Naturalist Programs

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.

Upcoming Programs

May

16

Discovering Dandelions at The Pond House

Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 1–4 p.m.

Learn the dandelion's many uses and make art at the Pond House, May 16, 1-4 p.m.

May

24

Naturalist Program: Turtle Time

Sunday, May 24, 2026 - 1:30–3 p.m.

Learn about turtles from a naturalist at Bush Lake, May 24, 1:30-3 p.m.

May

31

Naturalist Program: Nature Craft - Rock Painting

Sunday, May 31, 2026 - 1:30–3 p.m.

Paint and decorate rocks inspired by the outdoors at Smith Park, May 31, 1:30-3 p.m.

Jun

07

Naturalist Program: Bird Walk-Bird Identification 101

Sunday, June 7, 2026 - 8–10 a.m.

Take a morning walk with our fine feathered friends at Marsh Lake Park, June 7, 8-10 a.m.

Jun

13

Indigenous Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Pond Dakota Mission Park

Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 1–4 p.m.

Learn more about the vision for the Indigenous Arboretum at Pond Dakota Mission Park, June 13, 1-4 p.m.

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Youth Programs and Camps

Wilderness Survival Camp

Adventure awaits at Wilderness Survival Camp, where campers will learn the essential skills to thrive in the great outdoors!

From building shelters to safely starting fires and preparing for real-life outdoor adventures, this camp builds confidence, teamwork, and a love of nature.

When: July 14 - 16, 2026, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E. 104th St. (home of the historic Pond House)
Who: Youth ages 8 - 12
Fee: $90 Bloomington residents / $114 nonresidents
Registration: Sign up online at Webtrac

Young people showing a survival shelter or "lean to" made from sticks and logs with a green tarp

Forest Gnomes and Fairy Homes Camp

Step into a magical world where nature and imagination come alive!

Campers will create enchanting nature crafts, explore the outdoors in search of fairy and gnome signs, and design their very own gnome home or fairy garden to take home.

Along the way, they’ll discover a sense of wonder, creativity, and connection with the beauty of the natural world.

When: August 4 - 6, 2026, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E. 104th St. (home of the historic Pond House)
Who: Youth ages 7 - 10
Fee: $90 Bloomington residents / $114 nonresidents
Registration: Sign up online at Webtrac

Naturalist Programs

Upcoming Programs

Discovering Dandelions at The Pond House

Naturalist Program: Turtle Time

Naturalist Program: Nature Craft - Rock Painting

Naturalist Program: Bird Walk-Bird Identification 101

Indigenous Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Pond Dakota Mission Park

Youth Programs and Camps

Registration and Fees

Contact Information

Naturalist Programs

Parks and Recreation Links

Upcoming Programs

Discovering Dandelions at The Pond House

Naturalist Program: Turtle Time

Naturalist Program: Nature Craft - Rock Painting

Naturalist Program: Bird Walk-Bird Identification 101

Indigenous Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Pond Dakota Mission Park

Youth Programs and Camps

Registration and Fees

Contact Information