Westwood Hills Nature Center lookbook

Contents History 4 Site & Facilities 6 Nature 8 Education 12 Recreation 16 Wildlife 20 Volunteer 22

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History

The first building at Westwood Hills Nature Center opened in 1981, but the area has a long and interesting history that dates back many years earlier.

Beginning in 1970, the city began exploring the idea of creating a nature center in the area, and construction of the interpretive building began a decade later.

In 1928, Westwood Hills Country Club opened with 27 holes and 9,405 total yards. The golf course thrived for a number of years, but by the mid-1950s, it was no longer profitable.

Today, Westwood Hills Nature Center provides visitors of all ages the chance to explore the natural world—right here in St. Louis Park. Come see for yourself, and create your own natural history.

In the early 1960s the land was used as a day camp for local residents.

1930s

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Westwood Hills Country Club

1960s

Information courtesy of the St. Louis Park Historical Society

Westwood Hills Day Camp

1970s

Site Planning Initiated

1980s

Interpretive Center

Present Day

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Site & Facilities Westwood Hills Nature Center is a 160-acre natural area featuring marsh, woods and restored prairie.

Enjoy a variety of beautiful spaces in a natural setting available to the public year-round in the Twin Cities.

Facilities are also available to rent for your next event. Parking and admission are free.

Features: - Westwood Lake - More than 3 miles of trails - Water Garden - Interpretive Center - “Brickhouse� Rental Facility - Outdoor Amphitheater - Playground & Climbing Rocks - Pavilion - Honey Bee Observation Apiary - Restrooms

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Nature

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“Nature is closer than you think.�

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Nature Westwood Hills Nature Center preserve is beautiful throughout the season, showcasing the mosaic beauty that only nature can offer.

The preserve provides habitat for many animals, so every venture will be a surprise. Create your own story

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by journeying through the preserve where you can experience a rare perk of nature in the city.

Walk through a variety of trails year-round and create your own natural history.

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Education The Westwood Hills Nature Center is aunique, outdoor classroom in the middle of the city.

Professionally-trained naturalists lead a wide variety of fun, informative, and hands-on environmental education and outdoor recreation programs.

“Where the learning environment 12

is all about learning environment.�

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Education The Westwood Hills Nature Center is a unique, outdoor, multi-generational classroom in the middle of the city.

Professionally trained naturalists lead a wide variety of fun, informative and hands-on environmental education and outdoor recreation programs.

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Education opportunities range from informal classes to summer camp. Westwood Naturalists conduct yearround programs to increase visitors’ understanding and appreciation of our natural world.

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Recreation

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“Create your own natural history.”

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Recreation You don’t have to travel far to enjoy Westwood Hills Nature Center’s fun recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The Nature Center trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset, year-round.

Recreation Opportunities: - Birdwatching - Fishing Pier - Canoes - Hiking Trails (asphalt, crushed rock, boardwalk and woodchip) - Playground and Climbing Rocks - Picnic Tables - Kicksleds - Snowshoes - Archery - Park Packs - Photography - Interpretive Center - Geocache/Orienteering Trail - Annual Public Events

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Wildlife There are a number of wild residents at Westwood Hills Nature Center. From the lake to the woods, to the prairie there is something for everyone to see at the Nature Center. If you’re a birdwatcher, Westwood is the perfect destination with over 200 species of birds sighted. You can also find large mammals, varied insects, amphibians, and more!

There is always a new natural surprise awaiting you at Westwood Hills Nature Center.

“Wildlife within walking distance.”

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Volunteer Our volunteers truly make Westwood Hills Nature Center a special place. Volunteer opportunities include helping with special events, receptionist, hike assistant, tree planting, animal care, junior naturalist, general maintenance, and much more.

To learn more about current volunteer opportunities, please visit our website. www.westwoodhillsnaturecenter.org

“Westwood Hills Nature

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Center - it belongs to you.�

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Contact Westwood Hills Nature Center 8300 West Franklin Avenue St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (952) 924-2544 info@stlouispark.org www.westwoodnaturecenter.org Like Us facebook.com/westwoodhillsnaturecenter Location and Hours The Nature Center is located just south of I-394 and east of Highway 169. Parking and admission are free. Wood chip, boardwalk and hard surface accessible trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round. Pets are not allowed anywhere in Westwood Hills Nature Center. Bikes are not allowed on any of the trails.

Interpretive Center Building Hours Monday to Friday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday - Noon to 5 p.m.

Closed weekends December through January.

Nature Center trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset year-round.

Photographs courtesy of: Nadav Cossuto - p. 22 (Red Foxes) Chuck Dahl - p. 10 (Doe), p. 14 (Westwood Halloween Party) p. 20 (Chipmunk) Jim Williams - p. 11 (Baltimore Oriole, Great Horned Owl), p.21 (Painted Turtles, Raccoon)