Carpenter Nature Center

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Summer Fun
2024-07-24 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $6 per child or $4 for ‘Friends of CNC.’ No charge for adults.
These programs introduce children ages 2-5 to nature in a fun and safe environment. Listen to stories, spend time outdoors, make a craft and meet CNC’s live animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Summer Fun
2024-07-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: $6 per child or $4 for ‘Friends of CNC.’ No charge for adults.

These programs introduce children ages 2-5 to nature in a fun and safe environment. Listen to stories, spend time outdoors, make a craft and meet CNC’s live animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Whacky Worms
2024-08-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Whacky Worms
2024-08-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Orchard Fun
2024-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Costumes & Critters
2024-10-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Costumes & Critters
2024-10-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Turkey Time
2024-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Turkey Time
2024-11-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Winter is Coming
2024-12-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Winter is Coming
2024-12-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Who Hibernates?
2025-01-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Who Hibernates?
2025-01-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Beary Special Valentine
2025-02-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

*Canceled* Minnesota Campus Owls & Ales
2025-02-13 17:45 - 20:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
The Feb 13th program has been CANCELED. Join us for the March 20th Owls and Ales. You can register for March 20 HERE
Fee: $25 / Person and includes a hike and 1 beer flight, light snacks, and guided tasting.
Enjoy an after-hours hike in the scenic St. Croix River valley at Carpenter Nature Center. After our eyes adjust, we will head out on the trail to listen for some of Minnesota’s native owl species. This portion of the event is outdoors; please dress for the weather. We will be walking less than 1 mile on a paved trail. While we do our best to clear the trail there may be ice and some snow. After our hike, we will warm up indoors while we meet our resident barred owl.
After our Owl Prowl adventure, we will join the staff at Spiral Brewery for a guided tour of the flagship flavors and styles of their beers on tap in the taproom. The tasting includes a beer flight for each participant and a Spiral staff member leading a discussion around each beer sample. Enjoy the atmosphere of the bright and fun taproom while you learn about the history of Spiral Brewery and its beer. This experience will take approximately 45 minutes, with the option to stay for another beer you can purchase on your own! There will also be a game night through Trivia Mafia happening this evening. You are welcome to participate if you wish.
Please note, Spiral Brewery does not offer food. However, there are great places right on main street that offer delivery or pick-up for those at Spiral Brewery. You are also welcome to bring your own food. Light snacks such as pretzels or popcorn will be provided.
Must be 21 years of age or older to participate.
Carpenter Nature Center: 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings, MN 55033
Spiral Brewery: 111 2nd Street E, Hastings, MN 55033

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Beary Special Valentine
2025-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Communications Workshop
2025-02-25 08:00 - 13:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
During this workshop, you will gain insight into building a brand and digital culture around your organization, learn tactics for navigating digital and public relations crises, and discuss strategies for spreading your message efficiently and effectively. Hear from experts in their fields and learn from their firsthand experiences.

When: February 25th, 2025Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PMCost: FREELimited Space and Registration RequiredOpen to SWEEP, ANCA, & Chamber Members
Register your spot today!https://tinyurl.com/mry5vawn

AGENDA8:00 – 9:00 | Coffee and Networking Hour – Bagels, fruit & coffee provided9:00 – 9:15 | Welcome9:15 – 10:30 | The Nature of Branding—Keynote Topic with Tricia Christiansen10:40 – 11:30 | Crisis Management: Don’t Go Viral for the Wrong Reasons —Panel Forum featuring Sharon Stiteler, Chris Smith & Emily Roberts11:40 – 12:20 | Getting Your Messaging Out— Panel Forum featuring Chris Clayton, Tanner Stofferan, Jessie Eckroad, & Greg Seitz12:20 – 1:00 | Topics From the Floor – Q & A

Located at the Carpenter Nature Center Minnesota Campus12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings, MN 55033
Please contact Abbey Holden with any questions at 651-437-4359 ext. 118 or by email at Abbey@CarpenterNatureCenter.org
SPEAKER BIOS

Tricia Christiansen – Brand Strategist, Creative Director, Community Connector, Christiansen Creative
With decades of experience in brand strategy and creative direction, Tricia brings a unique blend of professional expertise and deep community engagement. As the founder and creative lead for Christiansen Creative, she has partnered with national corporations, regional organizations, and nonprofits such as ServeMinnesota, Little Free Library, and Ampact, which manages national AmeriCorps programs like Reading Corps.
Her leadership in local nonprofits has made a meaningful impact—including raising funds, elevating awareness, and connecting the community with critical resources. Tricia’s collaborative approach helps organizations navigate challenges, elevate awareness, and achieve their goals through thoughtful brand strategy and creative solutions. Learn more about her company at Think-CC.com.

Chris Clayton – Editor and Chief, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine
Chris Clayton is a Mahtomedi-based writer and editor who currently runs Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine. In a previous life he wrote for Outside, CNN, Runner’s World, and Men’s Health. He enjoys hiking and paddling with his family, has an unhealthy obsession with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and makes a decent eggplant parmesan. Pitch Chris stories at lettertoeditor.mcv@state.mn.us and learn more about MCV at mndnr.gov/mcvmagazine

Jessie Eckroad – Communications Coordinator, Carpenter Nature Center
Jessie Eckroad is the Communications Coordinator and former Outreach Program Coordinator at Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center (CNC). During her time at CNC, Jessie has increased community outreach capacity, streamlined the nature center’s visual branding, facilitated major website restructuring, developed a variety of educational displays and exhibits, and fostered community partnerships with government entities, local businesses, and non-profits. She also played a critical role in messaging during CNC’s recent Wisconsin Campus Expansion Project Capital Campaign and construction of the Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center.

Emily Roberts – Owner, Snake Discovery
Emily and Ed own and operate Snake Discovery, an educational reptile facility in Maplewood, MN. They offer hands-on programs all around Minnesota and Wisconsin, and create videos for their large YouTube channel to inform viewers about proper care, husbandry, and conservation. Snake Discovery contains an indoor reptile zoo with 75 exhibits of different animals and a reptile specialty store and rescue center. Check out Snake Discovery online at www.snakediscovery.com

Greg Seitz – Founder & Editor, St. Croix 360
Greg Seitz is a writer dedicated to the St. Croix River and its watershed. Since 2011, he has published new stories every week on St. Croix 360, an online publication supported by its readers and with more than 4,500 email subscribers. He also writes about nature, science, history, and environmental issues for many other publications and organizations. Greg grew up in Stillwater and today lives in May Township with his wife, Kate, two children, and a dog. Visit St. Croix 360 at stcroix360.com.

Tanner Stofferahn – Communications & Marketing Coordinator, Wild Rivers Conservancy
Tanner Stofferahn is the Communications and Marketing Coordinator at Wild Rivers Conservancy. Tanner has 16 years of marketing and creative direction experience and has partnered with brands such as adidas, MLB, and Trout Unlimited. He enjoys helping brands and organizations reach their full potential by unifying creativity, data, and strategy. When not in front of a laptop, Tanner can be found floating a river in his drift boat, working as a fly fishing guide. Whether it’s through communications, or hands-on work outdoors, he loves helping others create positive outdoor experiences. Learn more about Wild Rivers Conservancy: https://wildriversconservancy.org/ . Connect with Tanner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-stofferahn

Chris Smith – Protected Species Program Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Transportation
Sharon Stiteler – Press Officer, US Forest Service

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Syrup Season
2025-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Syrup Season
2025-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Minnesota Campus Owls & Ales *FULL*
2025-03-20 17:45 - 20:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
This program is FULL to capacity. Call 651-437-4359 to be placed on the wait list.
Reservations and pre-payment are required.
Fee: $25 / Person and includes a hike and 1 beer flight, light snacks, and guided tasting.
Enjoy an after-hours hike in the scenic St. Croix River valley at Carpenter Nature Center. After our eyes adjust, we will head out on the trail to listen for some of Minnesota’s native owl species. This portion of the event is outdoors; please dress for the weather. We will be walking less than 1 mile on a paved trail. While we do our best to clear the trail there may be ice and some snow. After our hike, we will warm up indoors while we meet our resident barred owl.
After our Owl Prowl adventure, we will join the staff at Spiral Brewery for a guided tour of the flagship flavors and styles of their beers on tap in the taproom. The tasting includes a beer flight for each participant and a Spiral staff member leading a discussion around each beer sample. Enjoy the atmosphere of the bright and fun taproom while you learn about the history of Spiral Brewery and its beer. This experience will take approximately 45 minutes, with the option to stay for another beer you can purchase on your own! There will also be a game night through Trivia Mafia happening this evening. You are welcome to participate if you wish.
Please note, Spiral Brewery does not offer food. However, there are great places right on main street that offer delivery or pick-up for those at Spiral Brewery. You are also welcome to bring your own food. Light snacks such as pretzels or popcorn will be provided.
Must be 21 years of age or older to participate.
Carpenter Nature Center: 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings, MN 55033
Spiral Brewery: 111 2nd Street E, Hastings, MN 55033

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Earth Day Hooray!
2025-04-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Earth Day Hooray!
2025-04-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Springs Sprung
2025-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Springs Sprung
2025-05-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Rocks that Roll
2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Rocks that Roll
2025-06-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Amazing Ants
2025-07-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Amazing Ants
2025-07-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - In Style with Reptiles
2025-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - In Style with Reptiles
2025-08-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
