Monarch Tagging at Sunfish Lake Park
2025-09-06 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Monarch tagging has been happening since 1992, to not only to determine where monarchs that overwinter in Mexico came from, but also the timing and pace of their migration, mortality during migration, and any changes in the distribution of monarch butterflies.
This is our first time tagging monarchs at the SMINC, and we are looking for help catching butterflies!
No experience necessary – bring your kids, your friends and your neighbors to participate in this citizen science project.

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
This is a free, drop-in program for all ages
We have nets, but our supply is limited, so if you can bring one, please do
Wear: Long pants and closed-toed shoes
Bring: Water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen and net (if you have one)

Trails Together Hiking Club
2025-08-27 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-07-30 09:30 - 10:30
Trails Together – Sunfish Lake/Sally Manzara Interpretative Nature Center Hiking Club
Trails Together is a new community hiking club! Join us at Sunfish Lake Park to explore the trails, enjoy nature and make new friends along the way.
We will meet the last Wednesday of each month at 9:30 AM in the parking lot outside the Sally Manzara Interpretative Nature Center and beautiful Sunfish Lake Park for an approximately 60 minute/3 mile hike on various terrain and trails.
Bring a friend, water and comfortable hiking shoes. All ages welcome.
Dates:
June 25th
July 30th
August 27th
September 25th
Time:
9:30am for approximately 60 minutes/3 mile hike
Location:
Sunfish Lake/Sally Manzara Interpretative Nature Center parking lot.
**Trails Together is a community hiking club, and not a program run through the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center. We are promoting the club in order to help bring visitors to Sunfish Lake Park. If you have questions about the club, please email Melissa at tmworm@comcast.net.

Watercolor Workshop with Julie Schroeder
2025-08-21 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

Little Explorers: Camp Out
2025-08-18 10:00 - 11:30
For campers ages 1 to 5, $8 per child (0-1 are free). Join us for a camp out session! There will be campfire stories and s’mores for everyone.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/LITTLE EXPLORERS

Summer Tree Trek Guided Tour (Postponed due to Weather)
2025-08-16 13:00 - 15:00
**We are currently looking for an alternative date for this event, and will update the calendar shortly**
A cooperative effort of the Washington County Master Gardeners Tree Squad and the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, our Tree Trek follows a short path around the center, then along a wheelchair accessible trail into the Park, with information along the way about the various tree species that you will encounter.
Take a guided tour with local master gardeners and learn all about native trees and tree life in Sunfish Lake Park, with a special focus on what happens to those trees during the summer season. This is a free event and open to the public. For more about the SMINC’s Tree Trek, check out the Tree Trek page on our website: https://sminc-lake-elmo.org/tree-trek/

2-Day Super Camp: Critter Camp (Tues. & Wed. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
2025-08-12 09:00 - 2025-08-13 15:00
For campers ages 5 to 7; meets Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campers will learn about and search for the animals that live in Sunfish Lake Park with hikes, crafts, outdoor play and more.
This summer we are piloting a 2-day version of our popular four day camps. Times are longer, and camps all meet midweek. 2-Day camps also feature offerings for older campers. To register, follow this link: https://square.link/SUPERCAMP

Little Explorers: Bird Mania
2025-08-11 10:00 - 23:30
For campers ages 1 to 5, $8 per child. Join in on our discovery of the different types of birds that are in our little park. We will match birds to their songs.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/LITTLE EXPLORERS

Regular Buckthorn Removal Days
2025-08-09 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!

Sunfish Explorers: It's a Bug's Life (9 a.m. to noon, M-Th)
2025-08-04 09:00 - 2025-08-07 13:00
For campers ages 5 to 8, this four-day camp meets from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday. Fun Fact: There is only one insect, a wingless midge, found in Antarctica! Camp week will be filled with dragonfly hikes, looking at bugs under microscopes and gathering an understanding for the important role bugs play in nature’s system.
Our weeklong camps offer small group camps that encourage and educate the youth of tomorrow about the beauty and importance of a healthy outdoors. Each camp will have special guests such as the Dodge Nature Center and their raptors and the 3M Wizards. Camps include hikes, crafts, games and of course a little education about the outdoors! Cost: $200 per child/per session. To register your child, follow the link: https://square.link/SUNFISH EXPLORERS

Wonder Wednesday: Water Play
2025-07-30 09:00 - 15:00
For campers ages 5 to 7. Keep cool while learning about the importance of water through water games and activities. Wear or bring a swimsuit and towel.
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful outdoor setting and learn about their surrounding environment. It is run by experienced instructors and the days include interpretive education, games, crafts to bring home, free play and hikes. Cost: $100 per camper, per session. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/WONDER WEDNESDAYS

Little Explorers: Water Wonders
2025-07-28 10:00 - 11:30
For campers ages 1 to 5, $8 per child (0-1 are free). Dive into the world of pond life! We will explore the fish, turtles, frogs and other fascinating creatures that live in the lakes of Minnesota.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/LITTLE EXPLORERS

Sunfish Explorers: Bird Mania (9 a.m. to noon, M-Th)
2025-07-21 09:00 - 2025-07-24 12:00
This four day camp, which meets from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, is for campers aged 7 to 10. In this session, campers will learn about bird habitat, food and different behaviors. We will learn a variety of birds and their songs. We will have a visit from a live raptor!
Our weeklong camps offer small group camps that encourage and educate the youth of tomorrow about the beauty and importance of a healthy outdoors. Each camp will have special guests such as the Dodge Nature Center and their raptors and the 3M Wizards. Camps include hikes, crafts, games and of course a little education about the outdoors! Cost: $200 per child/per session. To register your child, follow the link: https://square.link/SUNFISH EXPLORERS

2-Day Super Camp: Nature-Based Cardboard Camp (Tues. & Wed., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
2025-07-15 09:00 - 2025-07-16 15:00
For campers aged 9 and up, this camp meets Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come join us for a creative 2-day camp where kids get to create their own forest and creatures to match! First day will be planning and cutting and the second day with painting and display.
This summer we are piloting a 2-day version of our popular four day camps. Times are longer, and camps all meet midweek. 2-Day camps also feature offerings for older campers. To register, follow this link: https://square.link/SUPERCAMP

Little Explorers: Pollinators
2025-07-14 10:00 - 11:30
(July 14th session is full)
For campers ages 1 to 5, $8 per child (0-1 are free). In this session we will learn all about bees, butterflies and all the different pollinators found in the park.
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/LITTLE EXPLORERS

Sunfish Explorers: Bees & Butterflies (9 a.m. to noon, M-Th)
2025-07-07 09:00 - 2025-07-10 12:00
For campers ages 5 to 8, this four-day camp meets from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday. Learn all about honeybees, butterflies and all the other pollinators out there. Campers will experience beekeeping and learn how pollination occurs.
Our weeklong camps offer small group camps that encourage and educate the youth of tomorrow about the beauty and importance of a healthy outdoors. Each camp will have special guests such as the Dodge Nature Center and their raptors and the 3M Wizards. Camps include hikes, crafts, games and of course a little education about the outdoors! Cost: $200 per child/per session. To register your child, follow the link: https://square.link/SUNFISH EXPLORERS

Painting Workshop With Julie Schroeder
2025-07-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-03 10:00 - 14:00

Closed for the 4th
2025-07-04
The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center will be closed for the 4th. Biking and walking trails will be open.

Wonder Wednesday: Earth Elements
2025-07-02 09:00 - 15:00
For campers ages 6 to 10. This session is all about the soil, water and air. We will learn how soil provides nutrients and the need for clean water and air. Bring your favorite rocks and we will identify them!
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful outdoor setting and learn about their surrounding environment. It is run by experienced instructors and the days include interpretive education, games, crafts to bring home, free play and hikes. Cost: $100 per camper, per session. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/WONDER WEDNESDAYS

Trails Together Hiking Club
2025-06-25 09:30 - 10:30
Trails Together is a new community hiking club! Join us at Sunfish Lake Park to explore the trails, enjoy nature and make new friends along the way.
We will meet the last Wednesday of each month at 9:30 AM in the parking lot outside the Sally Manzara Interpretative Nature Center and beautiful Sunfish Lake Park for an approximately 60 minute/3 mile hike on various terrain and trails.
Bring a friend, water and comfortable hiking shoes. All ages welcome.
Dates:
June 25th
July 30th
August 27th
September 25th
Time:
9:30am for approximately 60 minutes/3 mile hike
Location:
Sunfish Lake/Sally Manzara Interpretative Nature Center parking lot.
**Trails Together is a community hiking club, and not a program run through the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center. We are promoting the club in order to help bring visitors to Sunfish Lake Park. If you have questions about the club, please email Melissa at tmworm@comcast.net.

2-Day Super Camp: Advanced Outdoor Adventures (Tues. & Wed., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
2025-06-24 09:00 - 2025-06-25 15:00
For campers 9 and older, meeting Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join this popular session and learn how to use a compass and orienteering skills, build a shelter, knot tying and whittling. We will set up a camp and cook outdoors too!
This summer we are piloting a 2-day version of our popular four day camps. Times are longer, and camps all meet midweek. 2-Day camps also feature offerings for older campers. To register, follow this link: https://square.link/SUPERCAMP

Little Explorers: Into the Woods - SOLD OUT!
2025-06-23 10:00 - 11:30
This Session is sold out! Register now to save your spot for the July 14 session! For campers ages 1 to 5, $8 per child (0-1 are free). Come with us to explore the woods. Keep your eyes open because you never know what you may see!
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/LITTLE EXPLORERS

Tree Trek Medicine Walk with Paul Red Elk - Cancelled
2025-06-22 10:00 - 12:30
Due to a family emergency, the Tree Trek Medicine Walk scheduled for today has been cancelled.
The nature center tree trek Paul will talk about each tree medicine, and the spirituality of each of them. Reservation is needed. Fee $65.00 Class size is limited. Register before 18th the fee is $60.00. Contact: Paul traditionallakotamedicine@gmail.com

Sunfish Explorers: Outdoor Adventures (9 a.m. to noon, M-Th)
2025-06-16 09:00 - 2025-06-19 12:00
This four day camp meets from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, and is for campers ages 6 to 8. Join this popular session and learn how to use a compass, build a shelter, and whittle. We will set up a camp and cook outdoors too!
Our weeklong camps offer small group camps that encourage and educate the youth of tomorrow about the beauty and importance of a healthy outdoors. Each camp will have special guests such as the Dodge Nature Center and their raptors and the 3M Wizards. Camps include hikes, crafts, games and of course a little education about the outdoors! Cost: $200 per child/per session. To register your child, follow the link: https://square.link/SUNFISH EXPLORERS

Regular Buckthorn Removal Days
2025-06-14 09:30 - 12:00
Buckthorn has a tendency to hide in the early summer, so we will be focusing on other invasives for our June Buckthorn day, like garlic mustard and burdock (before it gets too big).
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!

Wonder Wednesday: Prairie Day
2025-06-11 09:00 - 15:00
For campers aged 7 to 10. Campers will learn the importance of the prairies and all the critters that depend on it. They will adventure through the tallgrass and along the way will learn about the important plants that make up a prairie.
Our one-day, fun-filled, Wonder Wednesdays let kids explore the beautiful outdoor setting and learn about their surrounding environment. It is run by experienced instructors and the days include interpretive education, games, crafts to bring home, free play and hikes. Cost: $100 per camper, per session. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/WONDER WEDNESDAYS

Little Explorers: Flower Power
2025-06-09 10:00 - 11:30
For campers aged 1 to 5, $8 per camper (0 to 1 are free). In this session we will explore the wildflowers found in the prairie and plant some to take home!
Little Explorer sessions are set up for families to come together and give the little ones their first experiences exploring nature. The first hour will be a structured activity based on the day’s theme. The last 30 minutes we encourage open play, to give families an opportunity to explore on their own. Adults must stay with their children at all times. To sign up, follow the link: https://square.link/LITTLE EXPLORERS

Family Nature Day
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00
Join us on June 1st for the annual Sunfish Lake Park Family Fun Day celebration! We’ll have educational activities for kids and grown-ups, from bees and other pollinators, to the geology of Sunfish Lake Park, and everything in-between. Take a stroll on our storybook trail and enjoy a beautiful summer Saturday with the family. Our friends from Carpenter Nature Center will be back with live animals (9:30 to 11:30). We’ll have coffee and lemonade on hand. This event is free and open to all!

Invasive Plant Removal in Sunfish Lake Park
2025-05-31 09:30 - 11:30
We’re looking for volunteers! The garlic mustard, and other invasives, have sprung up in the park, and we want to get rid of them. We’ve cleared a lot of buckthorn over the last few years, but our goal is to remove and manage as much as many of the invasive plant species in the park as we can, so we’re going to focus on garlic mustard, Canada thistle and burdock. Larissa Mottl, from Stantec, will be leading this event for us. She will help you identify the plant, and show you the best way to get it out of the ground so that it doesn’t spread. This is pretty easy work, especially compared to cutting buckthorn, so you can bring the whole family. Come out, help us clean up the park, and go home with some knowledge about this invasive so you can clean up your own property!
