Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center

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

Welcome Kind Roots!
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, 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.

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!

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.

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
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.
