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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore nature through the lens of a camera. Students will get to step into a large camera obscura, try a pinhole camera, experience a darkroom and build their photography skills with digital cameras. $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.

Join a naturalist to discover a variety of life that call the prairie home. Use sweep nets to comb the prairie for a variety of insects and arachnids. Learn about different insect orders and how to notice the wonders that are often missed. Free.

More numerous than butterflies, moths are a diverse and still largely mysterious group of animals. Join a Lowry naturalist as they capture and observe wild moths under lamplight. Participants will learn where and when moths can be found, and learn how to setup a space to observe them humanely. All ages welcome. $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.

Dig into nature and get messy, muddy and wet! Play games with water and explore aquatic habitats. Build with mud, sticks and leaves. Paint with your hands and feet, make gooey concoctions, and meet slimy worms and bugs.

Get up close to the fascinating world of insects! Explore the prairie with a net as you search for butterflies, grasshoppers, dragonflies and other insects. If monarch butterflies are caught, participants may have the opportunity to help tag them and learn about their incredible life cycle and annual migration to Mexico. Be sure to dress for outdoor exploration in tall grass. All ages welcome. Free.

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.

Grab your sketchbook, journal, pencils and paints, and explore nature at the equinox! With 12 hours of light and dark, there are unique things happening for plants and animals. Meet up, explore outside and share your discoveries with the group. Youth and adults welcome. Plan on 45-60 minutes of outdoor time. Free.

Bring your nature journal or plein air kit, grab a prairie scavenger hunt and go explore, artistically! Beginners and experienced nature journalers and artists are welcome. Meet back at up at the nature center at 11:30 a.m. to share your discoveries and have a refreshing drink of iced tea or lemonade. $6/person.

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.

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.

Learn the basics of pinhole photography while exploring the habitats around Lowry Nature Center. You'll learn how to make a pinhole camera, develop photos in a dark room and all the steps needed to do this at home. Participant will borrow Lowry cameras and will leave with three to five developed photos. $6/person.

Finally, the captain has a boat! But there's a twist (because of course there is). Follow maps, start fires, pilot canoes, build shelters, search for wild edibles and practice using all of your senses and, of course, look for treasure. All while trying to figure out who is attempting to foil the plans of the captain and ruin his big boat reveal party.

Explore Crosby Lake looking for insects using dip nets. Learn how to make observations to identify what you caught. Practice using identification guides, make friends and practice communicating your needs during safe, off-trail adventures away from the comforts of home. 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.

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.