JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER

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Rules 

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Interpretive Center is closed. Can I still use the trails?
  • Yes, the trails are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There are rare occurrences when sections of trail may be closed, such as flooding, prairie burns or buckthorn removal.

Can I bring my pet to the Nature Center?
  • So as not to disturb wildlife, pets are NOT allowed at the Nature Center. However, Austin has many city parks that allow leashed dogs (click here to find out which parks allow dogs, including dog exercise areas), plus a dog park.

Can I ride my bike on the Nature Center trails?
  • For the safety of those quietly enjoying the trails at a relaxed pace, we do not allow biking on our trails. However, Austin has an excellent city bike trail system that connects to the Nature Center entrance and now continues around the west and south borders of the Nature Center, with plans to connect to the Shooting Star trail by the end of 2019.

I have found an animal on my property. Will you take it in?
  • We only take in birds of prey, but we are happy to answer your questions. Often animals appear abandoned when a parent is off gathering food, or may be avoiding their nest so as to not draw attention from potential predators. It is most often best to leave animals where they are. For injured or abandoned animals contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. If the animal is a pest, contact a community service officer or a local pest control provider.

You take in birds of prey. What do you do with them?
  • The Nature Center staff will provide primary care for hawks, eagles, falcons and owls found in Mower County, then make the best decision with our veterinarian, Dr. Mike Williams, regarding assessment and treatment for the raptor. The raptors are often transported to the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul Campus, for further care. Volunteers are often needed to bring birds to or from the Raptor Center. Contact us if you are interested in helping.

Is there Geocaching on your property? 
  • Yes, but this is not managed by Nature Center staff. You can find more information on Geocaching.com or download the geocaching app. 
​
Can I place a Geocache on your property? 
  • Please ask permission from the front office before doing so. We will need you to fill out an application first. We will be periodically checking your geocache to make sure it follows geocaching guidelines, is still active, and well kept. We may deny your request to put out a new geocache depending on how many are currently on our property. 
Contact                                                   
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
1304 21st St NE
Austin, MN 55912
Phone: (507) 437-7519
Email: info@hormelnaturecenter.org

Fax: (507) 396-2903
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"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught."  — Baba Dioum
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  • Home
  • About
    • eNewsletters
    • FAQ/Rules
    • Trail Map
    • Education Programs
    • History
    • Staff
    • Nature Center Gifts
    • Ski & Snowshoe Rental
    • Injured/Abandoned Animals
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Programs & Events
    • Upcoming Programs and Events
    • Summer Classes
    • Calendar of Events
    • Nature Play Afternoons
    • Senior Specials
    • Eco-Blitz: Tree Week
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Friends of the Hormel Nature Center
    • Summer Mentorship Program
    • Employment
  • Facility Rental
  • Sola Fide Observatory
    • Night Sky Viewing Guide
  • Resources
    • Scavenger Hunts
    • Nature Notes
    • Radio: What's New In Nature?
    • Rain Garden
    • Pollinator Garden
    • Gravel Bed Tree Nursery
    • Sustainable Tips
    • Environmental Education Resources
  • Track Power Chair Rentals