Naturalist-Led Family and Adult Programs

Join a Warner naturalist for these fun events for all ages! Wear casual clothing appropriate for the weather and hands-on activities.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all of our programs (except Fall Color Blast, Winter Blizzard Blast, and Maple Syrup Open House). Cancellations must be made at least three days prior to an event for a full refund. To register, please call (651) 433-2427, ext. 10.

To register, please call (651) 433-2427, ext. 10. Please note, leaving a voicemail message does not constitute an official registration.

April 2013

Timberdoodle Twirl
Friday, April 12, 6:30-8 p.m.
Registration deadline: April 8
Experience the spectacular springtime sky dance of the timberdoodle (also known as the American woodcock). One of Warner's naturalists will take you on a search for these normally elusive birds. $5 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $7 nonmembers (Ages 13+)

Earth Day Workshop
Tuesday, April 23, 6-8 p.m.
Registration deadline: April 19
Find out how to make every day Earth Day in this two hour workshop for all budgets and lifestyles! Get practical information about little things that make a big difference, such as home composting and low-impact meal plans. You'll even get to take home samples of homemade green cleaning supplies. Bring questions, leave with workable plans. $10 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $12 nonmembers (Ages 12+)

Frog and Toad Walk
Thursday, April 25, 7-8:30 p.m.
Registration deadline: April 22
The sounds of a Minnesota spring increase daily as animals become active again after a quiet winter. Join a Warner naturalist for an evening of learning about and listening to some of the smallest and loudest singers in the woods, frogs! We will learn about the local frogs, who is singing and why, and then head out to listen to the chorus of frogs at Warner. Bring a headlamp or flashlight as this will be a night hike. $5 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $7 nonmembers (All ages)

April Girl Scout Programs

May 2013

Family Program: Forest Fairies & Gnomes
Saturday, May 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Registration deadline: May 8
Get ready for an enchanted nature adventure as we explore the delightful world of forest fairies and gnomes. We will create gnome and fairy houses, go on a magical treasure hunt, and tell captivating stories. Younger children may need adult assistance for some of the crafts and all are welcome to come in outdoor appropriate fairy attire. $15 per family (up to 2 adults and 6 children) (Families with children ages 3-9)

Buckthorn & Birds
Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Registration deadline: May 15
Back by popular demand! Come enjoy the wonders of spring bird migration and become a Warner land steward all in one day. Learn about bird courtship and nesting from our naturalist while you enjoy a short bird hike, watch a live bird banding demonstration and give back by pulling one of the most invasive plants in our forests, buckthorn. Bring along your binoculars, work gloves, small handsaw or pruners, and water bottle! We recommend wearing long pants, a long-sleeve shirt and bringing a hat. Snacks will be provided. FREE Friends of Warner / Science Museum members, $5 nonmembers (All Ages)

Wild Edibles: A Taste of Spring
Tuesday, May 28, 6-8 p.m.
Registration deadline: May 24
Learn how to find food in your own backyard! Hike around Warner with a naturalist to harvest ingredients for some wild appetizers. We'll make a couple dishes together, then try them out! A must for cooks, 'locavores' (those who eat locally), and aspiring taste testers. Camp is limited to 25 people. $7 per person or $20 per family (up to 2 adults and 6 children) (All ages)

May Girl Scout Programs

June 2013

Geocaching!
Saturday, June 1, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Registration deadline: May 29
Looking for a new adventure? Curious about how a GPS works? This program will introduce you to the technology behind GPS and give you a chance to explore the Warner woods with a GPS receiver as you look for hidden containers. Warner will provide the GPS units. $5 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $7 nonmembers (Ages 6+)

Dragonfly Bioblitz
Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10 a.m. Instructional Overview (recommended)
11 a.m. Field Collection Begins
Registration deadline: June 3
Warner Nature Center is home to dozens of species of dragonflies of all sizes and colors, including some that had never been found in Minnesota until now. Join us for a fun day of dragonfly observation and collecting along Warner Nature Center's ponds and lakes. You will learn where and when to best look for dragonflies, how to catch and handle them, and basic identification. You will also learn how to encourage these beneficial insects to visit your back yard. This will be a great family event, bring an insect net if you have one. Otherwise, nets will be available for your use. The program is ongoing during the four hours so you can stay for the entire program or leave at anytime. Bring a bag lunch. (All ages). FREE
Course Code: WJDRB0608

Family Canoe Adventure
Monday, June 17, 1-4 p.m.
Registration deadline: June 13
Join us for a fun afternoon canoeing on Warner's pristine lakes. With luck we'll hear loons and see beavers. Instruction for all members of your family and all equipment provided. Bring a bag lunch to enjoy before the program begins in the Trailside Museum. Camp is limited to 20 people. $8 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $10 nonmembers (Ages 3+)
Course Code: WHFCA0617

Family Kayak Adventure
Tuesday, June 18, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Registration deadline: June 14
Join us for a fun afternoon kayaking on Warner's pristine lakes. With luck we'll hear loons and see beavers. Instruction for all members of your family and all equipment provided. Bring a bag lunch to enjoy after the program ends in the Trailside Museum. Camp is limited to 12 people. $8 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $10 nonmembers (Ages 9+)
Course Code: WIFKA0618

Family Canoe Camping
Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. - Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m.
Registration deadline: June 14
Have you ever wanted to take your family camping in the BWCA or on a stretch of the St. Croix River but aren't sure if you have the skills? Learn the basics of a canoe camping trip in the comfort of Warner's lakes and forests. Canoe and camping basics will be covered as well as trip planning and camp cooking. You will even get a chance to portage a canoe a 1/2 mile! Program will include lunch, dinner and breakfast. After this introduction, we hope you will be ready to schedule a canoe camping adventure for your family next summer! Camp is limited to 15 people. (Ages 3+) Friends of Warner / Science Museum members: $90 per adult, $72 per child ages 3-12; nonmembers $100 per adult, $85 per child ages 3-12.
Course Code: WHFCC0622

Fly Fishing for Adults
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, June 24-28, 6:30-9 p.m.
Registration deadline: June 17
Back by popular demand! Join Warner director, Ron Lawrenz, at Warner Nature Center for three evenings to learn the basics of fly-fishing. This includes a review of equipment and how to rig it, fly tying basics and tying a fly or two, casting instruction, and finally spending an evening fishing hefty sunfish and bass with flies you have tied. All fly rods and reels are provided. Class is limited to 10 people. $70 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $80 non-members.
Course Code: WFFFA0624

July 2013

Family Nature Play Day
Saturday, July 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Registration deadline: July 17
Want your family to be happier, healthier, and smarter? Then join us on this fun weekend morning where we'll climb, run, dig, roll, splash, and explore together in Warner's woods, prairie and lakeshore. Studies indicate that children who play outdoors are more active, less stressed, build confidence, use their brain in more creative ways, and do better in school. Plus, it's FUN for all ages! Dress for adventure and wear your play clothes. Bring a picnic lunch (optional) for after camp. Camp is limited to 10 families. $12 per family.
Course Code: WJFNA0720

Wild Edibles Hike
Tuesday, July 30, 6-8 p.m.
Registration deadline: July 26
Learn about wild edible plants on this evening hike with a Warner naturalist. Take home ingredients and recipes to make garlic mustard pesto, cattail and dandelion salad, and berry dessert! Camp is limited to 25 people. $8 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $10 nonmembers.
Course Code: WJWEH0730

August 2013

Adult Sunset Kayak
Friday, August 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration deadline: August 7
Enjoy the delights of late summer as you paddle the calm waters of Lake Terrapin at sunset. With luck we'll hear loons and see beavers. Instruction and all equipment provided. Camp is limited to 12 people. $8 Friends of Warner / Science Museum members; $10 non-members.
Course Code: WFADK0809

Last Hurrah of Summer!
Saturday, August 31, 1-3 p.m.
Registration deadline: August 28
Couldn't get enough of ultimate survival, nature play, and S'more Fridays? Here's your chance to end the summer of 2013 on a fun note at Warner Nature Center. "Spy" on animals, play games in the woods, and enjoy the last of the summer as a family. $12 per family. (All ages)
Course Code: WJLHS0831