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. This program will meet at the Riverbend Group Camp. 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.

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.

Join Brandon, one of the hosts of The Wandering Naturalist podcast, by a campfire to explore the show's September topic and get a sneak peak of the October topic. Learn how to identify some of the birds that use the Mississippi Flyway in the fall, then borrow binoculars to find them on the trails. Learn what makes crows and other corvids such amazing birds. Bring your questions and chat with Brandon. Drop in and leave anytime. All ages welcome. Free.

Join us for a leisurely birding experience to learn common birds you can see or hear in Minnesota during the month of October. We expect to hear year-round residents such as the cardinal and chickadee, but hope to catch some of the birds migrating south, including various hawks and sandhill cranes. We will bird around the front sidewalks of Eastman Nature Center looking toward the forest with the option to continue up the forested bike trail. Please note: the bike trail is smooth pavement but has an incline over 10% which may be challenging for some users. This experience is designed to be intentionally inclusive and accessible for beginner birders who experience accessibility challenges as a result of a disability or other health concerns. For more information on the inclusivity of this program or our building, please call 763-694-7700 or email EastmanNC@ThreeRiversParks.org. All ages welcome. $6/person.

Join local bird enthusiasts for a leisurely walk along the Mississippi Flyway as we search for migrating birds. Birds use the river corridor as a travel route during migration, offering excellent opportunities to observe a variety of species. On this guided tour we will look and listen for migratory songbirds and waterfowl while visiting the river, forest and marsh. Expect to walk/stroll at a relaxed pace for less than a mile on paved or gravel trails. Binoculars provided or bring your own. Program runs rain or shine unless conditions are severe. All levels of experience are welcome. $6/person.

Step into the quiet embrace of the forest and let nature wash over you. Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing”, is more than a walk—it’s an immersion of the senses, a return to the wisdom of the trees. Feel the cool whisper of the breeze against your skin. Breathe in the earthy scent of moss and pine, and the sweetness of damp leaves. Hear the rhythmic rustle of branches, the distant call of a bird, the gentle trickle of water over smooth stone. With each step, the weight of the world softens, your mind quiets, your body unwinds. Guided by a certified Forest Bathing practitioner, you’ll be invited to slow down and engage deeply with your surroundings—touching bark craggy as time, watching sunlight dance through shifting canopies, tasting the crispness of the air itself. Through gentle prompts and mindful reflection, you’ll rediscover the innate connection between yourself and the living world. This is not a hike, nor a destination—it is an experience of presence, a practice of simply being. Benefits of Shinrin-Yoku: Reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood and mental clarity, supports immune function, enhances mindfulness and connection. Come, step into the forest. Let it restore you. This program is in partnership with Scott County.

Though we can’t normally feel it, air is all around us. Come learn about the power air pressure has through hands-on experiments. Observe air crush a pop can and learn how it helps birds fly. $6/student.

Learn what makes birds unique. Examine taxidermied birds, learn about the adaptations that help birds survive and go on a binocular hike to find birds around the nature center. $6/student.

Did you know a bird's wing acts a lot like an airplane wing? Learn how birds and planes fly as you examine the four different kinds of flight. Study bird wings to improve the planes you make through the process of biomimicry. $6/student.

Why do birds fly south for the winter? How far do they go? Get all of your migration questions answered by participating in games and activities that will get you ready to fly south. $6/student.

Our Birdie Level lessons are designed for junior golfers who have progressed beyond the basics and are ready to take their game to the next level. Ideal for players who regularly play nine holes, have completed a Par Level lesson or its equivalent and are dedicated to skill development. Program highlights include detailed instruction on essential aspects of the game, including putting, chipping, pitching, sand play, irons and woods. Instructors place an emphasis on strategies and decision-making to improve performance on the course. Sessions are designed to refine technique and enhance overall gameplay, fostering confidence in each participant's abilities. This program is perfect for young golfers who are committed to developing their skills, understanding the game more deeply, and enjoying the challenge of golf. $130/five lessons.

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.

Join a naturalist to take an autumn walk in this natural pocket park in the west metro. We will do some tree identification as they transition to winter and look for any fall migrating birds that may still be moving. We will hike a 1.5 mile loop on mostly paved and some natural surface trails. Meet at the dog park on June Road off of 36th Avenue in Golden Valley. All ages welcome. Free.