Bagels & Birds
2026-02-07 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, February 7, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Join us on the first Saturday each month. Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching wildlife from the comfort of the Interpretive Center through our Windows on the Wild viewing area. Bagels provided by The Inn at Shattuck.
Register Here

Storytime: The Mitten
2026-02-07 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: The Mitten
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, February 7, 2025, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Come read along with a naturalist and follow along with your very own paper animals!
Register Here

Luminary Snowshoe and Hike
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | MINNESOTA
Luminary Snowshoe and Hike
Cost: $10/member, $15/member with rental; $15/non-members, $20/non-members with rental; 5 & under free.
All ages, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thursday, February 12, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Enjoy the quiet of winter with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes. Then relax by a warm bonfire with a complimentary hot chocolate!
In the event we do not have snow, the event will be held as a luminary hike. Anyone who rents snowshoes will be reimbursed for their rental only.
Register Here

Stewardship Saturday: Biochar
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Saturday: Biochar
Saturday, February 14, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Free Volunteer Opportunity
Ages: Teen+
Come learn about what biochar is, how it’s created, and why River Bend has decided to use this as another sustainability method. Then, weather permitting, try your hand at creating biochar.
Meet at River Bend Interpretive Center. Dress for the weather.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Animal Homes
2026-02-16 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Animal Homes
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, February 16, 9:30am-11am
Animals have homes too! Explore what types of homes animals live in and look for animal homes on a walk outside. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Homeschool: Making Tracks
2026-02-16 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Making Tracks
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, February 16, 1:00pm-3:00pm
This program will allow students to learn the process of animal track casting. While our casts are drying, students will get outside and have a blast learning about and using kicksleds.
Register Here

Lunch & Learn: Fruit of the forest, MN's Edible Mushrooms
2026-02-18 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Fruit of the forest: Minnesota’s Edible Mushrooms
Cost: Per Non-Member $10, RBNC Members $5
Wednesday, February 18, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm
Bring your own lunch and enjoy!
Guest Speaker, Heather Erickson, Vice President of MN Mycological Society, presents: Minnesota’s forests, fields, and river valleys are home to an amazing variety of edible mushrooms—if you know where to look. In this engaging presentation, we’ll explore some of the state’s most sought-after wild edibles, how to safely identify them, and ideas for how to prepare them safely. We’ll also cover foraging tips for beginners, and fun facts that bring our local fungi to life. Whether you’re a seasoned forager or simply curious, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the hidden food treasures growing all around us.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Animal Homes
2026-02-21 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Animal Homes
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Saturday, February 21, 10:00am-11:30am
Animals have homes too! Explore what types of homes animals live in and look for animal homes on a walk outside. Dress for the weather.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Weather
2026-03-02 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Weather
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Saturday, March 2, 9:30-11:00 am
“Rain, rain go away come again another day!” We’ll explore what weather is, and how we can be prepared to enjoy the outdoors in almost any weather. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Homeschool: Maple Syruping
2026-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Intro to Maple Syruping
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, March 2, 1:00pm-3:00pm
By learning about the process of maple syruping, students will further their knowledge of both the science of tree physiology and the history of syruping as an important cultural practice.
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2026-03-07 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, March 7, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Join us on the first Saturday each month. Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching wildlife from the comfort of the Interpretive Center through our Windows on the Wild viewing area. Bagels provided by The Inn at Shattuck.
Register Here

Storytime: Maple Syruping
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: Maple Syruping
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, March 7, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Cozy up in kid’s corner as you listen to stories about winter weather, read by a River Bend Naturalist!
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Maple Syruping
2026-03-16 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Maple Syruping
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, March 16, 9:30am-11am
How do we get tasty maple syrup? From Maple Trees! have fun exploring the world of trees and how we make maple syrup at River Bend. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Homeschool: Maple Syruping
2026-03-16 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Maple Syruping
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, March 16, 1:00pm-3:00pm
How does sap turn into syrup? This hands-on experience will follow the process of maple syruping from start to finish. At the end of the program, students will be able to sample the sweet syrup they helped make.
Register Here

Lunch & Learn: Saving Minnesota's Pollinators
2026-03-18 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Saving Minnesota’s Pollinators
Cost: Per Non-Member $10, RBNC Members $5
Wednesday, March 18, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm
Bring your own lunch and enjoy!
Join Erik a Conservation Research Scientist at the Minnesota Zoo to hear all about the status of pollinators in Minnesota. Why are pollinators important and what is the Minnesota Zoo doing to help several US and State Endangered prairie butterflies. Erik will also provide specific actions we can take to help the efforts!
Register Here

Maple Syruping Morning Demo Program
2026-03-21 10:30 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syruping Morning Demo Program
Cost: $10/non-member, $5/member
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 – 11:30 am
How does sap turn into syrup? This hands-on experience will follow the process of maple syruping from start to finish. At the end of the program, students will be able to sample the sweet syrup they helped make.
Register Here

Maple Syruping Afternoon Demo Program
2026-03-21 12:30 - 13:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syruping Afternoon Demo Program
Cost: $10/non-member, $5/member
Saturday, March 21, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
How does sap turn into syrup? This hands-on experience will follow the process of maple syruping from start to finish. At the end of the program, students will be able to sample the sweet syrup they helped make.
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2026-04-04 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, April 4, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Join us on the first Saturday each month. Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching wildlife from the comfort of the Interpretive Center through our Windows on the Wild viewing area. Bagels provided by The Inn at Shattuck.
Register Here

Storytime: April Showers Bring May Flowers
2026-04-04 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime: April Showers Bring May Flowers
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, April 4, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Join a naturalist for a fun and interactive storytime about spring weather and blooming flowers, perfect for curious young minds.
Register Here

Little Sprouts Baby Animals
2026-04-06 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts Baby Animals
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, April 6, 9:30am-11am
Little Sprouts: Baby Animals is a playful early childhood program where young children explore the world of baby animals through songs, stories, and hands-on activities. Designed for toddlers and their caregivers, this program nurtures curiosity and connection with nature’s cutest creatures. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Homeschool: Intro to Spring Flowers
2026-04-06 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Intro to Spring Flowers
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, April 6, 1:00pm-3:00pm
A woodland walk in the Big Woods during spring time reveals a great diversity of plants trying to grow before shade envelopes the forest. Students will spend time identifying these colorful early emerging flowers.
Register Here

Lunch & Learn: Pollinators and Prairies in SW MN
2026-04-15 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Pollinators and Prairies in Southwest MN Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer Nongame Wildlife Specialist with DNR
Cost: Per Non-Member $10, RBNC Members $5
Wednesday, April 15, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm
Pollinators, Prairies, and Private Landowner Partners: Explore the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program with a focus on southern region pollinator initiatives. Hear what has been learned about pollinator responses to various types of habitats. And how the DNR manages prairies and works with private landowners all with pollinators in mind.
Bring your own lunch and enjoy!
Register Here

Little Sprouts Batty about Bats
2026-04-18 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts Batty about Bats
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Saturday, April 18, 10:00am-11:30am
In this hands-on early childhood program, children will explore the fascinating world of bats through sensory play, observation, and storytelling. This playful, messy experience encourages curiosity, scientific thinking, and a love for nature. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Little Sprouts Batty about Bats
2026-04-20 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts Batty about Bats
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, April 20, 9:30am-11:00am
In this hands-on early childhood program, children will explore the fascinating world of bats through sensory play, observation, and storytelling. This playful, messy experience encourages curiosity, scientific thinking, and a love for nature. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Homeschool Dwarf Trout Lily
2026-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool Dwarf Trout Lily
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, April 20, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Did you know that there is a plant found at River Bend that is only found in a few areas in Minnesota and nowhere else on earth? Students will learn more about the federally endangered Dwarf Trout Lily, Minnesota’s only endemic flower. If we’re lucky we might even get to catch a glimpse of this flower blooming!
Register Here

Homeschool: Intro to Signs of Spring
2026-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Intro to Signs of Spring
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, May 4, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Spring is a great time to observe the many changes occurring in the natural world. As the trees begin to leaf out and animals return from a long migration, join us as we tour River Bend to learn about all these spring happenings.
Register Here

Homeschool: Pond Dipping/Frog Call ID
2026-05-11 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Pond Dipping/Frog Call ID
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child (Pre-registration is required)
Grades: K-5th
Monday, May 11, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Spring brings with it many sounds, one of them being the songs of frogs! Students will learn how to identify Minnesota’s native frogs, while also discovering what other creatures swim beneath the surface.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
2026-05-18 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Monday, May 18, 9:30am-11am
Explore what lives in River Bend’s ponds through sensory play, observation, and storytime! Dress to be outside. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: What’s in the water?
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child, adults attend for free.
Saturday, May 30, 10:00am-11:30am
Explore what lives in River Bend’s ponds through sensory play, observation, and storytime! A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2026-06-06 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, June 6, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Join us on the first Saturday each month. Enjoy coffee and bagels in a relaxed atmosphere while watching wildlife from the comfort of the Interpretive Center through our Windows on the Wild viewing area. Bagels provided by The Inn at Shattuck.
Register Here
