Nature Center Programs

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MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER ADULT & FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS August-December 2019 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE: 2659 East Seventh Street Maplewood, MN 55119 651.249.2170

AUGUST 10 - Dazzling Dragonflies, Activity #16453 9 - Summer Nature Walks—Spanish, Activity# 16454 17 - Super Spiders, Activity# 16463 24- Monarchs/Manarcas Activity #16529 27- PrairieWalk at Gladstone Preserve, Activity #16530 SEPTEMBER 7—Buckthorn Removal Demonstration, Activity #16531 10—New Volunteer Orientation, Activity #16532 14- ECFE—Acorns and Animals, Activity #16526 12—Stories From the Past: Nature Center, Activity #16533 21—Nature Center Turns 40! Activity #16534

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

OCTOBER 1-Emerald Ash Borer– Ask the Forester, Activity #16535 12—Under a Log—ECFE, Activity #16527 12—Autumn Art in Nature, Activity #16536 5– Live Animals, Activity #16537 19– Bird Walk in English & Spanish, Activity #16546 26– Bruentrup Boo Bash NOVEMBER 2– Turtle Tales, activity #16547 12– Walk When the Moon is Full, Activity #16548 9– Wiggly Snake, slippery Salamander ECFE, Activity #16528 9– Woodland Spoon Carving, Activity #16549 16– Live Animals, Activity #16550 23– It’s the Bomb! Activity #16551 DECEMBER 7– Wild Weather in MN, Activity #16552 12– Full Moon Walk, Activity #16553 14– December Bird Count, Activity #16554 28– S’more Nature Fun, Activity #16555


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

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 EAST 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD 55119 SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 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! Register online www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com by Thursday, August 8, and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16453

SUMMER NATURE WALKS (All Ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 EAST 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD 55119 9:00AM–10:30AM Hike with a Naturalist to study and record wildlife observations during the current season. Meet a live native animal! Indoor activities if rainy. This entire program will be translated into Spanish. Learn new nature words in multiple languages. All language speakers welcome.  Translated into Spanish & English Friday, August 9 Free! Register online by August 6. #16454 Free! Pre-register at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170.

SUPER SPIDERS (AGES 4-10, WITH ADULT, 11+) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 EAST 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD 55119 SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 9:30AM – 11:00AM Spiders are nature’s bug zappers! Meet live spiders and learn about webs and spider silk. Make a spider craft to take home. Hike to look for orb, funnel, jumping and crab spiders. Wear shoes suitable for hiking. FEE: $5/CHILD; Register by Thursday, August 15th at online by www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651249-2170. Activity #16463


MONARCHS / MONARCAS (FOR ALL AGES) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 EAST 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD 55119 SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 1:00PM-2:30PM For those who speak Spanish or English or both! Learn more about how the monarch butterfly makes an amazing connection between Minnesota and Mexico, and learn about other incredible butterflies, too. Learn how scientists can tag a butterfly by putting a tiny sticker on their wing. Sip lemonade just like a butterfly, do a monarch craft, and explore the wildflower gardens to learn more about how we can help butterflies by creating habitat. All presentations will be given in both English and Spanish together. Fee: $5/family. Register by August 22.

PRAIRIE WALK AT GLADSTONE PRESERVE (ALL AGES) AT GLADSTONE PRESERVE, SOUTHWEST CORNER OF FROST AND ENGLISH TUESDAY, AUGUST 27 6-7:30 PM Explore the colorful grasses and wildflowers; catch and release lively crickets and grasshoppers in the newly restored prairie at the historical Gladstone preserve. Learn how the prairie was restored; Go on a self guided scavenger hunt and return to the tent for your prairie prize. If rainy event will be cancelled. Free! Register by August 25.

SEPTEMBER BUCKTHORN REMOVAL DEMONSTRATION AND REMOVAL AT APPLEWOOD PARK (For Adults) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 10:00AM–12:00PM At Applewood Park; 822 Sterling St S, Maplewood, MN 55119 Learn to identify common and glossy buckthorn and beneficial look-alikes you should protect. We’ll discuss updated best management practices, weed establishment vs native regrowth after removal. Which herbicides work and how can they be used safely? Earn a Buckthorn Blaster to take home, by cutting and treating buckthorn on site! Participants must wear personal protection equipment: safety glasses, long pants, long sleeved shirt, shoes plus long socks; and chemical resistant gloves. Free! Register online by Wednesday, September 4.


NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 EAST 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD 55119 TUESDAY, SEPT 10, 2:30PM-3:30PM It’s FUN to be a regular volunteer that gets more involved at the Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserves! Come to this orientation find out about all the cool opportunities available, and learn what it takes to be a regular volunteer such as…  Trail guide, Program Aide, Receptionist, Gardener  Youth & family opportunities  Citizen Science: open space monitor, frog monitor, big tree registry Free! Pre-register by Monday, September 9. Adult regular volunteers must pass a background check. Call (651) 249-2173 to get more information about volunteering. NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE 2019-2020 ACORNS AND ANIMALS (BIRTH TO 5YEARS OLD WITH PARENT) SEPTEMBER 14, 2019, 10-11:30AM AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119 Make Nature Discoveries and get resources to explore and protect your world together. During class, adults will learn about nature and conservation too: learn to identify five native trees in this session! Parents stay with their children during the entire class. Classes are taught in collaboration with a Naturalist and School district 622 Early Childhood Education staff. Fee, $5/child. Preregister by Sept 12, 2019

STORIES FROM THE PAST: NATURE CENTER HISTORY CONVERSATION (ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 10:30AM – 11:30AM Gather with long-time residents, staff and volunteers for stories and memories of Maplewood Nature Center’s 40 year old history. Share stories of growing up in the area which would become Maplewood Nature Center, saved by neighbors who lobbied to preserve the Swamp from being filled in for ball fields. Enjoy Anniversary sweet rolls as we reminisce about bygone days when parents never worried and neighborhood kids roamed freely in the ‘swamp’. Free program. Call 651-249-2170 to register or register online by Wednesday, September 11.


NATURE CENTER TURNS 40! (FOR ALL AGES)

AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1:00PM-3:30PM Help us Celebrate FORTY years on Green Heron Pond! Bring the whole family to enjoy all the festivities including folk music, crafts, games, face-painting and tastes of freshly pressed apple juice all while enjoying a shadow puppet show “Waterways and Otterways “ by artist Kat Corrigan and her puppeteer family. Walk the history trail to discover 40 fascinating facts from the nature center’s history. View historic photos thru retro viewers- fun for all- add your reminisces to the history storyboard! Free! Drop-in

OCTOBER EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) – ASK THE FORESTER (FOR ADULTS) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E. 7th St., Maplewood, MN 55119 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 6:30PM-8:00PM EAB is spreading in Maplewood. Join us for an EAB open house. Stations will be set up to help you identify ash trees, learn the signs and symptoms of EAB, and figure out what to do. Our City Forester will be on hand to answer your EAB questions. Free. Register online at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnlineGo button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16535. LIVE ANIMALS (All Ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. Saturday, OCTOBER 5; 10:00AM -11:00AM Meet a snake and salamander, and learn about some of Minnesota’s wild reptiles and amphibians. You can share your stories about real wild animal encounters, if you choose! Make and take a wild animal craft. Fee: Free. Register by Friday, October 4 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16537. UNDER A LOG- NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE OCTOBER 12, 2019, 10:00AM-11:30AM AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. Make Nature Discoveries and get resources to explore and protect your world together. Kids will look, sing, touch, sort, craft, and play; adults will learn how to create overwintering pollinator habitat! Classes are taught in collaboration with a Naturalist and School district 622 Early Childhood Education staff. Fee, $5/child. Preregister by October 10, 2019. Activity #16527.


AUTUMN ART IN NATURE (Adults, Children Ages 12 and Up) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1:30PM-3:30PM Learn basic shapes, drawing and shading techniques inside, then bring your sketch notebook outdoors to capture autumn’s splendor. Bring your favorite sketchbook, drawing pencils, kneaded erasers or pastels. Dress for the weather and wear shoes suitable for hiking! Lawn chairs recommended! Fee $10.00 per person, register by Oct 2. Register online at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651249-2170. Activity # 16536. BIRD WALK IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH (Adults, kids ages 9+ welcome) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1:00PM-2:30PM Enjoy the beauty and the health benefits of walking outside, and learn about the birds you see. Program will be given in both English and Spanish together. Bring your own binoculars or we have some to loan you for the day. If the weather is nice, we will walk around the pond, or if there is bad weather, we will learn about birds and binoculars indoors. Take home a chart of birds you are likely to see in Minnesota with their Spanish and English names! Fee $5.00 per person, register by Oct 16. Register online at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651249-2170. Activity #16546. BRUENTRUP BOO BASH (FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT FOR ALL AGES) AT BRUENTRUP FARM, 2170 COUNTY ROAD D EAST SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1:00PM - 3:00 PM


NOVEMBER

TERRIFIC TURTLES (All ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 10:00AM-11:30AM Bring the kids over to meet cool live turtles, native to Minnesota and nearby habitats. Interact with snapping turtles, painted turtles and more! Turtles brought to you by Emily of Snake Discovery. Pretend to be a turtle and make a turtle craft. Pre-pay $5/person. This is a popular one, register early! Register online by Thursday, October 31 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16547. WIGGLY SNAKE, SLIPPERY SALAMANDER- NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE November 9, 2019, 10-11:30am AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. Make Nature Discoveries and get resources to explore and protect your world together. During class, kids will look, sing, touch, sort, craft, and play; adults will learn about composting and recycling for their home. Parents stay with their children during the entire class. Classes are taught in collaboration with a Naturalist and School district 622 Early Childhood Education staff. Fee, $5/child. Preregister by Nov 7th, 2019. Register at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651249-2170. Activity #16528. WALK WHEN THE MOON IS FULL (AGES 7 AND UP WITH ADULT, SMALL SCOUT TROOPS WELCOME!) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 6:30PM–8:00PM Hike by the light of the moon, learn some fun facts about the moon, and c’mon outside as we enjoy the moon-shadows of the trees and breathe the brisk air! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo landing Dress for the weather, and bring a mug! Fee $4.00/person Register by Sunday, November 10th. Register at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651249-2170. Activty #16548.


WOODLAND SPOON CARVING (Ages 18+) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH 1:00PM-4:30PM Get the scoop on trees that grow in to Minnesota that are good for carving, and take a short tree id walk outside with the Naturalist. Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh cut native tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We cover axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, drying, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving. The class fee includes tool rental, materials, a finishing kit, and safety glove rental. Please wear pants and close toed shoes. Spoon Carving instruction and materials by Jess Hirsch of Women's Woodshop. FEE: $65/person. Register by November 6th. Register at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16549. LIVE ANIMALS (All Ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. Saturday, November 16; 10:00AM -11:00AM Meet a snake and salamander, and learn where Minnesota’s wild reptiles and amphibians go in the winter. You can share your stories about real wild animal encounters, if you choose! Try a wild animal craft to take home too! Fee: Free. Register by Friday, November 15 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16550. IT’S THE BOMB! AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. Saturday, November 23, 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 (one for you and one for a gift), 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, November 20. Activity #. Register at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16551.


DECEMBER WILD WEATHER IN MINNESOTA WITH PETE BOULAY (Adults, and ages 12+ welcome) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. Saturday December 7, 1-2:30pm How to read weather radar for your home, drive, and for events planning. Learn more about what those forecasts really mean, and what to watch for during Minnesota Winters. Learn about cloud formations and take home your very own cloud chart. This program is great for folks who have just moved to Minnesota, AND life-long Minnesota dwellers alike! Learn winter preparedness tips and tricks from the Naturalist including how to keep warm and stay safe in winter. Fee: Free! Register by Thursday, December 4th at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity #16552. FULL MOON WALK (CHILDREN AGES 7+ WITH ADULT) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12th, 6:30PM – 8:00PM Walk when the Moon is full to listen and look for these flying mousetraps! Great horned and barred owls make the nature center home. Back inside, dissect an owl pellet to identify the teeth and bones of the creatures they eat. Learn to identify 5 owl calls and practice calling, too! Bring a mug for a hot beverage afterward! Small scout or youth groups welcome. Fee: $5 per person, Register online by Tuesday, December 10. Register at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651249-2170. Activity #16553. DECEMBER BRRRD-COUNT (ADULTS; CHILDREN AGES 8 AND UP WITH ADULT) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 9:00AM – 12:00PM Drop in to watch and record winter birds on our trails or at our feeders. Enter your sightings using the eBird app or hand-write a list for the naturalist. Double the fun by renting a pair of snowshoes for $5/pair (if 6” snow on ground)! FREE! Drop-in Program. Activity #16554.


S’MORE NATURE FUN (ALL AGES) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER, 2659 E 7TH ST., MAPLEWOOD, MN 55119. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1:30PM-3:00PM It is FUN to be outside in the wintertime! Take a hike or snowshoe down to the pond for a fun exploration then make S’mores. Fee: $5/person. Register by Thursday, Dec 28 at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170. Activity # 16555.

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 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. Come Join Us!

Maplewood Nature Photo Club Friends of Maplewood Nature is sponsoring a photo club to promote exploring & photographing the plants, animals & the natural wonders of the 15 Maplewood nature preserves and natural areas. Come join us to learn, experiment and share. Membership is free and open to all who want to learn and improve their photographic skills. Follow us on FacebookHTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/MAPLEWOODNATUREPHOTOCLUB Or contact us to learn moreMAPLEWOODNATURE@GMAIL.COM


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