Carpenter Nature Center

*FULL* Minnesota Campus Maple Syrup
2025-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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 to be added to the wait list.
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.’

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2025-03-08 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-11 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
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.

Wisconsin Campus Apple Tree Care
2025-03-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or register ONLINE HERE
Location: 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
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:
MN visitor center – Monday, February 24 5:30-7:30pm
WI visitor center – Monday, March 3rd 5:30-7:30pm

Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2025-03-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-04 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.

Masters of the Sky
2025-03-01 - 2025-03-02 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
One of our team’s favorite events is back… the Masters of the Sky weekend! Educators and birds from the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis, Missouri, will be coming to Carpenter to present a captivating program about birds of prey. Learn about eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls from around the world and see them close up. Witness the silent flight of a Barn Owl and be amazed at the aerial maneuverability of a Harris’ Hawk.
Space is limited so make sure you book your ticket early! Check out the Event Page to see show times and register.

Minnesota Campus Public Bird Banding
2025-02-28 08:30 - 12:00, 2025-01-24 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.

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

Minnesota Campus Apple Tree Care
2025-02-24 17:30 - 19:30 | 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 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:
MN visitor center – Monday, February 24 5:30-7:30pm
WI visitor center – Monday, March 3rd 5:30-7:30pm

*CANCELED* Minnesota Campus Morning Snowshoe Hike
2025-02-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or ONLINE HERE
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: $10 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / FREE for Frosty 40 participants.
Join us for a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist. Enjoy light refreshments & snacks after. “6 inches of snow needed to use snowshoes. Program will be modified to a guided winter hike without snowshoes if there is not enough snow.

*Canceled* Wisconsin Campus Night Snowshoe Hike
2025-02-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or ONLINE HERE
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / FREE for Frosty 40 participants.
Enjoy a moonlit evening with a guided snowshoe hike at CNC. Enjoy light refreshments & snacks after. 18+ age. “6 inches of snow needed to use snowshoes. Program will be modified to a guided winter hike without snowshoes if there is not enough snow.

Wisconsin Campus Great Backyard Bird Count
2025-02-15 - 2025-02-16 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: Free
Join us at Carpenter Nature Center’s Wisconsin Campus for the Great Backyard Bird Count! Indoor and outdoor bird viewing areas available for self-guided birding.
Stop by the Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center on Saturday February 15th or Sunday February 16th between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and chat with CNC naturalists and birding experts. This event is accessible to everyone. All levels of bird enthusiasts welcome.
How to Participate: Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds. Click the LINK HERE.
Questions, call or email Sarah at 651-437-4359 ext. 103 or Sarah@carpenternaturecenter.org
*The Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, parking lot, and gate are open from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

*Canceled* Minnesota Campus Night Snowshoe Hike
2025-02-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or ONLINE HERE
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / FREE for Frosty 40 participants.
Enjoy a moonlit evening with a guided snowshoe hike at CNC. Enjoy light refreshments & snacks after. 18+ age. “6 inches of snow needed to use snowshoes. Program will be modified to a guided winter hike without snowshoes if there is not enough snow.

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
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.

*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

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
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.

*CANCELED* Wisconsin Campus Morning Snowshoe Hike
2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or ONLINE HERE
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $10 per person / $5 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / FREE for Frosty 40 participants.
Join us for a guided snowshoe hike with a naturalist. Enjoy light refreshments & snacks after. “6 inches of snow needed to use snowshoes. Program will be modified to a guided winter hike without snowshoes if there is not enough snow.

* FULL * FREE Family Ice Fishing
2025-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 | MN
This event is full and registration is closed

Ever wanted to ice fish but don’t have the equipment or know-how or just want to experience ice fishing without all the work of set up? Join us for ice fishing at Lake Rebecca Park and we’ll do the prep work while you enjoy time outdoors with family or friends!
– Register for a start time. Volunteers & Equipment are available until Noon.
-Poles, Bait, Tackle & instruction provided
-Pre-drilled holes & underwater cameras
-Fishing gear & gift card giveaways
-No license is needed under our DNR waiver
-Parking? Lake Rebecca Park, 415 Lock and Dam Road, Hastings
Questions? Contact Hastings Parks and Recreation 651-480-6175 or email Parksinfo@hastingsmn.gov
Follow the link to register for a timeslot today! FREE Family Ice Fishing Registration Link

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2025-02-08 09:00 - 11:00 | North End – Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, 54016
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 ext. 0
Location: North End – Wisconsin Campus 300 East Cove Road, Hudson
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 Morning Snowshoe Hike
2025-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wilderness First Aid Course
2025-01-25 08:30 - 2025-01-26 18:00 | 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, JAN 25 | 8:30AM – 6:00PM
SUNDAY, JAN 26 | 8:30PM – 6:00PM
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.

Wisconsin Campus Morning Snowshoe Hike
2025-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Wisconsin Campus Night Snowshoe Hike - CANCELED
2025-01-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
This program is canceled due to weather and low sign-ups.
Upcoming Night Hikes are February 14th and 15th.
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or ONLINE HERE
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / FREE for Frosty 40 participants.
Enjoy a moonlit evening with a guided snowshoe hike at CNC. Enjoy light refreshments & snacks after. 18+ age.

Minnesota Campus Night Snowshoe Hike - CANCELED
2025-01-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
This program is canceled due to weather and low sign-ups.
Upcoming Night Hikes are February 14th and 15th.
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359 or ONLINE HERE
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program fee: $15 per person / $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ / FREE for Frosty 40 participants.
Enjoy a moonlit evening with a guided snowshoe hike at CNC. Enjoy light refreshments & snacks after. 18+ age.

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

*FULL* FREE Family Ice Fishing
2025-01-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Lake Rebecca, 415 Lock & Dam Road, Hastings, MN, 55033
THIS EVENT IS FULL AND REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Ever wanted to ice fish but don’t have the equipment or know-how or just want to experience ice fishing without all the work of set up? Join us for ice fishing at Lake Rebecca Park and we’ll do the prep work while you enjoy time outdoors with family or friends!
– Register for a start time. Volunteers & Equipment are available until Noon.
-Poles, Bait, Tackle & instruction provided
-Pre-drilled holes & underwater cameras
-Fishing gear & gift card giveaways
-No license is needed under our DNR waiver
-Parking? Lake Rebecca Park, 415 Lock and Dam Road, Hastings
Questions? Contact Hastings Parks and Recreation 651-480-6175 or email Parksinfo@hastingsmn.gov
Follow the link to register for a timeslot today! FREE Family Ice Fishing Registration Link
