We Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park invite you to join us in our activities. Check here often for future activities and opportunities for volunteering.
Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park T-Shirts available! See this Poster for details.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Please join us each weekend for self-guided wildflower strolls down the boardwalk to Hidden Falls. Wildflower Ambassadors will be available along the trail from 10 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays to help point out wildflowers, including the federally endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily.
Universe in the Park is an outreach program run by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics during the summer. At the events, representatives of the Institute will present a short (20?30 min) public talk and slide show. Presentations cover a variety of astronomical topics such as: the history of matter, how astronomers “see,” and a journey through our solar system.
Afterwards, if weather allows, attendees have the opportunity to view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes, operated by the staff and provided by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics. Additionally, we provide free star maps (e.g. www.skymaps.com) and are happy to show visitors how to use them. Throughout the evening, we encourage questions from the audience and enjoy discussing topics ranging from backyard astronomy to the latest scientific discoveries.
Through these events, we hope to convey the excitement of modern astronomical research while simultaneously providing an enjoyable introduction to amateur astronomy. Although a vehicle permit is required to enter the park, the event is free to the public. Please join us!
This program will include live caterpillars and other hands-on materials. You will learn about the life cycle, migration, and population status of the monarch butterflies, how to look for signs of monarch activity and what you can do to help the population in your backyard. Following the program we will look for caterpillars and eggs on milkweed plants in the park. Very kid friendly!
Nerstrand State Park’s restored prairie is a late summer gathering spot for Monarch butterflies filling up with wildflower nectar in preparation for their migration to Mexico. Meet at the park office and then carpool to the prairie for a guided tour with Master Naturalists. Choose from 0.9 mile or 1.4 mile hike. Long pants and closed toe shoes are recommended. Will be cancelled in case of rain.
Annual membership meeting that will take place prior to the Gathering, at 4 pm at the park.