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Naturalist Programs

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Enjoy naturalist led programs at parks and nature areas around the City of Bloomington! 

Programs will take place on select Saturdays and Sundays each month, and will feature fun, interactive experiences for all ages.  

  • Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and require no registration.
  • Most programs will be drop-in, though some will have pre-determined participant maximums.  
  • Topics will include (but not be limited to):
    • Prairies and pollinators
    • Woodland plants and animals
    • Wetland and pond habitats
    • Animal tracks and signs
    • Apple cidering
    • Basic nature photography
    • Birding and bird calls
    • Creatures of the marsh
    • Insects and bugs in nature
    • Nature at night
    • Invasive plants & animals
    • Maple sugaring (making maple syrup)
    • Monarchs and more

Naturalist programs occur weather permitting. Check the status of events during inclement weather by calling 952-563-8878 or visiting the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

Learn more about Parks and Rec’s new Naturalist Program
Learn more about Parks and Rec’s new Naturalist Program
Video URL: https://youtu.be/xqn4A-EAnUI?si=8oKwrcWQYcu1Ue8Q

Upcoming Programs

Sep
13

Naturalist Program: Smith Park Eco-Explorers

Sunday, September 13, 2026 - 1–3 p.m.
Learn, explore and make Smith Park better at this free naturalist program, Sunday, September 13, 1 - 3 p.m.
Sep
20

Naturalist Program: Who’s Hoo of the Woods?

Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 8:30–10 p.m.
Learn about night owls (literally) at Pond Dakota Mission Park, September 20, 8:30 p.m.
Sep
26

Naturalist Program: Harvest Moon Night Hike

Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 8–10 p.m.
Check out the harvest moon at Pond Dakota Mission Park, September 26, 8 - 10 p.m.
Sep
27

Naturalist Program: Organic Recycling - Close the Loop

Sunday, September 27, 2026 - 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Learn about easy organics recycling techniques and options on September 27, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Running Park.
Sep
27

Naturalist Program: From Table to Trowel - Backyard Composting

Sunday, September 27, 2026 - 2–3 p.m.
Learn about backyard composting from a local expert on September 27, 2 - 3 p.m. at Bloomington Center for the Arts.
Oct
04

Naturalist Program: Apple Cidering

Sunday, October 4, 2026 - 2–4 p.m.
Free apple cidering demos, tastings and more at the Pond House, October 4, 2-4 p.m.
Oct
11

Naturalist Program: God’s Eyes (Ojo de Dios) and Prairie Weaving

Sunday, October 11, 2026 - 1:30–3 p.m.
Gather natural supplies for creating beautiful woven fall arrangements at the Pond House, October 11, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Oct
18

Naturalist Program: Wilderness Skills

Sunday, October 18, 2026 - 2–4 p.m.
Learn wilderness survival skills at Pond Dakota Mission Park, October 18, 2 - 4 p.m.
Oct
25

Naturalist Program: Hunter’s Moon Night Hike

Sunday, October 25, 2026 - 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Check out the Hunter’s Moon at Girard Lake Park, October 25, 2026, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Nov
08

Naturalist Program: Dried Leaf Art

Sunday, November 8, 2026 - 1:30–3 p.m.
Make dried leaf art at the Pond House, November 8, 1:30-3 p.m.
Nov
15

Naturalist Program: Long Days Ahead

Sunday, November 15, 2026 - 1:30–3 p.m.
Learn how animals navigate the cold Minnesota winter November 15, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Pond House.
Nov
22

Naturalist Program: Thanksgiving Crafts

Sunday, November 22, 2026 - 2–4 p.m.
Make fall crafts at the Pond House, November 22, 2-4 p.m.
Nov
22

Naturalist Program: Beaver Moon Night Hike

Sunday, November 22, 2026 - 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Check out the Beaver Moon at Parkers Picnic Grounds, November 22, 2026, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Dec
13

Naturalist Program: Wildlife Tracking

Sunday, December 13, 2026 - 1–3 p.m.
Learn how to identify animals by their tracks December 13, 1-3 p.m. at the Pond House.
Dec
20

Naturalist Program: Winter Solstice Lanterns

Sunday, December 20, 2026 - 2–4 p.m.
Make decorative lanterns for the Winter Solstice, December 20, 2-4 p.m. at the Pond House.
Dec
20

Naturalist Program: Cold Moon Night Hike

Sunday, December 20, 2026 - 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Check out the Cold Moon at Marsh Lake Park, December 20, 2026, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
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Youth Programs and Camps

Camps presented as part of our ongoing Naturalist Programs series offer youth the chance to experience nature in a whole new way. 

Registration and Fees

Most Naturalist Series programs are free and require no registration. Occasional programs require registration and/or a fee. That information will be clearly noted for those events. Registration and fee payment occurs online in our Webtrac system. 

If you do not already have an active profile, please visit the Online Registration page for more details and a step-by-step guide to creating a Webtrac account. 

Screenshot of Parks and Recreation online Webtrac activity registration platform
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Get email updates about naturalist programs.

Contact Information

Contact Information

Naturalist Program Coordinator
763-353-3412