View photos taken this year by visitors like you from all around Three Rivers Park District in a display that spans the entire length of the Eastman exhibit area! Includes a special "Flowing Waters" category in recognition of the Big Year of Rivers. Hunt images for items in the Photo Show I-Spy and participate in an informal vote for the People’s Favorite Award. Voting continues through December 15, and photos will be displayed through December 28. Free. Drop in anytime.

Be among the first to view photos taken this year by visitors from around Three Rivers Park District! This year's show includes a special "Flowing Waters" category in recognition of the Big Year of Rivers. Participate in an informal vote for the People’s Choice Award, hunt images for items in the Photo Show ISpy, and chat with the naturalist about any questions the pictures may inspire. Voting is open through December 15, photos will be displayed through December 28. Photo submissions will be accepted through November 1 in both adult and youth divisions. Two winners will be selected in each division: one by random drawing and one by vote. To participate in the contest, visit ThreeRiversParks.org/EastmanPhotoShow or email EastmanNC@ThreeRiverParks.org for submission guidelines. 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.

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.

Relax at the Gateway Center and do some coloring. Meet the animal ambassadors, touch animal furs and learn more about how animals use their coloring for inspiration or make up your own designs. All ages welcome. Free.

Minnesota is full of interesting mammals, and we can learn a lot about them by how they survive and thrive here by observing their fur and skulls. Stop by to feel and see a variety of furs and skulls and chat with the naturalist. All ages welcome. Free.

Join us as we prepare for our Winter Solstice Luminary Walk on December 21 by decorating a luminary bag. Color, draw, punch holes and make art! We will use these bags to decorate our trail. Come back on December 21 and see if you can spot the luminary bag you created out on the trail! All ages welcome. Free.

Winter is a time of survival and our cold blooded animals are experiencing a special type of hibernation. Meet the animal ambassadors and learn how each species approaches this winter challenge. You will have a chance to see amphibians out of their tanks from 1–2 p.m. and reptiles from 2–3 p.m. 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.

Use natural materials to create decorative creatures or designs. All ages welcome. Free.

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

Sit with a naturalist and enjoy a warm fire. Examine furs and other body structures animals use to survive the winter cold. All ages welcome. Free.

Discover which mammals stay active in the winter and how they survive the cold temperatures. Touch and compare different types of fur. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Love an oak tree, thank a squirrel! Hunt for acorns, discover squirrel facts, touch some unique artifacts and try your hand at the squirrel obstacle course. All ages welcome. Free.

Stop by the fire pit to listen or to share! Whether it be a poem, short story, picture book or a memory, if it's all-ages appropriate and has to do with a lake, a river or the ocean they all empty to, it belongs at this water-themed "open mic." All ages welcome. Free.

Learn the ways of our wild turkeys in Minnesota with a few indoor activities. Then, take a short trot/walk outside to look for evidence in our park. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn how to geocache using a GPS unit on a permanent GPS course. Complete the course for a small prize. You will need to be able to navigate over 1 mile along trails for up to an hour. Participants must be able to demonstrate self-care skills without assistance, independently follow adult direction and safety rules, and show readiness for large group participation, including always remaining with the group. This program is entirely outdoors. Free.

Become a citizen scientist and help count winter birds! For over 125 years, the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count has tracked how bird populations change over time, and the data you collect will add to this national effort. The birds you see with the group will be counted as part of the Excelsior Count Circle survey. Binoculars provided. No experience necessary. Free

Explore the trails with your baby in a carrier or all-terrain stroller. We will hike at a slow to moderate pace and allow the babies/toddlers to engage in safe, sensory experiences along the way. Drop-ins welcome. Ages 0-3 plus adult. Free.

Carve your very own hiking stick to take home in exchange for a donation of gently used winter gear. Please bring clean, gently-used winter coats, mittens, snow boots, snow pants or fleece, and we will give you a hiking stick to carve and make your own. We are looking for adult-sized clothing but will take children and toddler sizes as well. All tools to carve hiking sticks will be provided. Drop in anytime. Free.

National Alliance on Mental Health Minnesota (NAMI MN) and Silverwood Park partner to offer a monthly arts-integrated support group for anyone experiencing a mental health condition. This support group is dedicated to helping participants build resilience through creative experiences, facilitated peer discussion and reflection, and connection to the natural world. Phone Number to register (651) 645-2948. Free.

Celebrate the official kick-off of the cross-country skiing season at the Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener on Saturday, December 12! Skiers of all ages and abilities are invited to embrace winter with free cross-country skiing, free ski rentals and free mini lessons. Learn the basics of skiing with a ski buddy, join a free group ski (including one with Goldy Gopher!) and explore fun activities for kids inside the ski chalet, including Nordic ski-themed face painting, temporary tattoos and coloring tables. At the outdoors Kids’ Area, youth can also test their skills on an obstacle course built by our great partner, the Minnesota Youth Ski League. Also be sure to check out the Nordic Ski Village, featuring partners from popular Nordic ski suppliers, resorts, clubs and more. All ages welcome. Free.

Start your Monday mornings with fresh air, movement and good company! Developed in partnership with Club Prior, Morning Stretch and Stroll is a casual, quick walking club for adults ages 55+ looking to boost their health by walking outdoors on a peaceful paved path at a distance of a little over a mile with a stretching break incorporated at the midpoint. These 45-minute guided walking sessions will help you maintain your mobility and cardiovascular health. Nordic walking poles available upon request. This program is in partnership with the Scott County Wellness Initiative. Free.

Learn what's happening outdoors in early winter as we approach the solstice. Try a little watercolor art, and warm up by the fire with your nature journal after exploring outdoors. Please dress to explore outside comfortably. Free.

Looking for something different to do during winter break? Head to the nature center and learn from a naturalist how different animals survive in the winter. Check out different furs of Minnesota mammals, make some fun track art and learn how to find and identify different tracks before you go for a walk in the snow. Winter is full of amazing animal signs if you just learn how to notice! All ages welcome. Free.

Join us for the opening reception of "Every Contact Leaves a Trace" by Paula McCartney on Thursday, December 10 from from 6–8 p.m. The exhibition is on view December 3-31. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.