Carpenter Nature Center offers programs for groups of adults who share a common interest. These programs are perfect for a cycling club, garden club, church group, birding club or senior centers. Given adequate time for preparation, new programs can be developed upon request.
Birds and Banding– Watch as CNC’s bird banders catch songbirds, put a band with an identification number on the legs, and release the birds back into the wild. Binoculars and field guides will be available for a guided bird-watching hike.
Exploring the Backcountry- Explore the less traveled parts of the Nature Center on snowshoes (conditions permitting) with a naturalist as your guide.
Harvest Time– Enjoy the beautiful fall colors of the St. Croix River Valley with a guided hike. Watch a demonstration of an old fashioned apple press and taste the fresh cider. Purchase apples as an option too.
Into the Prairie– A hike of CNC’s restored prairie will focus on identification and unique characteristics of prairie flowers and grasses as well as cultural and natural history of the prairie landscape.
Introduction to CNC– Join us for coffee and a slide show which will help you visualize all of the things CNC does within its mission. Optional hike and tour of the grounds following the show.
Nature Hike– Enjoy the beauty of the season with a nature hike. Topics will vary with the season and will focus on an aspect of interest to the group.
Fees
$5.00 per adult/ 60 adult max
$50.00 program minimum
Group Size
Group sizes should be at least 10 participants. Please call to discuss options for larger groups. Given enough time in advance, we can arrange classes for larger groups.
Mobility Limitations
CNC welcomes all participants regardless of abilities. Please inform us if there will be a participant with limited mobility when scheduling so that we may make appropriate accommodations.
Medical Emergencies
CNC staff is First Aid & CPR certified and trained to respond to emergencies. However, participants must bring their own medication if necessary.
Accommodations for the Weather
The majority of programs take place outside. It is essential that leaders properly prepare participants to dress for the weather and the chance of getting dirty. CNC staff is prepared to go out in any weather. Leaders are responsible for canceling or rescheduling if participants aren’t prepared for the field trip.
Deposits and Cancellations
A $50 deposit (credited to your program cost) is required to reserve a program. If CNC does not receive it in a timely fashion, we reserve the right to schedule another group in the time slot. If a group fails to give CNC a two-week advance notice of cancellation the deposit will not be refunded.