All Ages Programs

Springbrook's Bird Banding Programs

Help capture and release wild birds for this banding research program. Hold in your hand cardinals, chickadees, robins, and more as they are released. The birds are measured, weighed, examined for fat and other health indicators, aged and sexed (if possible), fitted with a light-weight band with a unique number on it and then released. Springbrook's bird banding project is one of the longest and continual bird banding projects in Minnesota.

Photo Club
7-9 p.m., once a month

Do you enjoy nature photography? Photographers of all levels and ages welcome to attend this free program!

Discuss photos, new equipment, gear, photography issues, and possible upcoming photography opportunities.

Each meeting has an "assignment," or topic of focus given for the next month's meeting. Participants are welcome to bring a thumb drive with 5-10 pictures they have taken, usually based on the assignment but not required to be. The pictures are projected on a large screen and discussed. Monthly assignments vary, topic examples include: depth of field, photography issues, "frozen," "spring," or "water". There is a bias toward nature in our subjects, but other picture subjects are welcome as well.

Meeting generally take place on the forth Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m. at Springbrook Nature Center.

Upcoming Dates:

June 27, 2019
July 25, 2019
August 22, 2019
September 26, 2019

Wednesday Wildlife Walk

First Wednesday of each month, 9-10 a.m.
Meet at front of Springbrook Nature Center

First chickadee singing? First wild geranium blooming? Last oak leaves falling?
What is Springbrook's wildlife up to this season?  

Join a Springbrook naturalist for a morning stroll around the park.  Discover what is happening in nature during the current season and notice changes in the animals, plants, and fungi. Borrow a pair of our binoculars or bring your own. Cameras and notebooks are also welcome!

Distance and time spent on the trail will be tailored to program participants. Stay to socialize after the program with coffee or tea at the bird feeders.   

This is a free program, open to all ages. Donations are welcome.

*The walk will go rain or shine. Cancellations due to hazardous weather will be posted on the website calendar and our Facebook page.

Upcoming Dates:

October 2, 2019
November 6, 2019
December 4, 2019

Friday Night By Firelight

Fridays 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Friday Night by Firelight - Gibbs Farm: Dakota Talk 

September 6, 2019

Learn about the Dakota, Minnesota’s first people, and their seasonal life in the 1800s!  The program will include an introduction to Cloud Man and his village at Bde Maka Ska, the story of Buffalo Nation, a wild ricing skit, and more!  Gibbs Farm, a Ramsey County Historical Society site, has worked with members of the Dakota community and instructors from the University of Minnesota’s Dakota Language Program to develop these programs.

Friday Night by Firelight: International Wolf Center 

September 13, 2019

The International Wolf Center advocates and educates about wolves including their relationship to wildlands and humans. Come learn from IWC staff about wolf biology and behavior, predator/prey relationships, mythology and fear of wolves, as well as challenges wildlife face and the importance of wildland habitat.  

Friday Night by Firelight - MN Herpetological Society 

September 27, 2019

Description:Join us for a talk from the Minnesota Herpetological Society to learn more about amphibians and reptiles! Participants will learn what amphibians and reptiles do during the winter including how and where they hibernate. You will also learn about Citizen Science and how it helps scientists including how you can get involved and help contribute. Live amphibians and reptiles will be present!

Saturday Family Fun

Once a month, 10 am on Saturday

Bring the entire family out for an adventure in the great outdoors.  Dress for the weather and get ready to have a great time with our naturalist staff.  Each month there is a different theme, come back over and over to learn more!

There is no program fee for this program, but donations are greatly appreciated.

Upcoming Dates

September 28, 2019
October 26, 2019
November 23, 2019
December 28, 2019