JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER
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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.
    • The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center celebrates our 50th Anniversary.

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