Nature Center Programs

Bird Badges
Ages 7 and up (drop-off program)
Do you like birds and want to learn more about them? Join this exciting program from the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union (MOU) Youth Mentorship Program. The main goal of the program is to encourage youth to learn more about birds. Once you receive the materials you can work to complete this independent-study program. Already a member of the program? We'll have some activities to participate in to help you advance levels. The morning will include bird watching and fun bird projects.

• Saturday, Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $3 per child (resident) / $4 (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4281
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Family Snowshoe Hike
Ages 6 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Bring the family out for an adventure on snowshoes. The naturalist will provide some basics on techniques and then take you on a hike through the woods and marsh. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate after the hike. Snowshoes are provided. Wear warm boots and dress in layers. (Activity is weather dependent).

• Sunday, Jan. 11, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Click here to register for Activity #4282
  
and/or

• Sunday, Feb. 15, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Click here to register for Activity #4283
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $5 per person (resident) / $6 (non-resident)
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Critters Close-Up
All ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
You may have stared into the eyes of our tiger salamander, but have you ever wondered what its skin felt like? We will introduce you to many of the live captive critters that make their home here at the nature center. You will get an opportunity to touch many of the critters, observe some of them eating and learn more about their natural history.

• Saturday, Jan. 17, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• Free – no registration required

Winter Exploration
All ages (Children must be accompanied by a paid adult)
Don't be a hermit just tolerating cold weather. Come out to the nature center and enjoy winter. We’ll hike to see what is happening under the ice on the lake and we'll play a great game in the cattails! To warm up, we will have hot chocolate and cookies.

• Saturday, Jan. 24, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $4 per person (resident) / $5 (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4285
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Track Detectives
All ages (Children must be accompanied by a paid adult)
Ever wonder what animal has been leaving the tracks in your neighborhood? Come and find out how to read the "clues." Then, go for a hike to figure out the "whodunits" in the snow! You’ll also have the chance to make a plaster track to take home.

• Sunday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $5 per person (resident) / $6 (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4286
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Fire Building
Ages 7 to 16 (drop off program)
Discover the art of fire building! Learn about the different types of fires you can build and which materials are required to make a successful fire. You'll build your own fire, roast marshmallows and boil water for hot cocoa. Please dress for the weather.

• Sunday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $5 per person (resident) / $6 (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4287
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Sock Puppets
All ages (children must be accompanied by a paid adult)
Families will work together to create their own animal sock puppets. Bring your own socks, puppet voices and imaginations! Other materials will be supplied. Note: younger children will need an adult’s help for creating their puppet.

• Saturday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $4 per person (resident) / $5 (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4288
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Chickadee Carpentry
Ages 5 and up (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
Chickadees and wrens are cavity nesters. Come and learn about their habitat needs and behaviors, then build a bird house to take home. Please bring your own hammer and cordless drill with bits (if you have them).

• Saturday, March 14, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $14 per house (resident) / $18 per house (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4289
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Maple Syruping
All ages (children must be accompanied by a paid adult)
Join us for this annual rite of spring. Tap a tree and if the weather conditions are right, taste the sweet sap. Help us saw wood for the cooking fire and enjoy the tasty reward of Westwood’s real maple syrup on a mini-pancake.

• Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $5 per person (resident) / $6 (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4290
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Birds of Prey Program
Ages 5 and up (children must be accompanied by a paid adult)
What would a day in the life of a raptor be like? Find out by flying into Westwood and meeting our resident red-tailed hawk. Learn about what she eats, how she eats and much, much more.

• Saturday, March 28, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• $5 per person (resident) / $6 (non-resident)
• Click here to register for Activity #4291
• Registration deadline: when program is filled

Earth Day and Arbor Day Open House

Get face to face with a live raptor as you celebrate the Earth. Visit with local organizations to learn simple ways to make a big impact on our planet. Make a difference by planting trees or picking up litter. The interactive musical group KidPower with Rachael will be performing. Refreshments provided.

• Saturday, April 25, 2009 - 10 a.m. to noon
• Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave.
• Free - no registration required