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Tamarack Nature Center
5287 Otter Lake Road
White Bear Township, MN 55110
(651) 407-5350 phone
tamarack@co.ramsey.mn.us
**Note: Pre-registration and payment required for all programs. Register in person, by phone, mail or fax.
Yoga-A Natural Balance
Wednesdays, January 11-February 29, 5:30—6:30 p.m.
$64/ 8 week series, $9 drop-in; Pre-registration required.
Yoga is all about balance, including with nature. In this multi-level Hatha yoga class we will increase flexibility, strength, and posture. After a stressful day, try Hatha yoga in the peaceful atmosphere of Tamarack Nature Center. Instructor: Terrie Arfi - Yoga participants should bring their own yoga mat or large towel and wear comfortable clothing.
***Try a class out for free! Register for our special Trial Yoga Class on Wednesday, January 4th.
Group Ski for Adults
Saturdays—January 14, 28 and February 11, 1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.
$10/person/session, $5/person/session optional ski rental
Little or no prior skiing experience is needed. This class covers the basics of clothing, equipment and technique.
How to Prepare a Study Skin
Saturday January 28, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
$10/person for the general public, Pre-registration required.
If you have ever found a dead bird by the side of the road, and thought it too beautiful to waste, this class is for you! The Minnesota DNR and US Fish and Wildlife Service have granted Tamarack Nature Center a permit to salvage dead birds for educational purposes. These make wonderful teaching aids! If you would like to get an “inside view” of birds, join Anna as she cleans out the freezer and adds to our study skin collection. Session is free to TNC volunteers who continue preparing study skins for our collection. All birds prepared remain property of TNC. Class limited to six (6 ) participants.
Tamarack Tykes
Single Saturday programs for preschoolers ages 2-5 and an adult
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
$9.75/child & adult;$6.50/additional child; $3.75/additional adult
Saturday, January 14—”O” is for Owl
Whooooo is one animal friend at Tamarack? Our Saw Whet Owl, that’s who! Learn about our feathered nocturnal friends as we make owl calls, an owl puppet and search for signs of owls in the woods.
Saturday, February 11—”T” is for Trails and Tales
During this cold winter month, gather around the cozy fireplace as we tell stories and play games. Let’s make our own story as we hike through the wintry woods looking for Tamarack animal tracks!
Saturday, March 10—”M” is for Maple
M is for Maple… March is the month for maple syruping! How do we tap trees? Where does maple syrup come from? Join us as we hike into our maple sugar bush in search of these answers. We will even get to sample a tasty treat! Please wear clothes that can get dirty and wear rubber boots.
Ski Otters (Ages 4-7 years)
Saturdays—January 14, 28, and February 11, 10:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
$7.50/child/session, $5/child/session optional ski rental
This ski play class is designed to introduce younger children to skis and snow fun. Games and activities are played without poles.
Parent-Child Snowshoe Trek
Monday, January 16, 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Ages 5 years and up
$11.25/parent-child pair; $5/person snowshoe rental
Have fun with your child on this day off of school. Strap on snow shoes and go off trail with a naturalist. We will follow animal tracks and discover hidden homes beneath the snow. How many winter wonders can you find?
Back Country Snowshoe Treks (ages 13-adult)
Saturdays—Jan. 21 and Feb. 11, 1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.
$10/person/session, $5/person/session optional snowshoe rental
Come learn all about snowshoeing and Tamarack’s back-country as we set out on some off-trail treks. You will learn about different snowshoe types, their uses and different techniques.
Nordic Ski Club for Kids
Sundays—January 22, 29, February 5 and 12, 1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m.
$40/4 week series; $5/week optional ski rental - 1st-6th grade students
Step, slide and glide cross-country. This series is filled with lots of fun on skis. Beginners will learn how to put on the correct equipment, dress for safe skiing and learn basic Nordic ski skills. Intermediate students will build upon current skills, explore new trails and have races for fun. We’ll show you how to play games on skis!
Frogs and Polliwogs
Fridays - Feb 10, Feb 24, March 9 and 23, 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Regular series for children 2 ½ -5 and an adult (Registration is by series only)
$39 adult and child pair/4-week series, $26/additional child and $13/additional adult/series
Friday, February 10, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Peter has been waiting for the snow. He doesn’t waste any time getting out and having fun. What kind of fun can you have in the snow? Join us as we make tracks, create sculptures and discover fun in the snow!
Friday, February 24, Counting is for the Birds by Frank Mazzola, Jr.
Have you been feeding the birds? It’s not too late to start. Discover the variety of wonderful birds that might visit your feeder and find out what it takes to be one. Learn how to operate your beak, make a bird treat and have fun acting like a bird.
Friday, March 9, On the Same Day in March by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Frane Lessac
What is the weather like today? Is it the same as in the arctic? In Minnesota, you never know! Come explore the weather around the world and create some weather of you own as we try to figure out what the Minnesota weather is going to do today.
Friday, March 23, Sugarbush Spring by Marsha Wilson Chall, illustrated by Jim Daly
It’s sugaring season! March is such an exciting time in our woods. The maple trees are dripping sap that we collect and cook “down” to syrup. Help tap a tree and, if it’s warm enough, collect sap. Try a “log cabin sundae” or just taste the syrup right off the spoon.
Second Fridays Homeschool
For home school families with children ages 5-10
Fridays —February 10, March 9 and April 11, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
$5.25/child; no additional fee per adult
Friday, February 10—Fur Quest
For nearly 300 years, the fur trade network in North America brought indigenous peoples and Europeans together for mutual benefit. Why was the beaver pelt prized above all others? Tamarack becomes a trading post and students reenact an exciting trade with our resident “trader”. C’est bon, n’est pas?
Friday, March 9—Pioneer Days
What did children play before there were video games? T V? Electricity? Dip your own candle to take home, tell stories, and learn old-time games to play during the long winter days.
Friday, April 11—Salamander Secrets
Visit with the salamander and listen to its secrets.
Winter Fun Day
Saturday, February 18, 10:00 a.m. —2:00 p.m.
All Ages Welcome
$6.50/person; $5/person for optional ski or snowshoe rental
Explore Tamarack Nature Center this winter. Outdoor play activities include, snow painting, snow snakes, sledding and a snowshoe obstacle course that will make it a great event for all ages! Bring a lunch or just enjoy a hot drink indoors as you meet our resident Saw Whet Owl and participate in interpretative stations. Self-guided ski or naturalist-led snowshoe opportunities offer a great opportunity to explore the nature center grounds.
