Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center

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

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!

Regular Buckthorn Removal Days
2026-01-10 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-12-13 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!

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.

Welcome Kind Roots!
2026-01-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-18 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.

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

Closed New Year's Day
2026-01-01
The SMINC will be closed for New Year’s Day. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on January 2nd. Trails in Sunfish Lake Park will remain open. Happy New Year!

Closing Early for New Year's Eve
2025-12-31 12:00
The SMINC will close at 12 p.m. on New Year’s Eve (12/31) and will reopen at 9 a.m. on January 2nd. Trails in Sunfish Lake Park will remain open. Happy New Year!

Trails Together Hiking Club
2025-12-31 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-26 09:30 - 11:00
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:
October 29
November 26
December 31
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.

Closed for Christmas
2025-12-25
The SMINC will be closed on December 25th so our volunteers can be home with their families. Trails in Sunfish Lake Park will remain open. Happy Holidays!

Closed for Christmas Eve
2025-12-24
We will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so our volunteers and staff can spend time with their families. (Trails in the park will remain open.)

Closing Early for Carpet Cleaning
2025-12-18 12:00 - 15:00
The SMINC will close today at 12 pm so the carpets can be cleaned.

Julie Schroeder Watercolor Magic - Cardmaking
2025-12-16 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

In the December 16th session, I’ll be demonstrating winter/Christmas landscapes with watercolors, watercolor pencils, fresh paint watercolors, glitter & stamps/stencils, we’ll even incorporate mono printing techniques with clay board for textures.

These small paintings may be used as greeting cards, but you may paint whatever inspires you!

I’ll also be demoing techniques with watercolor pencils and I will have a variety of colors for you to try out.

–You can work with just watercolors or mix it up by using
watercolor pencils, glitter & stamps for fun!

Included in the class:
– watercolor paper
-some fresh paint colors
-glitter

Use Of:
– many watercolor pencils

-stamps/stamp pads

-stencils

Please bring;
-Your paint palette
-brushes
-pencil, eraser
-palette knife
-white gouache or titanium white watercolor
-a few small boards plus a 1/4 sheet sized board

-masking fluid
-masking tape
-salt
-water container
-tissue/paper towel

Let me know if you’d like to get on the list.
If you don’t have watercolor supplies yet and are starting out, let me know, I may have supplies I can lend you.

Wishing you all a wonderful Holiday season & blessed New Year!

Hope to see you painting!

Regular Buckthorn Removal Days (Cancelled for December)
2025-12-13 09:30 - 12:00

Toddler Tuesday: Evergreen Trees
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:30
If you have a Christmas tree during the holidays, that is an evergreen tree. Come and learn about why these trees are an important part of the environment, especially in the winter!
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.

Holiday Decorating @ the SMINC
2025-12-06 11:00 - 14:00
Help us get into the holiday spirit! Drop in between 11 and 2, make a decoration (or two, or three) and deck the halls of the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center! This event has become a tradition for us over the years, it’s fun for the whole family and free!

Sally's Nature School: All about Owls (Nature Explorers, all ages)
2025-12-05 10:00 - 12:00
WHOO is interested in learning about owls? Did you know that a group of owls is called a parliament or that they have double the neck vertebrae as we do to allow them to move their heads 270 degrees around? Come, and explore the owl world with us. We will dissect owl pellets, build our own owls and participate in an owl hooting contest!
This session is for students of all ages. $12 per student; students who took the Nov. 21 Nature Buddies class can attend for free. Register your student 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.
There will be seating for parents (thank you to the person for that feedback!).
Bring a snack for the kiddos, there will be a snack time about half-way through the program.

SMINC Closed for Thanksgiving
2025-11-27
We will be closed for Thanksgiving day and reopen on Friday at 9 a.m. Trails in Sunfish Lake Park will remain open.

Conversation with a Native Healer (with Paul Red Elk)
2025-11-22 13:00 - 14:30
November is National Native American Heritage Month! Join us on November 22, at 1:00 p.m. for a special gathering with Dr. Paul Red Elk for an interview about a Native American’s viewpoint on this created holiday, life on the reservation and why people stay, discussion of spirituality, ceremonies and basic life of historic native life. If you want an opportunity to ask questions about Native life, Paul will do his best to answer. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to connect to the Native culture.
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. He 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 been an integral part of Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center and a major contributor to our Native American exhibit. He not only donates a lot of his time to us, but he also shares his depth of knowledge about plant medicine, animal medicine, the keeper of seeds and native ways.
Saturday, November 22
Fee: $25 per person (You can register here)
Starts at 1 p.m. (about an hour)
Suggested audience of teen +
There are 2 scholarships available for teen or college student interest

Sally's Nature School: All about Owls (Nature Buddies, 11 and up)
2025-11-21 13:00 - 15:00
WHOO is interested in learning about owls? Did you know that a group of owls is called a parliament or that they have double the neck vertebrae as we do to allow them to move their heads 270 degrees around? Come, and explore the owl world with us. We will dissect owl pellets, build our own owls and participate in an owl hooting contest!
This session is for students 11 and older. $12 per student. Register your student here.
Things to know about Sally’s Nature School:

There will be an area for toddlers and younger sibs 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.
There will be seating for parents (thank you to the person for that feedback!).
Bring a snack for the kiddos, there will be a snack time about half-way through the program.

Animal Medicine Class with Paul Red Elk (Second of Two Classes)
2025-11-17 18:00 - 20:30
As part of our Nature for Life series and National Native American Heritage Month, we are
honored and have a rare opportunity to be working with Dr. Paul Red Elk to present a 2-night
Animal Medicine course. Paul has taught this course 4 times and he will not teach this course
for another 3 years!
Join us to discuss, from the Native American point of view, where his ancestors came from,
creation stories and the animals tied to them. He will also talk about the first four sacred herbs,
the four sacred directions and if humans take on animal characteristics. Again, this is a special
opportunity for our nature center.
Dr. Red Elk is a Lakota medicine man who has been an integral part of Sally Manzara
Interpretive Nature Center and a major contributor to our Native American exhibit. He not only
donates a lot of his time to us, but he also shares his depth of knowledge about plant medicine,
animal medicine, the keeper of seeds and native ways.
Details:
● Cost: $150 for two evenings ($10 off if you sign up before November 8th, registration link below)
● Mondays – November 10th and November 17th from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
● This program is geared towards adults. There will be a lot of discussions and information
that may not keep the interest of young ones.
● You can take as many notes and ask as many questions as you like. We do ask that you
refrain from recording the sessions out of respect for Dr. Red Elk.
● Will provide some nibbles!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Verity Davis, the programs manager, at
verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.
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.
He 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’s career has included a stint as a professor at Minneapolis Community and
Technical College in the herbal studies program from 2006-2018. Historically, Paul has spent
summers teaching American Indian youth at Pipestone, the American Magnet School, and the American Indian Magnet Summer School Special Youth Program from 2006-2015. He has also
consulted on restoring numerous natural prairies using small bison herds to assist in several
restoration projects. One of the projects Paul worked on was the Prairie Restoration Project in
Hixton, Wisconsin from 2002-2004.
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.
The date for the first class has passed, and registration is now closed.

Exploring Alcohol Inks w/ Julie Schroeder (SMINC Fundraiser
2025-11-14 10:00 - 14:00
Hello Artists!

Come for a really fun day playing with Alcohol Inks to raise money
for programs at the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center.
Profits will go to the nature center.

SMINC Fundraiser
Exploring Alcohol Inks Friday November14th 2025

10am-2pm

We’ll be experimenting with all sorts of alcohol ink techniques.
We’ll be doing a variety of landscapes, seascapes, doodle flowers and using gold foil and alcohol Ink markers as well.

We’ll be using the inks on Yupo paper and tiles for amazing effects!

This medium is very special. It’s not like any other art form. It’s so exciting to watch the inks move & flow & it happens right in your hands! Anyone can do it…no need to have experience.
Each painting is totally unique, bright & powerful.
We’ll be experimenting with ink markers & gold foil.

All supplies included!

Come & have fun with colors & free flow painting. You’ll take home many little gems of paintings as well as some on tiles!

Contact Julie Schroeder to register
at brushcolour@yahoo.com or call (651)352-5695

Toddler Tuesday: Owls
2025-11-11 10:00 - 11:30
“Who cooks for you?” This phrase is how I learned the call of a barred owl. This session will be about the amazing owl found in our forest. Learn what they eat and why they are so silent when they fly.
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.

Animal Medicine Class with Paul Red Elk (First of two Classes)
2025-11-10 18:00 - 20:30
As part of our Nature for Life series and National Native American Heritage Month, we are
honored and have a rare opportunity to be working with Dr. Paul Red Elk to present a 2-night
Animal Medicine course. Paul has taught this course 4 times and he will not teach this course
for another 3 years!
Join us to discuss, from the Native American point of view, where his ancestors came from,
creation stories and the animals tied to them. He will also talk about the first four sacred herbs,
the four sacred directions and if humans take on animal characteristics. Again, this is a special
opportunity for our nature center.
Dr. Red Elk is a Lakota medicine man who has been an integral part of Sally Manzara
Interpretive Nature Center and a major contributor to our Native American exhibit. He not only
donates a lot of his time to us, but he also shares his depth of knowledge about plant medicine,
animal medicine, the keeper of seeds and native ways.
Details:
● Cost: $150 for two evenings ($10 off if you sign up before November 8th, registration link below)
● Mondays – November 10th and November 17th from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
● This program is geared towards adults. There will be a lot of discussions and information
that may not keep the interest of young ones.
● You can take as many notes and ask as many questions as you like. We do ask that you
refrain from recording the sessions out of respect for Dr. Red Elk.
● Will provide some nibbles!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Verity Davis, the programs manager, at
verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.
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.
He 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’s career has included a stint as a professor at Minneapolis Community and
Technical College in the herbal studies program from 2006-2018. Historically, Paul has spent
summers teaching American Indian youth at Pipestone, the American Magnet School, and the American Indian Magnet Summer School Special Youth Program from 2006-2015. He has also
consulted on restoring numerous natural prairies using small bison herds to assist in several
restoration projects. One of the projects Paul worked on was the Prairie Restoration Project in
Hixton, Wisconsin from 2002-2004.
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.
To register, follow this link: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/JBQZ1MPNQJPN3/checkout/EPD3PCEJQ7S6KNWGI6HQS3UQ

Painting Walking Sticks w/ Tim Hugley
2025-11-08 13:00 - 14:30
We had so much fun last year that we are doing it again! Come on over and let your creative side thrive and leave with your very own designed walking stick.
$25/person – includes walking stick to take home.
To register, follow this link: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/JBQZ1MPNQJPN3/checkout/QCP4CRCIFIYMOG6BAK25ZJMQ
