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.

Join Ellen, a co-host of The Wandering Naturalist podcast, on a relaxed bird hike looking for this month's podcast topic-corvids! We'll chat on the trails about local corvids (and other birds), see if we can spot any and enjoy the fall colors. Not a listener? No problem, check out The Wandering Naturalist wherever you get your podcasts. $6/person.

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.

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

Dress up your whole family for outdoor Halloween fun! Walk Lowry's Enchanted Trail to visit the larger-than-life costumed animals for treats. Visit Scarecrow Alley and the Pumpkin King, dance to live music by the Roe Family Singers, enjoy carnival games and laugh at the antics of the Mad Scientist. Light dinner and snack refreshments available for purchase. Reservations required. All ages welcome. $8/person. Under 2 free.

Does this time of year have you looking for little gifts to give your friends? What could be better than a friendship bracelet? Join others at Lowry for some cozy bracelet making while listening to a naturalist present about the different kinds of relationships in nature. $6/person.

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.

Bushcraft is the set of outdoor skills that allow you to survive, thrive and enjoy being in nature. In this series we'll learn skills around fire building, foraging, cordage, knots, simple tools, shelters and more! $24/student.

Bring a historic diary to life as we follow Benedict Schmid's experience in the Civil War. This German immigrant farmer once lived in what is now Carver Park Reserve. Read from his diary entries before he was drafted into the war, during his time as a soldier in Company G of the 2nd Minnesota Regiment and his return to his family and farm in Carver County. Enlist in the Union army, set up camp and learn to march and drill like a soldier. Cook over an open fire and write letters to loved ones back home as we immerse ourselves in the life of a Civil War soldier. $24/student.

Discover the hidden world beneath the winter landscape. Families will learn how animals survive winter, search for life under the snow, explore frozen lakes and try out ice fishing. $24/student.

Experience life in a one room school as we learn about the historic school that once stood near the Lowry Nature Center entrance. From 1912 to 1918, the Gerdsen School served students in the area, including many who lived in what is now Carver Park Reserve. Discover what daily life was like for these students as we follow lessons, write on slate boards and recite passages. Practice penmanship and test your spelling with a spelling bee. Take a break with popular recess games from the time. $24/student.

Why does a sled go down a hill? Why does ice float? How do snowshoes work? Each week we'll head out for some winter rec fun while learning about the physics behind each activity. $24/student.

Blast off in to space as we explore our solar system and beyond. Learn about the moon, the other planets in our solar system, stars and many other celestial bodies that are floating throughout the universe. The second week (March 8) will be an evening session for stargazing. The last week (March 22) will be an evening session for a full moon hike. $24/student.

Bring a historic diary to life by following in the footsteps of young Ezra "Fitch" Pabody, a teenager who lived near what is now Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in the 1880s. Using his daily diary entries as inspiration, we'll explore the woods, cook maple syrup and visit the historic Schmid Farmhouse Ruins. Fish from the shores of Lake Minnetonka, net and observe insects, and more as we learn about nature and the history of the area. $24/student.

Mysterious sightings deep in the woods of Carver Park Reserve have sparked curiosity. We'll see if we can uncover what or who might be out there. Learn how to navigate with a map and compass and test your new skills by heading into the woods. Reservations required. $6/person.

Pick up new skills to use in the new year! Go off trail with a naturalist to learn how to build a fire or practice skills you already know. Once the fire's roaring, enjoy a final s'more to end the year. $6/person.

Wheat weaving is the old and versatile craft of using wheat or straw to create decorative items. Learn the basics of this simple art form and create your own natural ornaments. Participants will have the opportunity to make and bring home multiple designs. All materials provided. Please note, good hand strength and flexibility are required (such as being able to open a sealed jar). This program will be indoors. Registration required. $10/person.

Capture the nature around you through watercolor paints! Join a professional naturalist and painter for this evening of observation and documentation. Whether you are experienced or just starting out, this relaxing course will inspire you with techniques for future journaling. All materials provided, but participants can bring their own if they like. Registration required. All ages welcome. $10/person.

Assemble your team to test your nature knowledge. Join a Lowry naturalist for a cozy evening of questions and curiosities. May the best team win! Hot chocolate and cider will be provided. Program is indoors. One person must register for a team of up to 6 people. $10/team.

Celebrate this Scandinavian holiday by making several ornaments out of natural materials. Read a Lucia story about light in this darkest time of the year. Make a cookie and sing a Swedish song. See and hear a nyckelharpa, the national instrument of Sweden. Go on an optional self-guided, outdoor hike. This program is suitable for adults, kids and family groups. $10/person.

Discover nature with your preschooler through guided outdoor exploration of seasonal themes. Dress to be comfortable outdoors for the entire class. Bring a lunch and stay to eat with other participants after the program. This is not a drop-off program. $6/person. Ages 2-6 plus adult.

Join our puppet friends. Explore activities before the show and hike on your own afterward. Maximum of three children per adult. Program is a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Please dress for the weather. Bring a bag lunch and eat with other participants after the program. $6/person. Ages 2-6 plus adult. Under 2 are free but must register.

Practice time-honored artistic methods with artist and naturalist Laurel Sundberg. Create a painting inspired by nature. Enjoy social time and snacks throughout. New and experienced artists welcome. Laurel will lead how to transfer a drawing to paper or canvas, basic color mixing and painting steps. Experimentation is welcome! Supplies and snacks provided. $35/person.

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.

Learn about North American owls, what makes them special among raptors and the research being done to protect them. Drive within Carver Park Reserve to a designated banding site where you can observe banders safely capturing, banding and releasing Minnesota's smallest owl. Reservations required. All ages welcome. $10/person.

Follow the clues around the Lowry trails to solve the mystery and win a prize. The 1-1.5 mile trail, over uneven surfaces, takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes to complete. Dress for the weather. If there is snow, the trails will not be plowed. Free.

Minnesota has a strong tradition of landscape painters working directly from nature. Visit with artists from Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, including Lowry Nature Center's own naturalist, Laurel. Check in to receive a map of great spots for artists to set up to paint "en plein air" around the nature center. Stroll to enjoy fall colors and see artists as they create their work from life that is right in front of your eyes. In partnership with Outdoor Painters of Minnesota. All ages welcome. Free.

Raptors have been a part of education at Lowry for many of our 50 years. Meet the current captive raptors, learn about these amazing birds of prey and how they help teach. Drop in anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Learn the basics of winter fire-starting using a variety of techniques, then warm up by a cozy campfire with hot cocoa in hand. All ages welcome. Free.