Carpenter Nature Center

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Syrup Season
2024-03-13 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
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.

Minnesota Campus: Apple Tree Pruning
2024-03-10 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’

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2024-03-09 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: 279 South 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.

Trails & Ales
2024-03-07 17:45 - 20:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Space is limited and reservations are required. To register please call 651-437-4359 or register online by clicking HERE.
Must be 21 years of age or older to participate.
Location: Carpenter Nature Center Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033
Enjoy the beauty of the St. Croix River Valley with an after-hours hike at Carpenter Nature Center. Learn about the history of CNC, listen for owls, and more during a 45-minute naturalist-led hike. Be sure to bundle up and bring a headlamp. If snow conditions allow, we will be able to experience CNC by snowshoe. After the hike, we will meet at nearby Spiral Brewery in Hastings, Minnesota for a Taproom Takeover!
Join the staff at Spiral Brewery for a guided tour of the flagship flavors and styles of their beers on tap at the moment in the taproom. This includes a flight of beer for each participant and a staff member leading a discussion around each sample of beer. 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!
The cost is $25 and includes a hike, 1 beer flight, and guided tasting.

Board Engagement Series - Engaging the Board in Fundraising
2024-03-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
The St. Croix Valley Foundation, Propel Nonprofits, and Carpenter Nature Center are partnering to host a three-part series on building effective Boards.
This session (the third and final session of this series) will provide nonprofit staff and board members with an understanding of the societal and human dynamics of money and raising money for a nonprofit organization. The session will explore why the board’s role in fundraising often leads to uncertainty and fear – and the corresponding strategies to overcome that hesitancy and maximize success!
For more information and to register, email apilgrim@scvfoundation.org.

Minnesota Campus: Apple Tree Care
2024-03-03 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 classroom presentation covering everything you need to know to get started growing apple trees, or taking care of the ones you already have. Topics covered will include planning considerations, tree selection, planting, early care, pest management, seasonal maintenance, and pruning.
Program Fee: $10 per person / $8 for ‘Friends of CNC’

Wisconsin Campus Educator Open House
2024-02-29 15:00 - 18:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration is required – you can register by following the link HERE.
Program Fee: FREE
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center / 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Join fellow educators for an evening exploring Carpenter Nature Center’s newest location, the Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center! Warm up with a tasty treat while networking with local educators and exploring ways our programs can complement your classroom teaching. Throughout the evening, you can chat with naturalist staff, meet our animal ambassadors, or try your hand at a few field trip activities. You’ll even have the chance to book your field trip for next year. Those who attend will be entered in a drawing for a FREE field trip for the 2024-2025 school year (up to 65 students)!
For more information, please reach out Sarah Germscheid by calling 651-437-4359 ext. 103

*CANCELED* Wisconsin Campus: Apple Tree Care
2024-02-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO LOW SIGNUPS
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online by following the link HERE.
Location: 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 540163
Join CNC Orchardist Sam Behrends for a classroom presentation covering everything you need to know to get started growing apple trees, or taking care of the ones you already have. Topics covered will include planning considerations, tree selection, planting, early care, pest management, seasonal maintenance, and pruning.
Program Fee: $10 per person / $8 for ‘Friends of CNC’
*This program is offered again on Sunday, March 3rd. Click here for more information.

Wilderness First Aid Course
2024-02-24 08:30 - 2024-02-25 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: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center – CNC 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.

Masters of the Sky
2024-02-24 - 2024-02-25 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Space is limited, and registrations are required.
Please RSVP by calling (651)-437-4359.
Location: Carpenter Nature Center Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033
Come and learn about the fascinating world of raptors. Meet seven of the World Bird Sanctuary’s traveling avian ambassadors. Learn how owls hunt at night, why the Barn Owl is sometimes called the ghost owl, and how falcons attain such astounding speed.
See live hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, and vultures from around the globe up close!
Please visit our Masters of the Sky event page for more information, show times, and registration.

Minnesota Campus Bird Banding
2024-02-23 08:30 - 12:00, 2024-01-26 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.

CANCELED - Wisconsin Campus Adult Evening Snowshoe Hike
2024-02-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
18+ event
Join us for a guided hike with a naturalist. Experience Carpenter and the St. Croix River Valley after hours. Warm up and rest after the hike & enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn provided.
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.

CANCELED - Free Family Ice Fishing at Lake Rebecca
2024-02-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Lake Rebecca, 415 Lock & Dam Road, Hastings, MN, 55033
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED
Learn to ice fish from the experts at these fun and educational catch-and-release programs. Bait, tackle, and poles provided. Programs are open to learners of all ages, and no fishing license required!
Location: 415 Lock & Dam Rd in Hastings.
For more info, contact Paige Marschall Bigler of Hastings Parks & Recreation at 651-480-6182.
Click here to Register.

CANCELED - Minnesota Campus Adult Night Hike
2024-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
18+ event
Join us for a guided hike with a naturalist. Experience Carpenter and the St. Croix River Valley after hours. Warm up and rest after the hike & enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn provided.
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.

Canceled - Minnesota Campus Morning Snowshoe Hike
2024-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
This event has been canceled due to a lack of snow.

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 us for a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist. Warm up and rest after the hike & enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn provided. Snowshoes are provided or bring your own, dress for the weather.
Program Fee: $10 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.
*6+ inches of snow cover required. Programming will be modified based on the weather.

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2024-02-10 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 - Mitten Time
2024-02-09 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.

Owls & Ales
2024-02-08 17:45 - 20:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Space is limited and reservations are required. To register please call 651-437-4359 or register online by clicking HERE.
Must be 21 years of age or older to participate.
Fee: $25 / Person
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 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.
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 at the moment in the taproom. The tasting includes a beer flight for each participant and a 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! Cheers!
The cost is $25 and includes a hike and 1 beer flight, and guided tasting.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Mitten Time
2024-02-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

CANCELED - Wisconsin Campus Morning Snowshoe Hike
2024-02-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
This program has been CANCELED.
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online by following the link HERE.
Location: 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Join us for a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist. Warm up and rest after the hike & enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn provided. Snowshoes are provided or bring your own, dress for the weather.
Program Fee: $10 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.
*6+ inches of snow cover required. Programming will be modified based on the weather.

Wisconsin Campus Owl Prowl Hike *CANCELED*
2024-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online by following the link HERE.
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
18+ event
Join us for a guided night hike with a naturalist looking and listening for owls. Warm up and rest after the hike and meet our Barred Owl animal ambassador. Enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn is provided. Dress for the weather.
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.
*6+ inches of snow cover required. Programming will be modified based on the weather.

Minnesota Campus Owl Prowl Hike
2024-01-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
*Due to the lack of snow, this program has been updated. No snowshoes available.
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online by following the link HERE.
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
18+ event
Join us for a guided night hike with a naturalist looking and listening for owls. Warm up and rest after the hike and meet our Barred Owl animal ambassador. Enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn is provided. Dress for the weather.
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.
*6+ inches of snow cover required. Programming will be modified based on the weather.

Wisconsin Campus Morning Snowshoe Hike - CANCELED
2024-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELED
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online by following the link HERE.
Location: 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Join us for a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist. Warm up and rest after the hike & enjoy some hot chocolate or cider and popcorn provided. Snowshoes are provided or bring your own, dress for the weather.
Program Fee: $10 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.
*6+ inches of snow cover required. Programming will be modified based on the weather.

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Winter Fun
2024-01-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Board Engagement Series - Board Engagement Strategies
2024-01-17 12:00 - 13:30 | WI
The St. Croix Valley Foundation, Propel Nonprofits, and Carpenter Nature Center are partnering to host a three-part series on building effective Boards.
The second session in a three-part series, this virtual training hosted via zoom will explore four practices for healthy board governance: 1) being purposeful in recruiting and on-boarding, 2) sharing board norms and accountability, 3) designing board structures, and 4) identifying board development. Propel will also provide tips to increase board engagement, including an overview of facilitation strategies you can use during your board meetings.
For more information and to register, email apilgrim@scvfoundation.org.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Winter Fun
2024-01-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Guided Winter Hike - CANCELED
2024-01-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELED.
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register online by following the link HERE.
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Kick off the new year with a CNC naturalist while you look for birds and other wildlife and enjoy the scenic St. Croix River. After the hike, warm up in the Visitor Center and meet some of CNC’s live animal ambassadors!
Program Fee: $10 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / Free for Frosty 40 participants.
*This hike no longer included snowshoeing due to lack of snow*

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike - CANCELED
2024-01-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELED
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: 279 South 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.

FREE Family Ice Fishing at Lake Rebecca *Canceled*
2024-01-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Lake Rebecca, 415 Lock & Dam Road, Hastings, MN, 55033
*THis event has been canceled due to poor ice conditions*

Learn to ice fish from the experts at these fun and educational catch-and-release programs. Bait, tackle, and poles provided. Programs are open to learners of all ages, and no fishing license required!
Location: 415 Lock & Dam Rd in Hastings.
For more info, contact Paige Marschall Bigler of Hastings Parks & Recreation at 651-480-6182.
Click here to Register.
