History

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center has a vibrant history, marked throughout by ongoing generosity and support from the Austin community. Growing from 123 acres to nearly 520 today, the Nature Center offers a sanctuary for people and wildlife alike. 

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The Hormel Estate 

• 1927 — Jay Catherwood Hormel plants the first of more than 200,000 trees on land that will become part of the future Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

1970s

• 1971 — The City of Austin acquires 123 acres of land around the Hormel estate.
• 1973 — The pond is excavated, creating a unique new habitat.
  • The Lions Club covered bridge is dedicated.
• 1974 — Richard Birger is hired as the Nature Center's first director.
• 1975 — U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey speaks at the dedication of the Interpretive Center.
• 1978 — Fifty-five acres of land is added to the Nature Center.
  • ​Vince Shay replaces Dick Birger as the director/naturalist.
• 1979 — Six-acre prairie restored north of Interpretive Center.

1980s

• 1980 — The human-imprinted red-tailed hawk, “Red,” is acquired as an educational bird​.​
• 1982 — The maple syrup Sugar Shack is donated by the Noon Kiwanis Club of Austin.
• 1984 — The Nature Center expands by 101 acres.
• 1985 — A 125-ton gneiss rock, a glacial erratic, is moved to the Nature Center.
• 1988 — Larry Dolphin replaces Vince Shay as the new director/naturalist.
  • Friends of the Hormel Nature Center is established.

1990s

• 1992 — The Jacques Chipault Memorial Handicapped Access Trail is dedicated.
• 1994 — The Ruby Rupner Auditorium is dedicated.
• 1996 — 25th anniversary celebration features Nina Leopold Bradley, daughter of Aldo Leopold.

2000s

• 2002 — The log cabin is constructed, thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor.
• 2005 — Impaired as a young bird, “Guka” the barred owl is acquired as an educational bird.
• 2009 — Over 350 trees are destroyed and the Interpretive Center badly damaged by a tornado.

2010s

• 2010 — Red the red-tailed hawk celebrates 30 years as an educational bird at the Nature Center.
  • The Nature Center expands by 148 acres.
• 2011 — The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
• 2013 — Plans are announced for a new Interpretive Center building.
• 2014 — Guka the barred owl celebrates his 10th birthday.
• 2016 — Groundbreaking held for the new Interpretive Center building.
  • The new maintenance building is completed.
  • Luke Reese replaces Larry Dolphin as the new director/naturalist.
• ​2017 — New $6.8 million Interpretive Center building is opened on Earth Day.
  • ​Injured as a fledglings, “Sha” and “Wiyaka,” red-tailed hawks, are acquired as educational birds.
• 2019 — 11 acres of farmland were acquired and added to the Nature Center.

2020s

• 2020 —  Trail signs were added, and trails were color coded. A new trail map was created.
• 2021 - The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center celebrates our 50th Anniversary. 
  • ​New Sugar Shack built that is ADA compliant. 
  • Participated in mussel research project on Dobbins Creek with the MNDNR 
• 2022 - New mussel exhibit installed. 
  • Guka the barred owl passed away in December.
  • Bought 3 all terrain Action Trackchairs 
• 2023 - Wiyaka the red-tailed hawk passed away in March 
• 2024 - 2 brand new fox snakes were added to the exhibit area - Wanda and Cosmo 
  • ​New great horn owl - Cedar ​
  • New logo 
    

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Visit the Interpretive Center to learn more about the history of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.