Maplewood Nature Center in Saint Paul, MN 55119

Maplewood Nature Center boasts an interactive indoor pond and forest exhibit, a children's puppet area, and a touch-and-see corner in its refurbished Visitor Center, as well as 1.5 miles of scenic trails outdoors - including a floating boardwalk and observation decks - offering visitors plenty of chances to observe waterfowl, birds, wildflowers, and more.

The trails are mostly stroller-friendly, surfaced with limerock and flat, and the boardwalk is also stroller accessible. Programs for all ages throughout the year provide opportunities for fun and learning. Rent wooden or aluminum snowshoes in season for $3/pair.

Parties: Two-hour parties include a naturalist-led program, hike, and games, and party favors, a visit with a live animal, and an hour in a private room for treats and gift opening; $75/up to 12 children. Call 651.249.2170 for more information.

message from Maplewood Nature Center:

NATURE FAMILY FUN WITH ECFE
Starting Sept 24, 10:00-11:30am
(For children birth - 5 years)
Make nature discoveries together and meet new friends! This class is offered at the Maplewood Nature Center in collaboration with Early Childhood and Family Education staff. Parents stay with their child(ren) during the entire class. Fee is $5 per child per session.
Sept 24, Squirrels and Acorns; Oct 15, Fall Leaves;
Nov. 12, Live Animals; Feb 18, Animal Tracks; March 24, Sap into Syrup; April 28, Spring Pond Creatures.
To register contact ECFE: 651-748-7280 or register online at www.isd622.org/ecfe

ANIMALS THAT SLEEP
Friday, Dec 9th, 7-8:00 PM
Best for ages 3-8 with adult
Wear your pjÃ???Ã??Ã?Â¢??s. Learn about deep sleepers, hibernators, as well as winter active and night creatures. Go for a night hike.
Free. Please call to pre-register by Wed., Dec. 7. Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th Street East, Maplewood, 55119, 651-249-2170.

LET IT SNOW PUPPET SHOW
Tuesday, Dec 27th, 10:30 am-11:30 am
Best for 3 and up with adult.
Laugh and sing along with the Maplewood Nature Center puppets: Owl, Rabbit and Squirrel (and more) as they share their love for winter. Make a simple puppet to play with and take home.
Location: North St Paul Community Center,
Fireside Room, 2290 N. 1st Street, North St. Paul
Fee $2/ child. Pre-register by December 23.
Payment can be made by check or cash to Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th Street East, Maplewood, 55119, 651-249-2170. You can also register online by following the Quick Link at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/nc.

LIVE ANIMAL SHOW
Saturday, December 17th, 10-11:00 AM
Families with children 3- 10 years
Get up close and personal with a friendly Hognose snake, American toad and Tiger salamander. Try on a turtle shell or Ã???Ã??Ã?Â¢??snake skinÃ???Ã??Ã?Â¢?? and watch the salamander slurp up an earthworm treat.
Free
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. East, Maplewood, MN 55119
For reservations call 651-249-2170

NATURE NIGHT HIKE
Thursday, December 29, 7-8:30PM
Best for Families with children ages 7 and up
and small youth groups.
Hike the trails by moonlight and starlight. Learn about nocturnal animals and discover Orion and other constellations. Make a simple glow in the dark starfinder. Warm up at the nature center with hot chocolate.
Fee: $4/person. Please pre-register by December 27. Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th Street East, Maplewood, 55119, 651-249-2170.

SNOWSHOE OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, January 7, 2012, 10:00am-3:00pm
Snowshoes available for ages 4 to adult.
A naturalist will show you how to strap on and walk, run, and turn around with your snowshoes, answer nature questions, and orient you to the nature center trails. Try wood or metal snowshoes (wood snowshoes require 6+ inches of snow). Sleds will be available for pulling young kids. Dress in layers and wear winter boots. In case of low snow conditions, winter hiking is encouraged, & the visitor centerÃ¢??s nature exhibits are open. Drop-in program.
Fee: Snowshoe rental: $5/pair. Hot chocolate for all attendees!
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. East, Maplewood, MN 55119

BRR, BRR, BIRDIE
Thursday, January 12, 10:00-11:15 am
Best for ages 3-7with adult or small day care groups
DeeDee the chickadee puppet will help you learn all about MinnesotaÃ¢??s birds. Make a pine cone birdfeeder to take home.
Fee: $4 per child, preregister by Jan 10

SNOWSHOE HIKE
Saturday, January 21, 2012, 1:30-3:00pm
Ages four and up, children accompanied by adult
Learn about snowshoes, strap on a pair, and walk through our Winter Wonderland.
Instruction and snowshoes provided. Wear sturdy winter boots and bring your own mug for hot drinks. *Note: if snow is scarce, we will go on a winter hike instead to look for animal tracks and signs.
Fee: $5/person, prepaid by Jan 19
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. East, Maplewood, MN 55119

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FAIR
Saturday, January 28th, 2012, 10:00am-2:00pm
A FREE event at Maplewood Community Center:
Visit the Maplewood Nature CenterÃ¢??s Booth at this fun event for an owl make-and-take craft, and check out lots of other great booths, exhibits, & entertainment. Performances throughout the day by the Teddy Bear Band.

FISH CREEK SNOWSHOE HIKE
Co-sponsored by The Friends of Maplewood Nature
Saturday, Feb 11, 2012, 1:00-3:00 PM
Adults and kids 10 and up
Snowshoe with us for a wintry hike along the shores of Fish Creek, the wildest spot in south MaplewoodÃ¢??s newest Greenway. Learn about Fish CreekÃ¢??s history and biodiversity, and the recent successful efforts to preserve the valley and surrounding bluffs. Dress for an active winter hike and be prepared for primitive trails and uneven terrain.
Meet at Oakwood Church, 1388 South Pointe Douglas Road, St. Paul, 55119.
$5 snowshoe rental fee (please indicate small or large size), or bring your own snowshoes.
Pre-registration only. Call 651-249-2170 to register by Feb 8.

NATURE TRAVEL DIALOGUE FOR SENIORS
Wednesday, Feb 15, 1:30-2:30pm
Get inspired for future trips with retired naturalist Judy Horsnell, a compulsive promoter of nature travel. SheÃ¢??ll show photos of some of her favorite nature destinations, and share some travel tricks and tips. Come with memories and information about YOUR favorite nature locations in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Tea and cookies served in the Sunroom.
Fee: $4.00/person. Please pre-register by Friday, Feb 10.
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. East, Maplewood, MN 55109

NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
Friday, February 10, 10:00-11:00am
It's FUN to volunteer at the Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserves! Come learn what it takes to be a trail guide, receptionist, open space monitor, and about other volunteer opportunities. Volunteers must pass a background check and Youth opportunities as animal care volunteers also available for ages 10-16.
Call 651-249-2170 to register
Location: Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. East

Full Circle: A Walk around Lake Superior
FULL Circle Superior Friends event
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Snow date: March 6
Come hear about their adventure! Naturalists Kate Crowley and Mike Link completed a 1550 mile trek around the largest lake in the world. The combination of biological, physical, and cultural research with the adventure of walking around Lake Superior was a dramatic experience that this husband and wife couple will share with photos and stories from the trek. During their 5 month walk they kept to the shoreline, taking photos and making observations about the natural environment. Hear their story and see photos of this extraordinary experience.

A book about their experiences will be released in Spring 2012. You may purchase their Grandparents book with cash or checks before or after the program.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Nature, Maplewood Nature Center and the Ramsey County Library-Maplewood. It will take place: Book signing and meet the authors reception from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Program from 7 to 8:00 p.m. Location: Ramsey County Library-Maplewood at 3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109. The library is just west of Maplewood Mall.

Attendance is free, but seating is limited so pre-registration is required. Call 651-249-2170 to register.
http://www.fullcirclesuperior.org
http://www.grandparentsamericanstyle.com/