River Bend Nature Center

Summer Camp Meadowlarks (K-2nd) Pond Hoppers
2022-06-12 - 2022-06-14 | MINNESOTA
Bring lunch and snacks needed to get through a busy day. Join the River Bend naturalist team for a summer of discovery. Experience all of your favorite camp activities while making memories, learning new skills, and exploring nature. 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 with an attached information packet including the River Bend liability form and health form. Two weeks before the camp, you will receive an additional reminder email. Meadowlarks are children entering Kindergarten through second grade in Fall of 2022.
June 13-14 Pond hoppers!
Visit River Bend’s ponds during this two-day camp. Explore what lives in the ponds, what they eat, and how they survive. Go on adventures and don’t be afraid to get messy!

Build Your Own Pollinator Sanctuary
2022-05-21 05:00 - 07:00 (America/Chicago)
Build Your Own Pollinator Sanctuary
Cost: $40/members, $65/nonmembers
Saturday, May 21, 10am-12pm
Pollinators are important players in our everyday lives whether we know it or not. Without them, we wouldn’t have half the food resources we do. As more land is developed, they lose their habitat, but you can help! Create a sanctuary of native plants that will provide them food, water, and shelter and bring you everlasting beauty, enjoyment, and satisfaction of knowing you are doing your part in keeping these pollinators around. Join Naturalist Katy to learn how simple it can be. The program will include a presentation, a tour of River Bend’s prairie, a take-home guidebook, and a perennial plant. Pre-registration is required.

Faribault High School Field Biology Internship Final Projects
2022-05-18 13:00 - 14:30
Faribault High School Field Biology Internship Final Projects
By Faribault High School Field Biology Internship Class
Cost: FREE, Open to all ages. May 18, 6-7:30pm
Come hear from students who participated in a year-long field biology internship class at River Bend Nature Center. Find out what projects they took on and what they learned.

Great River Greening- Pulling Garlic Mustard and Dame's Rocket
2022-05-14 04:00 - 07:00
Great River Greening- Pulling Garlic Mustard and Dame’s Rocket
Saturday, May 14, 9 am -12 pm
Volunteers will work to hand-pull invasive garlic mustard and dame’s rocket plants to help protect the dwarf trout lily that makes its home at the nature center. On behalf of River Bend Nature Center, Great River Greening is hosting a series of restoration events throughout early 2022. The management of invasive species, accomplished by dedicated volunteers, helps to enhance and protect the dwarf trout lily habitat, the surrounding big woods habitat, and increase biodiversity.
These are family-friendly events. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training required.
We will have light snacks and extra water available, however, please bring your own reusable water bottle and any additional snacks or lunch items you may need.
Ensuring the safety of our volunteers is our highest priority. It is important that event participants wear close-toed shoes and long sleeves to protect against ticks and scratchy brush. We recommend dressing for the weather, layers are key. We will hold the event rain or shine.
Once you have registered via GivePulse, organizers from Great River Greening will approve your registration and you will receive confirmation. You will continue to receive event reminders as the event nears. If you have further questions, please contact Amy at volunteer@greatrivergreening.org. If the event has reached capacity, please add your name to the waitlist and you will be automatically registered if space becomes available.

Adult Night Out: Spring Ephemerals
2022-05-13 13:00 - 14:00
Adult Night Out: Spring Ephemerals
Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Friday, May 13, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Enjoy an adult night out as you take a guided naturalist hike through River Bend to look at and learn about spring ephemeral flowers. These types of flowers only bloom once, in spring, and are found on the forest floor before trees are leafed out.

Great River Greening- Pulling Garlic Mustard and Dame's Rocket
2022-05-05 13:00 - 15:00
Great River Greening- Pulling Garlic Mustard and Dame’s Rocket
Thursday, May 5, 6 pm – 8 pm
Volunteers will work to hand-pull invasive garlic mustard and dame’s rocket plants to help protect the dwarf trout lily that makes its home at the nature center. On behalf of River Bend Nature Center, Great River Greening is hosting a series of restoration events throughout early 2022. The management of invasive species, accomplished by dedicated volunteers, helps to enhance and protect the dwarf trout lily habitat, the surrounding big woods habitat, and increase biodiversity.
These are family-friendly events. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, we will provide the tools and training required.
We will have light snacks and extra water available, however, please bring your own reusable water bottle and any additional snacks or lunch items you may need.
Ensuring the safety of our volunteers is our highest priority. It is important that event participants wear close-toed shoes and long sleeves to protect against ticks and scratchy brush. We recommend dressing for the weather, layers are key. We will hold the event rain or shine.
Once you have registered via GivePulse, organizers from Great River Greening will approve your registration and you will receive confirmation. You will continue to receive event reminders as the event nears. If you have further questions, please contact Amy at volunteer@greatrivergreening.org. If the event has reached capacity, please add your name to the waitlist and you will be automatically registered if space becomes available.

Great River Greening Buckthorn Bust
2022-04-30 04:00 - 07:00
On behalf of River Bend Nature Center, Great River Greening is hosting a series of restoration events throughout early 2022. The management of invasive species, accomplished by dedicated volunteers, helps to enhance and protect the dwarf trout lily habitat, the surrounding big woods habitat, and increase biodiversity.
Great River Greening- Buckthorn Bust!
Saturday, April 30, 9 am – 12 pm
Buckthorn is a dense shrub that can overtake a forest floor very quickly and out-compete native foliage. You must pre-register with Great River Greening for this event.

Great River Greening Buckthorn Bust
2022-04-21 13:00 - 15:00
On behalf of River Bend Nature Center, Great River Greening is hosting a series of restoration events throughout early 2022. The management of invasive species, accomplished by dedicated volunteers, helps to enhance and protect the dwarf trout lily habitat, the surrounding big woods habitat, and increase biodiversity.
Great River Greening- Buckthorn Bust!
Thursday, April 21, 6 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, April 30, 9 am – 12 pm
Buckthorn is a dense shrub that can overtake a forest floor very quickly and out-compete native foliage.

Bluebird Conservation
2022-04-20 13:00 - 14:30
Bluebird Conservation
Wednesday, April 20, from 6 pm- 7:30 pm
$5/member, $10/nonmember
Learn all about these beautiful birds and statewide conservation efforts from the Bluebird Recovery Program of Minnesota.

Little Sprouts!
2022-04-12 04:30 - 06:00
Little Sprouts is a parent/child class for children birth through 5 years old. There are planned educational exploration activities with a different theme each week. Dress for the weather, as most of the class will be outside.
Classes are held on Tuesdays from 9:30-11 am unless otherwise noted.
Cost: $10/child, $5/member child
April 12 Shapes in Nature
April 26 Birds and Nests
May 10 Worms and Mud
May 24 What’s in the Water?
Saturday, June 11 Textures of Nature (0-3 yr olds)
June 14 Shapes in Nature (3-5 yr olds) 9 am-11 am
June 28 What’s in the Water (0-3 yr olds)
August 2 What’s in the Water (3-5 yr olds) 9 am-11 am
August 9 Beautiful Birds (0-3 yr olds)

Peregrine Falcons-Live Raptors!
2022-04-02 06:00 - 07:00
Party with Peregrine Falcons-Live Raptors! (all ages, $5/kids 12+under, $10/adult)
Saturday, April 2
Session 1: 11am-12pm
Session 2: 12:30pm-1:30pm
Raptors are often regarded as a species to be admired and prized by human societies, often representing power, independence, and strength. In particular, peregrine falcons have risen to the highest level of admiration due to their striking physical markings, speed, and care for their young. When the peregrine falcon population plummeted to fewer than 200 birds in the United States, it was no wonder that many people joined forces to save the species.
Come and learn more about the peregrine story, what is being done right here in Minnesota to help the species, and what we have discovered about them after 40 years of research. Jackie Fallon, wildlife biologist, master falconer, and educator for over 30 years, will be our presenter. She is currently the VP of Field Operations for the Midwest Peregrine Society and MN state coordinator for peregrine monitoring and currently manages all aspects of research at over 50 peregrine falcon territories in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

All About Owls!
2022-03-25 13:00 - 14:30
All About Owls!
All ages. Cost: $5member/$20member family; & $10person/$40 family; * A family is 2 adults & up to 4 children under 18
Friday, March 25, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Learn all about the owls of Minnesota, dissect an owl pellet, and go on a short naturalist hike to look for owls.

Maple Syruping
2022-03-19 05:30 - 06:30
Maple syruping is a tradition that dates back to the first nations that lived in this area. Learn about the history of maple syruping, what makes the sap flow, and the process of turning sap into syrup through a hands-on syruping experience.
Cost: $5/person, $15/family (FREE for members) * a family is 2 adults and 4 kids under 18
Saturday, March 19, 10:30am-11:30am & 12:30pm-1:30pm

March Science Day
2022-03-18 05:00 - 09:00
For the 2021-2022 school year, River Bend Nature Center invites all learners the opportunity to experience all of the seasons at River Bend! On each science day, two different topics are offered. Students can register for one class, or for both! Bring a lunch to eat in between programs. All ages are welcome, subjects are aimed for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Please dress for the weather.
Friday, March 18
March Migration (10:00am-11:30am)
Come learn about birds, and how/why many of them migrate!
Maple Syruping (12:30pm-2:00pm)
Learn about the natural history and cultural significance of maple syruping, then participate in the process!

Lunch & Learn Environmental Good News By Jan Mitchell
2022-03-16 07:00 - 09:00
Join us once a month for an environmental presentation.
Lunch & Learn: Environmental Good News By: Jan Mitchell
Wednesday, March 16, from 12 pm-2 pm
Feeling down about the state of our environment? Join us as Jan Mitchell, River Bend Volunteer Naturalist, tells us about some environmental success stories.

Maple Syruping
2022-03-05 06:30 - 07:30
Maple syruping is a tradition that dates back to the first nations that lived in this area. Learn about the history of maple syruping, what makes the sap flow, and the process of turning sap into syrup through a hands-on syruping experience.
Cost: $5/person, $15/family (FREE for members) * a family is 2 adults and 4 kids under 18
Saturday, March 5, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Saturday, March 19, 10:30am-11:30am & 12:30pm-1:30pm

Bagels & Birds
2022-03-05 04:00 - 05:00
Come watch birds from the Windows on the Wild viewing area while enjoying bagels provided by The Inn at Shattuck.

Science Day: Extreme Animal Survival
2022-02-19 04:30 - 05:30
Science Day: Extreme Survival
Open to homeschoolers/distance learners aged 5-11. Cost: $10 per child.
Saturday, February 19, 10:30am-11:30am
Extreme Survival
Learn about animals that can survive extreme environments, then learn some techniques for you to survive the winter weather.
River Bend offers a monthly science program designed for homeschool/ distance learning families. Our programs are led by our experienced education staff. The classes are designed to provide students with an enriching hands-on experience to supplement their science lessons. All classes include an outdoor component.

Lunch & Learn: Trumpeter Swan Conservation by: Larry Vorwerk
2022-02-16 06:00 - 08:00
Lunch & Learn: Trumpeter Swan Conservation By Larry Vorwerk
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).

Wednesday, January 19, 2022, 12:00-2:00pm
Topic: Trumpeter Swan Conservation by Larry Vorwerk
Bring your lunch and join us for a presentation on the Trumpeter Swan Conservation efforts in Minnesota. Larry Vorwerk, a retired MN Zoo keeper and River Bend Volunteer Naturalist, will discuss how the Trumpeter Swan was successfully reintroduced to Minnesota.

Adult Night Out: Luminary Snowshoe/Hike
2022-02-11 12:00 - 14:00
Adult Night Out Full Moon Luminary Hike/snowshoe

Cost: $20/member, $25/member with rental; $25/non-members, $30/non-members with rental
Friday, February 11, 2022, 6-8pm
Enjoy an adult night out! Stroll through the nature center with luminaries as your guide. Then enjoy an adult beverage as you warm up inside. Snowshoes available to rent. Pre-registration required.

Little Sprouts Ice Exploration
2022-02-08 03:30 - 05:00
Little Sprouts: Ice Exploration
Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Tuesday, February 8, 2022, 9:30am-11am
Have fun with your little one(s) as you explore different nature topics each class. Your little sprout will learn about the natural world through nature play and exploration. Be prepared to be outside for most of the class.

U of MN Raptor Center
2022-02-05 05:00 - 06:00
Raptors of MN with the Raptor Center
Saturday, February 5, 11am-12pm OR 12:30-1:30pm
$5/child (12& under), $10/adult
Come meet and learn about an Owl, Hawk, and Falcon with the Raptor Center of Minnesota!
“The Raptors of Minnesota program explores different raptors found in Minnesota and their role in the environment. Participants learn some raptor identification, habitats where different species are found, key adaptations that make raptors different than other birds, and amazing success stories of what is possible when we come together to protect wildlife and their environments.”

Bagels & Birds
2022-02-05 04:00 - 05:00
Saturday, February 5th
10-11am, Free for all ages.
Enjoy bagels as you watch birds through the windows on the wild viewing area.

Little Sprouts: Meet the Animal Ambassadors
2022-01-25 03:30 - 05:00
Little Sprouts: Meet the Animal Ambassadors
Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Tuesday, January 25, 2022, 9:30am-11am
Meet River Bend’s education animals!
Have fun with your little one(s) as you explore different nature topics each class. Your little sprout will learn about the natural world through nature play and exploration. Be prepared to be outside for most of the class.

Science Day: Animal Tracking
2022-01-22 06:30 - 07:30
January 22, 12:30-1:30pm
Open to homeschoolers/distance learners aged 5-11. Cost: $10 per child.
Pre-registration is required by Thursday, January 20.
Animal Tracking
Come learn all about animal tracking so you can figure out who’s been visiting your yard or the nature center.

Science Day: Give a Hoot About Owls
2022-01-22 04:30
January 22, from 10:30-11:30am
Come learn all about Owls and how they are important to our ecosystem.
Grades: K-5th
Cost: $10/student
*bring your lunch and say for the afternoon program, Animal Tracking! (separate registration required)

Adventure Day-Pay What You Can!
2022-01-17 03:00 - 09:30
School is Out Adventure Days are day-long camps open to kindergarten through 5th grade students on days when school’s not in session, but the craving for adventure and exploration is strong! River Bend’s team of naturalists will provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities to interact with, discover, and understand nature.
Cost: PAY WHAT YOU CAN, EVEN $0!
Times:
9AM to 3:30PM, with optional childcare from 8AM to 4:30PM
What should I bring?
Students should come prepared to spend a portion of the day outside – bring appropriate outdoor gear. Bring a lunch and any snacks needed to get through a full day of high activity.

Luminary Hike/Snowshoe
2022-01-14 12:00 - 14:00
Full Moon Luminary Hike/snowshoe

All ages. Cost: $10/member, $15/member with rental; $15/non-members, $20/non-members with rental, 5& under are free
Friday, January 14, 2022, 6-8pm
Enjoy the full moon with a luminary hike through River Bend. Trails are packed snow, participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes.
*MASKS REQUIRED INDOORS* To help with spacing, please pre-register for an entry time. this allows for better distancing. Thank you.

Little Sprouts: Snowy Days
2022-01-11 03:30 - 05:00
Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 9:30am-11am
Have fun with your little one(s) as you explore different nature topics each class. Your little sprout will learn about the natural world through nature play and exploration. Be prepared to be outside for most of the class.

Adventure Day Winter Break
2021-12-22 03:00 - 09:30
School is Out Adventure Days are day-long camps open to kindergarten through 5th grade students on days when school’s not in session, but the craving for adventure and exploration is strong! River Bend’s team of naturalists will provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities to interact with, discover, and understand nature.
NEW FOR FALL 2021! PAY WHAT YOU CAN ADVENTURE DAYS!
suggested registration $50 (nonmembers) $40 (members)
$10 (suggested for before or aftercare)
or pay what you can
