Quarry Hill has been feeding birds for years as part of its bird banding education and research program. This has established a community of birds that visit the feeders daily. We recently re-captured a chickadee that was first banded at Quarry Hill in 2014!
During winter the feeders are especially busy and the birds are especially beautiful against the white snow. Quarry Hill adult members are invited to a special viewing time in the bird observation room before the Nature Center opens to the public. In this quieter setting, you can expect to see woodpeckers, chickadees, juncos, nuthatches and perhaps less common visitors like purple finches, pine siskins and brown creepers.
Quarry Hill has been feeding birds for years as part of its bird banding education and research program. This has established a community of birds that visit the feeders daily. We recently re-captured a chickadee that was first banded at Quarry Hill in 2014!
During winter the feeders are especially busy and the birds are especially beautiful against the white snow. Quarry Hill adult members are invited to a special viewing time in the bird observation room before the Nature Center opens to the public. In this quieter setting, you can expect to see woodpeckers, chickadees, juncos, nuthatches and perhaps less common visitors like purple finches, pine siskins and brown creepers.
Bring your sweetheart or come with friends for a candlelit evening in nature.
Follow the glow of a candlelit trail to the Prairie House. There you can warm up by a bonfire and enjoy your selection from the hot cocoa bar, with or without spirits. Luminaries will light your return path. Don't forget to stop at the photo tree adorned with candles for a selfie with your special someone.
Enjoy a reading of the children’s book, Secrets of Winter by Carron Brown. Then meet a Quarry Hill ambassador animal before heading outdoors for a night hike. Using flashlights to guide our way, we will search for the secrets of winter in Quarry Hill Park.
Quarry Hill has been feeding birds for years as part of its bird banding education and research program. This has established a community of birds that visit the feeders daily. We recently re-captured a chickadee that was first banded at Quarry Hill in 2014!
During winter the feeders are especially busy and the birds are especially beautiful against the white snow. Quarry Hill adult members are invited to a special viewing time in the bird observation room before the Nature Center opens to the public. In this quieter setting, you can expect to see woodpeckers, chickadees, juncos, nuthatches and perhaps less common visitors like purple finches, pine siskins and brown creepers.
Gather 'round for a reading of the children’s book Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack by Alan Page. Then head outdoors to tap a tree and learn about gathering sap and making syrup; a sweet syrup treat will follow.
About the Book: Here is the gentle story of a granddaughter discovering one of the great joys of her grandfather's youth - spring in the north woods, when the maple trees are bursting with sap.
Together, grandfather and granddaughter make their way out into the chilly pre-dawn woods to find and tap maple trees, hang buckets, and collect sap. And then patiently (or not!), they wait for the sap to boil into syrup back at the sugar shack. They wait until . . . at last! The first sweet taste of amber, sticky goodness is ready.
There are seven native Minnesota snake species at the Nature Center. From flexible jaws to smelling with their tongue, snakes are charming! Slither in and coil up while a naturalist introduces you to a variety of snakes and their scaly goodness.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group
Ribbit, croak, and sing. Our frogs have plenty to say about their lifestyle at Quarry Hill. We might even see some of their friends on a quick trip out to the pond.
Spring has sprung and it’s a great time to hit the trails. Pick up or print your exclusive member passport containing coordinates to 4 geocaches in Quarry Hill Park. Follow the coordinates and discover what animal is hatching from each ‘egg’ you find. Hatch all four eggs, collect all 4 stamps and turn in your passport for a chance to win a Get Outdoors Family Adventure Pack provided by Scheels.
A great way to bring a natural touch into your backyard, native plants are best adapted to the local climate and once extablished seldom need watering, mulching, or protection from frost.
All orders are pre-order only.
This Earth Day we take time to think about the importance of water. Making up more than 60 % of our body and our Earth, water deserves our attention! Join Quarry Hill volunteer Andrew Pruett to hear how water has shaped his life.
Earth Day is a remarkable day that deserves celebration! And what better way to do that than sharing an environmental success story? Join us at Quarry Hill Nature Center to hear all about the peregrine story and see a live falcon up close.
Learn what is being done right here in Minnesota to help the species and what we have discovered about them after 40 years of research. Following the program, try your hand at our Animal Survival Game.
Ribbit, croak, and sing. Our frogs have plenty to say about their lifestyle at Quarry Hill. We might even see some of their friends on a quick trip out to the pond.
On May 20th, 2023 exactly 50 years from the 1973 dedication of the Nature Center, we invite the community to celebrate with us and participate in a large restorative planting.
This event, free and open to all.
9:00 AM Program & Remarks:
Friends of Quarry Hill Board Chair Peggy Edwards
Mayor & former Quarry Hill Board Member Kim Norton
Rochester Public School Board Director Jean Marvin
Former Quarry Hill Director, Greg Munson
Present Quarry Hill Director, Pamela Meyer
9:30 - 11:00 Plant a Tree!
Working with community partners, community members are invited to help plant 350 trees and shrubs, more than 360 native plants and pull invasive garlic mustard - activities that will protect the natural landscape and our outdoor classroom for generations to come.
'Open a can of worms' with a Quarry Hill naturalist during this adventure into the wonderful world of worms. Learn about earthworms, worm compost and other decomposers.
Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.
About the book:
It’s a perfect day for yoga, and Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him! But lizard is too tired, fox is in a rush, and Bird has the hiccups. Will Bunny ever be able to get his friends to slow down and realize that yoga just might be the solution to their problems?
Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.
About the book:
It’s a perfect day for yoga, and Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him! But lizard is too tired, fox is in a rush, and Bird has the hiccups. Will Bunny ever be able to get his friends to slow down and realize that yoga just might be the solution to their problems?
As the sun sets we will gather to celebrate the beauty of the moth. Using techniques known as light sheeting and sugar baiting we will draw in this often unheralded creature of the night.
Look for moths on baited trees as you hike to the Prairie House where you'll meet Kyle Johnson, moth and butterfly specialist with the Minnesota Biological Survey. He will lead us in identifying our finds and will share his wealth of knowledge on these mysterious creatures. To round out the night, create your own Luna Moth mask and dress up for the photo booth to remember your evening at the Moth Ball.
It is a 10 minute hike to the Prairie House on uneven terrain. This trail is not stroller friendly.
Flashlights recommended
No pets allowed
Event is for Quarry Hill members only
Members were emailed a link to the event with a ticket code. Inquire if you need this information.
Leaders: Joel Dunnette (ZVAS) & Pamela Meyer (Quarry Hill)
Free and all ages welcome. Help us catch, tag and release monarch butterflies as they migrate through our area on their journey south to Mexico. Citizens just like you are important contributors to monarch research and conservation. Join us in the field to learn why!
This is an open house event hosted a the West entrance to Quarry Hill Park. Learn about the monarch's life cycle and have fun walking in the Oak Savanna to catch a monarch for tagging. Come and go on your own schedule. We'll provide the nets.
Park at the West entrance to Quarry Hill Park (not the nature center entrance) at 2100 9th St NE. Be prepared for a short hike up the hill to the Oak Savanna. Water bottles and sunscreen are recommended.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Insect are preparing for winter - some are migrating, some are packing pollen, some are laying next spring's eggs. Grab a net to catch and release some of these incredible critters to study up close.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Insect are preparing for winter - some are migrating, some are packing pollen, some are laying next spring's eggs. Grab a net to catch and release some of these incredible critters to study up close.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Students will learn microscope basics and have time to practice with prepared slides before moving on to the amazing world of microorganisms within a drop of water. Collecting a sample, preparing a wet mount slide, observation, sorting, & classifying skills will be emphasized.
Students will use physical and chemical tests, as well as biological indicators, to determine if the Quarry Hill pond is “healthy”. This class includes an examination of the fish life in the pond as they try their hand at fishing from the pond bridge as well.
Students will practice the science skills of observation, measurement and asking questions. A puppet show, observation hike and tree measurement activities will be included.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Quarry Hill creatures lurk about in the night. They are friendly and funny with just a bit of fright.
Join us in the park and cave for a family friendly evening in nature. Encounter costumed creatures - a turkey, deer, coyote, & spider, each with a tale to tell about their night life. They are friendly and funny with just a touch of fright.
Following the program, experience twists and turns on a self-guided walk, spying hidden objects in forest. Bring your flashlight!
The evening wraps up with take home treats delivered by an eight-legged friend!
Choose a time slot: 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00
Event lasts approximately 1 hour.
Event is all outdoors and will be held in light rain, snow or cold.
Participants will walk along along a 1/2 mile self-guided, unpaved trail
Trail is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
No pets allowed
1 ticket admits 1 person (24 months and older). Tickets are non-refundable.
Join us in the park and cave for a family friendly evening in nature. Encounter costumed creatures - a turkey, deer, coyote, & spider, each with a tale to tell about their night life. They are friendly and funny with just a touch of fright.
Following the program, experience twists and turns on a self-guided walk, spying hidden objects in forest. Bring your flashlight!
The evening wraps up with take home treats delivered by an eight-legged friend!
Choose a time slot: 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00
Event lasts approximately 1 hour.
Event is all outdoors and will be held in light rain, snow or cold.
Participants will walk along along a 1/2 mile self-guided, unpaved trail
Trail is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
No pets allowed
1 ticket admits 1 person (24 months and older). Tickets are non-refundable.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Come for a reading of Bat Loves the Night then visit the Quarry Hill cave!
Join a naturalist for a reading of the children’s book, Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies. Then take a 10 minute hike through the forest to the Quarry Hill cave to to see who might be preparing for winter hibernation.
Recommended for families - activities for children ages 4 to 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather; including sturdy footwear. The hike is not stroller friendly.
Please bring a flashlight.
Cost: $5.00 per person 24mo & older
About the Book: Night has fallen, and Bat awakens to find her evening meal. Follow her as she swoops into the shadows, shouting and flying, the echoes of her voice creating a sound picture of the world around her. When morning light creeps into the sky, Bat returns to the roost to feed her baby . . . and to rest until nighttime comes again. Bat loves the night!
Come for a reading of Bat Loves the Night then visit the Quarry Hill cave!
Join a naturalist for a reading of the children’s book, Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies. Then take a 10 minute hike through the forest to the Quarry Hill cave to to see who might be preparing for winter hibernation.
Recommended for families - activities for children ages 4 to 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather; including sturdy footwear. The hike is not stroller friendly.
Please bring a flashlight.
Cost: $5.00 per person 24mo & older
About the Book: Night has fallen, and Bat awakens to find her evening meal. Follow her as she swoops into the shadows, shouting and flying, the echoes of her voice creating a sound picture of the world around her. When morning light creeps into the sky, Bat returns to the roost to feed her baby . . . and to rest until nighttime comes again. Bat loves the night!
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Come along on Craig Blacklock’s visual exploration of Lake Superior. For 47 years
Blacklock’s artistic practice has been intrinsically linked to the interface of land and
water in wilderness areas—most often Lake Superior. Over that time his artwork has
evolved from color landscapes depicting what these places looked like to increasingly
non-representational imagery untethered from context.
His most recent body of work, Light Waves, is a series of images isolating the complex
mirror of Lake Superior’s surface, producing a purely abstract representation of the
palette and textures lying outside of the frame.
The animal residents who live in Quarry Hill Park are amazing. Join us to bust the myths about an often misunderstood and feared mammal, Bats! Echolocation, keen sense of smell and the ability to eat 500 mosquitoes in an hour - bats are amazing and beneficial!
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
You’ll see pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass, woodworking and more. Admission is free and ten percent of all sales are donated to the Friends of Quarry Hill in support of nature education programs.
You’ll see pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass, woodworking and more. Admission is free and ten percent of all sales are donated to the Friends of Quarry Hill in support of nature education programs.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
December Topic: Time to Sleep With December comes the deep sleep know as hibernation. Come learn about what animals choose to sleep out the winter season here and just how they prepare for this deepest sleep. This class will also take us underground to explore who might be sleeping in the Quarry Hill cave!
There are seven native Minnesota snake species at the nature center. From flexible jaws to smelling with their tongue, snakes are charming! Slither in and coil up while a naturalist introduces you to a variety of snakes and their scaly goodness.
Join a naturalist for a fireside reading of The Night Tree . Then, craft a holiday treat fit for our animal friends in the park and take a short hike to the island to hang your special creation on our very own night tree. Wrap-up the evening with a warm cup of cocoa as you step back to enjoy your handiwork!
About the Book
“On the night before Christmas we always go to find our tree…” And deep in the quiet moonlight forest the family celebrates, joyfully sharing the spirit of the season decorating their night tree with treats for the animals of the woods.
A ticket is required for all in attendance 24 mo and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather; especially appropriate footwear for walking on snow covered trails
Book reading begins promptly
Participants may wish to bring a flashlight for the short hike to the island
Story & activities recommended for ages 4 - 8 years
Join a naturalist for a fireside reading of The Night Tree . Then, craft a holiday treat fit for our animal friends in the park and take a short hike to the island to hang your special creation on our very own night tree. Wrap-up the evening with a warm cup of cocoa as you step back to enjoy your handiwork!
About the Book
“On the night before Christmas we always go to find our tree…” And deep in the quiet moonlight forest the family celebrates, joyfully sharing the spirit of the season decorating their night tree with treats for the animals of the woods.
A ticket is required for all in attendance 24 mo and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather; especially appropriate footwear for walking on snow covered trails
Book reading begins promptly
Participants may wish to bring a flashlight for the short hike to the island
Story & activities recommended for ages 4 - 8 years
Dress warmly to hike for 15 minutes to the historic hand-carved sandstone cave. Learn some bat basics and with any luck, catch a glimps of a hibernating bat? Tour is one hour and covers appromimately 1 mile. Space is limited. Second tour is offered at 2:30 pm.
Registration is required. Call Quarry Hill to reserve a spot: 507-328-3950.
Dress warmly to hike for 15 minutes to the historic hand-carved sandstone cave. Learn some bat basics and with any luck, catch a glimps of a hibernating bat? Tour is one hour and covers appromimately 1 mile. Space is limited. Second tour is offered at 1:00 pm.
Registration is required. Call Quarry Hill to reserve a spot: 507-328-3950.
Open house - come anytime for a few minutes or stay for awhile. Experience the beauty of birds up close as you observe netting, banding, and releasing winter songbirds.
Stop by to spend a few minutes meeting one of Quarry Hill's snake ambassadors during this open house event. A naturalist will be on hand to answer questions during this special 'meet and greet' session. Also offered from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.
Be sure to get your selfie with a snake before you slither on your way!
Stop by to spend a few minutes meeting one of Quarry Hill's snake ambassadors during this open house event. A naturalist will be on hand to answer questions during this special 'meet and greet' session. Also offered from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Be sure to get your selfie with a snake before you slither on your way!
Star Light, Star Bright, hike along by candlelight! Embrace Minnesota's sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight. Follow luminaries along the woods to the Prairie House to warm up by a campfire and enjoy the outdoor gourmet hot cocoa bar. Luminaries will also light your return path through the prairie as you conclude your New Year's Eve adventure.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
January Topic: Frosty Frolic In the snow and on the ice get ready to frolic as we explore winter's frosty grip! We will investigate ice on the pond and the life underneath it, play a traditional game of snow snakes and use inspiration from nature to make icy sun catchers.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Owls have many adaptations for their life in the forest. Totally silent flight, sharp talons, and large eyes set forward make them stealthy hunters. Learn all about these impressive predatory adaptations and the owl species that live in Minnesota.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
February Topic: Hoot, Hoot! Little Owl Feathered socks, a hooked beak and gigantic eyes – oh my! Get up close with one of Quarry Hill’s little owls to learn all about their special features. Then head outdoors to look for owl nests and try your skills at owl calling. Back indoors, we will dissect owl pellets. It’s sure to be a HOOT!
Huddle together, slow down, stock up on food and use 'antifreeze' - animals use some amazing adaptations to survive the winter weather! Join a naturalist and discover how animals get through the long, cold, snowy months of winter.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
March Topic: Oh, Deer! Tracks, trails and scat – we’re headed out in search of deer in the Quarry Hill woods and field. Get ready for hide and seek and finders keepers as we join in antler games! Oh deer, mister buck dropped his antler, can we find it? Hightail it to Quarry Hill to discover all about this treasured and secretive mammal.
Love them or not, creepy crawlies are everywhere and play a vital role in our environment! This program highlights the world of invertebrates – with an up close look at a live tarantula, walking stick, & hissing cockroach.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
The “Soil Chef” will help students understand the difference between soil & dirt and give the recipe for soil. Students will hike to the QH sandstone cave and also sift & sort soil samples into their components.
Just what is a raptor? Students will examine and study this special group of birds. They will learn what makes an owl such a successful predator: silent feathers, powerful talons, and incredible senses.
Students will work at hands-on experiment stations to learn about the geology under our feet and how our limestone bedrock forms caves and affects groundwater quality.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
April Topic: Wonderful Worms They’re sticky and they’re slimy, wiggly and tiny, they’re all together grimy - it’s the worm family! Get ready to dig into the wonderful world of worms as we explore one of nature’s most down to earth creatures. Learn about their amazing recycling powers and streamlined design that make them the best creature for the job!
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
May Topic: Peeps & Leaps, It's Time for Spring! Frogs and toads are starting their spring songs! Come meet some of our live frogs & toads as we learn all about their spring songs and lifecycle. Then we will grab nets and head out to the pond in search of these peeping leapers!
