January
Friends Annual Meeting
Saturday, January 24; 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Free Open House; Ruby Rupner Auditorium
As a Friends member, you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. You can look forward to a presentation about the Friends’ accomplishments of 2025, an introduction to new interns, voting in 2026 board members, and treats. If you have not renewed your membership, you can do so on our website.
Pop-Up Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Cost: Ski rental cost – $2 per child and $8 per adult. $5 per person for the class
Date: Select Saturdays
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 am
We will be offering ski pop-up cross-country ski lessons on select Saturday mornings as snow conditions allow through the end of February. You will need to pre-register. Registration will open the Monday before the Saturday class. You will need to rent skis the day of or bring your own. Nature Center staff will outfit you in boots, skis, and polls. Staff will teach participants proper technique for classic skiing, give you tips on how to get up when you fall, and show you the easiest way to get up hills. They will then take you out on about an hour guided loop. You are welcome to break off from the group at any time. Ski rentals are max 3 hours.
Watch our social media and website for pop-up dates.
February
Candle-Lit Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Event
Saturday, February 7; 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Free Open House; Interpretive Center
**Dependent on snow conditions**
Step into a winter evening like no other at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center during our Candle-Lit Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Event. As twilight settles in, the trails come alive with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries, guiding you through snow-covered woods and open prairie under the night sky.
Whether you choose to glide on skis or explore on snowshoes, this self-guided experience is designed for all ages and ability levels. After your trek, warm up with hot beverages at the Nature Center. Dress for the weather, bring your sense of adventure, and join us for an unforgettable night on the trails
Bring your own skis/snowshoes or rent ours. The event is free, however if you need to rent skis/snowshoes the cost is $8 per adult and $2 per child. The rentals will be in the Interpretive Center back classroom.
March
Maple Syrup Classes
Session 1: Saturday, March 21; 1:30 – 3:00 pm [Register]
Session 2: Saturday, March 28; 1:30 – 3:00 pm [Register]
*Registration opens at 9:00 am online on Tuesday, February 9.
Cost: Adults: $10 Kids: $4 – kids 3 and under are free and do not need to be registered.
From Tree to Table: Discover the sweet tradition of maple syrup making at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center! Participants will learn the full process of making maple syrup—from identifying and tapping maple trees to collecting sap and watching how it’s boiled down into syrup. You’ll get hands-on experience collecting sap and gain an understanding of the history and science behind this natural treat.