Carpenter Nature Center

*FULL* Wisconsin Campus Woodcock Walk
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
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, 2026-06-13 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.

Schedule of Events:

8:30-8:45 Welcome from MOU President & Carpenter Nature Center Director
8:45-9:15 For the Love of Gulls: Appreciating Minnesota Most Ignored Birds – Frank Fabbro
9:15-9:45 Exploring Washington County’s Gems – Armand Cohen
9:45-10:15 A Plethora of Plumage: Feather Color, Structure and Function – Joan McKearnan
10:15-10:45 Population Insights from an Ancient Practice – Randy Newton
10:45-11:15 Explore a new Hot Spot: Birding Miesville Ravine- Anna Novalany
11:15-11:45 Birds and Brushes: an Artist’s Perspective – Annie Shao
11:45-12:15 Starting Your Own Bird B & B – Dani Collier
12:15-12:45 Light Pollution: Its Not Just the Windows – Todd Burlet (Starry Skies North)
12:45 – 1:00 Closing & upcoming MOU education events – MOU Ed. Committee

Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
2026-04-12 10:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Join naturalist Elsa on Sundays at CNC for training sessions and meet & greets with some of CNC’s Animal Ambassadors. She will talk through husbandry practices, natural history, and the critters will get a tasty treat.
These are FREE, drop-in programs. You don’t need to register.

Sunday, April 5th:NATURE CENTER IS CLOSED FOR EASTER SUNDAY

Sunday, April 12th:10 AM Kevin the Raven – Feeding and training session12 PM American Toad – Meet & Greet2:30 PM Barred Owl – Food prep and feeding

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 – Register Online Here
Location: 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: $5 or $3 for ‘Friends of CNC’
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.

Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
2026-04-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Join naturalist Elsa on Sundays at CNC for training sessions and meet & greets with some of CNC’s Animal Ambassadors. She will talk through husbandry practices, natural history, and the critters will get a tasty treat.
These are FREE, drop-in programs. You don’t need to register.

Sunday, April 19th:10 AM Kevin the Raven – Feeding and training session12 PM Milk Snake – Meet & Greet2:30 PM Peregrine Falcon – Food prep and feeding

Minnesota Campus Public Bird Banding
2026-04-24 08:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-22 08:30 - 12:00, 2026-06-26 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 – 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.

Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival
2026-04-25 07:00 - 17:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: Carpenter Nature Center Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033
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. Register at Click here to register for the Birding Festival.
The Youth Birding Competition is a highlight of the festival. Young birders are encouraged to team up and count all the bird species they find. Register teams at Click here to register for the Youth Birding Competition.
Check out the event webpage for more details on the full schedule.

Kids "Build-a-Bird Feeder" Workshop
2026-04-25 14:00 - 15:45 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Location: CNC Minnesota Campus – 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Program Fee: FREE for Festival registrants, otherwise $5 per child.
Registration: Register for the “Build-a-Bird Feeder Workshop Only” OR Register for the Entire Birding Festival (workshop included)

Spring migratory birds are returning and they are HUNGRY! Attend the workshop to craft your own bird feeder with guidance from volunteers from local nonprofits, bring your feeder home, and fill it with snacks for our feathered friends. This program is being held as part of the Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival.
Drop in anytime during the 2:00-3:45pm time frame! It takes roughly 15-30 minutes to complete the bird feeder.

Earth Day Planting Party
2026-04-26 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 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 26 9 AM – NOON or until all the trees are planted

Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
2026-04-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Join naturalist Elsa on Sundays at CNC for training sessions and meet & greets with some of CNC’s Animal Ambassadors. She will talk through husbandry practices, natural history, and the critters will get a tasty treat.
These are FREE, drop-in programs. You don’t need to register.

Sunday, April 26th:10 AM Kevin the raven – Feeding and training session12 PM Paited Turtle – Meet & Greet2:30 PM Bald Eagle – Food prep and feeding

Minnesota Campus Bird Hike
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-06-06 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-07-04 08:00 - 10:00 | 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.

Youth Skills Workshop: Apple Tree Planting and Grafting
2026-05-02 09:00 - 14:00 | 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 – Interpretive Center
Program Fee: $5 per person
Join CNC Orchardist Sam Behrends to learn how to plant sapling sizes trees using new apple tree plantings in the CNC orchard. Explore and practice the skill of apple tree grafting. Students will receive instruction in and practice tree planting and apple tree grafting. Youth must be accompanied by Guardian
Thanks to generous funding from the CHS Foundation, Carpenter Nature Center is excited to launch a new Sustainable Agriculture & Orchard Skills Series for Youth. This hands-on workshop series invites youth to explore real-world agricultural experiences and build practical skills in orchard management, sustainability, and land stewardship.
Other dates & topics in this series include:

May 30 – Tractor & Equipment Safety
June 27 – Sustainable Agriculture
October 18 – Apple Production & Harvest

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Fabulous Flowers
2026-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Online pre-registration required – 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 - Fabulous Flowers
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

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 | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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

Guided Hike Information
Full Morning Hike, led by Brian Collins |6:00 AM – Noon
This hike is designed for adult birders of any skill level that are looking for an extended birding experience
Please note: The meeting place for this hike is on the north end of the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus at 300 East Cove Road, Hudson
Adult Learners Hike, led by Tropical Wings and the St. Croix Valley Bird Club | 8:00 – 10:00 AM
This hike is designed for adult birders of any skill level that are looking for an informative and casual birding experience
Please note: The meeting place for this hike is at the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center at 279 South Cove Road, Hudson.
Family Friendly Hike, led by Tropical Wings and the St. Croix Valley Bird Club | 8:00 – TBD
This hike is designed for birders of all ages and skill levels. The educational content and length of the hike will be determined by hike leaders based on the specifc needs of the learners in each group.
Please note: The meeting place for this hike is at the Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center at 279 South Cove Road, Hudson

Youth Skills Workshop: Tractor and Equipment Safety
2026-05-30 09:00 - 16:00 | 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 – Interpretive Center
Program Fee: $5 per person
Session 1: 9:00am – noon / 7-13 year olds
Session 2: 1:00 – 4:00 pm / 14-21 year olds
Join CNC Orchardist Sam Behrends to learn about the safe use of tractors and agricultural equipment. Major safety topics will be discussed. Safe-use will be demonstrated and practiced on actual equipment in the CNC orchard. Age appropriate agricultural tasks using tractors and equipment will be covered. Note: This course does not certify participants to operate tractors or equipment. Participants under 14 years of age will not be operating tractors over 20hp.
Thanks to generous funding from the CHS Foundation, Carpenter Nature Center is excited to launch a new Sustainable Agriculture & Orchard Skills Series for Youth. This hands-on workshop series invites youth to explore real-world agricultural experiences and build practical skills in orchard management, sustainability, and land stewardship.
Other dates & topics in this series include:

May 2 – Apple Tree Planting & Grafting
June 27 – Sustainable Agriculture
October 18 – Apple Production & Harvest

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Awesome Amphibians
2026-06-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States

Minnesota Campus Preschool Story Time - Awesome Amphibians
2026-06-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpenter Nature Center – Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN, 55033, United States

Youth Skills Workshop: Sustainable Agriculture
2026-06-27 09:00 - 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 – Interpretive Center
Program Fee: $5 per person
Join CNC Orchardist Sam Behrends to learn about the sustainable agriculture methods in use at Carpenter, and how agriculture on a broader scale can fit into a healthy ecosystem while still providing essential nourishment for people. Topics covered will include Integrated Pest Management, soil, and water health. Youth ages 12 – 19 yrs.
Thanks to generous funding from the CHS Foundation, Carpenter Nature Center is excited to launch a new Sustainable Agriculture & Orchard Skills Series for Youth. This hands-on workshop series invites youth to explore real-world agricultural experiences and build practical skills in orchard management, sustainability, and land stewardship.

Other dates & topics in this series include:

May 2 – Apple Tree Planting & Grafting
May 30 – Tractor & Equipment Safety
October 18 – Apple Production & Harvest

Wisconsin Campus Bird Hike
2026-07-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
Pre-registration required – Register Online Here
Location: North End – 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.

Wisconsin Campus Preschool Story Time - Spiders
2026-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI, 54016, United States
