This Fall, the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center has Programs each month in three series, please follow the links for more details.

First and Third Saturdays, 10 AM

FAMILY NATURE EXPLORATIONS, $5 Donation per Family requested

https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/family-nature-exploration-events/

Second and Fourth Saturdays 10AM to 12 NOON

INTERPRETIVE DROP IN EVENTS (FREE)

Drop in education and activities inside the building for all ages on seasonal themes.

Oct 8 – Monarch Migration
Oct 22 – Buckthorn
Oct 29 – Prairie
Nov 12 – Bees
Nov 26 – Turkeys
Dec 10 – Agates

Adult Education Presentation Series (October 20th, November 17th, December 8th)

$10/person, discussions on topics related to natural science, suitable for adults to mature middle-schoolers. Register online to reserve a spot or drop in if our website shows there are still openings.

https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/adult-education-presentation-series/

Building Hours:

Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. Outdoor features and activities are available as shown below. Sunfish Lake Park is open from Sunrise to Sunset.

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 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, on the patio if weather is good, inside if it rains. 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.

October 13th and 14th – Art Workshop with Julie Schroeder. (FEE) Visit her website at http://www.livingwatercolours.com/welcome2.html or call Julie at 651-352-5695 to register.

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!

The outside water dispenser has been 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.