upcoming programs and events
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.
RSVP by emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org, calling 507-437-7519, or in person at the Interpretive Center.
Interpretive Center Closings
Monday, May 27
Trails will remain open.
Monday, May 27
Trails will remain open.
April
Friends and Volunteer Appreciation Event - Sparky Stensaas
Saturday, April 27; 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Ruby Rupner Auditorium - Free - RSVP
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center staff will be honoring our Friends members and volunteers with a short presentation in the beginning. Refreshments will be offered.
Sparky Stensaas, a naturalist and wildlife photographer, will be presenting. He will delight audiences with his vast knowledge on wildlife and his experiences with taking pictures of wildlife.
Saturday, April 27; 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Ruby Rupner Auditorium - Free - RSVP
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center staff will be honoring our Friends members and volunteers with a short presentation in the beginning. Refreshments will be offered.
Sparky Stensaas, a naturalist and wildlife photographer, will be presenting. He will delight audiences with his vast knowledge on wildlife and his experiences with taking pictures of wildlife.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House
Saturday, April 27; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Free
Weather/Cloud Cover dependent
Join Nature Center staff and Cedar River Astronomy Club members at Sola Fide Observatory for a public viewing night. There may be more than one telescope out and there may be a naturalist telling constellation stories.
*The building is not heated and you may have to wait outside.
Saturday, April 27; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Free
Weather/Cloud Cover dependent
Join Nature Center staff and Cedar River Astronomy Club members at Sola Fide Observatory for a public viewing night. There may be more than one telescope out and there may be a naturalist telling constellation stories.
*The building is not heated and you may have to wait outside.
may
Audubon Bird Hikes
Interpretive Center - Free
Open to the Public
Tuesday, April 30; 6:30 pm Thursday, May 2; 6:30 am
Tuesday, May 7; 6:30 pm Thursday, May 9; 6:30 am
Tuesday, May 14; 6:30 pm Thursday, May 16; 6:30 am
Hike with members of the Austin Audubon and get better at identifying different types of birds based on their coloring and sounds. Meet in the parking lot near the metal gates of the Nature Center. Binoculars can be provided or you may bring your own. The hike will last an hour and a half but you are welcome to leave when you please. If you let Nature Center staff know you are interested, we can get you in touch with an Audubon member or let them know you are coming.
Interpretive Center - Free
Open to the Public
Tuesday, April 30; 6:30 pm Thursday, May 2; 6:30 am
Tuesday, May 7; 6:30 pm Thursday, May 9; 6:30 am
Tuesday, May 14; 6:30 pm Thursday, May 16; 6:30 am
Hike with members of the Austin Audubon and get better at identifying different types of birds based on their coloring and sounds. Meet in the parking lot near the metal gates of the Nature Center. Binoculars can be provided or you may bring your own. The hike will last an hour and a half but you are welcome to leave when you please. If you let Nature Center staff know you are interested, we can get you in touch with an Audubon member or let them know you are coming.
"May the 4th Be With You" Planetarium Open House
Saturday, May 4; 1:00 - 3:40 p.m.
Free/Open House - Interpretive Center Classroom
In honor of Star Wars and May the 4th, the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center will be holding a free open house planetarium event. This event will focus on a 15 minuet presentation on some of the following; planets, stars, or constellations.
This event fills up fast. It is first come, first served. We will hand out tickets for a specific time slot.
Saturday, May 4; 1:00 - 3:40 p.m.
Free/Open House - Interpretive Center Classroom
In honor of Star Wars and May the 4th, the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center will be holding a free open house planetarium event. This event will focus on a 15 minuet presentation on some of the following; planets, stars, or constellations.
This event fills up fast. It is first come, first served. We will hand out tickets for a specific time slot.
- Max capacity of the planetarium is 25.
- Time slots are every 20 minuets.
- You will need to be able to sit on the ground
- You must take your shoes off
- Wheelchair accessible
- Last time slot: 3:40 pm
Sola Fide Observatory Open House
Saturday, May 4; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Free
Weather/Cloud Cover dependent
Join Nature Center staff and Cedar River Astronomy Club members at Sola Fide Observatory for a public viewing night. There may be more than one telescope out and there may be a naturalist telling constellation stories.
*The building is not heated and you may have to wait outside.
Saturday, May 4; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Free
Weather/Cloud Cover dependent
Join Nature Center staff and Cedar River Astronomy Club members at Sola Fide Observatory for a public viewing night. There may be more than one telescope out and there may be a naturalist telling constellation stories.
*The building is not heated and you may have to wait outside.
Cedar River Astronomy Club
Friday, May 10; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
RSVP Required - Open to All/Free - Interpretive Center Classroom
Volunteer with us at our space events and public viewing nights, or just stop by to learn about what’s happening in the world of astronomy! You do not have to have any prior knowledge of space to join the club.
Friday, May 10; 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
RSVP Required - Open to All/Free - Interpretive Center Classroom
Volunteer with us at our space events and public viewing nights, or just stop by to learn about what’s happening in the world of astronomy! You do not have to have any prior knowledge of space to join the club.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House - Moon Viewing
Saturday, May 11; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Free
Weather/Cloud Cover dependent
Join Nature Center staff and Cedar River Astronomy Club members at Sola Fide Observatory for a public viewing night. There may be more than one telescope out and there may be a naturalist telling constellation stories.
*The building is not heated and you may have to wait outside.
Saturday, May 11; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Free
Weather/Cloud Cover dependent
Join Nature Center staff and Cedar River Astronomy Club members at Sola Fide Observatory for a public viewing night. There may be more than one telescope out and there may be a naturalist telling constellation stories.
*The building is not heated and you may have to wait outside.
Naturalist Nature Walk
Saturday, May 18 - Free - Interpretive Center
10:00 - 11:00 am and 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Join one of our Naturalists on a 45 minuet hike on one of our trails. These hikes will focus on what is happening in nature at the time of the hike. Naturalists will point out important flowers, trees, and/or animals. They may also sprinkle in a little history and facts about the Nature Center.
Please meet inside the main building and check in at the front desk.
Saturday, May 18 - Free - Interpretive Center
10:00 - 11:00 am and 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Join one of our Naturalists on a 45 minuet hike on one of our trails. These hikes will focus on what is happening in nature at the time of the hike. Naturalists will point out important flowers, trees, and/or animals. They may also sprinkle in a little history and facts about the Nature Center.
Please meet inside the main building and check in at the front desk.
Canoe/Kayak Rentals Begin
Saturday, May 25
Saturday, May 25
- For use on Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake, or on our pond.
- Rentals available daily from Monday through Saturday; 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (all boats must be returned by 4:30 p.m.)
- No rentals on city holidays.
- Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Life jackets, paddles, and canoe/kayak rollers are provided.
- Fee: $10 for single kayak, $15 for canoe or double kayak.
- Rental time: up to 3 hours.
- Cash or Check only!
- Purchase a punch card for $30 and receive five canoe or kayak rentals.
- You must be 18+ to rent on your own or have a parent/guardian signed waiver.