Get up close with animal teeth and bones! Join a naturalist to examine various skulls, learn about different animals’ diets, and take a walk to see who's eating what (and whom!) out in the park. (All ages)Questions: 612-668-2478

It's Monarch time! Find out how these beautiful butterflies grow from teeny tiny egg to marvelous migrating adults. Go on a prairie adventure in search of fluttering wings with a naturalist. From beak to feet, song and tweet our feathered friends come in lots of shapes and sizes. Investigate the feathers and features of birds to learn how their differences help them survive. This is an adult/child interactive program. This class is for Pre-school age with caregiver.Questions: 612-668-2478

Floaty, rolly, hard and soft, seeds come in many shapes and sizes. Explore different types of seeds and the methods they use to get around then go for a hike to find examples in the park. This is an adult/child interactive program.Questions: 612-668-2478

Over the land, underground, in the air, and all around! Water is constantly moving and changing. Drop by the nature center to explore and experiment with how water cycles through the world and shapes the landscape. (All ages)Questions: 612-668-2478

Come dissect a wasp nest to see how these amazing creatures use pulped plant fiber to build their homes. Look for wasp nests in the park, then use paper from the dissected nest to add to a group collage or make your own artwork to take home. (All ages)Questions: 612-668-2478

Goldenrod flowers are abundant this time of year. Learn how to collect and process goldenrod flowers into a natural dye and experiment with cotton fabric to take home. (ages 8+, $5 materials fee). All materials included with $5 supply fee to be paid at Nature CenterQuestions: 612-668-2478

The chill of winter is on its way, so how do animals get ready to survive a Minnesota winter? Learn some of the strategies Minnesota animals use in different habitats to keep safe, warm, and fed during the coldest months of the year. This is an adult/child interactive program.Questions: 612-668-2478

There are lots of critters leaving tiny trails over and under the ground. Come learn about some of our smallest mammals in Minnesota, then head out to look for signs of them in the park. This is an adult/child interactive program.Questions: 612-668-2478

Many animals prefer life at night. Drop by the nature center to learn more about these neighbors, explore their adaptations to darkness, and find out what we can do to make nighttime easier for animals in the city. (All ages)Questions: 612-668-2478

Take a walk to collect tall prairie grasses and other plants to use for art. Add your touch to a group art project or make a woven decoration to take home. (All ages)Questions: 612-668-2478

Take a walk around the park to find sticks, stones, and other interesting objects. Bring back your treasures and craft or decorate a picture frame. (All ages)Questions: 612-668-2478

The prairie is home to both predators and prey. Join a naturalist to explore the prairie and look for fur, bones, feathers, and other signs of animals eating – and being eaten. Family Tracking Club program description: Develop wildlife tracking skills, sharpen your powers of observation, and bring your sense of curiosity as you explore the park with a naturalist and learn about animals. All are welcome; geared to participants ages 5+ with a registered parent.Questions: 612-668-2478

The diversity of animals that thrive in this urban stretch of the Mississippi river is an indication that the river’s water quality has improved dramatically over the past 100 years. Learn about the animals that make up a river food chain, from tiny macroinvertebrates and native mussels to fish, mink, muskrat, and otter, then walk along the river to look for signs of these animals in the park. Join a Kroening naturalist and learn more about the natural world. Each program will include natural history information, hands-on discovery, and an outdoor component. This series covers a wide variety of topics: choose your favorite or try them all to learn something new. Activities may include walking on uneven ground. Ages 18+

Immerse yourself in the colors of fall while walking through the park with a naturalist. Learn about local tree species and how to identify trees by their seeds, bark, and colorful leaves. This class includes outdoor walking. Please dress appropriately.

Go on a hike in Theodore Wirth Park and learn tips and tricks for identifying different types of conifer trees. After the hike, we will gather at the Wirth Pavilion and make seasonal wreaths using cuttings from various conifer trees and other winter foliage. A grapevine wreath base and all greenery and decorations will be provided. Wirth Pavilion can be accessed by driving up the service road that is directly across Glenwood Ave from the Beach House parking lot entrance.

In 1926, the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities was so polluted that it was declared biologically dead. Learn about the river’s ecological recovery over the past 100 years, historical and current threats to water quality, and actions we can take to protect it for the next generation. Try your hand at water quality tests by measuring current levels of common pollutants such as nitrates, phosphorus, and chloride. Join a Kroening naturalist for an opportunity to go in-depth on a particular topic and learn more about the natural world. Each program will include natural history information, hands-on discovery, and an outdoor component. This series covers a wide variety of topics: choose your favorite or try them all to learn something new. Activities may include walking on uneven ground. Ages 18+

After being nearly extirpated from Minnesota, river otters have made a strong comeback. Learn about the biology of these fascinating mammals, examine an otter’s pelt and skull, then go for a walk with a naturalist to look for signs of otters along the river. Join a Kroening naturalist and learn more about the natural world. Each program will include natural history information, hands-on discovery, and an outdoor component. This series covers a wide variety of topics: choose your favorite or try them all to learn something new. Activities may include walking on uneven ground. Ages 18+

Discover another way to “see” animals in the park by learning to interpret the tracks they leave behind. Learn tracking tips and what to look for, then join a naturalist to explore along the Mississippi River, practice track identification, and learn about the natural history of these animals. This class will consist of a classroom introduction followed by exploration along the river and through the woods in search of clues. *Dress for the weather. We will go off the path so walking sticks can be useful. Class held at Carl W. Kroening Nature Center, 4900 N Mississippi Dr.

Learn more about the animals that live in the park by following the trails they leave behind. Join a naturalist to find and identify animal tracks and sign and learn how to follow and interpret animal trails. This class will consist of a classroom introduction followed by exploration along the river and through the woods in search of clues. *Dress for the weather. We will go off the path so walking sticks can be useful. Class held at Carl W. Kroening Nature Center, 4900 N Mississippi Dr.

Fall is a colorful, busy time at Longfellow Gardens! Observe the wildlife in the garden, which may include bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Explore how to help us bring wildlife to our own yards and gardens. You'll leave with a resource list, some native seeds, and inspiration for gardening for wildlife! We will meet at the north entrance to Longfellow Gardens south of the small parking lot on E Minnehaha Parkway. Binoculars provided for use during program. This program takes place entirely outside. Check the weather and come prepared for being outdoors. In the event of severe or extreme weather conditions this program will be cancelled, and communications will be sent.

Explore the orchard at the garden and learn about the history of the apple tree and its cultivation. Learn some basics on apple tree disease and care and taste test the University of Minnesota varieties that we grow in the garden. This program will take place in a garden and will be entirely outdoors, please dress for the weather. The program will be canceled if inclement weather. The garden is located at 2900 Glenwood Ave in Minneapolis, here is no parking lot but street parking is available on the south side of Glenwood Ave and perpendicular streets.