Carpenter Nature Center is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, all of whom actively support our mission and goals. Paul joined CNC's Board in 2018. He is a resident of River Falls, WI, and travels across the country as an Environmental Engineer for 3M. From a young age, Paul enjoyed being outdoors fishing, camping, and backpacking, and that affinity for the environment has continued into his adulthood.
As a student at Michigan State, and Miami of Ohio, he studied Chemical Engineering and Zoology. His education set the stage for his work at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Consulting in Michigan, and now, his career with 3M. Colleen has served on CNC's Board since 2012 and participates on the Development Committee.
As a student at Michigan State, and Miami of Ohio, he studied Chemical Engineering and Zoology. His education set the stage for his work at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Consulting in Michigan, and now, his career with 3M. Colleen has served on CNC's Board since 2012 and participates on the Development Committee.
Services
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Carpenter Nature Center protects 725 acres of natural and restored habitat and provides outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for more than 30,000 visitors each year. CNC charges only a small program fee to ensure access for everyone. We rely on our volunteers, along with individual and corporate friends and donors to stay open 361 days each year.
Explore Our Trails
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Beginning behind the Interpretive Center, this 1.0 mile paved trail leads you through several habitats including a grassland, a deciduas forest, an oak savanna, and an apple orchard. Visit the Ravine Lookout & the River Overlook.
Accessed by either the Self-Guided Trail or the Savanna Trail, this 1.0 mile paved trail, which circles an old orchard, offers a view of our "sugarbush, " where sap is collected from boxelder trees in the spring for making pure maple syrup.The trail also passes the Trailside Lodge and a pine plantation.
Accessed by either the Self-Guided Trail or the Savanna Trail, this 1.0 mile paved trail, which circles an old orchard, offers a view of our "sugarbush, " where sap is collected from boxelder trees in the spring for making pure maple syrup.The trail also passes the Trailside Lodge and a pine plantation.
Program & Event Calendar
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Join CNC's expert bird banders every month as they catch, band and release songbirds on our Minnesota campus. Banding runs continuously and visitors may come and go at any time. Donations of birdseed or suet are greatly appreciated in lieu of a program fee. Call 651-437-4359 to reserve your start time.
Apple Orchard
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We will continue to have the operating store hours be Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The store will be open with limited capacity of guests inside the building. Curbside pick-up will once again be offered this year. Our apple orchard in Minnesota began as the passion of Thomas and Edna Carpenter in the early 1940's, and today, Carpenter's apples are some of the tastiest and healthiest apples in the community.
Rental Facilities
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Carpenter Nature Center has a variety of unique and reasonably priced rental spaces available for meetings, dinners and weddings. If you are looking for event venues in Minnesota, CNC may have what you need. The River Bluff Pavilion is ideal for large events, such as weddings and grand dinners, and offers a spectacular view of the St. Croix River valley.
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