REGISTRATION
Registration opens Monday, April 1 at 9:00 a.m. Register online only.
Click on the title or session you would like to register for. It will take you to the Park & Rec. Civic Rec website to register. For more help on how to register visit our website.
BIRTH - 3 YEARS Classes requires an accompanying adult Interesting Insects with Julie Hecimovich • $15 • Friday, May 31; 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Learn about the fascinating world of insects as we imitate their actions through songs and insect observations on the hiking trails. You may want to bring a baby backpack, stroller or wagon. Bring your own camera for buggy costume time.
Earth Explorers with Julie Hecimovich • $15 • Saturday, April 20; 10:00-11:00 a.m.
It’s Earth Day once again and this is a perfect time to explore the unique creatures and plants on our planet. Listen to stories and play games about many different environments near and far. Hike through the forest and prairie trails to discover animals and plants around us. Make a pinecone birdfeeder to enhance close birdwatching.
2 - 3 YEARS Classes require an accompanying adult
Fantastic Frogs and Terrific Turtles with Julie Hecimovich • $20
Monday & Tuesday, June 3 & 4; 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Let’s learn about these fascinating creatures as we investigate those enjoying pond life at the Hormel Nature Center We’ll also learn about some amazing frogs and turtles from around the world
Bear Hunt Adventure • $15 • Wednesday, July 10; 10:00-11:15 a.m.
We all know what bears do when the weather turns cool and the snow starts to fall, but what do they do in the summertime? Bring your favorite teddy bear, and let’s go on a bear hunt adventure and learn together! This includes a picnic with your teddy bear.
3 - 4 YEARS Classes require an accompanying adult
$15 • Friday, June 14; 9:00-10:30 n time at the Nature Center and lear ked like millions of years ago We'll to a story about dinosaurs navigating prehistoric Austin and go on a d dig to see what fossils we can unearth.
Gardening and Garden Yoga • $15
Monday, August 12; 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Join the Nature Center staff in our gardens to discover what gardens are and why they are so important. Learners will have the chance to see what we grow in our Nature Center gardens, harvest vegetables, and discover how to keep a garden healthy. Learners will practice Garden Yoga, a gentle exercise to celebrate all that gardens have to offer.
Frolicking through Flowers • $15 • Friday, July 12; 9:00-10:30 a
Come explore the floral world with our naturalist and flower exper Learn the parts of a flower, why they're important and go on a walk t p and smell the (wild) roses! We will find out just how many beautiful flowers we have at the nature center
3-5 age group next page
3 - 5 YEARS Class requires an accompanying adult
Weather Watchers and Bats with Julie Hecimovich • $20
Monday & Tuesday, July 29 & 30; 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Day One: Let’s go weather watching! We’ll learn about different types of weather and make a tornado in a bottle. Day Two: Make a paper bat cave and watch a video about the unique life of bats.
4 - 5 YEARS
Classes require an accompanying adult
Nature Secrets, Nature Songs! with Will Bjorndal • $40
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, June 24, 25, & 26; 9:30-11:00 a.m.
What critters, animals, and plants are hiding in plain sight in our forests, waters, and prairies? And how do they make music? Join naturalist and musician Will Bjorndal for energetic explorations of the natural world, with a special emphasis on the parts of nature hidden out of plain sight As they explore nature’s secrets, students will connect what they learn into original music and songs!
Hunt or Be Hunted • $15 • Friday, June 21; 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Dive into the world of prey and predator relationships! Learn how animals hunt, hide, and survive in nature Discover the importance of these critters and their interactions by crafting animal masks and playing interactive games that give you the chance to walk in their "paws and claws".
Liking Lichen • $15 • Friday, August 2; 9:00-10:30 a.m.
See nature from a different perspective. Get up close with the things that grow on the ground and on the trees. Explore and feel the differences between lichen, mosses, and, mushrooms. Then make a little gnome home for the protectors of the forest with things we found outside.
Wonderful World of Birds • $15 • Tuesday, July 9; 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Students investigate what makes birds different from other animals, and why they are so special. Students will learn how to use both their sight and hearing to identify common birds found in Nature Center woods, and how to use tools like binoculars and identification guides to do so. Students will leave this course as competent and curious birders.
4 - 6 YEARS Class requires an accompanying adult
Earth Explorers with Julie Hecimovich • $15 • Saturday, April 20; 1:00-2:00 p.m.
It’s Earth Day once again and this is a perfect time to explore the unique creatures and plants on our planet. Listen to stories and play games about many different environments near and far. Hike through the forest and prairie trails to discover animals and plants around us. Plant flower seeds to add beauty to your home or garden.
Fantastic Frogs and Terrific Turtles with Julie Hecimovich • $20
Monday & Tuesday, June 3 & 4; 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Let’s learn about these fascinating creatures as we investigate those enjoying pond life at the Hormel Nature Center. We’ll also learn about some amazing frogs and turtles from around the world.
6-7 years next page
6 - 7 YEARS
Nature Rocks! with Will Bjorndal • $40
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, June 24, 25, & 26; 1:30-3:00 p.m.
What critters might be hiding under that rock? In the pond? And the prairie? Find out by exploring the nooks and crannies of nature, music, and songwriting with naturalist and musician Will Bjorndal! Energetic adventures across the waters, the woods, and prairies will inform the music and songs that students will learn to craft together! After all, under every rock, there’s nature to be found!
Junior Rangers: Crocodile Rock (And Other Ways Animals Communicate) • $20 • Select one session:
Session 1: Tuesday & Wednesday, July 16 & 17; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Session 2: Tuesday & Wednesday, July 16 & 17; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Learn how to shake, rattle, and roll just like animals do! From dancing spiders to howling wolves, students will learn how different animals use different senses to communicate and why animals need to communicate. At the end of the class, students will get to put all their new knowledge together and create their very own dance that they can use to communicate.
Can You Blend In? • $20
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 23 & 24; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Investigate the many ways animals have adapted to blend in with their environment. Our outdoor explorers will use the resources provided to them in order to dress up and try to blend in with our environments.
6 - 8 YEARS
Outdoor Yoga with Erin Jepson • $10 • Pick one or both sessions:
Session 1: Saturday, June 8; 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Session 2: Saturday, June 15; 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Break up the morning with Kids Outdoor Yoga down at the Nature Center. We will learn a calming, centering breathing tool that can be used anywhere, coordinate and move our bodies with nature themed yoga sequences, and enjoy a fresh start to the weekend in the great outdoors. Perfect for beginners or kids with some yoga exposure
7 - 8 YEARS
Monarch Magic • $15 • Select one session:
Session 1: Tuesday, July 30; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Session 2: Wednesday, July 31; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Delve into the amazing life of the monarch butterfly. Learn how to id monarch eggs, caterpillars, and milkweed around the Nature Center.
8 - 9 YEARS
Junior Naturalists: Soil in the Making • $20 • Select one sessi
Session 1: Tuesday & Wednesday, June 11 & 12; 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Session 2: Tuesday & Wednesday, June 11 & 12; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Under our feet is a world of complex critters that we rely on for lif food web as you engage in hands-on activities, including the hardy w and unearth the magic of this underground ecosystem!
Age group continued on next page
8 - 9 YEARS
Nocturnal Nature • $20 • Tuesday, June 25; 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Delve into what nature does while we sleep. This class offers a variety of fun activities that let us discover the magic of nature at night. Learn which animals are out and about, go on a night hike, and more. Come explore the hustle and bustle of the Nature Center after dark!
8 - 10 YEARS
Intro to Fishing • $25
Tuesday, June 4; 9:00-10:30 a.m. & Wednesday, June 5; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Learn about the basics of fishing: how to string a pole, tie lures on, and casting on Tuesday. On Wednesday you will get a chance to put your skills to the test on East Side Lake. Fishing poles are provided or you can use your own. All fish caught will be catch and release.
Astronomy • $15 • Monday, August 12; 4:00-6:00 p.m.
See the stars and planets up close in the inflatable planetarium Your astronaut in training will get to show their space knowledge with fun hands-on activities afterwards.
9 - 11 YEARS
dical Raptors • $55
onday, June 17; 9:30-11:00 a.m.: Hawk talk & games
onday, June 17; 8:30-10:00 p.m.: Owl Prowl for participant & family esday, June 18; 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Day trip to Wabasha
Discover the raptors of Minnesota here at the Nature Center and at the tional Eagle Center in Wabasha! Then we will hike the bluff lands of itewater State Park to a beautiful overlook.
tdoor Yoga with Erin Jepson • $10 • Pick one or both sessions: ssion 1: Saturday, June 22; 9:30-10:15 a.m.
ssion 2: Saturday, June 29; 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Break up the morning with Kids Outdoor Yoga down at the Nature Center We will learn a calming, centering breathing tool that can be used anywhere, coordinate and move our bodies with nature themed yoga sequences, and enjoy a fresh start to the weekend in the great outdoors. Perfect for beginners or kids with some yoga exposure.
Outdoor Survival with Derek Barkeim • $85 • Select one session:
Session 1: Monday-Thursday, June 10-13; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Session 2: Monday-Thursday, July 8-11; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Session 3: Monday-Thursday, July 8-11; 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Spend four days learning wilderness survival and awareness skills to equip you for your next outdoor adventure! Practice building shelters, using primitive traps, creating friction fires, identifying wild edibles and medicinal plants, and lots more.
10-13 years next page
Nature Photography with Morgan Converse • $25
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 23 & 24; 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Interested in photography, nature, and exploring? This class is for you! Join local photographer Morgan Converse and gain vital knowledge on composition, lighting, angles, and more as we visit some of the more remote areas of the Nature Center Cameras will be provided or use your own
10 - 11 YEARS
Cedar River Canoe Trip • $20 • Friday, July 19; 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Explore the beautiful Cedar River and parts of Mower County you may have never seen before, with a naturalist guided canoe trip. You do not need to know how to canoe to go on this trip!
Trapping in the Moonlight • $20 • Friday, June 7; 9:00-11:30 p.m.
Have you ever watched moths gather around a porch light and wonder why they're drawn to it? This class can finally offer an answer. Come learn all about nocturnal insects and the different ways they see the world. We will go on a night hike to see and hear insects and then we will run a light trap to observe and learn how to identify different insects and why they are drawn to it.
11 - 12 YEARS
Canoeing the Root River & Exploring the Blufflands • $120
Wednesday, July 24; 9:00-10:30 a.m.: Canoe practice
Thursday, July 25; 8:00 a.m.: Depart the Nature Center to explore Mystery Cave and Forestville State Park; then travel to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center for group challenges, a high ropes course, dinner, and a hike. Please bring a lunch on July 25.
Friday, July 26: Breakfast at Eagle Bluff before canoeing part of the Root River; return to the JCHNC by 3:00 p.m. Fee includes lodging, admission, canoe equipment, high ropes course, and three meals (dinner July 25, breakfast and lunch July 26). Full Scholarships available for this class.
Astronomy • $15 • Thursday, June 20; 4:00-6:00 p.m.
See the stars and planets up close in the inflatable planetarium. Your astronaut in training will get to show their space knowledge with fun activities afterwards.
Intro to Trout Fishing • $40
Tuesday, June 25; 9:00-10:30 a.m. &
Wednesday, June 26; 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Nature Center staff will teach you the basics of trout fishing; learni cast in a smaller area and learning how to use lures instead of bait. On second day you will be traveling to Forestville State Park and Lanesbo Fishing poles are provided or you can use your own. All fish caught w and release. Tackle box and a few lures of your own to take home are
10 - 13
YEARS
Age group continued on next page
11 - 12 YEARS
Nature Bicycling with Jon Burkhart • $15 • Friday, June 21; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Exercise, fresh air, adventure! Ride on Austin’s bike trails to explore local waterways and other natural areas, stopping to study animals and plants along the way Participants must provide a bike and helmet and be prepared to ride 5-10 miles during the class Thanks to Rydjor Bike Shop for collaborating with us on this class.
12 - 14 YEARS
Shell Rock River Canoe & Fossil Hunting Trip • $40
Monday, August 12; 9:00-10:30 a.m.: Fossils & Rocks class
Tuesday, August 13; 9:00-10:30 a.m.: Canoe practice
Wednesday, August 14; 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Canoe trip (bring lunch)
Enjoy canoeing the Shell Rock River, then visit the Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve to hunt for fossils to keep!
Outdoor Survival with Derek Barkeim • $85
Monday-Thursday, June 10-13; 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Spend five days learning wilderness survival and awareness skills to equip you for your next outdoor adventure! Practice building shelters, using primitive traps, creating friction fires, identifying wild edibles and medicinal plants, and lots more.
Intro to Camping • $45
Friday-Saturday, June 28-29; 5:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.
Take your backyard “camping” to the next level and sleep in the wilderness at the Nature Center. Learn how to put up your own tent (provided by us), cook supper, and start a fire. We will also go on a 3 mile hike at the Nature Center, so bring your hiking shoes. Don’t worry, a camping trip isn't a camping trip without roasting marshmallows. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Supper and breakfast are provided.
12 - 18 YEARS
Climbing Red Wing • $120
Monday & Tuesday, July 15 & 16; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Indoor climbing practice
Wednesday, July 17; 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.: Outdoor climbing in Red Wing
Participants in this special three-day climbing class will spend the first two afternoons at the Albert Lea Rock Gym for an intro to climbing, learning how to climb safely, and prepping to climb outdoors. On the final day, participants will apply these skills to an outdoor climb at Barn Bluff in Red Wing!
NEXT PAGE FOR FAMILY AND ADULT CLASSES
REGISTRATION
Registration opens Monday, April 1 at 9:00 a.m. Register online only.
Click on the title or session you would like to register for. It will take you to the Park & Rec. Civic Rec website to register. For more help on how to register visit our website.
Adventures with Nature • $2 for adults, $1 for children • Saturday, June 2
Join one of our naturalist on a hike at the nature center as we bring along a bag you can do with your kids anywhere. Enjoy multiple trail activities and games, wh nature.
Wolf “ing” Around • $2 for adults, $1 for children
Saturday, July 27; 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Become a part of the wolf pack. Learn what it takes to be the leader of the pack and what all wolves need to survive.
Animals Head to Toe • $2 for adults, $1 for children
Saturday, August 17; 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Interested in learning about Minnesota animals? Learn through sight and touch with real animal pelts, bones, and skulls. Then look for signs of different animals outside.
Inside the Hive with Erin Rupp• $10 for adults, $4 for children
Tuesday, August 13; 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Erin Rupp from Pollinate Minnesota will be going inside our Nature Center hives with you right by her side suited up in bee suits. She has bee suits for all ages! Learn about the fascinating ins and outs of everyday honeybee life.
ADULT CLASSES
Adult Nature Photography (16+) with Morgan Converse • $20
Saturday, June 15; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In this class you'll learn the basics of nature photography while exploring the Nature Center. Cameras will be provided or use your own. Morgan can also teach you the basics of shooting high quality photos by changing your settings on your smartphone
Adult Nature Yoga (16+) with Erin Jepson • $20 • Select one-all sessions:
Tuesday, June 11; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 18; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 25; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 16; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 23; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Has it been a long day at work or home? Come join us at the Nature Center to breathe the fresh air and stretch your muscles with Outdoor Yoga We will center ourselves with breathing, find peace in our bodies through gentle movements, and connect with the season and the earth in guided meditations. No experience, no problem. You will be confidently led through the sequences leaving you refreshed and ready for your evening.
FAMILY CLASSES
