Join us for the opening reception of In the Sky by Kim Wetzel on Thursday, September 10 from 6–8 p.m. The exhibition is on view August 13–September 30. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

How slow can you go? September is full of activity in the natural world. You can't take a step without noticing something new; at least that's the goal of this walk! How much can we find in a short distance Participants can choose from a wide range of tools such as nets, binoculars, magnifying glasses, field guides and more as we head out on an adventure short in length but rich in discovery. All the mushrooms, insects, birds, plants, etc. will be documented for citizen science. All ages welcome. Free.

Become a nature observer and get to know some of the many organisms living near the Crow River while taking part in a bioblitz. Join an early morning bird survey from 7:30–9:30 a.m. or attend the official event starting at noon. Throughout your visit, find and photograph plants, insects and other organisms, then visit an expert station for assistance identifying what you’ve discovered. Choose from activities that start on the half-hour, such as sessions with animal ambassadors, live presentations on local flora and fauna and guided van tours through the restored prairie. Have fun while you learn! All ages welcome. Free.

See wild songbirds safely trapped, studied and banded with numbered rings. Find out what scientists learn from these banded birds. All ages welcome. Free.

Experience the magic of tallgrass prairies and insects at this all-ages event! Pack up dinner and a blanket to enjoy a picnic in the prairie while listening to live folk and bluegrass music by The May North. Venture into the grasses with sweep nets and bug-catching jars, make a prairie-inspired craft, meet live animals and learn about the captivating world of monarch migration. All ages welcome. Free.

Help us remove invasive buckthorn from the Lowry Nature Center trails. Begin with a presentation about how to identify and remove common buckthorn, then work as a team to cut buckthorn with gloves and tools. Participants will work at their own pace, but must be able to walk on uneven terrain with limited access to water or restroom facilities. All materials will be provided. Free. Registration required.

Cross-country skiing is a lifelong winter sport for all ages and abilities. Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to learn how to get started this winter by discussing equipment, lessons, and beginner trails. This program is taught online, and the program Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants the day of the program. All ages welcome. Free.

Stop by the Lowry Nature Center lobby to learn about one of Minnesota’s most familiar wildlife species— the white-tailed deer. Examine deer antlers, fur and other artifacts while discovering how deer survive throughout the year. Learn about their behavior, habitats and the important role they play in local ecosystems. Find out how to identify signs of deer activity and what you can do to help wildlife in your community. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Say hello to fall with us here on the Mississippi River; explore how the park and its inhabitants are changing as autumn approaches. Dig into a nature scavenger hunt, leaf art and a micro hike with friends and family. All ages welcome. Free.

Check out animal skulls up close, and learn how teeth and other features can tell us about what an animal eats. All ages welcome. Free.

Beavers have amazing bodies and behaviors! A family of beavers built a dam not far from the nature center. Stop by to learn about Minnesota’s largest rodents, try to build a mini dam and head out on Eastman's trails with a map to where beavers have been active to hunt for signs that they have been busy. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn how to use a GPS, then head out on the trails to discover fascinating river facts as we celebrate the Big Year of Rivers. All ages welcome. Free.

Drop in and make a beautiful cyanotype art project using a special paper, a nature object and the sunshine. Make one for yourself and one for a grandparent in honor of Grandparents Day. Limit of two projects per person. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn about nature at your own pace through free, hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic, with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required.

Become a nature detective with a naturalist's toolbox! Explore what's happening in the park using thermometers, hand lenses, binoculars and your own sharp observation skills. Look closely, discover amazing plants and animals, and see how nature changes with the seasons! All ages welcome. Free.

Get out on the trails for a self-guided fall scavenger hunt. Choose from several options and complete your hike to earn a prize! Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Smallmouth bass, redhorse, a variety of minnows and even Minnesota’s state fish (the walleye) are all fairly common in this part of the Mississippi River. Learn about the fish of all shapes and sizes that live here and how they play a role in this complex aquatic ecosystem with hands-on experiences and up-close encounters through with live fish. All ages welcome. Free.

Use nets and jars to catch insects and see what six-legged creatures are living in the park. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn about nature at your own pace through free, hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic, with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required. All ages welcome. Free.

Drop in at any time to meet a few of our live animals up close and discover what makes these critters unique! All ages welcome. Free.

Winter is coming and a quiet stillness appears to cover the land. However, that is just an illusion. Enjoy a fire to warm up by as we explore the tiny things around Eastman with microscopes. Have you seen the beauty of soil magnified? Can you find something that's small and still alive? All ages welcome. Free.

Stop by to visit with monarchs; there might be eggs, caterpillars, a chrysalis, or adult butterflies to see. Learn about the fascinating life cycle of the monarch butterfly and how it migrates to Mexico for the winter. All ages welcome. Free.

A nature mandala is a circular design created using natural materials such as leaves, flowers, stones, seeds, bark or shells. It combines art, mindfulness and learning, allowing participants to explore symmetry, patterns and geometry while engaging with the natural environment. Come create your own on a fall day! All ages welcome. Free.

Make flowers, turtles, butterflies, hopping frogs and more from paper you fold yourself. Fold a boat to send down the Mississippi River. See live animals and use them to provide inspiration to decorate your origami animals. All ages welcome. Free.

Stop by and make a nature ornament. An optional outdoor nature hunt will be available afterward. Free.

Come play outside! Every month we will explore a different area of the park and do seasonal activities. All ages welcome. Free.

Join us for collecting insects in the prairie. Use nets and small containers to collect, observe and release while the prairie is in full bloom. Meet in the prairie near the upper parking lot. If it rains or is too wet, we will meet a prairie animal ambassador in the nature center. Drop ins anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Watch some kooky animal puppets as they stop Trasher the Trash Can from trashing nature. Performance begins promptly at 1 p.m. After the show, try your hand at making an art project related to the show until 3 p.m. Join the Walk with a Naturalist at 2 p.m. for a longer nature hike or stay and make art throughout the afternoon. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn about nature at your own pace through hands-on experiences. Each week features a different topic, with a naturalist available to share insights and answer questions. Activities change weekly and may include self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibit discovery or using an exploration kit. Designed for individuals, families and learners of all ages. Drop in anytime, no registration required. Free.

Take a self-guided poetry walk near the river. Let the river inspire you to write your own "river of words" using paper and pencil or magnetic words. You can also add your ideas and sketches to our community poem. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn about local mammals by touching and looking at their skulls and furs. Play a matching game to match the skulls and fur. Ask a naturalist questions about the furry animals that live in the park. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn tips and tricks for walking on a slackline. Test your balance and enjoy the park at the same time. All ages welcome. Free.

Make your own stomp rocket out of recycled materials and experiment to see what makes it fly the best. All ages welcome. Free.