Maplewood Nature Center ADULT & FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS October 2017– January 2018 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 environm
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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: September 11- Mid November: Building closed for renovation Exciting new upgrades are happening at the nature center; remodeling may go through mid-November. Updates include new siding, new roofing, and new carpet, flooring and bathrooms. Please check the nature center website or call 249-2170 for on-going updates and closure information. Please Note: The parking lot remains closed until further notice. Three alternate trail entrances provide walkers access; parking is on the street. Depending on the construction schedule- some fall program locations may change to one of our beautiful open space sites or parks. All participants will be notified as necessary! Thanks for your patience during this time!
OCTOBER NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE (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 North, Maplewood, MN
EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) 101 FOR HOMEOWNERS At: Maplewood City Hall – Council Chambers, 1830 County Rd B Tuesday, October 24, 6:30-8:00 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: Bruentrup Heritage Farm 2170 County Road D. East, Maplewood, Minnesota 55109 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 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, at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170.
NOVEMBER 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, no registration necessary. 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
JANUARY FREE! SNOW FLAKE WONDERS (All ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER Saturday, January 6, 1:00PM-3:00PM, Cut and create beautiful snowflakes for your windows. Learn how snowflakes are formed in the sky, and peer at preserved snowflake crystals up close on the microcam. Drop in for a half-hour for self-guiding activities or stay the whole time! Nature Center exhibits and trails open. Snowshoes available for rent all day if we have snow. Drop-in, no registration necessary. Snowshoe rental: $5/pair.
WINTER OPEN HOUSE: SNOWSHOES & TRACKS (All Ages) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER Saturday, January 13, 10:00AM-3:00PM Snowshoes available to rent for ages 4 to adult to rent. Learn how to walk, run, and turn around on snowshoes. Learn about Animal Tracks and Signs from self -guiding activities. A naturalist will answer nature questions, and orient you to the nature center trails. Try wood or metal snowshoes (wood snowshoes require 6+ inches of snow). Sleds will be available for pulling young kids. Dress in layers and wear winter boots. Hot chocolate for all attendees! Free to attend. Drop-in program. Snowshoe rental: $5/pair. FUR TRADE HERITAGE (Best for adults and kids ages 6 and up) AT MAPLEWOOD NATURE CENTER Saturday, January 27, 1:30PM-2:30PM Assume the persona of a voyageur from this historical era! Examine historical replicas of fur trade items. Make a spark from flint and steel, drill a hole with a pump drill. Try on a capote and moustache and practice your French Accent! Ooh la la, c’est fun! Small scout groups are welcome. Snowshoe rental available afterward. Fee: $5 per family, prepay by Jan. 26, at www.maplewoodnaturecenter.com and click on the RegisterOnline-Go button, or call 651-249-2170 SNOWSHOE RENTAL Explore Maplewood Nature Center by snowshoe! Ages 4—Adult sizes When we get 4-6” fresh snow come out and enjoy it! * 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 reserve a time & check conditions.
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 information 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/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.
The Board of Directors of the Friends of Maplewood Nature has opening for members. Commitment is typically 2 hours every other month. Qualifications are an interest in help Board accomplish its mission. Contact Board President Jim Beardsley if you are interested. https://friendsofmaplewoodnature.wordpress.com/…/board-ope…/