Jay C. Hormel Nature Center has a vibrant history, marked throughout by ongoing generosity and support from the Austin community. Growing from 123 acres to nearly 520 today, the Nature Center offers a sanctuary for people and wildlife alike.
1927 – Hormel Estate
Jay Catherwood Hormel plants the first of more than 200,000 trees on land that will become part of the future Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.
1971
The City of Austin acquires 123 acres of land around the Hormel estate.
1973
The pond is excavated, creating a unique new habitat.
The Lions Club covered bridge is dedicated.
1974
Richard Birger is hired as the Nature Center’s first director.
1975
U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey speaks at the dedication of the Interpretive Center.
1978
Fifty-five acres of land is added to the Nature Center.
Vince Shay replaces Dick Birger as the director/naturalist.
1980
The human-imprinted red-tailed hawk, “Red,” is acquired as an educational bird.
1982
The maple syrup Sugar Shack is donated by the Noon Kiwanis Club of
Austin.
1984
The Nature Center expands by 101 acres.
1985
A 125-ton gneiss rock, a glacial erratic, is moved to the Nature Center.
1988
Larry Dolphin replaces Vince Shay as the new director/naturalist.
Friends of the Hormel Nature Center is established.
1992
The Jacques Chipault Memorial Handicapped Access Trail is dedicated.
1994
The Ruby Rupner Auditorium is dedicated.
1996
25th anniversary celebration features Nina Leopold Bradley, daughter of Aldo Leopold.
2002
The log cabin is constructed, thanks to a donation from an anonymous
donor.
2005
Injured as a young bird, “Guka” the barred owl is acquired as an educational bird.
2009
Over 350 trees are destroyed and the Interpretive Center badly damaged
by a tornado.
2010
Red the red-tailed hawk celebrates 30 years as an educational bird at the Nature Center.
The Nature Center expands by 148 acres.
2011
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
2013
Plans are announced for a new Interpretive Center building.
2014
Guka the barred owl celebrates his 10th birthday.
2016
Groundbreaking held for the new Interpretive Center building.
The new maintenance building is completed.
Luke Reese replaces Larry Dolphin as the new director/naturalist.
2017
New $6.8 million Interpretive Center building is opened on Earth Day.
Injured as a fledglings, “Sha” and “Wiyaka,” red-tailed hawks, are
acquired as educational birds.
2019
11 acres of farmland were acquired and added to the Nature Center.
2020
Trail signs were added, and trails were color coded. A new trail map was
created.
2021
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center celebrates 50th Anniversary.
New Sugar Shack built that is ADA compliant.
Participated in mussel research project on Dobbins Creek with the MNDNR.
Awarded a grant by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for a teacher/outreach naturalist and one intern position.
2022
New mussel exhibit installed.
Guka the barred owl passed away in December.
Bought 3 all terrain Action Trackchairs.
2023
Wiyaka the red-tailed hawk passed away in March.
2024
2 brand new fox snakes – Wanda and Cosmo
New great horned owl – Cedar
New logo.
2025
1.4 miles of trails paved and .2 miles repaved.
Removed 475 trees, primarily dead ash trees, that are potentially hazardous due to their proximity to trails.