Carpenter Nature Center

Wisconsin Campus Wellness Walk
2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: The Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center / 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: Free

Join us at the Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center and take a leisurely nature walk. Connect with others and nature. The group will walk about 1 mile over unpaved, wood chipped paths, and some hills. Tennis shoes or hiking shoes are encouraged. After the hike, the last 30 minutes will be spent socializing with refreshments, puzzles and coloring.

Birds & Brews: Spiral Taproom Takeover & Rooftop Birding
2025-05-03 10:30 - 16:00 | Spiral Brewery, 111 2nd St E, Hastings, MN, 55033
Location: Spiral Brewery, 111 2nd St E, Hastings, MN 55033 Join us in downtown Hastings at Spiral Brewery for a day of birds and brews! There is no registration required for this FREE event. Stop by and spend time with friends, both feathered and not!
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Taproom Takeover
In the family-friendly taproom, learn more about CNC and get up close to some of Carpenter’s live raptor ambassadors. Spiral Brewery will be donating $1.00 of every beer sold during that timeframe back to Carpenter Nature Center.
10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Rooftop Birding
Catch the spring migration with local birding experts Ben, Jen, and Sharon, and test your eagle eyes with spotting scopes and binoculars on the Brewery Rooftop.

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

Birds & Bison Bike Tour 2025
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | WI

Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2025-05-03 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-04-05 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-01 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.

Wilderness First Aid
2025-05-03 - 2025-05-04 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Registration: Pre-registration required – Click Here to Register Online
Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: $250 per person
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 times for both days. You must attend both days to be certified.
SATURDAY, MAY 3 | 8:30AM – 6:00PM
SUNDAY, MAY 4 | 8:30AM – 6:00PM

GOOD TO KNOW
Class is 20 hours over two days, which includes meal breaks.
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 depending). 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.
Have your CPR/AED certification but only need the WFA portion? No problem. Please contact us for details on attending the WFA portion of the course.
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+.

INSTRUCTOR
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.

Earth Day Planting Party
2025-04-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Help us celebrate Earth Day & Arbor Day by planting a tree! We will be planting 300 native trees and shrubs as a part of our ongoing habitat restoration projects at Carpenter Nature Center’s Wisconsin Campus.
All ages are welcome! Shovels and gloves are available or bring your own. Come dressed for the weather, with sturdy footwear and a water bottle.
No registration is required. Stay for the whole day or drop in when you can.

Where: Carpenter Nature Center – Wisconsin Campus
279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016
When: Sunday, April 27 9 AM – NOON or until all the trees are planted

Minnesota Campus Hastings Bird Festival
2025-04-26 08:00 - 16:30 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
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.
Learn more about when events are taking place by checking out the Event Page.
Email Jennifer@CarpenterNatureCenter.org or call 651-437-4359 ext. 108 for further questions.

Minnesota Campus Public Bird Banding
2025-04-25 08:30 - 12:00, 2025-03-28 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.

Wisconsin Campus Earth Day Poetry Reading
2025-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Celebrate Earth Day with an evening of poetry. Hear works by Thomas Smith, James Lenfestey, and Maureen Ash followed by an “open mic” session during which those attending can read a favorite poem, read a poem they created, or just listen and enjoy!
Registration not required. Program is FREE, although donations are appreciated.

CNC CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
2025-04-20 | WI
Carpenter Nature Center is closed for the holiday. Both the Minnesota and Wisconsin Campus trails, building, parking lots, and front gates will be closed for the day.
Please call 651-437-4359 for any questions.
We are closed for the following holidays: Thanksgiving Christmas Day New Year’s Day Easter Sunday

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Earth Day Hooray!
2025-04-18 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 - Earth Day Hooray!
2025-04-16 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.

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2025-04-12 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
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 Wellness Walk
2025-04-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: The Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center / 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: Free

Join us at the Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center and take a leisurely nature walk. Connect with others and nature. The group will walk about 1 mile over unpaved, wood chipped paths, and some hills. Tennis shoes or hiking shoes are encouraged. After the hike, the last 30 minutes will be spent socializing with refreshments, puzzles and coloring.

You do not need to attend every hike, but the program will also take place on:May 14th

Minnesota Campus Apple Tree Pruning
2025-04-06 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 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.

Wilderness First Aid
2025-04-05 - 2025-04-06 | 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 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 times for both days. You must attend both days to be certified.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5 | 8:30AM – 6:00PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 6 | 8:30AM – 6:00PM
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

GOOD TO KNOW
Class is 20 hours over two days, which includes meal breaks.
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 depending). 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.
Have your CPR/AED certification but only need the WFA portion? No problem. Please contact us for details on attending the WFA portion of the course.
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+.
LOCATION
This class will be held at the Carpenter Nature Center WISCONSIN CAMPUS.
INSTRUCTOR
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 Woodcock Walk
2025-04-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Visit CNC’s Wisconsin Campus to learn about the world of the American Woodcock. CNC Executive Director, Jennifer Vieth, and the St. Croix Valley Bird Club’s Cathy Olyphant will share fascinating details about the lifestyle and conservation outlook of these 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!
Click here or call 651-437-4359 ext. 0 to register.
Photo by Tom Benson.

Spring Birding Primer
2025-03-29 08:00 - 12:30 | WI
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.

*FULL* Minnesota Campus Apple Pruning
2025-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL – Join us for the March 30th session!
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359.
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:
MN – Sunday, March 23rd and 30th

*FULL* Minnesota Campus Maple Syrup
2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
This program is now FULL. To be added to the waitlist, please reach out to sarah@carpenternaturecenter.org or call 651-437-4359 ext. 103.
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.’

Minnesota Campus Owls & Ales *FULL*
2025-03-20 17:45 - 20:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
This program is FULL to capacity. Call 651-437-4359 to be placed on the wait list.
Reservations and pre-payment are required.
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

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Syrup Season
2025-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Wisconsin Campus Wellness Walk
2025-03-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Call 651-437-4359
Location: The Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center / 279 South Cove Rd., Hudson, WI 54016
Program Fee: Free

Join us at the Al and Laurie Hein Visitor Center and take a leisurely nature walk. Connect with others and nature. The group will walk about 1 mile over unpaved, wood chipped paths, and some hills. Tennis shoes or hiking shoes are encouraged. After the hike, the last 30 minutes will be spent socializing with refreshments, puzzles and coloring.

You do not need to attend every hike, but the program will also take place on:March 12th April 9th May 14th

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Syrup Season
2025-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

*FULL* Minnesota Campus Maple Syrup
2025-03-09 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 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 | 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
