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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

Upcoming Programs

May
25
Sunday, May 25, 2025 - 1–3 p.m.
Learn about turtles from a naturalist at Bush Lake, May 25, 1 - 3 p.m.
Jun
01
Sunday, June 1, 2025 - 1–3 p.m.
Help pull invasive garlic mustard at Harrison Park, June 1, 1 - 3 p.m. (rescheduled from May 4)
Jun
07
Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 8–10 a.m.
Take a morning walk with our fine feathered friends at Marsh Lake Park, June 7, 8 - 10 a.m.
Jun
14
Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 8:30–10 p.m.
Experience the magic of fireflies at Bush Lake, June 14, 8:30 - 10 p.m.
Jun
22
Sunday, June 22, 2025 - 1–2:30 p.m.
Learning to identify trees will be a walk in the park, June 22, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
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Past Programs
To better understand the Naturalist Programs series, click below for descriptions of past events. 
April 2024
  • Leafless Tree Identification
     
May 2024
  • Creatures of the Marsh
  • The Wonder of Birds
  • Birding Basics in Bloomington
June 2024
  • Discover Bill Warren Park
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Water Bugs of Nine Mile Creek
July 2024
  • Nord Myr Park Nature Walk
  • Water Bugs of Nine Mile Creek
  • Dragonflies and Damselflies
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November  2024
December 2024
 
 
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Contact Information

Contact Information

Naturalist Program Coordinator