Naturalist Classes
Looking for a great way to get outdoors and in touch with nature?
Look no further, we have classes for children AND folks of all ages, depending on the season!
Preschool Young Naturalist Classes
Children need nature.
There's no better time to start influencing the importance of the natural environment than now.
These classes are geared towards 3-5 year olds and take place weekly during fall, winter and spring. Each week, the kiddos learn about wildlife and the natural environment through games, arts and crafts, hikes, stories and more!
Summer Naturalist Classes
Classes are open to individuals and families with children of all ages. But please note that some classes may not be suitable for children under the 6-8 age range. Summer Naturalist classes are held weekly in June, July and August.
We focus on a different theme each month, but we learn something new together each week:
June: Animal and plant ID hikes
July: Kayaking, fishing and other outdoor sports/skills
August: Nature Crafts
*Please note that registration for each month must be completed separately due to the wide range activities offered*
Registration for 2025 Summer Naturalist Class will open April 25 2025!
St. Croix Valley Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training Course
St. Croix County, Carpenter Nature Center, and The Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks are partnering to offer the Wisconsin Master Naturalist training. We will meet one Saturday a month, March-August, throughout the St. Croix Valley. The training will include some classroom time but will focus mostly on local and regional field experiences to exceptional sites for learning in our topic areas (geology, ecology, plant communities, wildlife, interpretation, water, and human impacts). Many regional experts will be sharing their knowledge, research, tips, and inspiration with us as they lead or present parts of the training.