Toddler Tuesday: Frogs (a hoppin' good time!)
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
Frogs! Minnesota has 14 different types or species but only one of those species is also found in the ARCTIC! Join us for a hoppin’ good time!
Looking for a unique experience with a nature based program for you and your toddlers? The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center is excited to present its second year of our Toddler Tuesdays program! The program runs 1 ½ hours – 1 hour is structured with a nature themed storytime, a take home craft and a movement game. The last 30 minutes is time to explore the nature center and make new friends! We will be outside in the milder months and inside for the colder months with an exception for part of the WINTER FUN program. Adults must accompany children.
$8.00 for children 1-5 years-old. Adults & children younger than 1 are free.
Time:10 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Space is limited to 25 children, so register today! Sign up here.

Downstairs Reserved for Class
2026-03-09 12:30 - 13:30
Our downstairs area is reserved for a class this afternoon. The upstairs and restrooms are still open. If you are interested in reserving space at the SMINC for your group please email us at info@sminc-lake-elmo.org

Washington County Master Gardeners Present: Winter Seed Sowing
2026-02-28 10:30 - 12:30
Washington County Master Gardeners are excited about sharing their knowledge and experience sowing seeds in the winter and spring. According to one Master Gardener named Michelle, “outside gardening doesn’t have to stop during long winter months. Sowing seeds outdoors in the winter is easy, rewarding, and inexpensive”. This method of growing seeds uses recyclables to make mini-greenhouses. Participants are asked to bring gallon milk jugs with them to class.
This is a free class, but we are only able to have 10 participants. If you would like to reserve a spot, please email Bayard Godsave (bayard.godsave@sminc-lake-elmo.org) to get on the list.

Welcome Kind Roots!
2026-02-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-29 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:00
On Thursdays (most weeks) we welcome the kids from a local preschool/daycare center, Kind Roots. The center is still open during these times, though you can expect to see a lot of little ones here during this time. Groups of roughly 5 or more, who are planning to make use of the nature center for an extended time, are encouraged to call ahead to reserve the space. If you have a large group that would like to make use of the SMINC’s facilities, please email bayard.godsave@sminc-lake-elmo.org about making a reservation.

Medicinal Tree Series with Dr. Paul Red Elk - Maples
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:00
We are very excited to partner with Dr. Paul Red Elk for this incredible opportunity for a medicinal tree series. In each session, Paul will discuss the habitat the trees are found, the historical and modern medicine of the trees and additional uses of the trees beyond the medicine. This is a chance for you to connect with an experienced and well-educated native healer. He will not teach this series again until 2028.
Paul Red Elk is a member of the Mnikoju Lakota tribe (pronounced Miniconjou – plants by water); He is of the grizzly bear clan and grew up on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Paul was trained as a traditional Lakota herbalist and medicine man from childhood by his grandparents. Paul is also trained in Dakota, Anishinaabe, Ho Chunk, Chippewa, Onida, Sac and Fox. Additionally, he is trained in Western Herbalism.
Red Elk has his own private practice and is a well-known and respected teacher of native herbalism as well as a teacher of teachers, with vast knowledge and the clinical experience of a lifetime. He is also a clinical herbalist serving the American Indian Community. Paul Red Elk is the voice of true Northern American Indian herbalism. He is one of the last truly traditionally trained medicine men alive today.
$50 per person, per 2-hour session. Register here.

Soil, What is it Good For? (Sally's Nature School, all ages)
2026-02-20 10:00 - 12:00
Nature Buddies: February 6 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. &
February 20 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Sally’s Nature School: February 20 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
It is cold outside and our naturalist wants to think about spring and growing things. So, she decided we need to talk about that awesome stuff we grow plants and flowers in! Did you know that soil is alive? There are more microorganisms in a teaspoon of healthy soil than people on this Earth. Soil sustains life and forms the basis for our food. In this program, we are going to explore what makes up soil, the different soil layers, and start some of our own plants for the spring!
*Please note that there will be a soil layer activity with food. It will include Oreos, pudding, gummy worms, etc.
To register for Sally’s Nature School, sign up here.
Things to know about Sally’s Nature School:

All ages are welcome, but we focus and only charge for children 5+ years-old (the main program for 5 – 10 yr. olds and the Nature Buddy program for 11+).
There will be an area for toddlers to hang out.
Nature Buddy must be 11 years old by the date of the program.
Nature Buddy should be available for both program dates.
There are limited spots available.
If your child is older than 10 yrs. old and is not a nature buddy, they will still have a great time!
The donation fee is $12/child that is participating.
Each program runs for 2 hours – Nature Buddies: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Sally’s Nature Explorers: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Verity at verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.

Painting Class with Julie Schroeder
2026-02-19 10:00 - 14:00
This will be a relaxed, inspiring art class designed for students of all levels. In this welcoming, non-intimidating environment, Julie will guide you step-by-step in using a palette knife & acrylic paint to create a stunning seascape. Explore the beauty of impasto textures as you layer rich, luscious color and bring depth and movement to your canvas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, this class offers a fun, creative space to experiment, learn, and express your artistic style.
For more information, or to register, contact Julie directly at brushcolour@yahoo.com
Website: Livingwatercolours.com
Phone: 651-352-5695

Great Backyard Bird Count @ SMINC
2026-02-15, 2026-02-14, 2026-02-13
Each February, the Cornell Ornithology Lab, Audubon Society and partners around the world team up with local bird watchers to perform a global bird count. People count birds in their yard, at local parks, at work—wherever their favorite bird watching spot happens to be, and then that data is collected and used to study things like bird population and migration patterns. We will have indoor stations set up for bird watching, and clipboards and checklists for easy counting. Visitors are encouraged to stop by any time during business hours and see how many birds they can count. We will submit the numbers for you!

Regular Buckthorn Removal Days
2026-02-14 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-10 09:30 - 12:00
Thanks to a grant through the Minnesota DNR and the Minnesota Legacy Fund, we are working to get rid of all the buckthorn in Sunfish Lake Park. We contract with Stantec to clear large areas with heavy machinery, but there are some areas that can’t be easily accessed by vehicles where volunteers can participate on foot by clearing invasives or planting native species. On the second Saturday of every month, we get a crew together to go out and perform this vital work. We have the loppers and gloves, bring your energy, and we can offer you free fresh air and exercise. Work starts at 9:30, and we can find something for all ages and abilities!

Downstairs Reserved for Group Class
2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:00
Our downstairs area has been reserved for a class. If you are interested in reserving space at the SMINC for your group please email us at info@sminc-lake-elmo.org

Medicinal Tree Series with Dr. Paul Red Elk - Birch Trees
2026-02-10 18:00 - 20:00

Toddler Tuesday: Raccoons (the bandits of the forest)
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:30
“Trash bandits” can live in a lot of different environments from the woods to the big city and don’t wash their food but use water to help figure out what they are eating! Let’s have fun learning about these mischievous critters.
Looking for a unique experience with a nature based program for you and your toddlers? The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center is excited to present its second year of our Toddler Tuesdays program! The program runs 1 ½ hours – 1 hour is structured with a nature themed storytime, a take home craft and a movement game. The last 30 minutes is time to explore the nature center and make new friends! We will be outside in the milder months and inside for the colder months with an exception for part of the WINTER FUN program. Adults must accompany children.
$8.00 for children 1-5 years-old. Adults & children younger than 1 are free.
Time:10 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Space is limited to 25 children, so register today! Sign up here.

3M Visiting Wizards Present: Color & Light
2026-02-07 10:00 - 11:30
Come learn about how we need light to see and that the colors we see are due to the light illuminating the object. You will explore how light interacts with objects—being absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. See what happens when some of the light is filtered before getting to our eyes. Lastly, you will learn about how we can control light once we understand some of its properties.
Drop in at any time between 10:00 and 11:30. There is no formal presentation, the 3M Visiting Wizards will be available to guide you through the activities during that timeframe.

Soil, What is it Good For? (Nature Buddies, ages 11 & up)
2026-02-06 13:00 - 15:00
Nature Buddies: February 6 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. &
February 20 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Sally’s Nature School: February 20 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
It is cold outside and our naturalist wants to think about spring and growing things. So, she decided we need to talk about that awesome stuff we grow plants and flowers in! Did you know that soil is alive? There are more microorganisms in a teaspoon of healthy soil than people on this Earth. Soil sustains life and forms the basis for our food. In this program, we are going to explore what makes up soil, the different soil layers, and start some of our own plants for the spring!
*Please note that there will be a soil layer activity with food. It will include Oreos, pudding, gummy worms, etc.
To register your Nature Buddy (good for both sessions), sign up here.
Things to know about Sally’s Nature School:

All ages are welcome, but we focus and only charge for children 5+ years-old (the main program for 5 – 10 yr. olds and the Nature Buddy program for 11+).
There will be an area for toddlers to hang out.
Nature Buddy must be 11 years old by the date of the program.
Nature Buddy should be available for both program dates.
There are limited spots available.
If your child is older than 10 yrs. old and is not a nature buddy, they will still have a great time!
The donation fee is $12/child that is participating.
Each program runs for 2 hours – Nature Buddies: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; Sally’s Nature Explorers: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Verity at verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.

Medicinal Tree Series with Dr. Paul Red Elk - Nut Trees (Hickory/Butter Nut/Shag Bark Hickory)
2026-01-27 18:00 - 20:00

Medicinal Tree Series w/ Dr. Paul Red Elk - Oaks
2026-01-13 18:00 - 20:00

Toddler Tuesday: Animal Winter Fun
2026-01-13 10:00 - 11:30
Do you think animals have fun in the winter? This session we will be spending some time outside sledding like river otters (bring your sled and dress for outside!) and playing tag like coyotes! Afterwards we will warm up with cocoa and marshmallows!
Looking for a unique experience with a nature based program for you and your toddlers? The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center is excited to present its second year of our Toddler Tuesdays program! The program runs 1 ½ hours – 1 hour is structured with a nature themed storytime, a take home craft and a movement game. The last 30 minutes is time to explore the nature center and make new friends! We will be outside in the milder months and inside for the colder months with an exception for part of the WINTER FUN program. Adults must accompany children.
$8.00 for children 1-5 years-old. Adults & children younger than 1 are free.
Time:10 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Space is limited to 25 kids, so register today! Sign up here.

Puzzle Contest to Benefit the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
2026-01-10 12:30 - 15:00
Are you good at jigsaw puzzles? Really good? Get a team together and test your skills against other puzzle masters! Fun and prizes (and bragging rights, of course)!

Teams of up to 4 (at least one member must be 18 years old or older)
All teams will get the same 500 piece puzzle
Prizes for the teams with the three fastest finish times
$50 donation requested for each team
We have room for up to 10 teams

Sound fun? You can register your team here!

Nature Buddy Development: Plant Medicine (11 and up)
2026-01-09 13:00 - 15:00
This month’s Nature Buddy Development Program is all about plant medicine. We are very
lucky to have Dr. Paul Red Elk join us for this incredible opportunity for young people to learn
and ask questions about what kind of plants are found in the park and the power that they have to
heal us. Paul will cover the harvesting process, how the medicine is made and some of the plants
that are found in this park.
Paul Red Elk is a member of the Mnikoju Lakota tribe (pronounced Miniconjou (plants by
water); He is of the grizzly bear clan and grew up on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
Paul was trained as a traditional Lakota herbalist and medicine man from childhood by his
grandparents. Paul is also trained in Dakota, Anishinaabe, Ho Chunk, Chippewa, Onida, Sac and
Fox. Additionally, he is trained in Western Herbalism.
Paul has his own private practice and is a well-known and respected teacher of native herbalism
as well as a teacher of teachers, with vast knowledge and the clinical experience of a lifetime. He
is also a clinical herbalist serving the American Indian Community.
Paul Red Elk is the voice of true Northern American Indian herbalism and is one of the last truly
traditionally trained medicine men alive today.
$12 per participant. Register here.

Painting Class with Julie Schroeder
2026-01-06 10:00 - 14:00
We are honored to regularly host Julie Schroeder’s popular art workshops here at the SMINC. Topics vary, as do prices. For more information, or to register, contact Julie directly at brushcolour@yahoo.com
Website: Livingwatercolours.com
Phone: 651-352-5695
