River Bend Nature Center

Summer Camp - Meadowlarks (K-2) Dinomite Dinos
2023-06-19 09:00 - 2023-06-20 16:00 (America/Chicago) | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Meadowlarks (K-2) Dinomite Dinos
June 19 & 20, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Have a roaring good time as we learn all about dinosaurs! Campers will take a trip back in time, as they uncover a world that was once full of these amazing creatures. Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Meadowlarks (K-2) Creepy Crawlies
2023-06-21 09:00 - 2023-06-22 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Meadowlarks (K-2) Creepy Crawlies
June 21 & 22, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Join us as we dig through dirt, splash in ponds and flip over rocks and logs to uncover some of the amazing creepy crawlies that call River Bend Nature Center home. This two-day camp will be filled with adventure, investigation, and a lot of fun! Come prepared to get a little dirty! Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Recycling/Compost Ambassadors: Recycling
2023-06-21 16:00 - 18:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Cost: $5.00
Join River Bend Nature center and learn how you can become a strong advocate for sustainability in your life! Over the course of 4 classes, participants can learn about how recycling and waste solutions can help our communities thrive. Cost is $5/class. Those who participate in all 4 classes are eligible to receive a Recycling/Composting Ambassador certificate and access to additional resources around these topics!
June 21, Day 1: Recycling
After a quick introduction and overview of the course, participants will dive into the topic of recycling. Potential speaking topics include Rice County Curbside recycling, business recycling, and current recycling practices.
June 28, Day 2: Composting
Our second class will provide a strong overview of composting. Topics can include at home/backyard composting techniques, local organic waste topics, or industrial composting processes.

July 12, Day 3: Food waste
Come and hear all about food waste during our third class. Speakers will be brought into to cover a variety of topics related to this important issue. This may include food donation, at-home food waste, and/or food to animal programs.

July 19, Day 4: Behavior change/Volunteering in the Community
Our last class will cover both how advocates can message their goals to a variety of audiences as well as provide some ideas for local action on topics related to earlier classes.

Summer Camp - Adventure Is Out There! Outdoor Sports (7-9th grade)
2023-06-26 08:30 - 2023-06-27 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Adventure Is Out There! Outdoor Sports (Gr. 7-9)
June 26 & 27, M-Tue, 8:30am – 4pm *Note Adventure Camps start a half-hour earlier than other River Bend Camps
$75 ($50 for members)
Live on the wild side! This camp is jam-packed full of exciting outdoor activities such as archery, rock climbing, canoeing, and kayaking that your camper will surely love! This camp will travel in a van to booked venues.
Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Meadowlarks (K-2) Nature Ninjas
2023-06-26 09:00 - 2023-06-27 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Meadowlarks (K-2) Nature Ninjas
Mon/Tues, June 26 & 27, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Join us as we explore the stealthiest animals around River Bend! From creatures of the night to what lives underground, campers channel their inner ninja to discover and learn about River Bend’s nature ninjas. Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Adventure Is Out There! Ology Camp (7-9th grade)
2023-06-28 08:30 - 2023-06-29 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Adventure Is Out There! Ology Camp Grades 7-9
June 28 & 29, Wed-Thurs, 8:30am – 4pm *Note Adventure Camps start a half-hour earlier than other River Bend Camps
$75 ($50 for members)
Learn all about the different areas of science that are interesting to you! Explore the science of zoology as you visit the Minnesota Zoo to encounter animals from all over the world and learn how the Zoo contributes to animal conservation. On day two, learn about geology, astronomy, archeology, and more as you touch and investigate the Bell Museum’s expansive natural history collections and visit the planetarium. Then learn all about ornithology as you visit the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota and meet some live raptors! This camp will travel in a van to booked venues.
Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Meadowlarks (K-2) Nature Art
2023-06-28 09:00 - 2023-06-29 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Meadowlarks (K-2) Nature Art
Wed/Thurs, June 28 & 29, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Prepare to be inspired by nature in this camp for art lovers. Campers will explore River Bend and partake in a variety of craft projects. Expect to bring home some great art and incredible memories. Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Yoga on the Prairie
2023-06-29 17:30 - 18:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Cost: $24/person, $20/member per session
Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of yoga and nature with Yoga Reset outside at River Bend Nature Center. Sign up for one class, or register for all three for a discount. In the event of rain, class will be held inside.
June 29, Yoga on the Prairie (Session 2)
July 6, Yoga on the Prairie (Session 3)

Herons (3-5) Survival Camp
2023-07-10 09:00 - 2023-07-11 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Herons Survival Camp- Grades 3-5
July 10 & 11, Mon-Tues, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Calling all wilderness adventurers! If you love being outside, then this camp is perfect for you. Join us on the ultimate adventure through River Bend and learn how to start fires for warmth, build shelters for protection, navigate through the woods and so much more. We hope to see you out here!
Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Stewardship Day: Landscaping
2023-07-11 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Day: Landscaping
All ages. Cost: Free
Tuesday, July 11, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Help beautify River Bend Nature Center. Projects will include preparing and planting around signage, building, cleaning up the rain garden.

Summer Camp - Herons (3-5) Treasure Hunters
2023-07-12 09:00 - 2023-07-13 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Herons Treasure Hunters- Grades 3-5
July 12 & 13, Wed-Thurs, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Ahoy, Matey! Join our crew on a nature adventure. Solve riddles, navigate through unknown terrain, and work as a team in search of a treasure fit for a pirate king!
Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Stewardship Day: Landscaping/Kiosk Repair
2023-07-15 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Day: Landscaping/Kiosk Repair
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, July 15, 10:00 – 11:30 am and 12:30-2:00 pm
Help beautify River Bend Nature Center. Projects will include preparing and planting around signage, building, cleaning up the rain garden. Repairs on kiosks will begin if landscaping is completed.

Summer Camp - Meadowlarks& Herons (K-5) Nature Engineers
2023-07-17 09:00 - 2023-07-18 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Meadowlarks & Herons (Grades K-5) Nature Engineers
July 17 & 18, Mon-Tues, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Get ready for takeoff! Through a variety of hands-on projects, campers will learn all about nature’s many engineers. This camp will be a blast for anyone who enjoys getting outside and doing science experiments.
Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Meadowlarks& Herons (K-5) Fins & Feathers
2023-07-19 09:00 - 2023-07-20 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Meadowlarks & Herons (Grades K-5) Fins & Feathers
July 19 & 20, Wed/Thurs, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Join us as we splash with the fish and fly with the birds! We will spend a day learning about fish from Minnesota and around the world. Campers will explore the river and ponds around River Bend, investigating all things fish. We will then switch gears and learn about birds found at River Bend and around the world.
Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Adventure Is Out There! Outdoor Sports (5-8th grade)
2023-07-24 08:30 - 2023-07-25 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Adventure Is Out There! Outdoor Sports (Gr 5-8)
July 24 & 25, M-Tue, 8:30am – 4pm *Note Adventure Camps start a half-hour earlier than other River Bend Camps
$75 ($50 for members)
Live on the wild side! This camp is jam-packed full of exciting outdoor activities such as archery, rock climbing, canoeing, and kayaking that your camper will surely love!
Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Adventure Is Out There! Ology Camp (5-8th grade)
2023-07-26 08:30 - 2023-07-27 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Adventure Is Out There! Ologys Camp Grades 5-8
July 26 & 27, Wed/Thurs, 8:30am – 4pm *Note Adventure Camps start a half-hour earlier than other River Bend Camps
$75 ($50 for members)
Learn all about the different areas of science that are interesting to you! Explore the science of zoology as you visit the Minnesota Zoo to encounter animals from all over the world and learn how the Zoo contributes to animal conservation. On day two, learn about geology, astronomy, archeology, and more as you touch and investigate the Bell Museum’s expansive natural history collections and visit the planetarium.
Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Summer Camp - Meadowlarks& Herons (K-5) Splish, Splash!
2023-07-31 09:00 - 2023-08-01 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Meadowlarks & Herons (Grades K-5) Splish, Splash!
July 31 & August 1, Mon-Tues, 9am – 4pm
$55 ($30 for members)
Join us as we submerge ourselves in the world of water. From the ecosystems around River Bend to the water coming out of our faucets, campers will learn all about the ways we interact with and protect our clean water.
Bring a lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Each camp has limited space available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Within the month following registration, you will receive an additional email with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. These forms can also be found here.

Northfield Community Ed Orienteering
2023-08-08 10:30 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Tuesday, August 8, 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Register at https://northfieldschools.org/communityeducation/
Hosted at River Bend Nature Center, we are partnering with Northfield Community Ed to bring you fun and exciting programs this summer! You’ll learn how to use a map and compass to learn basic orienteering skills and to explore River Bend Nature Center!

Factfulness - A Book Conversation
2023-08-08 15:00 - 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Factfulness – A Book Conversation with Jan Mitchell
Tuesday, August 8, 3:00-4:00pm
FREE Event!

Factfulness, by Hans Rosling identifies 10 reasons why many people are wrong about the world, and how things are better than you think. Reading the book is not required, but would contribute to the conversation. Come find out why a prominent expert on global health is convinced that trends in environmental conditions, women’s education, child labor, literacy and many other fields are improving. He also explains why well-informed people are taking too grim a view of conditions. Light refreshments will be provided.

Northfield Community Ed Geocaching
2023-08-14 12:30 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Monday, August 14, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Register at https://northfieldschools.org/communityeducation/
Hosted at River Bend Nature Center, we are partnering with Northfield Community Ed to bring you fun and exciting programs this summer! You’ll learn how to use a GPS unit to locate “Treasure” hidden around River Bend Nature Center and beyond!

Stewardship Day: Kiosk Repair
2023-08-15 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Day: Kiosk Repair
All ages. Cost: Free
Tuesday, August 15, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Help clean and repair our informational kiosks.

The Study of Black Bear Hibernation
2023-08-16 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 12:00-2:00pm
Topic: The Study of Black Bear Hibernation: Translational Aspects for Human Medicine with guest speaker Paul A. Iaizzo PhD FHRS
Bring your own lunch and join us as we learn about a new topic each month.
Bio of Guest Speaker
Paul A. Iaizzo, PhD FHRS (iaizz001@umn.edu) is a Professor in the Departments of
Surgery, Integrative Biology & Physiology and the Carlson School of Management, at
the University of Minnesota. He also serves on the graduate faculties in Biomedical
Engineering, Neuroscience, Integrative Biology & Physiology, Biological Science,
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and Mechanical Engineering. He is the
Director of the Malignant Hyperthermia Diagnostic Center and Medtronic Professor of
Visible Heart ® Research. Additionally, he is the Associate Director and Medtronic Chair
of the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, also at the University of Minnesota. He
earned both MS and PhD degrees (Focus: Physiology/Neurophysiology) from the
University of Minnesota. His main research focus is translational systems physiology,
where his research group does a broad range of studies. The Visible Heart ® Laboratories
are well known for their multimodal imaging techniques of functional cardiac anatomies
and device testing within large mammalian hearts, including human: see the Atlas of
Human Cardiac Anatomy (http://www.vhlab.umn.edu/atlas/). Other research areas
include: cardiac pacing and ablation, muscle pathophysiology and biophysical properties,
thermoregulation, black bear hibernation, 3D computational modeling and printing and
educational uses of virtual reality. In 2002, he was acknowledged as a “Distinguished
University Teaching Professor”. Since 1990, he has trained over 200 graduate students,
postdoctoral fellows, and medical students in his laboratories. Dr. Iaizzo, has authored
more than 280 original articles, over 100 book chapters, edited 5 books, and is on
numerous patents related to medical devices. In 2012, he was named to College of
Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) for
“outstanding contributions to research and education in translational systems physiology
and cardiovascular engineering”. In 2015 he was named a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm
Society and in 2016 was made a Senior Fellow of IEEE.

Northfield Community Ed Canoe/Kayak
2023-08-17 09:00 - 14:30 | North Alexander Park, 1816 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, MN, 55021, United States
Thursday, August 17, 9:00 – 2:30 pm
Register for a 1-hour session at https://northfieldschools.org/communityeducation/
Hosted at North Alexander Park in Faribault, River Bend Nature Center is partnering with Northfield Community Ed to bring you fun and exciting programs this summer! For all ages and skill sets, River Bend staff will teach you the skills you need to know before heading out on the water for some canoeing and kayaking. Meet at North Alexander Park in the parking lot next to the Cannon River, entering the park off of 2nd Ave NW on to Alexander Drive.

Stewardship Day: Kiosk Repair
2023-08-19 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Day: Kiosk Repair
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, August 19, 10:00-11:30 am and 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Help clean and repair our informational kiosks

45th Anniversary of Building Community through Nature; Ramble Fundraiser
2023-08-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Inn at Shattuck, 1000 Shumway Ave, Faribault, MN, 55021, United States
45th Anniversary of Building Community through Nature; Ramble Fundraiser
Fundraiser Dinner: $75/person
Friday, August 25, 2023, 5:00-8:00 pm
at The Inn at Shattuck, 1000 Shumway Ave, Faribault, MN 55021
River Bend’s annual fundraising event is Ramble. Please join River Bend staff and supporters on Friday, August 25, for a dinner and live auction at the Inn at Shattuck. All proceeds directly support River Bend Nature Center’s mission to help people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world around us.

Little Sprouts
2023-09-11 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts, an adult/child class for ages birth-5. There are planned educational exploration activities with a different theme each week. Dress for the weather, as most of the course will be outside.
Beginning in the fall, classes will be held on Mondays from 9:30-11:00 am with pop-up Saturdays.
Monday, Oct 30: Colorful Leaves – As summer ends and fall arrives, leaves begin to change to brilliant shades of yellow, red and orange. Come and learn about colorful leaves and see if you’ll find more!
Monday, Nov 13: Rocks Rock! – Rocks rock because they come in so many different types of colors, textures and can be dull or crystals! Come and explore how fascinating rocks can be!
Monday, Nov 27: Clouds and Weather – With winter arriving, clouds gather and the temperature begins to drop. Rain soon begins to fall as snow. Come learn about clouds and weather at different times of the year.
Monday, Dec 4: Animals of Minnesota – Winter is a great time to see wildlife as you can easily track who has been where in the snow. Let’s discover what animals call Minnesota home.
Monday, Dec 18: Snow Fun – Playing in the snow is so much fun and you can do so many things with it, from sledding to snow angels, snowman or snowballs, the fun is endless! And just like you and me, no two snowflakes are alike. Join us and have some snow fun!

Homeschool Classes
2023-09-11 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool Classes: River Bend Nature Center invites all learners, grades K-5th, the opportunity to experience all of the seasons at River Bend! Classes are held on the second Monday of the month from 1pm-3pm.
Monday, September 11: Prairie Pollinators – From beetles to butterflies and bees, many animals visit prairie plants. Come learn about what pollination is and why it’s important!
Monday, October 9: Birds, Beak to Tail Feathers – Come learn all about how to identify birds, the adaptations different birds have, and how/why some birds migrate for the winter.
Monday, November 13: Orienteering – Looking to do more exploring in the wilderness? Come learn the art of the compass, and use it to navigate off trail.
Monday, December 11: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – With increasing populations and some limited resources, we must learn to use our resources wisely. Come learn about ways to reduce, reuse or recycle items you purchase on a regular basis.

Archery for Beginners
2023-09-16 11:00 - 12:00
Archery for Beginners: Did you know archery is one of the oldest sports still practiced today? Bring your family to learn the fundamentals of archery. Practice shooting at stationary targets, play exciting games, and participate in challenges as you develop your skills. The NASP archery equipment provided for this program was sponsored by a No Child Left Inside grant through the Minnesota DNR.
Saturday, September 16, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 10+, $15/person, $10/member

Archery II
2023-09-16 12:30 - 13:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Archery II – Do you already know the basics of archery and want more practice with the help of an instructor? Practice shooting at stationary targets, play exciting games, and participate in challenges as you develop your skills with an instructor. The NASP archery equipment provided for this program was sponsored by a No Child Left Inside grant through the Minnesota DNR.
Saturday, September 16 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Ages 10+, $15/person, $10/member

Fall Lunch & Learn Series
2023-09-20 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Fall Lunch & Learn Series: Join us every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12:00-2:00 pm for a featured guest speaker. Bring your own lunch and learn about the topic of the month.
September 20: Sodexo with guest speaker Lexi Vanderlinde
October 18: Butternut Canker with guest speaker Melanie Moore. Butternut Canker Disease and selection of Resistant Hybrid Butternut trees US Forestry Service
November 15: Squirrels with guest speaker Charlotte Devitz
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
