With children back in school and field trips already making their way to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, the center is already headlong into a busy season as the calendar ticks toward fall.

Photographer Michael Forseburg kicked off the season Sept. 8 with “From Cranes to Plains,” but several more events are to come.

As always, the annual Halloween Warm-Up will anchor the autumn schedule. The 31st annual warm-up will be Oct. 3 and 4, with the first hike at 6:50 and the last starting at 9:10 a.m. both days.

“It’s a great event, and it’s been well attended for 31 years,” Executive Director Larry Dolphin said. “It’s something you can do with your family.”

Dolphin, who will portray a barred owl this year during the warm-up, said there’s something about the fun and fear of being in the forest at night that keeps people coming back each year. Though he added they’re not looking to scare anyone, and its a family-friendly event put on with help from Matchbox Children’s Theatre. The event, which costs $6, incorporates skits and humor. It’s an event Dolphin says will be here for years to come.

“Halloween Warm-Up is not going to go away,” he said. “It’s going to be here beyond my time.”

Next up at the nature center, wildlife photographer John Duren will host a free program called “Prairies and Potholes: Minnesota’s Forgotten Lands” at 7 p.m. Sept. 16 — a program he’ll repeat at the same time Oct. 6. Dolphin described it as an important program to educate people about Minnesota’s prairieland. The Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is sponsoring the program.

Then ahead of RE-fest on Sept. 20, Bella Ruse will perform at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19 in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium.

“The entertainment is going to be phenomenal,” he said. “They’re a wonderful group.”

The nature center helps organize programming for RE-fest, which will feature a keynote speech by Cedar River Watershed District Resource Specialist Justin Hanson, plus several vendors and entertainment by Bella Ruse, naturalist David Stokes, magician Jim Jayes, and Dolphin will give a talk on owls and snakes. RE-fest runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The nature center’s 10th annual 8K run and one-mile kids run returns at 9 a.m. Sept. 27.

Then intern Sammie Peterson will host a class on mushrooms, which is only open to friends members.

While most programs are free and open to the public, the nature center plans a few events each year for only friends members to help boost membership.

The free walking meditation class with Chris Anderson returns Oct. 4. Then Lynn E. Barber will host program called “Extreme Birder” at 7 p.m. Oct. 21.

“That’s going to be a unique event; we’ve never had her before,” Dolphin said.

For more on birds, Sue Leaf will lead a program called “A Love Affair with Birds: The Life of Thomas Sadler Roberts” at 7 p.m. Nov. 18.

The center’s annual Thanksgiving Feast, one of its largest annual fundraisers, returns at 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at St. Edwards Corcoran Center.

But that’s not the only way for people to give back.

Dolphin said the friends membership is at the highest its been in his time in Austin — about 300 members. This year, the center has taken in about $20,000 from membership, which goes to fund the free programs, pays for interns and it pays for seasonal staff.

“That’s a big deal,” Dolphin said.

It’s easy to join the friends, as membership levels start at $25 and go beyond $500.

“Whatever people want to provide as far as support, we’re happy to have whatever they can give,” he said.

Dolphin said friends memberships are an important part of keep the trails and programming free and open to the public.

“We want people to come and enjoy, either our programming or our trails are free,” he said.

For more on, visit www.hormelnaturecenter.org/get-involved.html.

 

Upcoming Jay C. Nature Center events

All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

 

John Duren: “Prairies & Potholes: Minnesota’s Forgotten Lands”

Oct. 3 and Oct. 4. First Hike: 6:50 p.m. Last Hike: 9:10 p.m. 

Duren will discuss the world of prairies and wetlands in southeastern Minnesota.

 

Bella Ruse Concert

7 p.m Sept. 19

Ruby Rupner Auditorium. RSVP by Sept. 18 by calling 507-437-7519 or emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org.

 

RE-fest – A Celebration of Green Living and Clean Energy

Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mower County Fairgrounds

Enjoy musicians, artisans, educators and exhibitors, plus individual and family-oriented workshops on green living, energy conservation, and renewable energy.

 

10th Annual Hormel Nature Center 8K Run & One-Mile Kids’ Run

9 a.m. Sept. 27

Register with Dr. Eric Overby at 507-437-3269 or at 700 First Ave. SW. Online registration and print forms are available at www.facebook.com/HNC8K. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m. Early registration: $18 for the 8K, $5 for the one-mile kids’ run (ages 12 and under). Parents/chaperones for the kids’ run are free.Race-day registration: $25 for the 8K, $7 the one-mile kids’ run. www.hormelnaturecenter8k.org

 

“Friends-only” Fall Mushroom Class with Sammie Peterson

1-3:30 p.m. Sept. 28

Participants must be a current friends member to register for the free event. Space is limited to 30 participants, and pre-registration is required. Call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.

 

Walking Meditation Class with Chris Anderson

9-11 a.m Oct. 4

Held rain or shine in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium and on trails. Registration is required by Oct. 3.

 

31st Annual Halloween Warm-Up

Oct. 3 and Oct. 4. First Hike: 6:50 p.m. Last Hike: 9:10 p.m. Cost: $6 per person (includes apple cider & a cookie)

With the help of Matchbox Children’s Theatre, the program features a 45-minute hike, nature skits and then cider and treats. Program is designed for families, especially children ages 4-11. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Lynn E. Barber: “Extreme Birder”

7 p.m. Oct. 21

RSVP by calling 507-437-7519 or emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org by Oct. 20

In 2008, Lynn Barber’s passion for birding led her to travel to 25 states and three provinces in search of birds.

 

Sue Leaf: “A Love Affair with Birds: The Life of Thomas Sadler Roberts”

7 p.m. Nov. 18

RSVP by calling 507-437-7519 or emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org by Nov. 17.

Sue Leaf is a Minnesota naturalist, biologist, and author of three books.

 

Christmas Crafts

Two Classes: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4 and 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 6

Cost: $35

Due to limited space in the basement of the Visitor Center, only paying participants may attend. The minimum age is 12, accompanied by a parent. Class size is limited to 16 per session. Classes will make wreaths and dip candles. The wreaths will be made of spruce, cedar, red pine and white pine; the candles will be made from beeswax.