Upcoming Programs & Events
Masks are required for all indoor activities at the Nature Center.
All programs held in the Interpretive Center unless otherwise specified.
RSVP by emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org, calling 507-437-7519, or in person at the Interpretive Center.
All programs held in the Interpretive Center unless otherwise specified.
RSVP by emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org, calling 507-437-7519, or in person at the Interpretive Center.
- Check out our Sola Fide Observatory page for dates and times of free open house observatory nights.
Audubon Presentation: Birds of New Zealand with Meredith Maloney
Interpretive Center • Free
Tuesday, September 21; 7 p.m.
The Birds of New Zealand – How Funky, Flightless Birds became the Norm
In this presentation, JCHNC Naturalist Intern Meredith Maloney discusses the birds of New Zealand. Visitors will learn about why New Zealand has become a hotspot for bird migration, for endemic bird species, and for flightless birds. Visitors will also get a more in depth look at 5 endemic bird species; the South Island Takahe, the kiwi, the kakapo, the moa, and the weka.
Interpretive Center • Free
Tuesday, September 21; 7 p.m.
The Birds of New Zealand – How Funky, Flightless Birds became the Norm
In this presentation, JCHNC Naturalist Intern Meredith Maloney discusses the birds of New Zealand. Visitors will learn about why New Zealand has become a hotspot for bird migration, for endemic bird species, and for flightless birds. Visitors will also get a more in depth look at 5 endemic bird species; the South Island Takahe, the kiwi, the kakapo, the moa, and the weka.
Austin Audubon Bird Festival
Interpretive Center • Free
Saturday, October 2; 12 - 5 p.m.
Austin Audubon and Al Batt will be out at the Nature Center educating participants on owl calls and how to feed the birds. There will also be a self-guided hike with 6 stops along the way where Audubon and Nature Center staff members will educate you on birds and bird watching techniques.
Interpretive Center • Free
Saturday, October 2; 12 - 5 p.m.
Austin Audubon and Al Batt will be out at the Nature Center educating participants on owl calls and how to feed the birds. There will also be a self-guided hike with 6 stops along the way where Audubon and Nature Center staff members will educate you on birds and bird watching techniques.
Ike’s Program: Tom Trow
Interpretive Center • Free
Monday, October 4; 7-8 p.m.
Tom Trow is an archeologist at the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry. He was the first archaeologist to visit site with Mr. Green in 1980. Tom will offer details regarding the full significance of this remarkable place, the upcoming effort to trade Buckthorn for an appropriate savanna understory, the plans for using the prairie plantings for education, and some of the more recent discoveries that are intriguing researchers.
Interpretive Center • Free
Monday, October 4; 7-8 p.m.
Tom Trow is an archeologist at the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry. He was the first archaeologist to visit site with Mr. Green in 1980. Tom will offer details regarding the full significance of this remarkable place, the upcoming effort to trade Buckthorn for an appropriate savanna understory, the plans for using the prairie plantings for education, and some of the more recent discoveries that are intriguing researchers.
New: Live Bird Program
Interpretive Center • Free
Wednesday, October 6; 4-4:30 p.m.
One of our Naturalist will take either Wiyaka, our red-tailed hawk, or Guka, our barred owl out into the exhibit area and give a small presentation on them.
Interpretive Center • Free
Wednesday, October 6; 4-4:30 p.m.
One of our Naturalist will take either Wiyaka, our red-tailed hawk, or Guka, our barred owl out into the exhibit area and give a small presentation on them.
38th Annual Halloween Warm-Up
Friday & Saturday, October 15 & 16
Tickets go on sale Saturday, September 4th at Jim's Super Fresh
For two magical nights, the Nature Center, with the help of Matchbox Children’s Theatre, is under special enchantment! Take a 45-minute hike and enjoy “spook”tacular Halloween and nature skits performed by creatures, critters, and spirits of the night. Especially designed to appeal to children ages 4-11 (accompanied by an adult), but all ages are welcome! Masks are required during the hike.
Every ten minutes, a group of 20 is led into the “boo”tiful forest to meet the assorted spirits that reside there. Select your time slot when you purchase your tickets. Tickets are on sale at Super Fresh Produce, Bakery, & Garden Center (2104 4th St NW, 507-437-6554).
Want to help guide visitors through the forest? Email: angeladonovan280@hotmail.com
*Note: The Interpretive Center will be closed during the day on October 15 & 16.
Friday & Saturday, October 15 & 16
Tickets go on sale Saturday, September 4th at Jim's Super Fresh
For two magical nights, the Nature Center, with the help of Matchbox Children’s Theatre, is under special enchantment! Take a 45-minute hike and enjoy “spook”tacular Halloween and nature skits performed by creatures, critters, and spirits of the night. Especially designed to appeal to children ages 4-11 (accompanied by an adult), but all ages are welcome! Masks are required during the hike.
Every ten minutes, a group of 20 is led into the “boo”tiful forest to meet the assorted spirits that reside there. Select your time slot when you purchase your tickets. Tickets are on sale at Super Fresh Produce, Bakery, & Garden Center (2104 4th St NW, 507-437-6554).
- First Hike: 6:30 p.m. | Last Hike: 8:50 p.m.
- $10.00 per person
Want to help guide visitors through the forest? Email: angeladonovan280@hotmail.com
*Note: The Interpretive Center will be closed during the day on October 15 & 16.
Christmas Crafts [Register]
Session 1: Tuesday, November 30; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesday, December 1; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Session 3: Thursday, December 2; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Session 4: Saturday, December 4; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Session 5: Saturday, December 4; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration begins Monday, September 20th.
Join us this winter for our annual Christmas Crafts. Our staff will be guiding participants to help create a one of a kind wreath to take home! We provide different types of pine boughs, bows, and pinecones to help make your wreath unique. Feel free to bring your own decorations to take your wreath to the next level! This year we are also having a candle decorating station for hand dipped beeswax candles made from our very own bee hives on property.
$35 per person, minimum age of 12, accompanied by a parent.
Due to limited space and high demand, preregistration and prepayment are required. Refunds will not be offered.
Session 1: Tuesday, November 30; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesday, December 1; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Session 3: Thursday, December 2; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Session 4: Saturday, December 4; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Session 5: Saturday, December 4; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Registration begins Monday, September 20th.
Join us this winter for our annual Christmas Crafts. Our staff will be guiding participants to help create a one of a kind wreath to take home! We provide different types of pine boughs, bows, and pinecones to help make your wreath unique. Feel free to bring your own decorations to take your wreath to the next level! This year we are also having a candle decorating station for hand dipped beeswax candles made from our very own bee hives on property.
$35 per person, minimum age of 12, accompanied by a parent.
Due to limited space and high demand, preregistration and prepayment are required. Refunds will not be offered.
Use our calendar of events to plan your next visit!