MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER ADULT & FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS February-April 2019 2659 East Seventh Street Maplewood, MN 55119 651.249.2170
www.maplewoodmn.gov
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COME AND EXPLORE! Grounds and trails: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Visitor Center: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30
CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE: Click on activity number to register FEBRUARY 2—Life of a Voyageur, Activity #16339 9—Winter Woodpecker Walk, Activity #16340 19—Coyote Moon: Snowshoe by the Light of the Moon Activity #16341 23—Native seed Treatments for Beginners Activity #16342 23—Owl Hoot-a-Long, register through ECFE. MARCH 2– Vegetable Growing Basics, Activity #16344 5—From the World Series to the State of Wonders, Activity #16348 8—Spring Phenology Walks, drop-in. 9—Invasive Plant Patrol/GLEDN Training, Activity #16349 16—Tap and Sap Family Event, Activity #16350 20—Edgerton Community Garden Registration, Activity #16338 23—Sap Into Syrup Family Event, Activity #16351 23—Maple Sap Into Syrup—register through ECFE 27—Beginning Bird Identification Classes Activity #16278 APRIL 4—Native Plants do Double Duty: Stop Water & Feed Pollinators, Activity #16353 6—Frog Monitor Volunteer Training & Refresher, Activity #16354 13—It’s the Bomb! Activity #16355 20—Just Ducky! Register through ECFE. 27—Service Day for Groups & Individuals, call to register. 27—Nesting & Overwintering Habitat for Bees, Activity #16358 MAY 4—Tree-mendous Arbor Day Celebration, free drop-in program.
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.
FAMILY EVENTS WINTER WOODPECKER WALK (ADULTS & FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 7+)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 10:00AM - 11:30AM Learn about common woodpeckers in our area; what they can tell us about tree health, then join the naturalist for a woodpecker walk on our trails! We’ll tally species to report them on eBird. Fee: Free. Pre-register by Thursday, February 7. Activity #16340 COYOTE MOON: SNOWSHOE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON (ADULTS & FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 7+)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 6:30PM - 8:00PM It’s magical swishing through the snow across the pond. (Need 6 inches snow for snowshoeing). We’ll see if we can spy coyote tracks and more! Coyotes are here to stay in our urban landscape. Discover a few pointers about how to live together with Wily coyote. Back at the visitor center we’ll fill our mugs (bring one from home) with hot cider and share some readings and stories about this legendary trickster! Fee: $5 per person, prepay by Sunday, February 17. Activity #16341 SPRING PHENOLOGY WALKS (ADULTS & FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 8+)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER FRIDAYS, MARCH 8, APRIL 12, MAY 10 9:00AM - 10:30AM Help track and record nature happenings at the Maplewood Nature Center with the Naturalist. Phenology is the study of seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate, plant life, and animal life. We’ll meet the second Friday every month, March-May. We will walk and observe plants and wildlife happenings on the trails, and record what we see. Option to bring your camera, smartphone with iNaturalist app, or tablet for recording photos or digital records. If rainy, program will be cancelled. Free-Drop-in.
NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE (FOR CHILDREN BIRTH-5, BEFORE KINDERGARTEN)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM Fee: $5 per child per class. Make nature discoveries and meet new friends! These classes are offered at the Maplewood Nature Center in collaboration with Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) staff. Parents stay with their child(ren) during the entire class. Pre-registration is required. To register contact ECFE: 651-702-8411 or register online at https://www.isd622.org/ecfe. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Owl Hoot-Along SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Maple Sap into Syrup SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Just Ducky! TAP AND SAP FAMILY EVENT (FAMILIES WITH KIDS AGES 6+)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1:30PM - 3:00PM Learn about how trees wake up in the spring. Get acquainted with maple tree tapping tools and equipment, and help tap a real tree. Taste maple sap and real maple syrup! Fee: $5/child, prepay by March 14. Activity #16350 SAP INTO SYRUP FAMILY EVENT (FAMILIES WITH KIDS AGE 6+)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1:30PM - 3:00PM How many buckets of tree sap do you need to get a bucket of Maple Syrup? (Hint- it is probably more than you think!) Find out the answer to this question, and more as you help tap a real tree, and check the previously tapped trees to see if the sap is running. Taste real maple sap and real maple syrup. Fee: $5/child, prepay by Thursday, March 21. Activity #16351 IT’S THE BOMB! (ADULTS & FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 10+)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1:30PM - 3:00PM Make and take a scented bath bomb using simple, environmentally friendly ingredients. Add a few dried flower petals for some extra pizazz! Bring home two bombs, a recipe, handouts and a mold. Wear old clothes, bring an ice cream bucket or large bowl, large stirring spoon and a Ziploc bag to transport your creations home. Fee: Prepay $8/person by Wednesday, April 10th. Activity #16355 SERVICE PROJECT DAY FOR GROUPS, & INDIVIDUALS (ADULTS & FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 8+)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 10:00AM - 11:30AM Schedule a community service project with your group, family, or on your own at Maplewood Nature Center! Help with litter pickup, cutting back gardens, clearing trail, and other tasks. Call the nature center to schedule a time and task: 651-249-2170. Register by Thursday, April 4.
SPECIAL EVENTS FROM THE WORLD SERIES TO THE STATE OF WONDERS BY PHOTOJOURNALIST BRIAN PETERSON At Maplewood Community Center 2100 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, MN 55109 Tuesday, March 5, 7:00PM-8:45PM. 6:30 PM - check-in 7:00 - 8:00 PM - program 8:00 - 8:45 PM - book signing/sales Brian lives in two worlds, that of a Minneapolis Star Tribune photojournalist, and that of a nature photographer. Join us as he shares stories and dramatic photos from his books, articles and travels. His work takes a close look at nature, reminding us of its delicate balance, and the beauty around us. He is the author of two books and the winner of three Minnesota Book Awards. FREE! Preregister by Monday, March 4, online or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16348. Sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Nature TREE -MENDOUS ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION! (All Ages: Families & Adults)
At Maplewood Nature Center Saturday, May 4, 1:00PM-3:00PM · Join us in a celebration of trees and all they do for us! · Fun tree activities for kids and adults! · Learn about trees and the animals that depend on them. · Meet Smokey the Bear, and learn about safe campfires. · Enter a drawing for a gift certificate to purchase a tree. · Complete the Tree Quest trail to win prizes for kids and adults. · Master Gardeners and Tree Advisory Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate how to properly plant a tree. · Visit with a live raptor and discover all the ways they depend on trees! · Build a birdfeeder from ELPIS to take home. · Tree games, crafts and snacks while supplies last. All for FREE! Drop-in program no registration required.
NATIVE PLANTS & POLLINATORS: NATIVE SEED TREATMENTS FOR BEGINNERS (FOR ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2:00PM - 3:30PM Want to start native plants organically by seed, but are not sure how to stratify or scarify seed? This is the class for you! Try three different strategies to increase seed germination; then bring seeds home for your yard. We will recommend reference materials to help you imitate nature! Bring a small, sturdy cardboard box, at least 8 ½ x 11 inches. Children Ages 14+ are also welcome to attend with an adult. Fee: $6 per person, prepay by Monday, February 18. Activity #16342
NATIVE PLANTS DO DOUBLE DUTY: STOP WATER AND FEED POLLINATORS!! (FOR ADULTS)
AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 7:00PM - 8:30PM Deep rooted plants help reduce flooding, filter pollutants and provide food for disappearing pollinators such as Monarch Butterflies and non-aggressive bees. In addition, replacing turf with these native grasses and wildflowers reduce geese problems. In this class, learn to identify 10 workhorse plants and the pollinators that depend on them. Dramatic research on the ability of raingardens to help prevent run-off will be shared. Take home some initial designs that will work in most sunny spots. Free. Seating is limited, register by Tuesday, April 2. Activity #16353 NESTING AND OVERWINTERING HABITAT FOR BEES (FOR ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1:00PM - 4:00PM The availability of nesting habitat is a critical yet often over-looked factor impacting native bee populations. Learn practical approaches to create and manage nesting and overwintering habitat features for bees, including dead wood, stems, brush, rock piles, bare ground, leaf litter, and more. Approaches are relevant to gardeners, landscapers, natural resource professionals, and anyone interested in taking the next step in supporting pollinators. After classroom activities go outside to search for active nests of stem-nesting bees! Instructed by Sarah Foltz Jordan (Xerces Society) and Colleen Satyshur (University of MN). Space is limited, so register early! Fee: $5/person. Pre-register by Wednesday, April 24. Activity #16358
GARDENING EVENTS VEGETABLE GROWING BASICS (FOR ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 9:30AM - 4:00PM Taught by Master Gardeners, this workshop is an introduction to vegetable gardening; covering topics such as soil, prepping your garden space, seed and seedling selection, planting, organic methods and garden maintenance. Each participant creates a design and a needs list for their garden. You will be truly ready to garden after this thorough workshop. Please bring your own bag lunch, or visit one of several nearby restaurants. Fee: $30/person, register by Thursday, February 28. Activity #16344 EDGERTON COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOT REGISTRATION FOR 2019 SEASON (FOR ADULTS)
AT EDGERTON COMMUNITY GARDEN: CORNER OF ROSELAWN & EDGERTON, NORTH OF EDGERTON ELEMENTARY WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY 27: RETURNING GARDENER REGISTRATION BEGINS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20: NEW GARDENER REGISTRATION BEGINS Grow Your Own Local Organic Food! Rent a 12’ x 15’ in-ground plot, or 4’ x 8’ raised bed (eighteen inches height) or a 3’ x 5’ ADA accessible raised bed for the 2019 garden season. The City will provide water spigots. Renters agree to plant, maintain, and harvest their plots using organic (chemical-free) methods. Fee: $25 per plot or raised bed for the entire 2019 garden season: Friday May 3 - Monday, October 21. Activity #16338 Online Registration: https://maplewoodmn.gov/999/Community-Garden Garden Questions: 651-249-2173 or help registering online: 651-249-2170
EDGERTON COMMUNITY GARDEN OPEN HOUSE At Edgerton Community Garden Friday, May 3rd, 4:30PM-6:30PM Drop-in and take a tour the Edgerton Community Garden. Poor weather back-up location inside Edgerton School Gym. Meet other garden enthusiasts, and get gardening information from a Master Gardener. FREE! Drop-in program; no registration required.
CITIZEN SCIENCE: INVASIVE PLANT PATROL/GLEDN TRAINING (FOR ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 9:30AM - 12:30PM A great training opportunity for professionals, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, plant geeks, adults and high school students wanting to make a difference in their local ecosystems. Help stop new invasive plants in their tracks! Early detection will prevent more buckthorn-like takeovers. A. Learn how to use the FREE GLEDN (Great Lakes Early Detection Network) Smartphone App (iOS or Android). B. Sharpen your plant ID skills through our PowerPoint presentation and hands-on plant lab. C. Practice making a report. Ideally, bring your smart phone, with the GLEDN app installed (installs faster with Wi-Fi connection). Children Ages 14+ are also welcome to attend with an adult. Free! Register online or call 249-2170 by Wednesday, March 6. Presented by Ramsey County Cooperative Weed Management Area. Activity #16349 BEGINNING BIRD IDENTIFICATION CLASSES (FOR ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER Wednesday evening classes are held at Maplewood Nature Center, Saturday morning field trip locations will be determined by bird activity and weather. WEDNESDAYS, March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 6:30PM–8:30PM AND SATURDAY MORNINGS, March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 8:00AM–10:00AM Long-time bird enthusiast, Chase Davies and Naturalist Konnie Her, will teach how to observe and identify common urban birds. We’ll look at common feeder birds to learn identification techniques and move on to other birds in different habitats. Fee: Prepay $60/person for the series. Early registration recommended! Register by March 20, 2019. Activity #16278 FROG MONITOR VOLUNTEER TRAINING & REFRESHER (FOR ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 10:00AM - 11:30AM Bring a buddy and become Maplewood Frog Monitoring Volunteers! Monitors follow an established, ten-stop-route; listening for frogs after sunset. Learn about Minnesota frog species, their calls, ranges and how monitoring works. Monitors must commit to three nights, each in a specific date range, April-July. Monitoring is for night-owls with a keen sense of hearing! Please sign up for a frog hike program in May or June if you do not plan to volunteer. Children ages 12+ with an adult are welcome. Free! Pre-register by Thursday, April 4. Activity #16354
NATURE CENTER WILD BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Live Animal Birthday parties are available for kids ages 4 & up. Reserve the party room for treats. Possible animal themes may include a visit with a snake, toad, or salamander! Outdoor hikes & party favors included!
Fee: $80.00 (up to 12 children)
Call 651.249.2170 for additional information or go to: www.maplewoodmn.gov/nc & 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/Friends-Group 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 non-profit 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 may also mail in a donation by sending a check written out to the Friends to the Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 E 7th St., Maplewood, MN 55119. If you are interested in becoming a Friends of Maplewood Nature board member call 651-249-2170. 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.
SNOWSHOE RENTAL Explore Maplewood Nature Center by snowshoe! When we get 4-6” fresh snow come out and enjoy it! Ages 4—Adult sizes * Wooden or aluminum snowshoes available for use on site for $5.00 per pair of snowshoes. * You may also bring your own snowshoes. * Call 651-249-2170 to check availability & conditions.
About Maplewood Nature Center Maplewood Nature Center is a 40-acre preserve operated by the City of Maplewood. The Nature Play Yard adjoins the Visitor Center. Trails wind through oak woods and marsh and are open every day from dawn to dusk. Use of facilities is free of charge. Many of the Naturalist led programs are free or come with a minimal
charge.
Our mission is to enhance awareness and understanding of land, water and wildlife resources; to empower the community to become stewards of the environment FAMILY NATURE PACKS Check out a nature backpack at the front desk. These packs include: *Trail map & Bingo Hike sheet. *Binoculars & Hand lenses *Containers for pond study *Trail/wildlife guides Have Fun Exploring Nature!