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# hormelnaturecenter.org

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [December Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/december-nature-note/) - A few weeks ago, I found myself gazing at the night sky, parked on the edge of a cornfield in my flannel pajamas. It’s not every day that something so extraordinary and urgent comes along that I leave the house in my slippers; but a picture-perfect aurora borealis is just that. As the greens and pinks danced in the sky, I knew that whatever was happening up there felt almost like magic. Turns out, it’s all thanks to the sun.
- [January Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/january-nature-note/) - Black-capped chickadees may be one of the most easily recognizable birds both by their look and by their call: “chicka-dee-dee-dee”. However, did you know that chickadees are one of the smallest and hardiest birds that stays and faces Minnesota winters head on? Most people think about birds migrating south, moving to warmer locations, and living through the winter season in these areas. Have you ever considered how such a tiny bird like the chickadee manages to survive our harsh Minnesota winters?
- [November Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/november-nature-note/) - As fall and winter approach, we are seeing an increase in bird migration. Many of these birds are going to warmer areas, like Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, etc. But did you know that Minnesota is another popular location for birds to spend the wintertime, especially for one common raptor.
- [September Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/september-nature-note/) - Every evening this summer, the sky above Main Street fills with small, fast moving birds darting and chirping above the buildings. While they are unnoticed by most, it only takes one look up to realize these are not ordinary birds. Nicknamed “flying cigars” because of their slender, tube-shaped bodies, their amazing speed and constant aerial acrobatics make them hard to miss once you know what to look for. These are Chimney Swifts, and while they have spent the last several months performing every night on Main Street and throughout town, by the end of September they will all be gone.
- [October Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/october-nature-note/) - Minnesota boasts incredible coniferous and hardwood forests in the northern part of the state as well as plenty of deciduous forests in the south. In amongst the deciduous forests, lay hidden gems that are a feast for the eyes, and the stomachs.
- [August Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/august-nature-note/) - It’s time to understand these tiny, sly bugs that often result in breaking out the bug spray or heading back inside. No-see-ums, also referred to as sand gnats, biting midges, punkies, moose flies, five-o’s, and sandflies, are well known for being party poopers. But what are they, really?
- [July Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/july-nature-note/) - Quickly approaching are the “dog days” of summer – a period of some of the hottest days, typically around the second half of July. While most of us are trying to beat the heat, our cicadas emerge to sing the one and only song of their lives.
- [June Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/june-nature-note/) - There has been a lot of buzz about the decline of bee populations lately. But what most people are focusing on is the loss of large honeybee colonies. While devasting, honeybees are actually not native to the United States and there are a greater diversity of pollinators that are being lost that we should be focusing on. One of the best ways to help our native Minnesota pollinators is to plant native Minnesota plants.
- [May Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/may-nature-note/) - May is the perfect time to explore surrounding woodlands for a plethora of flowers that can be only found for a couple of weeks in the early springtime. These flowers are called spring ephemerals, meaning they only last for a very short period.
- [April Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/april-nature-note/) - Melted snow and rain will collect in low spots on the ground forming temporary ponds, called vernal pools. While these puddles may look small, their short existence makes a large impact on the many animals that depend on them to survive, such as insects, frogs, salamanders, and more.

## Pages

- [Home](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/) - Start your adventure, get outdoors! The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center features over 500 acres of prairie, forests, and wetlands with 9 miles of trails.
- [Nature Notes](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/nature-notes/) - Nature Notes Nature Notes July: Rattlesnake Master; A Most Peculiar Flower Rattlesnake Master is native to southern Minnesota but ranges all the way down to Texas. The plant can be identified by looking for its yucca-like (root vegetables) leaves. This means they are long, slender, and look a little pokey. Not many people know that
- [Grant Awards](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/grant-awards/) - Grant Funding Granting Agency: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Grant Program: No Child Left InsideGrant Project Title: Canoe Replacement Project Grant Award: $3608.00Grant Period: June 10, 2026 - June 30, 2027 Leadership and Grant Management: Luke Reese, luke.reese@hormelnaturecenter.org This project is funded by the State of Minnesota and administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural
- [Upcoming Events](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/upcoming-events/) - Upcoming Events Upcoming Events July Storytime at the Rock with Austin Public Library Thursday, July 16th; 2:00 p.m.Hormel Nature Center; Free Join library staff at the Hormel Nature Center's big rock for a nature-themed storytime in the great outdoors! Dammen Family Fun Day Saturday, July 18th; 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Embrace your adventurous side like
- [Summer Classes](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/summer-classes/) - Summer Classes Summer Classes How to Register Registration for all summer programs opens April 1st at 9am! Classes fill quickly, make sure to register early. If a class you want is full, please use the waitlist. Classes are non-refundable. If you are a current member of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center, you get $5.00 off each summer class!
- [Equipment Rentals](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/equipment-rentals/) - Equipment Rentals General Equipment Rental Information We only accept cash or check All participants must sign a waiver You must be 18 or older to sign for yourself Those under 18 need a parent/guardian to sign for them. Rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis, no reservations. Rentals are not available on government holidays. Canoe
- [Home School Groups](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/home-school-groups/) - Home School Groups Home School Groups The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center welcomes home school groups from all over to participate in our home school days. We offer multiple options throughout the year. You must register online and pay before hand. Classes are non-refundable. Cost: $5 for kids. You will need to complete the online waiver as
- [Dammen Family Fun Day](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/dammen-family-fun-day/) - Dammen Family Fun Day Saturday, July 18th; 1:00 - 5:00 pm Kevin Dammen loved the great outdoors and was an avid athlete—he enjoyed running, skiing, unicycling, slacklining, hiking, and camping. In 2011, Kevin passed away while kayaking on Lake Superior. Since then, the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center has started a mentorship program for kids
- [Employment](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/employment/) - Intern/Teacher/Naturalist – Full Year Paid Internship The City of Austin, MN is seeking a highly motivated, energetic individual for a full year intern/teacher/naturalist position at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, a division of our park and recreation department. The ideal candidate would be able to start mid-August, 2026.The successful candidate will: Teach environmental, conservation,
- [Accessibility](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/accessibility/) - We offer two free services to patrons who need assistance to access the trails; track power chairs and trail access vehicle golf cart tours.
- [Get Involved](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/get-involved/) - Get Involved Become a Member Help support the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center by becoming a Friends member today. Check out the benefits and recent projects on the Friends web page. Volunteer Look for our volunteer opportunities on the United Way website or join our volunteer email list to keep up to date on special
- [About](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/about/) - Interpretive Center is free, 9 miles of trails, general rules, FAQs, meet our animals, attractions, and habitats
- [Programs & Events](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/services/) - Programs & Events
- [Friends of the Nature Center](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/friends/) - Mission Statement: To enhance and encourage environmental education, scientific opportunities, ​and the enjoyment of nature at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Mission Statement: To enhance and encourage environmental education, scientific opportunities, ​and the enjoyment of nature at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center In order to continue to fulfill our mission to the Nature
- [Nature Play](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/nature-play-2/) - Nature Play Nature Play Free Activities and Programs Select Thursdays and Saturdays 1:00 - 4:00 pm Get outside and discover nature with your child! Enjoy free activities such as: Canoes & Kayaks Water Tables Scooping the Pond Touch Tables Animal Encounters Free Programs at 1:00 pm Nature Play Dates and Programs Programs start at 1:00
- [Facility Rentals](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/facility-rentals/) - Facility Rental Ruby Rupner Auditorium Large private room great for graduations, weddings, birthday parties, conferences, or memorials. $60/hour with $15/hour security fee. Seats 150 Serving kitchen with dishware. Sound system, projector, and screen. Request Booking Gordon Lonning Room Small conference room perfect for hosting a small meeting or conference. $30/hour with a $15/hour security fee. Seats
- [Staff & Board](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/staff-board/) - Meet our office, teaching, and intern team members. Meet our Friends of the Hormel Nature Center board members.
- [Contact](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/contact/) - Contact Us You can find us at: EMAILinfo@hormelnaturecenter.org PHONE NUMBER507-437-7519 LOCATION1304 21st St. NE, Austin, MN 55912 E-NEWSLETTERSubscribe Now and never miss a thing! SOCIAL Let's get in touch First Name Last Name Message Send MessageThe form has been submitted successfully!There has been some error while submitting the form. Please verify all form fields again.
- [Nature Playscape](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/nature-playscape/) - Nature Playscape Nestled into the woods overlooking Dobbins Creek’s north branch, the future Nature Playscape will offer an exciting destination for children and families to discover, explore and connect at Austin’s Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. In 2026, the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center is committing $200,000 to build the Nature Playscape about a
- [Senior Special](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/senior-special-2/) - Senior Specials Senior Specials Senior Programs Select Thursdays 10:00 - 11:00 am Nature lovers age 55 and older are invited to join us for there free Thursday events including: 10:00 am: Program or concert with coffee, tea, and cookies provided. 11:00 am: Optional 45-60 minute guided golf cart tour of the Nature Center trails. Must
- [Planetarium](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/planetarium/) - Planetarium Planetarium Star Lab Inflatable Planetarium The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is home to an inflatable planetarium thanks to the generous donations of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center and the Worlein Family.We offer free planetarium programs to the public every three months. They fall on select Saturdays over the course of the
- [Astronomy](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/astronomy/) - Astronomy Sola Fide Observatory Sola Fide is an observatory that is located off-site. Free public viewing nights are offered 2 Saturday nights a month from April through September. Cedar River Astronomy Club The Cedar River Astronomy Club is a free club that meets once a month April - October at the Jay C. Hormel Nature
- [Mentorship Program](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/mentorship-program/) - The Kevin Dammen Memorial Mentorship Program History Kevin Dammen loved the great outdoors and readily shared this passion with others, encouraging them to get outside and appreciate nature. He had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed running, skiing, unicycling, storm chasing, kayaking, slacklining, hiking, and camping. In 2009, Kevin co-founded the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Cross
- [History](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/history/) - History 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 EstateJay Catherwood Hormel plants the first of more than 200,000 trees on land
- [Observatory](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/observatory/) - Sola Fide Observatory Sola Fide Observatory 2026 Season Viewing Nights On select Saturdays from April - September, the observatory will be open for free public viewing. Dates are labeled as Moon viewing or deep space viewing. Deep space viewing nights have no moon, giving us darker skies to look at more galaxies, nebulae, and dimmer deep
- [Survival Game](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/survival-game/) - Survival Game Challenge your nature knowledge by playing our new choose-your-own adventure survival game! Answer questions about a critter of your choice and follow a guided path on nature center trails. How to Play Start by choosing a critter You will be asked questions about this critter and decide which answer is correct Before each
- [Rentals](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/rentals/) - Rentals Facility Ruby Rupner Auditorium Gordon Lonning Resource Room Equipment Cross-Country Skis & Snowshoes Canoes & Kayaks Accessibility Power Tracked Chairs Golf Cart Tours
- [Pollinator Garden](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/pollinatorgarden/) - Pollinator Garden Why have a pollinator garden?Pollinators are an essential part of nature and ecosystems because they allow for plants to reproduce. Some of our favorite foods even need pollinators to grow! Although their job is a crucial part of ecosystems all over the world pollinators everywhere are in danger. With the loss of habitat
- [Gravel Bed](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/gravelbed/) - Gravel Bed Tree Nursery ​A gravel bed tree nursery is a method used by growers to promote a higher success rate of tree survival as well as faster growth once the tree gets planted in the ground. The bed is filled with 3/8" gravel with 10% sand mixed in to allow for ample drainage and
- [Education Programs](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/education-programs/) - Education Programs The Hormel Nature Center offers curriculum for preschool through middle school. We have been serving the Austin community for over 40 years! We also offer classes to home school groups and other public and private schools outside of Austin. We offer half-day programs that run 2 hours long. We also offer full day
- [Astronomy Club](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/astronomy-club/) - Cedar River Astronomy Club Club Meetings Second Friday of April-September at 8 pm at the Hormel Nature Center. History In 1993, the Cedar River Astronomy Club was founded following the generous donation of Sola Fide Observatory from Dr. Eric Rachut in November 1992 to the city of Austin. The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center took ownership of
- [Rain Garden](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/rain-garden/) - Rain Gardens A rain garden is a garden of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers planted in a small depression where run-off rain water is collected. The rain water is temporarily held in this depression during periods of high rain fall and run-off from downspouts. A rain garden can effectively remove up to 90% of nutrients
- [Game Privacy Policy](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/game-privacy-policy/) - Survival Game Privacy Policy ​Last Updated: 04/29/2024 This Privacy Policy outlines the manner in which the "Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Survival Game" mobile application (referred to as the "App"), developed by the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center, collects, uses, maintains, and discloses information collected from users.Information Collection and UsageThe Jay C. Hormel Nature Center

## Categories

- [Nature Note](https://hormelnaturecenter.org/category/nature-note/)