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 family and friends for an afternoon of snow games and experience snow like you never have before!

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.

Embrace Minnesota’s sparkling season and beautiful winter landscape with an evening of hiking by candlelight.

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.

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.

Two feet, four feet - small feet, big feet. We all make tracks in the snow!  Bring your valentine, don some snowshoes (weather permitting) and make some 'lovely' tracks of your own as you search for animal tracks and signs. While outside, we will be sure to leave a special valentine for the animals to show them some love, too.

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.

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.

Bring your sweet tooth and discover the natural sugars of Minnesota maple trees. Learn how maple syrup is harvested and made and take part in the process first hand. Be ready to sample nature's sweet treats!

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.

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.

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

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.

Get ready to hatch some fun as we investigate what babies are cracking free from their eggs. We will hike through the park scouting for nests and then try out nest building for ourselves. Finally, let’s celebrate the beauty of the egg by adorning some with naturally colored dye.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Get the scoop on how to nurture nature in your very own backyard by starting seeds that will create a delicious wildlife buffet.  First, we will sow some seeds for wildlife here in the park and then decorate a flowerpot for the seeds you can grow at home. 

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.

10:00 - 11:30 Celebrate

Refreshments and social time.

'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.

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.

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?

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. 

June Topic: Hello Little Blue
Learn about little blue as we hike the blue bird trail, peek into a nest, and enjoy a sweet “tweet” treat. We’ll also craft our own little blue bird.

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. 

June Topic: Hello Little Blue
Learn about little blue as we hike the blue bird trail, peek into a nest, and enjoy a sweet “tweet” treat. We’ll also craft our own little blue bird.

Dig into the past to discover what fossil fortunes are hiding in the rocks at Quarry Hill Park!

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. 

June Topic: Backyard Camper
Snores, lores and s’mores – that’s what makes a great camp out! We’ll go on a scavenger hunt, gather wood for a fire, set up camp & fuel up with a traditional s’more!

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. 

June Topic: Backyard Camper
Snores, lores and s’mores – that’s what makes a great camp out! We’ll go on a scavenger hunt, gather wood for a fire, set up camp & fuel up with a traditional s’more!
 

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. 

July Topic: Mighty Spidey
Connect with your inner Mighty Spidey sense! Find out what makes spiders so mighty – 8 legs, 8 eyes, the ability to spin webs and more. Roll out your own webby craft and “wrap up” the morning with a spiderlicious snack!

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. 

July Topic: Mighty Spidey
Connect with your inner Mighty Spidey sense! Find out what makes spiders so mighty – 8 legs, 8 eyes, the ability to spin webs and more. Roll out your own webby craft and “wrap up” the morning with a spiderlicious snack!

Dig into the past to discover what fossil fortunes are hiding in the rocks at Quarry Hill.

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. 

July Topic: Busy Buzzy Bee
Get the buzz on honey bees! Learn all about how hive jives and perfect your waggle dance as we play pollinator. A sticky treat and an up-close encounter with our meadow observation hive will top this sweet class.

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. 

July Topic: Busy Buzzy Bee
Get the buzz on honey bees! Learn all about how hive jives and perfect your waggle dance as we play pollinator. A sticky treat and an up-close encounter with our meadow observation hive will top this sweet class.

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. 

July Topic: Toadstool Town
There is fungus among us. Join us as we explore the citizens of Toadstool Town! Create your own toadstool to take home, play mushroom games and sample some deliciously creative toadstools.

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. 

August Topic: Toadstool Town
There is fungus among us. Join us as we explore the citizens of Toadstool Town! Create your own toadstool to take home, play mushroom games and sample some deliciously creative toadstools.

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. 

August Topic: Gimme Shelter
Some animals need special “Shell-ters” to keep them safe. Join us as we encounter turtles, snails and crayfish to learn why they are all at home in a shell.  A shell-tacular snack and craft will round out our morning.

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. 

August Topic: Gimme Shelter
Some animals need special “Shell-ters” to keep them safe. Join us as we encounter turtles, snails and crayfish to learn why they are all at home in a shell.  A shell-tacular snack and craft will round out our morning.

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.

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.

Timed entry - choose your ticket time.

Dig into the past to discover what fossil fortunes are hiding in the rocks at Quarry Hill.

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. 

August Topic: The Bugliest Bugs
In field and forest, we’ll go on a bug hunting adventure! Test your net skills, play buggy games, devour a buggy snack. We’ll learn all about what makes even the ‘bugliest’ bugs cool.

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. 

August Topic: The Bugliest Bugs
In field and forest, we’ll go on a bug hunting adventure! Test your net skills, play buggy games, devour a buggy snack. We’ll learn all about what makes even the ‘bugliest’ bugs cool.

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.

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.