Workers at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center want families to get off the couch, especially this Thursday.

The day kicks off with storyteller, humorist, birder and writer Al Batt at 9 a.m. After his stories, groups will go on trail rides at 9:30 and 10:15 a.m.

At 1:30 p.m., Ann Zimmerman, a Kansas native, will sing the prairie into the imaginations of visiting kids. Her music celebrates the joy, sorrow and silliness of life on the windy plains. She backs her voice with piano, guitar, and audience participation to tell stories and paint portraits.

“She kind of sings the prairie into life,” said Nature Center intern John Duren.

The events are a change-up from the Nature Center’s usual Thursdays, which feature nature play and free canoe rentals. Duren said the Nature Center has been very busy this year, and he’s excited to see this Thursday’s events come to fruition.

“It’s just so fun to see the amount of families and kids coming out here and having a good time,” he said.

At 6:30 p.m., Nature Center representatives will begin the dedication ceremony for their new Welcome Circle. The Welcome Circle features a newly designed map, a written interpretation regarding Jay C. Hormel and the oak savanna landscape and two new benches for seating. After that, Zimmerman will entertain guests one more time with her music. The trail rides and concerts are free, but advanced reservations are required. For more information, call the Nature Center at 507-437-7519 or e-mail jchnatur@smig.net.

Thursday events at the nature center:

Al Batt storytime — 9 a.m.

Trail rides — 9:30 and 10:15 a.m.

Children’s concert by Ann Zimmerman — 1:30 p.m.

“Welcome Circle” dedication — 6:30 p.m.

Evening concert by Ann Zimmerman — 7 p.m.