Carpenter Nature Center

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2024-06-08 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | North End – Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, 54016
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 300 East Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $5 per person or FREE for ‘Friends of CNC,’ SCVBC and students.
Learn to identify birds with local experts. Binoculars and field guides available or bring your own.

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Terrific Toads
2024-06-07 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 - Terrific Toads
2024-06-05 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 Bird Hike
2024-06-01 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-04 08:00 - 10:00 | 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: $5 per person or FREE for ‘Friends of CNC,’ SCVBC and students.
Learn to identify birds with local experts. Binoculars and field guides available or bring your own.

Minnesota Campus Public Bird Banding
2024-05-31 08:30 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033 – back patio of the Administration Building
Program Fee: Free
See birds up close and watch the experts band birds at CNC. Banding runs continuously, so come and go as you please. Donations of bird seed and suet are appreciated in place of a program fee. In case of inclement weather such as heavy rain or snow banding may be canceled.
All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s BBL.

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Welcome Back Birds
2024-05-24 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. Call ahead to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Welcome Back Birds
2024-05-22 10:00 - 11:00 | 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. Call ahead to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders with Tiffany Kersten
2024-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Presented by Tiffany Kersten, 2021 Big Year record holder and professional bird guide.
Tiffany Kersten didn’t set out to do a Big Year, but after a series of unanticipated and serendipitous events, she suddenly found herself amidst one. As a sexual assault survivor, she spent 2021 traveling to all corners of the Lower 48 States, tallying birds and gifting personal safety alarms to women she met along the way. Her goal was to see 700 species, and to raise awareness of women’s safety in the outdoors. She ended up surpassing her goal and setting a new record, of 726 species. In her presentation, Tiffany will lead us through the fear, empowerment, struggles, and healing that all played vital roles in the personal growth she experienced on this wild adventure.

Program Fee: This program is FREE, thanks to sponsorship from the Saint Paul Audubon Society and Wild River Audubon Society. However, SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Registration: Click here to Register Online.

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2024-05-11 08:00 - 10:00 | 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 Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $5 per person or FREE for ‘Friends of CNC,’ SCVBC and students.
Learn to identify birds with local experts. Binoculars and field guides available or bring your own.
**apart of the Wings of Spring Event

Wisconsin Campus Wings of Spring Festival
2024-05-11 06:00 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Join Carpenter Nature Center, Tropical Wings, and the St. Croix Valley Bird Club for a morning of birding!

Guided hikes for birders of all skill levels
Bird banding demonstrations
Activities include birding 101, kids crafts, native planting for birds, preventing window strikes, and more!
Sample and learn about bird-friendly coffee

Located at the Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center on the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus | 279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI, 54016
ADVANCED REGISTRATION FOR BIRD HIKES IS REQUIRED – Click here to Register Online!
Select from one of the following hike options during registration:

6:00 AM – Noon | Full Morning Hike | Led by Brian Collins

Please note: The meeting place for this hike is on the north end of the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus at 300 East Cove Road, Hudson. This hike is designed for adult birders of any skill level that are looking for an extended birding experience.

8:00 – 10:00 AM | Adult Learners Hike | Led by representatives from Tropical Wings and the St. Croix Valley Bird Club

Please note: The meeting place for this hike is at the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center at 279 South Cove Road, Hudson. This hike is designed for adult birders of any skill level that are looking for an informative and casual birding experience.

8:00 AM – TBD | Family-friendly Hike | Led by representatives from Tropical Wings and the St. Croix Valley Bird Club

Please note: The meeting place for this hike is at the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center at 279 South Cove Road, Hudson. This hike is designed for birders of all ages and skill levels. The educational content and length of the hike will be determined by hike leaders based on the specific needs of the learners in each group.

Nature's Laboratory Foraging Workshop
2024-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 1pm-3pm
Carpenter Nature Center – MN Campus
12805 Saint Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033
Presentations & Hike: $15/person
Optional Make & Take Class Add-On $20/person

Presentations: 1 – 2 PM
“Heritage Highlight: Nature’s Laboratory” will bring the community together to learn about foraging, herbal medicine, and traditional ethnobotany from Master Alchemist, Heather
Mashuga and The Friendly Forager, Tanna Worrell. Our teachers will have a variety of their products available for purchase. Hear about the Heritage Area and Carpenter Nature Center’s programs.
Enjoy refreshments and a delicious tea made from locally foraged ingredients.

Optional Add-On: Make & Take Class: 3 – 4 PM
Herbalist Heather Mashuga is offering an optional Make & Take class after the program for those who want to try their hand at making herbal tinctures! Make and Take class is optional and must be added at registration.

Registration:
Registration is required for this event. Register online by clicking the link – Carpenter Nature Center · Heritage Highlight: Nature’s Laboratory Foraging Workshop (lglforms.com)
You must select BOTH the hike and optional ‘make and take’ class at registration if you plan to attend the entire workshop.
For questions, please contact Abbey at 651-437-4359 or at Abbey@carpenternaturecenter.org
This event is offered in partnership with North Woods and Waters of the St. Croix Heritage Area, Master Alchemist Heather Mashuga, and The Friendly Forager Tanna Worrell.

Birds & Brews: Spiral Taproom Takeover!
2024-05-04 11:30 - 18:00 | Spiral Brewery, 111 2nd St E, Hastings, MN, 55033
Join us in downtown Hastings at Spiral Brewery for a day of birds and brews! Catch the spring migration with local birding experts and test your eagle eyes with spotting scopes and binoculars on the Brewery Rooftop. In the family-friendly taproom, learn more about CNC and get up close to some of Carpenter’s live raptor ambassadors. The best part is that a portion of every beverage sold will be donated back to Carpenter Nature Center!

There is no registration required for this event. Stop by and spend time with friends, both feathered and not!
This is also the official stop and after-party of the Birds & Bison Bike Tour! Learn more about this FREE event head to Bike Tours – Visit Hastings MN

Bird Identification Potluck - Online Presentation
2024-05-02 19:00 - 20:00
Location: Online ZOOM presentation – Link sent upon registration
Birding is easy…except when it’s not! Having trouble telling apart flycatchers? Is that a female House Finch or a female Purple Finch at your feeders? Uh oh, you’re looking at a dowitcher…in early May??
Fresh from the 2024 Spring Primer, Bob Dunlap is back as your host for a full hour of Identification Challenge Potluck. Whether you just picked up binoculars for the first time, or finally found your 200th species in Norman County, there’s a place for you at the table. BYOBC (Bring your own birding challenge) as we learn tips and tricks to help identify the amazing bird species found in Minnesota. Bob will use online resources, including the Macauley Library, to compare and contrast some of our trickiest species.
Registration: Click here to Register Online. This is an interactive session and will not be recorded.

Wisconsin Campus Planting Party
2024-04-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Celebrate Arbor day by planting a tree! We will be planting 250 native trees and shrubs as a part of our ongoing habitat restoration projects. All ages are welcome! Shovels and gloves available, or bring your own. Come dressed for the weather and with sturdy footwear and a water bottle. No registration required. Stay for the whole day or drop in when you can.

Sparrow Walk
2024-04-27 08:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Join birding expert Ben Douglas on a guided walk focusing on finding sparrows and their allies during spring migration. Learn tips and tricks that can help identify the different species, as well as other birds by sight and sound.
The majority of the program will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather. We recommend you bring binoculars, however rentals are available at the Visitor Center.
Program Fee: This program is FREE, however donations are always appreciated!
Registration: Click here to Register Online.

Photo by Cephas.

Minnesota Campus Bird Banding
2024-04-26 08:30 - 12:00, 2024-03-29 08:30 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
See birds up-close and watch the experts band birds at CNC. Banding runs continuously, so come and go as you please. Donations of bird seed and suet are appreciated in lieu of a program fee.
All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s BBL.

Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival
2024-04-20 07:00 - 17:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: Carpenter Nature Center Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033
Celebrate birds and conservation at the CNC MN Campus. Attend classes that introduce you to raptors, birding, bird banding, and go on guided bird trips through the Hastings area. Register at Click here to register for the Birding Festival..
The Youth Birding Competition is a highlight of the festival. Young birders are encouraged to team up and count all the bird species they find. Register teams at Click here to register for the Youth Birding Competition.
Check out the event webpage for more details on the full schedule.

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2024-04-13 08:00 - 10:00 | North End – Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, 54016
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 300 East Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Learn to identify birds with local experts. Binoculars and field guides available or bring your own. Program Fee: $5 per person or FREE for ‘Friends of CNC,’ SCVBC and students.

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Earth Day Hooray
2024-04-12 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
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. Call ahead to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program Fee: $6 per child or $4 for ‘Friends of CNC.’ No charge for adults.

*FULL* Minnesota Campus Woodcock Walk
2024-04-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL. PLEASE EMAIL ERIKA@CARPENTERNATURECENTER.ORG TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST.
Visit CNC’s Minnesota Campus to learn about the world of the American Woodcock. CNC Executive Director, Jennifer Vieth, along with CNC Big Year cohost Bend Douglas will share fascinating details about the lifestyle and conservation outlook of these interesting long-beaked birds. The program will begin with a quick indoor presentation, which will be followed by a walk through the darkening prairie trails to observe the acrobatic mating displays of male Woodcock.
The majority of the program will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather. We recommend you bring binoculars and a flashlight, however please reach out if you need help with that.
Program Fee: This program is FREE, however donations are always appreciated!
Registration: Click here to Register Online.

Photo by Tom Benson.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Earth Day Hooray
2024-04-10 10:00 - 11:00 | 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
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. Call ahead to register. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program Fee: $6 per child or $4 for ‘Friends of CNC.’ No charge for adults.

Wilderness First Aid Certification Course
2024-04-06 08:30 - 2024-04-07 19:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two days. This is a great course for anyone who recreates outdoors whether you are family camping, scouting, solo, or with a group of friends. People of all experience levels will learn Wilderness First Aid, Adult + Pediatric CPR/AED, and patient assessment through hands-on learning. At the end of the course, you will know how to provide effective first-aid treatment for injuries and illnesses common outdoors and how to make evacuation decisions when medical help may be hours or days away.
Click HERE to register today!
Class times for both days. You must attend both days to be certified.
SATURDAY, FEB 24 | 8:30AM – 7:00PM
SUNDAY, FEB 25 | 1:00PM – 7:00PM
WHERE: Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus
279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI 54016
GOOD TO KNOW
Class is 16 hours over two days, not including breaks. We’ll have short breaks as well as a lunch break on Saturday.
This class is hands-on. You’ll be touching other people and in close proximity of others. Masks are optional. Instruction will be provided through lecture and skills practice. We will be both indoors and outdoors (weather-dependent). You may need to stand, lift, lay down, or kneel. Please reach out and let us know how we can accommodate your needs. All class materials are provided.
Important: Your certification will be based on attendance, class participation, and demonstration of your understanding of the material. You will receive the certificate 2-5 business days after class. The certificate is good for 2 years. This course is for ages 18+.
This course is taught by Red Cross Instructor, Pam Wright. She has over 25 years of experience adventuring outdoors. When she’s not teaching, she works as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota taking people on remote canoe trips. She also enjoys backpacking, trail running, and winter camping.

2024 Spring Birding Primer
2024-04-06 08:00 - 12:00
Location: Online ZOOM presentation – Link sent upon registration
Co-hosted by the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union and Carpenter Nature Center
Learn about Minnesota birds from the comfort of your home! Join MOU and CNC online for presentations from regional bird experts, passionate birders, and educators. Presentations are 20-25 minutes each with 5-10 minutes of Q&A. Pre-registration for this event is required to receive the zoom link.
Register Online or RSVP to Jen Vieth at jennifer@carpenternaturecenter.org.
This event is FREE, but donations to one or both of the non-profit organizations are encouraged.

Schedule of Events:
8:30-8:45 Welcome from MOU President & Carpenter Nature Center Director
8:45-9:15 Trends in the backyard bird feeding industry- Larry Keller
9:15-9:45 Birding Spring Migration at National Wildlife Refuges in MN- Andy Forbes
9:45-10:15 Get them outside! Tips & tricks for birding with a toddler- Brandon Lentz
10:15-10:45 Identification Challenge Potluck – Bob Dunlap
10:45-11:15 Flycatchers simplified a guide to identification- Alex Sundvall
11:15-11:45 Songbirds on Migration: A dangerous journey – Tami Vogel
11:45-12:15 Plans for the NEW International Owl Center -Karla Bloem
12:15-12:30 Closing & upcoming MOU education events – MOU Ed. Committee

Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2024-04-06 08:00 - 10:00 | 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
Learn to identify birds with local experts. Binoculars and field guides available or bring your own. Program Fee: $5 per person or FREE for ‘Friends of CNC,’ SCVBC and students.

*CANCELED* Minnesota Campus Woodcock Walk
2024-03-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELD DUE TO UNFAVORABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 11.
Click here for April 11 Program Info.

Visit CNC’s Minnesota Campus to learn about the world of the American Woodcock. CNC Executive Director, Jennifer Vieth, along with CNC Big Year cohost Bend Douglas will share fascinating details about the lifestyle and conservation outlook of these bizarre long-beaked birds. The program will begin with a quick indoor presentation, which will be followed by a walk through the darkening prairie trails to observe the acrobatic mating displays of male Woodcock.
The majority of the program will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather. We recommend you bring binoculars and a flashlight, however please reach out if you need help with that.
Program Fee: This program is FREE, however donations are always appreciated!
Registration: PROGRAM CANCELED.

Photo by Tom Benson.

Minnesota Campus Maple Syruping - FULL
2024-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Welcome spring by joining the CNC staff in making maple syrup. Hike to the “sugarbush” to learn about the structure and function of trees, tap maple trees, watch the process of turning sap into syrup, and sample the final product. The program starts indoors, but be ready for spring snow and mud.
Program Fee: $8 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC.’

Minnesota Campus: Apple Tree Pruning
2024-03-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online by following the link HERE.
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Join CNC Orchardist Sam Behrends for a hands-on pruning workshop in the CNC orchard. Pruning techniques will be briefly covered indoors, then participants will move outside to the orchard to try their hands at the pruning techniques they just learned. Participants are encouraged to bring their hand pruners and loppers, a limited quantity are available to use. Sanitization of tools is required, sanitizer will be provided. Participants should be prepared to be outside in the weather of the day. Participation in the Apple Tree Care workshop ahead of time is encouraged, but not required.
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’

Minnesota Campus Maple Syruping -FULL
2024-03-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register and pay online HERE.
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Welcome spring by joining the CNC staff in making maple syrup. Hike to the “sugarbush” to learn about the structure and function of trees, tap maple trees, watch the process of turning sap into syrup, and sample the final product. The program starts indoors, but be ready for spring snow and mud.
Program Fee: $8 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC.’
