FAQ/Rules

Rules

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 connecting to the Shooting Star trail.

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.

Can I hold the snake?

Yes, but only at specific times during the day. 10:00 am and 3:30 pm most days. Exceptions are when the snakes are shedding or in the spring when they do school programs.

Do you do live bird programs?

No, not currently. We currently have a red-tailed hawk that is display only. We also have a brand-new great horned owl that is in training to do live bird programs.

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.