CNC’s Home School Programs are created to offer students in home schools an opportunity to meet other children, take part in environmental education programs, and enjoy the outdoors. In this program, students will explore plant and animal life in the CNC wetland.  Please dress appropriately for the weather. Program Fee: $6 per student or $4 for “Friends of CNC.”  Space is limited, and  reservations are required, so call 651-437-4359 to reserve your spot.

Bring your favorite litter grabber and let's show the litter bugs that we won't take their garbage along the roadside anymore. Call us at 651-437-4359 to RSVP for this volunteer event.

Have you ever wondered what bird banding is all about? Banding records help us learn how long birds live, where they travel, when they migrate and many other interesting facts. CNC has been banding birds for over 30 years. Our bird banders welcome you to see songbirds up close and learn about the birds who share our ecosystem. Banding runs continuously for the full 3 ½ hours but visitors may come and go at any time. Please call ahead so…

CNC’s Preschool Story Times are designed to introduce young children, ages 2 through 5 (with a parent or guardian), to nature in a fun and safe environment. We’ll listen to stories, spend some time outdoors, make an art or craft project and meet live animals. We will be going outside for every program so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Please call 651-437-4359 to register. Program fee: $5.00 per child or $3.00 per preschooler for “Friends of CNC”; no charge…

Join expert birders on a morning hike around the nature center. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Field guides and binoculars available to use or bring your own. Minnesota Campus hikes are led by bird expert Kevin Smith & Wisconsin Campus hikes are led by the St. Croix Valley Bird Club. Program fee: $6.00 or free for “Friends of CNC”, Hastings Environmental Protectors and St. Croix Valley Bird Club members. Please RSVP at 651-437-4359 and let us know you are…

Experience the sights and sounds of the nature center after hours in a naturalist-led night hike of the Minnesota campus. Program Fee: $6.00 per person or $4.00 for “Friends of CNC.” Please call 651-437-4359 to register.

Join the St. Croix Valley Bird Club on a morning hike on our beautiful WI campus. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Program fee: $6.00 or free for “Friends of CNC”, Hastings Environmental Protectors, Hastings High School students, and St. Croix Valley Bird Club members. Please RSVP at 651-437-4359 and let us know you are coming.

Celebrate Spring with Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center’s Apple Blossom Races. The 5K uses all paved surfaces, walkers are welcome on the 5K only.  The 10K uses some of the same route but breaks off and follows almost 4 miles of the Nature Center’s trail system overlooking the St. Croix River. For more information visit: https://carpenternaturecenter.org/events/apple-blossom-race/