River Bend Nature Center

Sweet Reads Book Club
2025-06-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Sweet Reads Book Club – Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake
Teens and Adults. Cost: Free
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Join Ampact members Caitlin and Nick for Sweet Reads Book Club! Discuss environmental-related books with eco-conscience individuals while enjoying refreshments in the interpretive center.
Register Here

Family Painting: Spring Flowers
2025-06-07 12:30 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Family Painting: Spring Flowers
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Join artist Kate Langlais for a fun, free family painting program. Learn about spring flowers that bloom at River Bend, then try to paint them! This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Register Here

Storytime with a Naturalist: Rivers!
2025-06-07 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: Rivers!
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Storytime includes a short story and coloring activity.
Register Here

Bagels & Birds
2025-06-07 10:00 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Bagels & Birds
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 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

Stewardship Saturday: Native Plant Communities Info Session
2025-05-31 10:00 - 11:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Saturday: Native Plant Communities Info Session
Teens +. Cost: Free
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Come learn about the importance of native plant communities and how River Bend intends to use citizen science to create a database of native plant communities found onsite. Then leave with the knowledge needed to volunteer at future Stewardship Saturdays.
Register Here

Lunch & Learn: Big Woods
2025-05-21 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Big Woods
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
Wednesday, May 21, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm, Bring your own lunch.
Join us and guest speaker, Andy Wendt, as he discusses the Big Woods ecosystem at Nerstrand State Park.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: What's in the Water?
2025-05-19 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
Monday, May 19, 2025, 9:30am-11am
Now that winter has passed and the ice is melting, what lives in the water? It’s spring time and ponds are filled with living creatures! Let’s explore what lives in the water. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Canceled: Boy Scout Badge Day: Birds
2025-05-17 10:00 - 13:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Canceled: Boy Scout Badge Day: Birds
Saturday, May 17, 2025
10:00 – 1:30 pm
Cost: $10/person
Grades: 5th – 12th
Learn all about Birds while fulfilling your badge requirements at River Bend! *Note some specific requirements are more time-consuming than what can be done during this program, it is up to the scout/scout leader to help fulfill any remaining requirements.*
Register Here

Homeschool: Water Cycle and Spring Ephemerals
2025-05-12 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Water Cycle and Spring Ephemerals
ages 5-12. Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Monday, May 12, 2025, 1-3pm
Water is vital to surviving. In this class we’ll learn about how water cycles through the planet and the different forms it can take. Then, we’ll get outside and discover what Spring Ephemerals are and where they live at River Bend.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Mud & Worms
2025-05-12 09:30 - 11:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Mud & Worms
Cost: $10/child, $5/member
Monday, May 12, 2025, 9:30am-11am
Dive into the world of mud and get a bit dirty while having fun learning about worms! Dress for the weather, as a portion of the class will be outside.
Register Here

Stewardship Saturday: Invasive Species Removal
2025-05-10 10:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Saturday: Invasive Species Removal
Teens +. Cost: Free
Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Learn about invasive plants and how River Bend is controlling them. Then help us to remove them! The specific species being mitigated will depend on the seasonality.
Register Here

Pancake Brunch
2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Pancake Brunch
Saturday, May 3, 2025
General Public: 10 am to 12:30 pm
Racers and their families may eat as soon as they finish their race. Racers receive complimentary admission to Brunch.
Admission: $10 per person ($5 per River Bend member). Register Here
Come out to River Bend for delicious pancakes topped with River Bend’s own real maple syrup. We’ll also have sausages, coffee, and juice to accompany our pancakes. Gluten free pancakes are available. Please check the option to have gluten free if you want them when you register. Brunch will be held in the Interpretive Center.
Pancake Brunch is included in race registration. Those registered as racers do not need to register separately for Pancake Brunch.
Complete Maple Syrup Fun Run & Pancake Brunch details are available on their website.
Please note: We will not mail tickets for admission purchased before the event, instead we will add your name to the list at our entry table. If you need physical proof of purchase, please print the receipt you receive after you complete your Pancake Brunch purchase.

Maple Syrup Fun Run 10K Trail Run
2025-05-03 07:30 - 13:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syrup Fun Run 10K Trail Run
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Registration/Check-in: 7:30-8:15am
10K Run Start: 8:30 am
Registration Fee: $50 Pre-register by March 31: $40
Register Here
Registration fee includes a race t-shirt and an admission to our Pancake Brunch. Race t-shirts are only guaranteed to participants that pre-register by 4pm on Sunday, April 13. Additional shirts will be available first come first serve on race day.
Complete race details are on our Maple Syrup Fun Run website.
Online registration closes at 4:30pm on April 30th. People may also register on the day of the race.
All race registrations are non-refundable.

Maple Syrup Fun Run 5K Trail Run
2025-05-03 07:30 - 13:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syrup Fun Run 5K Trail Run
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Registration/Check-in: 7:30-8:15am
5K Run Start: 8:30am
Registration Fee: $45 Pre-register by March 31: $35
Register Here
Registration fee includes a race t-shirt and an admission to our Pancake Brunch. Race t-shirts are only guaranteed to participants that pre-register by 4pm on Sunday, April 13. Additional shirts will be available first come first serve on race day.
Complete race details are on our Maple Syrup Fun Run website.
Online registration closes at 4:30pm on April 30th. People may also register on the day of the race.
All race registrations are non-refundable.

Maple Syrup Fun Run One-Mile Walk
2025-05-03 07:30 - 10:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syrup Fun Run One-Mile Walk
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Registration/Check-in: 7:30-8:15am
Walk Start: 8:40am – Not chip timed
Registration Fee: $40 Pre-register by March 31: $30
Register Here
Registration fee includes a race t-shirt and an admission to our Pancake Brunch. Race t-shirts are only guaranteed to participants that pre-register by 4pm on Sunday, April 13. Additional shirts will be available first come first serve on race day. Faribault Public School Employees can register for the race with their school email to qualify for the discounted price.
Complete race details are on our Maple Syrup Fun Run website.
Online registration closes at 4:30pm on April 30th. People may also register on the day of the race..
All race registrations are non-refundable.

Maple Syrup Fun Run 25K Trail Run
2025-05-03 06:00 - 15:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syrup Fun Run 25K Trail Run
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Registration/Check-in: 6:00-6:45am
50K Run Start: 7:00am
Registration Fee: $65 Pre-register by March 31: $50
Register Here
Registration fee includes a race t-shirt and an admission to our Pancake Brunch. Race t-shirts are only guaranteed to participants that pre-register by 4pm on Sunday, April 13. Additional shirts will be available first come first serve on race day.
Complete race details are on our Maple Syrup Fun Run website.
Online registration closes at 4:30pm on April 30th. People may also register on the day of the race.
All race registrations are non-refundable.

Maple Syrup Fun Run 50K Trail Run
2025-05-03 06:00 - 15:30 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Maple Syrup Fun Run 50K Trail Run
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Registration/Check-in: 6:00-6:45am
50K Run Start: 7:00am
Registration Fee: $80; Pre-register by March 31: $65
Register Here
Registration fee includes a race t-shirt and an admission to our Pancake Brunch. Race t-shirts are only guaranteed to participants that pre-register by 4pm on Sunday, April 13. Additional shirts will be available first come first serve on race day.
Complete race details are on our Maple Syrup Fun Run website.
Online registration closes at 4:30pm on April 30th. People may also register on the day of the race.
All race registrations are non-refundable.

Little Sprouts: Baby Animals!
2025-04-28 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 free
Monday, April 28, 2025, 9:30 – 11:00 am
It’s spring time and that means baby animals are being born. Join us for a cute adventure as we learn about baby animals! A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Family Painting: Paint the Earth
2025-04-26 12:30 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Family Painting: Paint the Earth
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Join River Bend Naturalists to celebrate Earth Day by learning about and participating in a Citizen Science project! Join artist Kate Langlais for a fun, free family painting program. Paint a picture of the Earth for Earth Day! Pre-registration is required to ensure enough supplies are available for participants. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Register Here

Stewardship Saturday: Earth Day Celebration!
2025-04-26 10:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Saturday: Earth Day Celebration!
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Join River Bend Naturalists to celebrate Earth Day by learning about and participating in a Citizen Science project!
Register Here

Land Dedication Ceremony
2025-04-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Straight River Tract, 3733 220th St E, Faribault, Minnesota, 55021
Land Dedication Ceremony
Event Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 3733 220th St E, Faribault, MN 55021 (next to the main River Bend Nature Center campus)
Attire: Casual with sneakers or hiking boots for optional post-dedication land tour.
Join Trust for Public Land and River Bend Nature Center for a special land dedication event celebrating the expansion of the nature center and the protection of cherished natural space for generations to come.
Thanks to incredible partnerships and support of the Hein family, this newly protected land will enhance outdoor access, wildlife habitat, and environmental education opportunities. Come explore the expanded grounds, connect with nature, and help us celebrate this important milestone!
Please RSVP by April 15.
Questions? Please email Sara Shaw Meyer at sara.meyer@tpl.org.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Play Time Weather!
2025-04-19 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Little Sprouts: Play Time Weather!
Cost: $10/child, $5/member-child, adults attend free
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
The weather outside is weather and it happens in many forms. Come learn all the different ways weather happens. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

FREE Chainsaw Training, Level 1
2025-04-19 08:30 - 16:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
FREE Chainsaw Training, Level 1
Ages 18+, Cost: Free. Space for 8 people.
Saturday, April 19, 2025, 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Interested in learning how to use a chainsaw safely? Join us April 19th to gain hands-on, basic safety training on how to use a chainsaw. This event is open to the public.
Pre-Registration is Required.
What to bring with you:

Bring a document that provides proof of age, driver’s license.
Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty that are long sleeves and pants.
Bring your own chainsaw if you have one.

Course Description
Participants in Level 1 training will spend part of the morning in the classroom, and at least 5 hours outside practicing techniques to operate chainsaws safely, comfortably and productively. Topics covered include personal protective equipment (PPE), body mechanics, chainsaw safety features, the chain and the cutter tooth, reactive forces, planning and executing tree felling, intro to limbing, and bucking. Level I introduces the participant to bore cutting and open face felling, and develops the mechanics to execute these techniques. Hands-on training gives participants the opportunity to fell or limb at least one tree.
Register Here

Lunch & Learn: Geological Society of MN
2025-04-16 12:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Lunch & Learn: Randy Strobel with Geological Society of Minnesota
Cost: $10 ($5 for River Bend members).
Wednesday, April 16, 12:00-2:00pm, Speaker begins at 12:30 pm
Join us and guest speaker, Randy Strobel, as he discusses the geological formations of Minnesota. Minnesota has a fascinating geological history. We hope you’ll be able to join us. Bring your own lunch.
Register Here

Homeschool: Reptiles and Amphibians
2025-04-14 13:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Homeschool: Reptiles and Amphibians
ages 5-12. Cost: $10/person, $5/member
Monday, April 14, 2025, 1-3pm
Learn all about Reptiles and Amphibians from their unique characteristics to how they survive our cold winters. Then meet River Bend’s live animal ambassadors!
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Weather
2025-04-14 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 free
Monday, April 14, 2025, 9:30am-11am
The weather outside is weather and it happens in many forms. Come learn all the different ways weather happens. A portion of this class may be held outside. Please dress for the weather.
Register Here

Stewardship Saturday: Invasive Species Removal
2025-04-12 10:00 - 14:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Stewardship Saturday: Invasive Species Removal
Teens +. Cost: Free
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Learn about invasive plants and how River Bend is controlling them. Then help us to remove them! The specific species being mitigated will depend on the seasonality.
Register Here

Little Sprouts: Animal Homes
2025-04-12 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 free
Monday, April 7, 2025, 9:30am-11am
Animals live outside all year-round. Come explore how and where animals make their home to help them survive.
Register Here

Sweet Reads Book Club
2025-04-05 14:00 - 15:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Sweet Reads Book Club – The Wilderness World of John Muir edited by Edwin Way Teale
Teens and Adults. Cost: Free
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Join Ampact members Caitlin and Nick for Sweet Reads Book Club! Discuss environmental-related books with eco-conscience individuals while enjoying refreshments in the interpretive center.
Register Here

Storytime with a Naturalist
2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00 | River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Rd., Faribault, MN, 55021
Storytime with a Naturalist: April Showers bring May Flowers
All ages. Cost: Free
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Storytime includes a short story and coloring activity.
Register Here
