Frosty Forty, Harpy Eagles, and Summer Camps at Carpenter Nature Center

January 2023 E-newsletter

Dear Friends,

Elegant frost patterns, like lace doilies, add nature’s decorations to windows. Sound absorbs into the snow-covered paths allowing a serene quiet escape to reflect on new beginnings. Crimson cardinals pop against the bleak wooded backdrop. The winter season is a gentle time of year when everything in nature slows down. Animals go into hibernation, plants go dormant, and water freezes in place. The outside world is covered with a blank slate for resolutions. Take your cues from nature during this busy holiday time.

There are many programs in the upcoming months to get outside and enjoy the snow. Check out the PDF of the Jan-Apr St. Croix Current for a complete listing of programs and events coming up in the New Year. Space is limited at most programs; please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

HOLIDAY HOURS

CNC’s MN and WI Campus Visitor Centers will be closed on New Year’s Day so our staff can spend time with friends and family during the holiday season. Regular business hours will resume on January 2, 2023. You can read more information about our Locations & Hours on the webpage.

THE FROSTY 40 CHALLENGE

Get your snowshoes, skis, or snow boots ready! CNC’s Frosty 40 registration is now open through February 1. The event officially starts January 1 where we challenge you to walk, run, cross-country ski, or snowshoe 40 miles in 40 days. Choose your own schedule and locations between January 1st and March 20th, 2023. Register online or with a mail-in form found here. Join us for one of the Frosty 40 guided hikes throughout the challenge. For more information on the challenge or dates for upcoming hikes, please visit the event webpage or contact Event Coordinator Tess Zahradka at Tess@CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

SPRING & SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Carpenter Nature Center is currently accepting applications for spring and summer internships. CNC offers Internships for college students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in Environmental Education, Orchard & Land Management, Communications & Visitor Services, or Avian Field Work. Interns work closely with professional staff in training, completing projects, and daily work experience. CNC offers flexible scheduling for full or part-time positions. For more information visit our website or contact Intern Coordinator Mayme Johnson at Mayme@CarpenterNatureCenter.org or by calling 651-437-4359 ext. 103.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Summer camp is where lifelong memories are made. Camp registration opens on January 1. There are camps for ages 5 to 17 ranging from fishing, plant & animal encounters, canoeing, and more. To learn more follow the link to our Summer Camp page. Our summer camp offerings fill quickly, register early! For more information, please contact Program Director Mayme Johnson at Mayme@CarpenterNatureCenter.org or by calling 651-437-4359 ext. 103.

Fishing Fun (ages 6-11): June 21, 28, and July 26

Nature Nuts (ages 5-6): June 19 – 23

Pioneers (ages 7-8): June 26 – 30

Outdoor Skills (ages 10+): July 11 – 13

Explorers (ages 9-11): July 17 – 21

*Namekagon Canoe Trip (ages 12-15): August 1 – 3

*NEW: BWCA Canoe Trip (ages 13-17): August 8 – 11

Embrace the beauty and splendor of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) in the Superior National Forest. The four-day, three-night naturalist-led trip will include canoeing, portaging, and camping while learning & following “leave no trace” practices. Campers will experience untouched terrain, a variety of flora & fauna, and the many sounds of nature in this designated wilderness area. A pre-trip meeting at CNC with naturalists will go over how to pack your bag for the trip with a list of items to bring. Canoes, paddles, food, cooking equipment, tents, transportation, and PFDs are supplied. Prior experience is preferred, but not required. Pick up and drop off at CNC MN Campus. Thanks to a very generous donor we are able to offer the BWCA trip at a reasonable price and are able to offer scholarship assistance if needed. Program Fee: $395 per child or $375 per child for ‘Friends of CNC’.

*To ensure more of our campers have the opportunity to join, please register for only one canoe trip per child.

2022 ANNUAL APPEAL & CHALLENGE MATCH UPDATE

Thank you to many wonderful people who have participated in our Year-End Giving Challenge. With your help, we have been able to raise $33,202 in end-of-year donations. So far, we have been able to unlock $7,000 in matching gifts from Jeff & Stacy Carlson and Scott & Jackie Northard. Thank you all!

There is still time to help us reach other milestones and unlock matching dollars. All donations go to supporting Carpenter’s education and habitat protection work. To learn more and donate, please visit the Challenge website. You can discuss donation details by contacting Development Coordinator Erika Jensen at Erika@CarpenterNatureCenter.org or by calling 651-437-4359 ext. 101.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Masters of the Sky

February 25 & 26

Shows at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 3:00 pm

Location: Carpenter Nature Center’s Minnesota Campus: 12805 St. Croix Trail S, Hastings MN 55033

One of our team’s favorite events is back …the Masters of the Sky weekend. The World Bird Sanctuary staff from St. Louis, Missouri, will be coming to CNC to present a captivating program about birds of prey. Witness the silent flight of a Barn Owl and be amazed at the aerial maneuverability of a Harris’ Hawk. New this year: for the first time ever at CNC you can meet a live Harpy Eagle! Visitors will learn about raptors from around the world. The presenters will introduce methods to help protect raptors and their habitats. Program Fee: $15/$10 for ‘Friends of CNC’. Space is limited, and registrations are required. Please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359 or filling out the online form here.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Moonlight Hike – WI Campus

Thursday, January 5

7:00 – 9:00 pm

Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI 54016

Enjoy a moonlit evening with a guided hike at CNC and get a kick start in earning miles for the Frosty 40! You do not need to be a Frosty 40 participant to join this hike. You can register to become a Frosty 40 participant at this program by handing in a completed form found on the event webpage. There will be door prizes and hot refreshments to warm up after the hike while meeting other people that are doing the Frosty 40 challenge. If conditions allow, the hike will be on snowshoes provided. Dress for the weather as a majority of this program is outdoors. Program fee: $15 per participant, $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ or Free for ‘Frosty 40’ registrants. Space is limited, and registrations are required. Please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

Moonlight Hike – MN Campus

Friday, January 6

7:00 – 9:00 pm

Location: CNC Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033

Enjoy a moonlit evening with a guided hike at CNC and get a kick start in earning miles for the Frosty 40! You do not need to be a Frosty 40 participant to join this hike. You can register to become a Frosty 40 participant at this program by handing in a completed form found on the event webpage. There will be door prizes and hot refreshments to warm up after the hike while meeting other people that are doing the Frosty 40 challenge. If conditions allow, the hike will be on snowshoes provided. Dress for the weather as a majority of this program is outdoors. Program fee: $15 per participant, $10 for ‘Friends of CNC’ or Free for ‘Frosty 40’ registrants. Space is limited, and registrations are required. Please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

Guided Bird Hike – MN Campus

Saturday, January 7

9:00 – 11:00 am

Location: CNC Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033

Join an expert birder on a morning hike around the Nature Center. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Field guides and binoculars are available to use or bring your own. Program fee: $5/Free for ‘Friends of CNC’, Hastings Environmental Protectors, high school students, and SCVBC members. Space is limited, and registrations are required. Please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

Family Ice Fishing at Lake Rebecca

Saturday, January 7 and February 4

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Lake Rebecca, 415 Lock & Dam Road, Hastings MN 55033

Experience Ice Fishing at Lake Rebecca Park in Hastings! You can choose from 5 different start times beginning at 9:00 am. Bait, tackle, poles, and instruction provided. There will be a chance to win prizes throughout the program. A fishing license is not required under the DNR permit. All fishing is catch and release. Remember to dress warm! For more information or questions contact Hastings Parks & Recreation at 651-480-6182 or email Paige at pmarschall@hastingsmn.gov. Registration is required, you can do so by following this link.

Ice Fishing Adventures’ partners include Carpenter Nature Center, National Park Service, DNR, Hastings VFW, Hometown Ace Hardware, Get the Lead Out, Rapala, and Vexilar.

Preschool Story Time: Nutty Squirrels – WI Campus

Wednesday, January 11

10:00 – 11:00 am

Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI 54016

Monthly preschool story-time programs are designed to introduce children ages 2 – 5 to nature in a fun and safe environment. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program Fee: $6 per child/ $4 for ‘Friends of CNC’; no charge for adults. Space is limited and reservations are required, please call CNC at 651-437-4359.

Preschool Story Time: Nutty Squirrels – MN Campus

Friday, January 13

10:00 – 11:00 am

Location: CNC Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033

Monthly preschool story-time programs are designed to introduce children ages 2 – 5 to nature in a fun and safe environment. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program Fee: $6 per child/$4 for ‘Friends of CNC’; no charge for adults. Space is limited and reservations are required, please call CNC at 651-437-4359.

Owl Prowl – MN Campus

Friday, January 13

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Location: CNC Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033

Explore CNC’s Minnesota Campus on a guided night hike to look and listen for owls. Program Fee: $8 per person/$5 for ‘Friends of CNC’. Space is limited and reservations are required, please call CNC at 651-437-4359.

Guided Bird Hike – WI Campus

Saturday, January 14

9:00 – 11:00 am

Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI 54016

Hike various trails on our Wisconsin Campus and learn to identify birds with local experts from the St. Croix Valley Bird Club. Each month the meeting location will alternate between the North End maintenance parking lot, and the south end Visitor Center parking lot. Program fee: $5 per participant/Free for SCVBC members and ‘Friends of CNC’. Space is limited, and registrations are required. Please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

Frosty Hike – WI Campus

Saturday, January 14 and 28

9:00 – 10:30 am

Location: Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center, 279 South Cove Road, Hudson WI 54016

Enjoy the CNC trails with a group while working toward your mileage goal for the Frosty 40 event. Programs are exercise focused, so come prepared to elevate your heart rate! If snow conditions allow, the hike will be on snowshoes provided by CNC. Program fee: $5/Free for Frosty 40 participants and Friends of CNC. You do not need to be a Frosty 40 participant to join this hike. You can register to become a Frosty 40 participant at this program by handing in a completed form found on the event webpage. Space is limited, and registrations are required. Please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

Frosty Hike – MN Campus

Saturday, January 21

9:00 – 10:30 am

Location: CNC Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033

Enjoy the CNC trails with a group while working toward your mileage goal for the Frosty 40 event. Programs are exercise focused, so come prepared to elevate your heart rate! If snow conditions allow, the hike will be on snowshoes provided by CNC. Program fee: $5/Free for Frosty 40 participants and Friends of CNC. You do not need to be a Frosty 40 participant to join this hike. You can register to become a Frosty 40 participant at this program by handing in a completed form found on the event webpage. Space is limited, and registrations are required. Please RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

MN CAMPUS PROGRAMS NEXT MONTH

February 3: Moonlight Hike

February 4: Frosty Hike

February 4: Guided Bird Hike

February 4: Family Ice Fishing at Lake Rebecca

February 9: Trails & Ales FULL

February 10: Preschool Story Time: Bunny Buddies

February 25 – 26: Masters of the Sky

WI CAMPUS PROGRAMS NEXT MONTH

February 2: Moonlight Hike

February 8: Preschool Story Time: Bunny Buddies

February 11: Frosty Hike

February 11: Guided Bird Hike

February 18: Winter Birds

February 25: Frosty Hike

SCIENCE BITE: New Year, Recycled You.

Written by CNC intern, Delaney Osmond

After the holidays we may find ourselves with more waste than we normally produce. According to Stanford University, Americans generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day than any other time of year. The majority of this waste consists of wrapping paper & food packaging. It can be overwhelming to figure out how to dispose of our waste responsibly. CNC is here to help you find resources to make your post-holiday season less stressful.

Unfortunately, most wrapping papers have foil and glitter and are non-recyclable. If you are looking to avoid wrapping paper waste in the future, there are some alternatives to traditional wrapping paper. Many brands are starting to make recycled and recyclable wrapping paper. Or, you could opt for wrapping gifts in newspaper or magazine paper, since most counties recycle these materials. However, if you wanted to avoid paper altogether, you could wrap your presents in fabric. Fabric can be sourced from thrift stores, upcycled, or scrap fabric. You could also use reusable containers such as bags, tins, boxes, or baskets. The best part about wrapping presents like this is the ability to reuse these materials.

As far as waste from food packaging and containers, waste disposal differs from county to county. For example, plastics labeled number 5 are recyclable in Dakota County, where CNC’s Minnesota campus is located, but are not accepted in St. Croix County where CNC’s Wisconsin campus is located. To ensure that you are disposing of waste properly, you should check the website of your waste hauler, as there can be multiple disposal services within the same city.

To find out more about what waste disposal is available in your area, check out your local county website. Sometimes, navigating county websites can be difficult because of the massive amounts of information. If this is overwhelming for you, Earth 911 is another website that allows you to search how to dispose of items by area code, including difficult items such as electronics, batteries, and hazardous materials.

Knowing and adhering to your regional garbage and recycling standards is a great change to kick off 2023!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

Volunteers are an important part of CNC and we are always welcoming new help. If you are interested in volunteering at the beautiful new Al & Laurie Hein Visitor Center or looking for opportunities at our Minnesota Campus, we are looking for trail maintenance teams, visitor greeters, and more. If you are interested please email Volunteer Coordinator, Alan Maloney at Alan@CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

CNC also has a weekly Wisconsin Habitat volunteer team. For interest in habitat restoration on the WI Campus, contact Habitat Specialist Abbey Holden by emailing Abbey@CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

*Please note if you have not received an email from either Alan or Abbey about upcoming volunteer opportunities, it means they do not have your current email address.

HOLIDAY WISH LIST

Our critters have been extra good this year! Consider helping keep our animal ambassadors happy and healthy by donating an item from our Holiday Wish List via Amazon. We are also in need of classroom supplies to make our Wisconsin Visitor Center ready for K-12 programs. By donating an item from our wish list you are not only directly helping an animal ambassador or CNC naturalist but allowing us to save money and direct more funds to educational programs and habitat protection. Thank you for thinking of CNC this holiday season.

CNC ELIGIBLE FOR 3M MATCHING GIFTS & VOLUNTEER HOURS

Just in time! After a brief hiatus, 3M employees and retirees are once again able to double their impact at Carpenter Nature Center. Donations made to Carpenter by current 3M employees are eligible for a 1:1 match (up to $1,000) from 3M. However, act fast! Matches for 2022 gifts must be submitted by December 31 to qualify.

Volunteering can be rewarding in more ways than one! Current and retired 3M employees are eligible to have their volunteer hours matched at $20 per hour (for a max of $500) by 3M. However, same as above- 2022 volunteer hours must be submitted by December 31 to qualify for a match. For more information on 3M’s matching programs, and to submit your contributions for a match, please visit our webpage.

DOES YOUR WORKPLACE OFFER MATCHING GIFTS?

Many other companies match their employee’s gifts dollar for dollar through Matching Gifts Programs. Some also match for retired employees, spouses, widows or widowers of employees. Carpenter has been lucky to receive matching gifts through Xcel Energy, Red Wing Shoe Company, IBM, US Bank, and more. If you are not sure whether your current or past employer will double your donation to Carpenter Nature Center please contact your Human Resources department.

GETTING READY FOR TAXES

We are incredibly touched by the generosity of all those who helped Carpenter Nature Center this last year. Everyone who sent in a donation (and provided contact info) to CNC should have received a thank-you letter and tax receipt in the mail. If you gave to CNC through PayPal or GiveMN.org, you should have automatically received an email tax receipt after you made your donation. Gifts made through donor-advised funds like American Center of Philanthropy, often have tax receipts sent through the fund itself.

If you did not receive a thank-you letter/tax-receipt for your 2022 gift, or need a new copy, please reach out to Development Coordinator Erika Jensen at Erika@CarpenterNatureCenter.org.

SUPPORT CARPENTER NATURE CENTER

As a private, non-profit organization, Carpenter Nature Center relies heavily on donations from generous individuals and businesses. Support from our donors enables us to educate families, conserve wildlife habitats, and support the physical & mental health of the community. Please consider donating through GiveMN, PayPal, or by becoming a Friend of CNC. We also accept in-kind donations from the Wishlist for specific items our staff needs. If you have any questions, contact Development Coordinator Erika Jensen at Erika@CarpenterNatureCenter.org or 651-437-4359 ext. 101.

CNC is a community asset because of the many wonderful people involved throughout its 40-year history. Thank you for helping keep nature & environmental education a vital part of our children’s lives, and for helping keep Carpenter Nature Center open to the public 361 days a year.

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones from all of us at Carpenter Nature Center!