Upcoming Events

Take some time to connect with the power and fragility of nature.  Join instructor Tonya Schmitt, MEd and RYT-500 yoga teacher for a gentle hour-long program Saturday mornings in April & May. Engage in sensory-focused mindfulness by breathing deeply, performing simple movements, being in nature, and hearing stories of environmental awareness. Yoga mats are not necessary. Be sure to dress for the outdoors. This program meets at the Flint Hills Trailside Lodge; 12355 St. Croix Trail S. Hastings, MN 55033…

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. Program fee: $5.00 per child or $3.00 per preschooler for “Friends of CNC”; no charge for accompanying adult.…

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, High School students, and St. Croix Valley Bird Club members. Please RSVP at 651-437-4359 and let us know you are coming.

** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS** Learn everything you need to be successful in our birding competition by first attending this instructional course! No prior experience needed. Attendance fee is included with registration for the 50 for 50 Youth Birding Competition. For more information or to reserve your spot, please call 651-437-4359. Find out more about our annual Youth Birding Competition by clicking here

Take some time to connect with the power and fragility of nature.  Join instructor Tonya Schmitt, MEd and RYT-500 yoga teacher for a gentle hour-long program Saturday mornings in April & May. Engage in sensory-focused mindfulness by breathing deeply, performing simple movements, being in nature, and hearing stories of environmental awareness. Yoga mats are not necessary. Be sure to dress for the outdoors. This program meets at the Flint Hills Trailside Lodge; 12355 St. Croix Trail S. Hastings, MN 55033…

Volunteers are critically important to helping Carpenter Nature Center fulfill our mission. Some volunteer weekly, while others support our special events, which occur several times a year. Whether you are looking for some professional experience, like to be outdoors, want to share your knowledge with children, or just want to stay busy, CNC can provide a rewarding volunteer experience. For more information on volunteering, please attend one of our upcoming volunteer information meeting. These meetings take place at 7 PM…

Celebrate the many birds of Minnesota at the Hastings area Earth Day Birding Festival. This is the sixth year the Hastings Environmental Protectors has teamed up with CNC for the Birding Festival. This year, Carpenter Nature Center is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day by recruiting 50 youth birding teams to participate. For more detailed information on the event, please visit:  https://carpenternaturecenter.org/plan-your-visit/annual-events/earth-day-birding-festival/ Program fee is $5 per person or $15 per person including a box lunch RSVPS Are Required–…

Spring cleaning the highway! Cleanup will take place at Carpenter Nature Center. Come help pick up all the treasures that folks “lost” from their cars. This program is free, for more information call 651-437-4359.