Maplewood Nature Center ADULT & FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS August - December2017 2659 East Seventh Street Maplewood, MN 55119 651.249.2170
www.maplewoodmn.gov We are also on Facebook & Twitter. COME AND EXPLORE!
Grounds and trails: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Visitor Center: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30 The Visitor Center will be closed: Tuesday, July 4
Our mission is to enhance awareness and understanding of land, water and wildlife resources; to empower the community to become stewards of the environment
HOW TO REGISTER FOR A NATURE CENTER PROGRAM:
Register online for paid or free programs www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com then click on the Register Online-Go! button. You can also register in person, phone, 651-249-2170, or mail with credit card, cash or check by the date indicated. Program sizes are limited, register early. No need to register for Drop-in programs. Most programs are held at the Maplewood Nature Center unless otherwise noted in program description.
AUGUST
DAZZLING DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES! (FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-8, WITH ADULT) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 10:00AM-11:00AM Dazzling colors and zippy flights – Do YOU have what it takes? Catch and release dragonflies and damselflies in the gardens and prairie. Use nets and magnifying lenses to help you catch and observe these amazing creatures. FREE! Drop-in Program.
TASTY TREATS FROM THE BEES (FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-10, WITH ADULT) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH; 10:00AM-11:30AM Register online, www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-2492170. Taste different kinds of honey, and sample food pollinated by bees such as blueberries and raspberries! Learn about different kinds of bees and why they are important. We’ll do an easy and fun bee-count to help the bees with the Minnesota Bee Atlas project at iNaturalist.org that you can also do later in your own backyard or nearby park. Prepay $5/person. Register online by Thursday, August 10 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170
BUMBLE BEE SAFARI AT FISH CREEK (Adults and Families with kids ages 5 +) AT FISH CREEK PRESERVE Saturday, August 19; 12:30 – 2:30 PM Learn about and befriend bumble bees! Assist bee experts in surveying bumblebees and their favorite prairie flowers at Fish Creek Preserve. Bring your phone or other digital device and learn how to enter your bee photo on Bumble Bee Watch. Free. Pre-register online, www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170, by August 16. Co-sponsored by Friends of Maplewood Nature
MONARCHS IN THE PRAIRIE (ALL AGES) AT GLADSTONE SAVANNAH, PARK ALONG FRISBIE, MEET AT FRISBIE ENTRANCE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 1:00PM-3:00PM Mad about Monarchs? Find out why and how monarchs are tagged. Learn about their magnificent migration. See monarchs in their life cycle stages. Take home some native seed packets to sow that will help these beautiful butterflies survive. Free. Register online by Thursday, August 24. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Nature
SEPTEMBER
BEE-COME A BEE MONITOR Join us for an exceptional Citizen Science Pollinator Training and Survey at Maplewood YMCA/Community Center and Fish Creek Natural Area. Date and Time: Saturday, Sept 9, 10 am - 5 pm (Rain date for outdoor portion is Sunday, Sept 10) Free! Adults. Register online by Wednesday, September 6. To register, go to www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the Register Online Go button. Call 651-249-2170 if you need help registering. Morning Location: Maplewood Community Center/YMCA 2100 White Bear Ave. Maplewood, 55109. Bees are some of our most important pollinators, but little is known about the bees that live in our natural landscapes. Learn how to distinguish bees from other flower-visiting insects, honey bees from native bees; and methods for monitoring bees. Participants will gain practical experience with hands-on activities including working with pinned specimens, capturing and examining bees in a restored prairie, and practicing methods for standardized data collection. Participants receive a Citizen Scientist Pollinator Monitoring Guide and other reference material. Afternoon Location: Fish Creek entrance is on Henry Lane, just off of Carver Avenue in South Maplewood, 55119. At Fish Creek, we’ll practice capturing and identifying, walk transects, survey for pollinators and learn about the prairie restoration. Data gathered will provide baseline information that will be tracked as the restoration matures. Participants need to be able to withstand tall grasses, uneven terrain. Wear Sturdy walking shoes, long pants and long sleeves. Bring a hat, sunglasses, lunch and water bottle. Course will be taught by Xerces Society Entomologists, Great River Greening Ecologists and City of Maplewood Naturalists. Funding for this project is provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
BLUFF TOPS, BIRDING AND BAGELS HIKE (ADULTS AND CHILDREN 10 + WITH ADULT) AT FISH CREEK NATURAL AREA: MEET AT THE GATE ON HENRY LANE, JUST OFF CARVER AVE. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 8:00AM-10:00AM Join other bird enthusiasts to explore Fish Creek’s scenic vistas for songbirds and raptors riding air thermals. Learn techniques for identifying birds. We’ll provide the Bagels and cream cheese; you provide a beverage. Binoculars available, or bring your own. All skill levels welcome. Closed-toed shoes and long pants recommended FEE: $5. Registration required. Register online by Wednesday, September 13 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. BUCKTHORN REMOVAL DEMONSTRATION AND REMOVAL AT APPLEWOOD PARK (FOR ADULTS) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 10:00AM–12:00PM Meet at the Matterhorn entrance. Learn how to identify common and glossy buckthorn and the beneficial look-alikes you should protect. We’ll discuss updated best management practices, weed establishment vs cutting and treating buckthorn at the park to earn a Buckthorn Blaster to take home! Wear old native regrowth after removal. Learn how to safely use buckthorn herbicides. Try out your new skills by clothes: long pants, rubber boots, a hat, and long sleeved shirt. Bring chemical resistant gloves (not leather or cloth). FREE! Registration required. Register online by Tuesday, September 19 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE 2017-2018 (FOR CHILDREN BIRTH - 5 YEARS, BEFORE KINDERGARTEN) 9/23/17 Squirrels and Acorns TIME: 10:00-11:30AM Make nature discoveries, get resources to explore & protect your world together. Meet new friends! This class is offered in collaboration with the Maplewood Nature Center and Early Childhood and Family Education, 622 staff. Parents or guardians stay with their child(ren) during the entire class. Fee is $5 per child per session. To register contact ECFE: 651-748-7280 or register online at www.isd622.org/ecfe. Location: Beaver Lake Education Center, 1060 Sterling Street Nortth, Maplewood, MN
OCTOBER
FALL COLOR NATURE HIKE (All ages) AT FISH CREEK PRESERVE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 10:00AM - 11:30AM Bring your favorite walking stick and join us for a morning nature hike on the beautiful paved trails! We’ll enjoy fall color, identify trees and look for wildlife. Bring binoculars or check out a pair from the naturalist. We will attempt the 1 mile loop; strollers may be needed for young children. Dress for the weather and wear shoes suitable for hiking! Meet at the gate on Henry Lane, just off Carver Ave. FREE, registration required, by Wednesday, October 4. NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE 2017-2018 (FOR CHILDREN BIRTH - 5 YEARS, BEFORE KINDERGARTEN) 10/14/17 WOOLY BEARS: WHAT’S UNDER A LOG? TIME: 10:00AM-11:30AM Make nature discoveries, get resources to explore & protect your world together. Meet new friends! This class is offered in collaboration with the Maplewood Nature Center and Early Childhood and Family Education, 622 staff. Parents or guardians stay with their child(ren) during the entire class. Fee is $5 per child per session. To register contact ECFE: 651-748-7280 or register online at www.isd622.org/ecfe. Location: Beaver Lake Education Center, 1060 Sterling Street Nortth, Maplewood, MN SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST (FOR CHILDREN AGES 9-13) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 10:00AM – 12:00PM Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Learn how to build a shelter, make a fire, and identify poisonous plants. Beverage and light snack provided. Drop-off program; must sign a waiver. Dress for the weather. Fee: Prepay $10/child by Tuesday, October 18 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) 101 FOR HOMEOWNERS AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER Tuesday, October 24, 6:30PM-8:00 PM EAB has been found in ash trees in Maplewood. Join our city forester to learn the basics about Emerald Ash Borer damage and management. We’ll cover ash tree identification, signs and symptoms of EAB, treatments and management. Two classes are offered, both cover the same material. Free-Please call 651-249-2170 to register.
OUTSTANDING OWLS (LIVE!) (ALL AGES) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 3:00PM-6:00PM Meet an owl up close and learn what makes these creatures such a hoot! Enjoy a Raptor Center presentation at 3:30PM. From 4:30-6:00PM older kids can dissect owl pellets, while younger ones make an owl craft! Learn owl calls and go on a night hike around the lake in search of our feathered friends. Dress for the weather! Treats and beverage provided. Register early space is limited! Co-sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Nature. Fee: Prepay $8/person by Wednesday October 26.
NOVEMBER
DEER MOON HIKE (Ages 10–Adult) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 6:30PM-8:00 PM Explore the mysterious ways of the white-tailed deer! We’ll start with a stealthy hike in hope of seeing deer or deer sign. Inside, we’ll discuss whitetail facts and trivia, factors affecting populations, local deer ordinances and deer resistant or deer detracting native plants for your yard. Fee: $4/person register by Monday, October 30 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. HIKE AROUND THE POND (Ages 5+ with an adult) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, NOV 4, 2:00PM-3:30 PM It’s fun to hike in the fall! Create and decorate your very own hiking stick, then hike around the pond with the naturalist! Fee: Prepay $5.00/hiking stick by Monday, October 30 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170.
WONDERFALL PUPPET SHOW (All Ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 10:30AM-11:30AM Celebrate America Recycles Day with our wild animal puppets. Skunk, eagle and more will teach us about migration, hibernation & recycling! Play the Recycle Fishing game then make a recycle craft and have a snack. Take a self-guided hike afterward. Fee: $4 per child; register by Monday, November 13 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE 2017-2018 (For children birth - 5 years, before kindergarten) 11/18/17 WIGGLY SNAKE, SLIPPERY SALAMANDER Time: 10:00-11:30am Fee is $5 per child per session. Make nature discoveries, get resources to explore & protect your world together. Meet new friends! This class is offered at the Maplewood Nature Center in collaboration with Early Childhood and Family Education, 622 staff. Parents or guardians stay with their child(ren) during the entire class. To register contact ECFE: 651-748-7280 or register online at www.isd622.org/ecfe. Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 E. 7th St., Maplewood, MN 55119 TURKEY TALK (Ages 2-6 with and adult) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2:00PM-3:30 PM Learn all about Wild Turkeys and other winter active animals, gather acorns for winter, touch and feel animal feathers and fur, and make a craft. Fee: $4 per child; register by Monday, Nov. 20 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170.
DECEMBER MEET THE ANIMALS
(All ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2:00PM-3:00PM Meet a snake and salamander, and learn more about Minnesota’s wild animals and where they are in the winter. You can share your stories about real wild animal encounters, if you choose! Wild animal crafts and wild animal activities for all ages, too! Free. Drop-in
WINTER WISDOM (AGES 6 + WITH AN ADULT, + 14 AND UP) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1:00PM-3:00PM New to Minnesota or wanting to enjoy winter outdoors? If dressed properly, you will stay warm and enjoy winter, even on the coldest day! Learn how to avoid frostbite, hypothermia and sunburn. Test insulating properties of different materials, learn how to calculate wind-chill and make a solar bead zipper pull for your jacket. We’ll try snowshoeing if we have snow! Free; registration required by Thursday, December 7 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170.
S’MORE NATURE FUN (All Ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1:30PM-3:00PM It is FUN to be outside in the wintertime! Take a walk or snowshoe down to the pond with the naturalist for a fun exploration then make some Smore’s on the campfire. Yum! Gluten-free and vegan S’more options available upon request. Fee: $5/person. Register by Thursday, Dec 28 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170 NATURE CENTER WILD BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Live Animal Birthday parties are available for kids ages 4 & up. Reserve the party room for treats; then visit with a snake, toad or salamander! Outdoor hikes & party favors included! Fee: $80.00 (up to 12 children) $100.00 (12-15 children) Call 651.249.2170 for additional or go to: www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com & click on Programs & Events/Birthdays
FRIENDS OF MAPLEWOOD NATURE The Friends is a non-profit organization supporting the mission of Maplewood Nature Center & Neighborhood Preserves. Check out the Friends on the web: http://www.maplewoodmn.gov/981/FriendsGroup or https://friendsofmaplewoodnature.wordpress.com/ Did You Know-- that you can directly support Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserve special programs and projects by donating online? The Friends of Maplewood Nature is a 501 C3 nonprofit group that promotes awareness of and fundraises for the nature center and preserves. It’s simple and easy- simply go to the Friends website https://friendsofmaplewoodnature.wordpress.com and click on “donate”. This will take you to the GIVEMN.org website where you will have several options for amounts. You can schedule your giving as early as November 1. You may also mail in a donation by sending a check written out to the Friends to the Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 E 7 th St., Maplewood, MN 55119. Friends have supported the nature center by co-sponsoring speakers for programs, such as live raptors for the Outstanding Owls event, special events such as the Outdoor Expo, exhibits such as the Solar Display and the Energy Bike; the new entrance sign, items for the play yard, and much more.