It's a tough world out there and animals in Minnesota are designed (mostly) to survive our harsh winters. We'll talk about different animal strategies in response to winter and hike the beautiful trails of Eastman Nature Center for an experiential approach to learning. Part indoor classroom and part outdoor classroom. Dress for the day's weather conditions. Snowshoes provided if needed!

Location address: Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

Hand lenses are a great way to investigate something up close and personal! Naturalists tend to have a hand lens in their bags, whether or not they use them, as a good way to take a closer look at a subject. In the winter there are still things to look at: snowflakes, insect tunnels in wood, lichens, tree rings… the list goes on! Join us for a field trip, which will focus (literally!) on looking at things closely! Please bring a hand lens, and if you do not have one, we have a limited number to use at the Welcome Center (email Head Naturalist Clinton at naturalist@saxzim.org to reserve).

Location address: Sax-Zim Bog, 8793 Owl Avenue, Meadowlands, MN 55765

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

Mammal species are hard to see in the Sax-Zim Bog, but their sign is all around us. This field trip will work to hone your skills finding, interpreting, and documenting animal tracks and sign. Do you need practice determining if you are looking at a dog or wolf track? What is the difference between Black-backed Woodpecker and Pileated Woodpecker sign? March also tends to be a month with lots of things starting to happen outdoors: Woodpeckers start courting, insects are starting to warm up and move about, and even some mammals (like skunks!) are starting to wake up and move around. This Advanced Training will be a general naturalists dream, as we will cover a little bit of everything; from plants, to fungi, to tracks and sign, to birds, and more! Plan on being outside for the length of the class and be prepared for some hiking through more unpredictable conditions.

Location address: Sax-Zim Bog, 8793 Owl Avenue, Meadowlands, MN 55765

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

Research shows that spending just 2 hours per week in nature can statistically reduce blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. At the same time, it can increase creativity, cooperation, and focus. We will talk about the science behind what is happening in our unique relationship with the natural world and why spending time outdoors can contribute to improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We will reference current and recent studies as well as discuss ways to get more people to access their nature prescriptions. This will be a lively session of discussion and experiential components. Dress for the weather - we will definitely spend time outside!

Location address: Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

Feathers are the first thing we see when we look at birds! But how much do you know about these structures that allow birds to fly, become insulated against water and wind, or display fitness to potential mates? This Advanced Training will take a deep dive into everything feathers from basic feather structures, to how feathers influence bird evolution, and more!

Location address: Sax-Zim Bog, 8793 Owl Avenue, Meadowlands, MN 55765

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.

The Sax-Zim Bog is well known as a location to see northern owls, like Great Gray Owl and Northern Hawk Owl. Visitors from all over the US and world come to our area to experience the wonder of these birds. Most of the time visitors see these birds, snap a few photos, and continue on looking for other birds of the boreal forest. Very few get to spend time watching these birds, observing their behaviors, or take the time to consider the biology of these amazing creatures! This Advanced Training will consider all things owl, from hooo lives in Minnesota, to the interesting behaviors shown by owls, and more! There will be time to look for an owl or two (depending on the species present this winter!).

Location address: Sax-Zim Bog, 8793 Owl Avenue, Meadowlands, MN 55765

Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $10.00 processing fee. For cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class, no refunds will be given.