make a cash contribution of up to $300 (made to qualifying charities) and deduct the contribution “above-the-line” in computing adjusted gross income (AGI). For those who itemize deductions, the CARES Act allows charitable cash contributions to be deducted up to 100% of AGI for 2020 (as opposed to the previous deduction limit of 60%). In addition to cash contributions, contributions from IRAs, donor-advised funds, and donations of appreciated stocks (or other assets) still might be your most cost-effective method for charitable contributions if you feel compelled to give. Talk to your financial advisor about which form of giving would be most financially beneficial to you.