Minnesota Campus Public Bird Banding
2025-08-22 08:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-24 08:30 - 12:00, 2025-11-28 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Wisconsin Campus Art Festival
2025-08-23 10:00 - 17:00 | North End – Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, 54016
Location: North End – Wisconsin Campus 300 East Cove Road, Hudson WI, 54016
Program Fee: Free admission. Cash and Checks only for vendors.
Celebrate art and nature in the St. Croix Valley! Music, Fine Arts, Beautiful Scenery, and Live Animals. Participating artists donate a portion of their proceeds to support environmental education at Carpenter Nature Center.
Learn more about this event on the Carpenter Art Festival Event Page

Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2025-09-06 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-10-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-07 09:00 - 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: $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.

Autumn in the Valley Gala
2025-09-07 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Join the friends and family of Carpenter Nature Center for an evening of fun for a good cause. It’s a memorable dinner, raffle, silent and live auction, and is Carpenter’s most important fundraiser of the year. Funds raised from this event directly go towards supporting environmental education programs for youth, protecting wildlife habitat in both MN and WI, and providing nature-based recreation opportunities for the community.
Learn more on the Autumn in the Valley Gala Event Page

Tropical Wings Fall Migration Celebrtaion
2025-09-13 07:30 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2025-09-13 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South 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 - Orchard Fun
2025-09-19 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.

Minnesota Public Bird Banding
2025-09-26 08:30 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Minnesota Campus Raptor Release
2025-09-27 11:00 - 14:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: Free admission, cash and check for vendors.
Join Carpenter Nature Center and The Raptor Center of the University of Minnesota as they release rehabilitated raptors at CNC. Event includes hay wagon tours, kids activities, raptors on display, and a variety of education booths from area environmental organizations.
Learn more about on the Raptor Release Event Page

Minnesota Campus Hawk Watch
2025-09-28 08:00 - 14:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: Free
Join Carpenter Nature Center and the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union host the Annual Migratory Bird Count and Hawk Watch! Each fall, thousands of raptors and other birds fly south to their wintering grounds in the southern U.S. and beyond. Our friendly team of spotters will be counting migrants including raptors, songbirds, gulls, and other southbound birds. Come ask questions, check in on the count totals, or participate in the count.
Binoculars available upon request.
For more information, please call 651-437-4359.

Minnesota Campus Apple Festival
2025-10-11 - 2025-10-12 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: Free admission, cash or card for vendors.
Celebrate the harvest at Carpenter Nature Center’s annual Apple Festival! This event is held rain (or snow) or shine.
Enjoy pick-your-own apples, hayrides (weather permitting), cider-making demonstrations, live music, live animal programs, children’s activities, apple brats grilled by the Hastings Lions, baked goods, and more! Learn about the animals of the St. Croix River Valley in our Visitor Center, and take a hike with your family on the trails!
Learn more on the Apple Festival Event Page.

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2025-10-11 08:00 - 10:00 | North End – Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, 54016
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: North End – Wisconsin Campus 300 East 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.

*FULL* Minnesota Campus Saw-whet Owl Banding
2025-10-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS
SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve your spot.
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings, MN 55033
Learn about the migration patterns of Northern Saw-whet Owls. Join our researchers as they venture out to band some of our native owls. This program is weather dependent. Program fee: FREE.
Note: This year is expected to have lower than usual migration activity in our area. There is no guarantee that an owl will be sighted during the program.
*All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s BBL.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Costumes and Critters
2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Register here tinyurl.com/WI-Oct-Storytime
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(FULL) Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Costumes and Critters
2025-10-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS.
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2025-11-01 09:00 - 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: $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.
*time change*

(FULL) - Wisconsin Campus Saw-whet Owl Banding
2025-11-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULL
SPACE IS LIMITED AND PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve your spot.
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center – 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Learn about the migration patterns of Northern Saw-whet Owls. Join our researchers as they venture out to band some of our native owls. This program is weather dependent. Program fee: FREE.
Note: This year is expected to have lower than usual migration activity in our area. There is no guarantee that an owl will be sighted during the program.
*All banding, marking, and sampling is being conducted under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey’s BBL.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Pigeon Party
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Online pre-registration required – Click Here to Register
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Pigeon Party
2025-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Online pre-registration required – Click Here to Register
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wisconsin Campus Holiday Decor Making
2025-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration and payment required – Call 651-437-4359 ext. 103 or register HERE
Location: 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $40 per person.
Join CNC Director of Education & Visitor Services, Sarah Germscheid, to create a one-of-a-kind holiday home décor piece (Spruce tip container). Please dress for the weather as a portion of the program participants will go on a short hike to collect material. Registration fee includes plastic planter, spruce and pine branches, red dogwood branches, birch branches and a few decorative accent pieces.
Gloves and pruning shears are provided, but bring your own if you prefer.
No refunds if you cancel on or after Dec. 1st.

*CANCELED* Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:00 | North End – Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, 54016
Canceled Due to Weather
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 ext. 0
Location: North End – Wisconsin Campus 300 East 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.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Gifts for Wildlife
2025-12-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Online pre-registration required – REGISTER HERE
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Gifts for Wildlife
2025-12-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Online pre-registration required – Register Here
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. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2026-01-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Registration: Pre-registration required. Register Online
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.

Owls & Ales - FULL
2026-01-08 17:45 - 20:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
This program is now FULL. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for the Jan 8th event, please call 651-437-4359 ext. 0
There is still space available in the February 12th and March 12th event dates. Please click HERE for the registration link.
Must be 21 years of age or older to participate.
Program Fee:
$25 / Person for General Admission
$15 / Person for ‘Friends of CNC’
$10 / Person for Frosty Forty-five Participants
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 watch and listen for some of Minnesota’s native owl species. This portion of the event is outdoors; please dress for the weather. We will be hiking a short distance on a paved trail, but weather conditions can make the trail icy. You are welcome to bring Yak Traks or trekking poles if desired. We will also stop in the Visitor Center after the hike to meet CNC’s ambassador owl.
Once we wrap up at Carpenter, you will drive the short distance to Spiral Brewery. The staff at Spiral will lead us through a guided tour of the flagship flavors and styles of their beers on tap at the moment in the taproom. The tasting includes a beer flight for each participant and a staff-led 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! Cheers!
Program fee includes a hike and 1 beer flight, and guided tasting.
