EARTH DAY AT THE PARK

EACH YEAR, Tamarack Nature Center hosts a plethora of springtime events and opportunities to bring us back into the outdoors. “We’re helping people discover the value of nature,” says outdoor education manager Sovatha Oum.

The nature center will host a “Sap to Syrup” event on March 11 and 18 (registration required), inviting participants to learn about the syrup-making process through a 45-minute guided tour and self-guided exploration. All are welcome as volunteers demonstrate how to tap trees and boil the sap to create syrup. “It’s definitely a cool event,” says Kristopher Lencowski, director of park operations for Ramsey County.

“It’s unique to this geography. They can’t do it at just any nature center.”

The park will also host spring Bird Walks (April 29, May 6, 13 and 20; free, registration required) and celebrate Earth Day with a clean up and garden work day from 9:30 a.m. to noon on April 22 (pre-registration required). Tasks involve cleaning litter from trails, treating invasive buckthorn and preparing the gardens for the growing season. The garden’s beauty and bounty directly benefit the community. In 2021, Tamarack Nature Center donated 1,500 pounds of food, including tomatoes, eggplant, herbs and spices, to the White Bear Area Food Shelf.

A popular destination for kids and families, Tamarack Nature Center has been growing and evolving since the 1970s. Now spanning 320 acres, the center is focused on improving accessibility for all communities to enjoy the park and join the team of volunteers and staff.

—Nicole Berglund

To pre-register for the Earth Day clean up garden and work day, call 651.266.0365 or email volunteer@tamaracknaturecenter.org.

Tamarack Nature Center, 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township; 651.266.0360; ramseycounty.us

Tamarack Nature Center

Local Events

Mystery Book Club

03/01

Join the monthly mystery book club. March’s theme is nonprofessional crime fighters. Ages 18 and older. Free. 1:30–3 p.m. Ramsey County Library, 2150 Second St., White Bear Lake; 651.724.6007; rclreads.org

Barn Quilt Painting Class

03/25

Create and paint a unique 14”x14” barn quilt on reclaimed wood. All ages. $55. 1–4 p.m. Affinity for Quilts, 2199 Fourth St., White Bear Lake; 651.429.1039; affinityforquilts.com

Spirit of White Bear Lake 5K

04/01

This course is on the paved Mark Sather Trail path, and proceeds support the White Bear Lake Rotary Club Strive Scholarship. All ages. $25. 9 a.m. Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake; 651.357.6109; whitebearrotary.org

Live Music Happy Hour

04/02–04/26

Enjoy live music all month long at Washington Square Bar and Grill. Ages 21 and older. Free. Times vary. Washington Square Bar and Grill, 4736 Washington Square, White Bear Lake; 651.407.7162; washingtonsquareonline.net

Home Show

04/22

Plan your next home project with over 100 experts. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Hippodrome Ice Arena, 4855 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake; 952.232.1765; minnesotahomeshows.com

AREA EVENTS

Blues for an Alabama Sky

03/01–03/12

Watch as a group of friends face challenges and dream big together in Depression-era Harlem. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Mpls.; 612.377.2224; guthrietheater.org

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

03/01–03/12

Witness the magical life of this Grammy award winner. Ages 14 and older recommended. Prices vary. Times vary. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatretrust.org

Tots & Trains

03/01 and 03/15

Enjoy family fun with Tots & Trains at The Jackson Street Roadhouse & Museum. Adults can enjoy coffee and treats while kids can play with train tables and interactive games. All ages. Tickets starting at $7. 10 a.m.–noon. The Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave., St. Paul; 651.228.0263; transportationmuseum.org

Irish Diplomacy

03/02–03/30

Every Thursday, come listen to the Irish Diplomacy at Finnegans and enjoy a combination of electric and jazz music. Ages 21 and older. 6–8 p.m. Finnegans Brew Co., 817 Fifth Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.208.3374; finnegans.org

National Geographic Live

03/10–03/11

Experience breathtaking nature views accompanied by the Minnesota Orchestra. All ages. Prices vary. 8 p.m. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5656; minnesotaorchestra.org

My Fair Lady

03/21–03/25

Enjoy the classic tale of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins live. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Ordway Music Theater, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; 651.224.4222; ordway.org

To have your event considered: email whitebearlakemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.