Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2026-03-07 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-04 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Wisconsin Campus Apple Tree Care
2026-03-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – register ONLINE HERE
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: $10 per person / $8 for ‘Friends of CNC’
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 is offered on:
MN visitor center – March 2nd / 5:30 – 7:30 pm
WI visitor center – March 9th / 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Owl & Ales
2026-03-12 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. Register online by clicking the link
HERE.
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.

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2026-03-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Register Online Here
Location: Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 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.

Minnesota Campus Maple Syrup
2026-03-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Pre-registration required – 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.’ / Free for Frosty 45 participants

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Tree Tappin' Time
2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Online pre-registration required – Registration Opens February 11th / Register Online 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 - Tree Tappin' Time
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Online pre-registration required – Registration Opens February 13th / Register Online 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 Apple Tree Pruning
2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-03-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Pre-registration required – register ONLINE HERE.
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’
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 is offered on:
March 22 / 1:00 – 3:00 pm
March 29 / 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Minnesota Campus Public Bird Banding
2026-03-27 08:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-24 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.

Level 1 SAWW Chainsaw Certification
2026-04-01 08:00 - 16:30 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Hosted in partnership with SAWW Training, which is an umbrella organization that promotes safe and efficient chainsaw use, both professionally and recreationally. In Level 1, you will get an overview of the SAWW Training Program, go over OSHA regulations and requirements, and participate in sessions on body mechanics, personal protective equipment, necessary tools, saws, tree felling, and limbing, bucking, and topping.
Program Fee: $160. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Register Online
or contact Jennifer Vieth jennifer@carpenternaturecenter.org for more information.

Level 2 SAWW Chainsaw Certification
2026-04-02 08:00 - 16:30 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Hosted in partnership with SAWW Training, which is an umbrella organization that promotes safe and efficient chainsaw use, both professionally and recreationally. In Level 2, you will review topics covered in Level 1, and cover maintenance, hands-on filing, RDT (Reduce Downtime), limbing techniques, precision felling assessment, and precision at the stump, including notching, hinge, species differences and terrain. Felling practice.
Program Fee: $160. Space is limited and reservations are required.
Register Online
or contact Jennifer Vieth jennifer@carpenternaturecenter.org for more information.

Wisconsin Campus Woodcock Walk
2026-04-02 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – REGISTER ONLINE HERE
Location: Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center – 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: Free
Visit CNC’s Wisconsin Campus to learn about the world of the American Woodcock. CNC Executive Director, Jennifer Vieth, and expert birder, Ben Douglas will share fascinating details about the lifestyle and conservation outlook of these long-beaked birds. The program will begin with an 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. Bring your own binoculars and a flashlight or ask to borrow ours.
This program is weather dependent and may be cancelled due to high winds, precipitation or deep cold.

Wisconsin Campus Wilderness First Aid
2026-04-11 - 2026-04-12 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Preregistration required – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Location: Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Class times for both days. You must attend both days to be certified.
Saturday, April 11| 8:30AM – 6:30PM
Sunday, April 12| 8:30AM – 6:30PM
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 to 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.
Class is 20 hours over two days, which includes meal breaks.
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+.

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2026-04-11 08:00 - 10:00 | North End – Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, 54016
Pre-registration required – Register Online Here
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.

Spring Birding Primer
2026-04-11 08:00 - 12:30 | MN
Pre-registration required: Register Online or RSVP to Jen Vieth at jennifer@carpenternaturecenter.org.
Location: Online ZOOM presentation – Link sent upon registration
Program Fee: This event is FREE, but donations to one or both of the non-profit organizations are encouraged.
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.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Earth Day
2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Online pre-registration required – Registration Opens March 18th / Register Online 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 - Earth Day
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Online pre-registration required – Registration Opens March 20th/ Register Online 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.

Wisconsin Campus Wilderness First Aid
2026-05-02 - 2026-05-03 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Preregistration required – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Location: Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
You must attend both days to be certified.
Saturday, May 2| 8:30AM – 6:30PM
Sunday, May 3 | 8:30AM – 6:30PM

You’ll need to have a current CPR/AED certification to take this course.

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 camping with family, scouting, going solo, or with a group of friends. People of all experience levels will learn Wilderness & Remote First Aid and patient assessment through hands-on learning. By the end of the course, you will be able to provide effective first-aid treatment for injuries and illnesses common in outdoor settings and make informed evacuation decisions when medical help may be hours or days away.

Class is 20 hours over two days, which includes meal breaks.
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 14+.

Minnesota Campus Wilderness First Aid
2026-05-09 - 2026-05-10 | CNC Trailside Lodge, 12355 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Registration: Pre-registration required – Click Here to Register Online
Location: CNC’s Trailside Lodge, 12355 St. Croix Trail, Hastings, MN 55033
Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two or two and a half days. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.
Class times for both days. You must attend both days to be certified. Class is 16 hours over two days.
Saturday, May 9th – Sunday, May 10th
INSTRUCTOR
This course is taught by NOLS

Wisconsin Campus Wings of Spring Festival
2026-05-09 06:00 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center on the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus | 279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI, 54016
Program Fee: FREE to attend
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

More information about bird hikes coming soon!
