We are excited for our winter program. The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center has Programs each month in three series, please follow the links for more details. If you have questions please email: programs@sminc-lake-elmo.org. To view Archive of program presentations, click http://sminc-lake-elmo.org/archive-of-program-presentations/
FAMILY NATURE EXPLORATION EVENTS ($5 Donation per Family requested)
10AM to 11AM
Preregister to secure your spot at https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/family-nature-exploration-events/
January 21 – Winter Bird Hike with Birder Chase Davies
February 5 – Animal Tracks in Snow Hike with Chase Davies
March 4 – River Otters Hike & Sled with Ami Voeltz
March 25 – Maple Syruping with Connie Kirk
INTERPRETIVE DROP IN EVENTS (Free)
Saturdays 10AM to Noon
Sundays Noon to 2PM
Drop in education and activities inside the building for all ages on seasonal themes.
January 14 & 15 – Cardinals
January 28 & 29 – Snowflakes
February 11 – Cryogenics with 3M Wizards
February 25 & 26 – Conifers
March 11 & 12 – Tree Buds
March 25 & 26 – Signs of Spring
ADULT EDUCATION PRESENTATION SERIES ($10/person)
Discussions on topics related to natural science, suitable for adults to mature middle-schoolers. Register online to reserve a spot.
https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/adult-education-presentation-series/
January 14 from 2PM to 3PM – Building a Bird Friendly Backyard with Alison Hruby
Thursday April 20th at 7:00 PM Beekeeping Basics with Karen Voy
Building/Sunfish Lake Park Information:
Admission to Lake Elmo’s Sunfish Lake Park and to the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center are free of charge. FREE events and programs are so marked. Registration and payment for most programs with fees is available on-line via Paypal, or contact the Event producer directly with the contact information shown.
FREE – Regular Buckthorn Removal Days – Second Saturdays of each month at 9:30 AM
Please come and help remove this pesty plant. We have the loppers and gloves, bring your energy. Free fresh air and exercise. The Restoration of Sunfish Lake Park project has done initial clearing of 40 acres of buckthorn, and replanted oaks, and native grasses and forbs. George is working out the plan for clearing the rest of the Park!!! – please contact George at 651-757-5610 for details.
FREE – Weekly Tai Chi class with Paul Ryberg –
Every Wednesday 10 AM to 11 AM Tai Chi will be meeting in the upper mezzanine level. Learn to improve your balance and coordination with this low-impact exercise program. Free coffee or tea and camaraderie afterwards. Email Paul at pryberg@gmail.com for more information. No need to register, just come.
Free – Outdoor features to see:
Prairie Plant Specimen Walk – visit the individual plants and then go look for them on the prairie
Rain Garden – helps keep runoff from the lake
Messy Play Area – stepping stumps, a canoe-full of sand, and a very slow turtle ride
Benches for sitting and relaxing
Picnic tables
Air for your bike tires – fast, free, friendly self service! Just connect, pump, and ride!
When the temperature is above freezing, the outside water dispenser will be turned on -water your dog, or yourself.
FREE – Sunfish Lake Park Project on iNaturalist
Go to https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/sunfish-lake-park to view the observations in the Sunfish Lake Park Project, or take pictures and upload them to the Project.
FREE – Scavenger Hunt printouts available
If you are taking a nature walk and would like to print out a pictorial scavenger hunt, Christa has made some, feel free to download and print them, by clicking on the Activities to Download tab above. Or pick one up at the Reception Desk at the nature center.