Environmental Education Programs
All environmental education program curriculum at CNC is written to be age-appropriate and to enhance science studies. Every program is designed to meet Minnesota and Wisconsin Academic Standards.
Some of our programs can only be offered during certain times of the year. Please look closely at the program you wish to schedule and that it is available during the season of your visit. In some cases, programs can be modified for a different grade or age range.
For more information, please contact Program Director Sarah Germscheid by emailing Sarah@carpenternaturecenter.org
Sarah is out on extended leave until mid-October 2026.
For more information and booking, contact Development Assistant
Lauren Smith at Lauren@CarpenterNatureCenter.org
Environmental Education Programs
CNC offers onsite programming year-round.
Click the button below to see our complete list of programs offered onsite.
Request a Program
Reservations for each season will be taken after the following dates:
School Year – May 1
Summer – January 1
General Information
Preschool Age: A typical preschool program averages one hour including both indoor & outdoor experiences, a story read by a naturalist, going on a short hike, making a craft to bring home, and meeting a live animal.
K – 12th Grade: These programs range from 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours including both indoor and outdoors experiences
Fees: $5.00 per child*/$50.00 program minimum. Certified teachers and Student Aids are FREE.
*Apple Orchard Program Fees
$7.00 per participant (includes two apples) / $8.00 per participant (includes two apples and one pumpkin)
Teachers and adult chaperones are free if not picking apples
Group Size: We recommend, although not required, a student-to-adult ratio of 10:1. School staff and parent chaperones are free of charge. During the program, our team may ask group leaders to divide their students into smaller groups for a better field experience. You can call before your program if you would like to know how many field groups will be needed.
- Teachers, inform parents/chaperones to lead by example by limiting conversations amongst other adults during the program. This is a distraction to the naturalist and the students.
- If you have any differently-abled students, please let your booking contact know so we can ensure the best learning experience possible for all students.
