Painting Class with Julie Schroeder
2026-04-28 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
We are honored to regularly host Julie Schroeder’s popular art workshops here at the SMINC.
The April 28th Workshop details:

Acrylic Pouring Workshop; Choose Your Colours!

Tuesday April 28th 2026 10am-3pm
Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center
Cost: The cost the class will be $80.00 includes all supplies.

Acrylic pouring is a vibrant art technique where liquid acrylic paints, thinned with a special medium, are poured onto a canvas, creating mesmerizing, fluid patterns and abstract designs that resemble swirling marble, with colors blending and merging in unexpected ways, resulting in a visually captivating, glossy finish that’s both spontaneous and visually striking, often described as “liquid art” due to the unpredictable movement of the paint as it flows across the surface.
The result is amazing abstract designs with striking colors and patterns.

We’ll be using techniques like dirty pours, swirls, or flip cups & balloon kisses to create some really cool designs. We’ll also be experimenting in landscape techniques.

Fluid movement:
The paint is not applied with a brush, but poured, allowing for free-flowing, organic patterns.

Color blending:
Different colors mix and intermingle on the canvas, creating unique, unpredictable color combinations.

Variety of techniques:
Artists can use different pouring methods like “dirty pour,” “cell pour,” or “string pull” to achieve diverse effects.

I’m so excited about this workshop,

It’s one I have been wanting to do for some time with new techniques.

Let me know if you’re interested, as space is limited.
Hope to see you painting!

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

Bell Museum/SMINC Mash-Up
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Sally Mazara Interpretive Nature Center on Saturday, April 25th, anytime between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a Nature Center/Bell Museum MASH-UP! Bell Museum volunteers will be on site to assist visitors with nature-based, science activities. From “Garden & Greens” to “All About Astronomy” there’s plenty to explore and learn in each mini-program. This event is free, though freewill donations are greatly appreciated.
We are also partnering with the University of Minnesota Master Naturalist’s for the international City Nature Challenge (CNC) with a live bioblitz in Sunfish Lake Park. A bioblitz is typically a biological survey of a specific area in a set time frame. Sunfish Lake Park is one of those areas to be included in a 4-day race. There will be Master Naturalists on hand to explain the challenge and get you started using the iNaturalist App
Here is a little info about what you can expect from each station at the event:
Bell Museum Basics
Engineer a Bird Beak – Design your own bird’s beak and explore how different shapes have evolved to eat different foods.
Mini BioBlitz – Practice evaluating the biodiversity of an area and then put it into action with the City Nature Challenge by iNaturalist
City Nature Challenge – Participate in an a live bioblitz of Sunfish Lake Park through iNaturalist. People from the Minnesota master naturalist program will direct participants on what to do.
Garden & Greens
Germination Station – Explore different types of seeds and build a germination kit to bring home.
Soil Cores – Observe natural soil layerings, which can affect how the land looks and what will grow on it.
All About Astronomy
Aurora Art – Examine and harness the beauty of night sky Auroras so you can create your own.
Rocket Engineers – Learn about what it takes design a rocket that flies. Design and if needed, improve your own rocket for launch.
H2-Woah!
Cloud Exploration – Learn all about cloud formation and different cloud types. Then, create your cloud and a pop-up cloud booklet.
Water Filtering – Experiment with different materials to see how to filter dirty water till it’s clean.

Earth Day Celebration - Volunteers Needed
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:30
Every year we celebrate Earth Day here at the SMINC with a work day in the park. In the fall, and throughout much of the year, we cut down and rip out a lot of buckthorn. On Earth Day we like to do something to help native species grow in the park, either by seeding and planting saplings, or otherwise helping native plants and flowers thrive. We’ll have a better idea of what our work project will be as we get closer, but you can mark your calendars now! We’ll gather at the nature center at nine, and work a couple hours in the park. We’ll make sure to have everything you need, all you need to bring is a water bottle and a willingness to work–we have gloves if you need them, but if you prefer to use your own, by all means bring those too!

Downstairs Reserved
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-08 09:30 - 11:00
Our downstairs area is reserved for a class this morning. 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

Medicinal Tree Series with Dr. Paul Red Elk - Fruit Trees (Aplles/Cherry)
2026-04-14 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.
Below is a full list of the classes in the series. All times are 6 to 8 p.m. and you can sign up for any of the remaining classes using the registration link on this page.
January 13 Oaks
January 27 Nut trees – Hickory/Butter Nut/Shag Bark Hickory
February 10 Birch trees
February 24 Maples
March 10 Sumacs/dogwoods
March 24 Traditional Cansasa (Kinnickinnic) Tobacco/Willows
April 14 Fruit trees – Apples/Cherry
April 28 Pines/Cedars
May 12 Oaks
May 19 Tree Spirituality

Toddler Tuesday: The Cunning Coyote
2026-04-14 10:00 - 10:30
Like the raccoon, coyotes are intelligent and adapt to many types of environments. They have strong family groups and work together to feed and protect their young. Come and have a howlin’ 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
2026-04-13 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

Regular Buckthorn Removal Days
2026-04-11 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-14 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!

The Power of the Trees: Nature Explorers (all kids welcome)
2026-04-10 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for the last homeschool program of the school year to learn about the POWER OF THE TREES. We will be learning about why they are so important not only for us to breathe but critical in the health of our planet. We will discuss the different parts of the tree lifecycle and what role trees play in our everyday lives. If the weather cooperates, we will go outside to see different types of trees and to hug a few!
Nature Buddies Pre-Camp:
April 3 from 1p.m.-3p.m.
Sally’s Homeschool Program:
April 10th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
$12 per student, register for the April 10 event 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 and only pay for one date.
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.
This is a series of 2-day field trips to Sunfish Lake Park and the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, in Lake Elmo, MN, for a local homeschooled-kids group (between 30-50 children; Ages from pre-K to 9th graders) (“grade level” varies depending on what the kid and abilities).
On the first day the presenter (nature center staffer) and the older children, roughly grades 7-9 (varies depending on what the kid and their abilities are), will learn about a predetermined environmental theme and determine how they will assist in teaching pre-k through 6th graders. Initially, there will be pre-selected programs for them to choose from to set up the next day’s field trip and then eventually they will figure out how to create aspects of the lessons on their own. Once the 7-9 graders construct their own lessons, they will then determine how to implement what they learned through outdoor/environmental education focused lessons to the lower grade children on the second day.
The second day will consist of the 7-9 graders implementing the mini-camp of lessons with supervision and guidance from the presenter. These sessions will be completely outdoors unless severe weather conditions are present. If you would like to schedule sessions for your homeschool group, or would like more information, email Verity Davis at verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.

Center Reserved
2026-04-07 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-04-07 09:00 - 10:00
The center has been reserved from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. this morning; and from 12:30 to 1:30 this afternoon. Restrooms and bottle fill station will remain open to the public. If you are interested in reserving the SMINC, email us at info@sminc-lake-elmo.org.

Power of the Trees: Nature Buddies Pre-Class (11 and up)
2026-04-03 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for the last homeschool program of the school year to learn about the POWER OF THE TREES. We will be learning about why they are so important not only for us to breathe but critical in the health of our planet. We will discuss the different parts of the tree lifecycle and what role trees play in our everyday lives. If the weather cooperates, we will go outside to see different types of trees and to hug a few!
Nature Buddies Pre-Camp:
April 3 from 1p.m.-3p.m.
Sally’s Homeschool Program:
April 10th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
$12 per student, register for the April 3 event 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 and only pay for one date.
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.

This is a series of 2-day field trips to Sunfish Lake Park and the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, in Lake Elmo, MN, for a local homeschooled-kids group (between 30-50 children; Ages from pre-K to 9th graders) (“grade level” varies depending on what the kid and abilities).
On the first day the presenter (nature center staffer) and the older children, roughly grades 7-9 (varies depending on what the kid and their abilities are), will learn about a predetermined environmental theme and determine how they will assist in teaching pre-k through 6th graders. Initially, there will be pre-selected programs for them to choose from to set up the next day’s field trip and then eventually they will figure out how to create aspects of the lessons on their own. Once the 7-9 graders construct their own lessons, they will then determine how to implement what they learned through outdoor/environmental education focused lessons to the lower grade children on the second day.
The second day will consist of the 7-9 graders implementing the mini-camp of lessons with supervision and guidance from the presenter. These sessions will be completely outdoors unless severe weather conditions are present. If you would like to schedule sessions for your homeschool group, or would like more information, email Verity Davis at verity.davis@sminc-lake-elmo.org.

Center Reserved
2026-03-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-27 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-27 09:30 - 10:30
The center is reserved for a class. Restrooms and bottle fill station are open to the public. If you are interested in reserving space at the SMINC for your group please email us at info@sminc-lake-elmo.org

Center Reserved for Birthday Party
2026-03-28 09:00 - 12:00
The nature center has been reserved for a birthday party. Restrooms and bottle fill station are open to the public. 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 - Traditional Cansasa (Kinnickinnic) Tobacco/Willows
2026-03-24 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.
Below is a full list of the classes in the series. All times are 6 to 8 p.m. and you can sign up for any of the remaining classes using the registration link on this page.
January 13 Oaks
January 27 Nut trees – Hickory/Butter Nut/Shag Bark Hickory
February 10 Birch trees
February 24 Maples
March 10 Sumacs/dogwoods
March 24 Traditional Cansasa (Kinnickinnic) Tobacco/Willows
April 14 Fruit trees – Apples/Cherry
April 28 Pines/Cedars

Prairie 101 w/ Master Gardener Paul Spilseth
2026-03-21 11:00 - 12:30
This class provides a do-it-yourself instruction for anyone interested in creating a prairie, a natural landscape utilizing native glasses and flowers. No matter what size prairie you are interested in, from acreage to small plot, this class covers all steps of planning a preparation as well as maintenance to ensure your creation continues to thrive for years to come. This class also provides information about budget, site selection, plant or seed selection, and planting. This event is free and open to the public.

Downstairs Reserved for Group Class
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-11 09:30 - 11:30

Painting Class with Julie Schroeder
2026-03-19 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

Nature Buddy Development Day: Nature Careers Panel (11 and up)
2026-03-13 13:00 - 15:00
We are very excited to have put together an environmental careers panel to give our Nature Buddies the chance to learn about a few job opportunities there are out there. Each person will give a little background about what they do and then the floor will open to a question-and-answer session. We will have someone to discuss jobs in water, ecology, forestry and restoration. This is a cool way to learn about different careers and a chance to ask questions about what it takes to do those jobs. Sign up with your friends today!
$12 per student; Register Here!
Angie Hong
East Metro Water Education Senior Specialist

Angie educates community about issues affecting local lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and groundwater resources and engages people in projects to protect and improve the health of these resources.

Larissa Mottl
Senior Ecologist – Stantec

Larissa manages large scale complex environmental projects and our buckthorn project in park. She also conducts field studies, mentor’s junior staff, manages budgets and compliance and advises clients about biodiversity plans.

Hannah Milos (she/her)
DNR Forester
Cooperative Forest Management Forester
MN Department of Natural Resources

Hannah works with landowners, schools, and cities to help make Twin Cities forests healthier. She provides management advice, does outreach and education, and works with partners on a variety of projects.

Jesse Gates
Education Specialist
Voyageurs Conservancy

Jesse is the Education and Dark Sky Specialist with Voyageurs Conservancy. As an Education Specialist, he connects students to Voyageurs National Park by teaching outdoor nature lessons. As the Dark Sky Specialist, Jesse also connects visitors to the night sky by introducing them to the wonders of the night through guided constellation tours and telescope sessions and teaching how to reduce light pollution.

Medicinal Tree Series with Dr. Paul Red Elk - Sumacs/Dogwoods
2026-03-10 18:00 - 20:00

Toddler Tuesday: Frogs (a hoppin' good time!)
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:30
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

Prairie Love, featuring Alex Bouthilet, Seed Farm Manager (USFWS)
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:30
On Saturday, March 7 th at 11:00 Alex Bouthilet will give a presentation covering his position with
the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the Star Prairie Seed Farm and the basics of
prairie and oak savanna ecosystems in our region. He will cover a variety of aspects
related to the importance of plant biodiversity. If you want to know about prairie
systems from someone who is in it all the time, this is a great opportunity to join us!
Alex gained a passion for native plants in 2012 after reading Aldo Leopold’s “A
Sand County Almanac” and began volunteering with conservation
organizations including the Wisconsin DNR, the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), The Prairie Enthusiasts, and Standing Cedars Community Land
Conservancy. After three years of volunteer work, the USFWS brought him on
as an employee to assist with managing the local ecotype seed and plant
program. Alex works to harvest and clean seeds of native plant species to be
used on public land restoration projects throughout the district. He helps with
the design, preparation, and planting of prairie, wetland, and oak savanna
species and enjoys providing educational opportunities to on the many benefits
of native plant species.

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
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.
