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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

Jul
19

Naturalist Program: Through the Eyes of Insects

Sunday, July 19, 2026 - 1:30–3 p.m.
Get insight into insect eyesight at the Pond House, July 19, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Jul
26

Indigenous Arboretum and Botanical Gardens - Step 1: Soil Rejuvenation

Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 1–4 p.m.
Help prepare the area for the new Indigenous Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Pond Dakota Mission Park, July 26, 1-4 p.m.
Jul
26

Naturalist Program: Blooming-ton Botanicals

Sunday, July 26, 2026 - 1–3 p.m.
Learn, explore and help make Smith Park better during this free naturalist program, Sunday July 26, 1 - 3 p.m.
Aug
09

Naturalist Program: Pond-er This

Sunday, August 9, 2026 - 2–4 p.m.
Learn how water quality is tested and managed at Bush Lake, August 9, 2 - 4 p.m.
Aug
29

Naturalist Program: Moths and More

Saturday, August 29, 2026 - 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Discover the nighttime world of moths at the Pond House, August 29, 7:30 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