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Program & Events
Celebration of Trees – Annual Arbor Day Event
Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to Noon at the Maplewood Nature Center
From Maplewood back yards to tropical rain forests, trees around the world are hard at work providing the necessities of life. Trees clean our air and water, pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, provide habitat for wildlife, connect communities, and support our health and well-being. Come celebrate trees and learn how to preserve and protect them at the City’s annual Arbor Day Event!
A fun filled morning to include:
- Tree Trek hike courtesy of the Friends of Maplewood Nature
- Get a bird's eye view of the trees from the Fire Department bucket truck!
- Tools of the trade (tree care tools and equipment)
- Tree identification and planting instructions, including information on climate resilient trees for our area and a drawing for a free tree (winner must be a Maplewood resident)
- Craft station
- Snack station
- Photo stations: Tree City USA Banner and scattered selfie stations
We can't wait for you to join us!
ISD622 Community Education Programming Partnership
We are excited to begin our programming partnership with ISD622 Community Education at the Maplewood Nature Center. Experienced naturalists will guide each of these professionally developed hands-on learning sessions. Programs are operated and registered for through ISD622 Community Education. Links to register are below.
Favorite Natives for Your Garden
From lilac-scented blue phlox and columbine in spring, to bold butterfly weed, cardinal flower and asters in summer and fall - what do these have in common? These native perennials bring seasonal beauty and colorful flowers to your garden that feed pollinating bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The class will focus on matching your garden's sun and moisture conditions with suitable plants for optimal success.
- Date: Wednesday May 4, 6:30pm-8pm
- Fee: $20/person
- Register: https://isd622.ce.eleyo.com/course/9749/spring-2022/favorite-natives-for-your-garden
Bird Hikes (Ages 8+)
Join Konnie Her, naturalist and avid bird watcher, at Maplewood Nature Center for a guided bird watching hike. The hikes are held monthly and each month you will discover different birds calling the nature center home and others just passing through on their migration flight. Binoculars will be available for use or bring your own. This is a great opportunity to share quality and educational time with a special youth in your life as those ages eight and above are welcome when accompanied by an adult Please note: trails in the nature center are unpaved.
- Date: Saturdays, 9am-11am: April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13
- Fee: $15/adult (or adult+youth 8+)
- Register: https://isd622.ce.eleyo.com/course/9860/spring-2022/bird-hike
Mom's the Bomb (Ages 10+)
Join Konnie Her, naturalist and avid bird watcher, at Maplewood Nature Center for a guided bird watching hike. The hikes are held monthly and each month you will discover different birds calling the nature center home and others just passing through on their migration flight. Binoculars will be available for use or bring your own. This is a great opportunity to share quality and educational time with a special youth in your life as those ages eight and above are welcome when accompanied by an adult Please note: trails in the nature center are unpaved.
- Date: Saturdays, May 7, 10am-11:30am
- Fee: $15/youth (or adult+youth)
- Register: https://isd622.ce.eleyo.com/course/9979/spring-2022/mom-s-the-bomb-ages-10
Survival Paracord Bracelet (Ages 10+)
Who knew! A simple bracelet that you constructed from paracord is actually a survival tool in disguise. Discover the various emergency situations in which paracord bracelets have come in handy. Make one for yourself or to give to dad as a gift. A supply fee of $5/bracelet is payable to the instructor at class. Dad may attend as well for an additional supply fee. Additional kits will be available for optional purchase following class.
- Date: Saturdays, June 18, 10am-11:30am
- Fee: $15/youth (or adult+youth)
- Register: https://isd622.ce.eleyo.com/course/9980/spring-2022/survival-paracord-bracelet-ages-10
Dragonflies and Damselfies (Adult/Youth Ages 6+)
Discover the wonderful world of dragonflies and damselfies as you take a closer look at their various stages of life. Try your hand at catching one with a net as they are plentiful at the nature center. Finish your experience by coloring a dragonfly and damselfly picture to take with you. Fee is for one adult and 1 youth age 6 and above.
- Date: Saturdays, July16, 10am-12pm
- Fee: $15 (adult+youth)
- Register: https://isd622.ce.eleyo.com/course/9986/summer-22/dragonflies-and-damselflies-adult-youth-age-6
Citywide Programs
- Buckthorn removal
- Citizen Science Monitoring and more
- Edgerton Community Gardens
- Watershed Education
Please check back for future programing.
The pond, trial and outdoor exhibits remain open. Explore on your own for free with one of our interpretive brochures.
- Self-Guiding Nature Trail Map (PDF)
- Waterworks Brochure (PDF)
- Self-guided Spring Nature Bingo Hike
- Self-guided Tree Quest
Exhibits
Touch and see, read and learn! Our outdoor exhibits engage the senses, and a variety of learning styles.