University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
College of Biological Sciences
http://www.cbs.umn.edu/
Cedar Creek Wildlife Survey citizen scientists looking at animal tracks.Visitors learn about moths in a nighttime entomology programBirdwatchers join a tour guide from the Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery Project on a guided walk

Public Programs

The community engagement and public programs arm of Cedar Creek strives to be an inspiring catalyst and outstanding resource for lifelong science education in Minnesota and beyond. Our goal is to connect students, teachers, community members and scientists to Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve’s ecological research through engaging hands-on experiences, and as a result to increase science literacy and help our community better understand scientific principles, processes and concepts.

 

In accordance with guidance from the University and our director, onsite programming is on hold indefinitely to slow the transmission and spread of COVID-19. The Fish Lake Nature Trail is open.

We will reschedule events to the extent that we can, and are working to move as many programs as we can to an online-only option. University updates are available at https://safe-campus.umn.edu/public-health-alerts. Stay safe and healthy until we get to see you in person again!

 

For details about scheduling K-12 programs, please visit our EDUCATION PAGE.

 

Although Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a private university facility, we welcome the public to visit and explore at various times throughout the year. Our goal is to provide a wide range of opportunities for our friends and neighbors to get to know Cedar Creek, and for our community to be as invested in and proud of this special place as our scientists are!

For questions or comments about our public programs, contact Caitlin Barale Potter at caitlin@umn.edu or 612-301-2602.

 

Plan a workshop or tour for your group

Are you a Master Gardener, Master Naturalist or member of an environmentally-oriented or outdoorsy group? We would love to host your next chapter meeting or field trip! We are happy to provide short presentations, field tours, guided hikes and more on our property, or to speak to your group offsite on topics of particular interest. We have offered programs and tours to groups ranging from faith-based organizations to professional naturalist clubs and everything in between! Contact Caitlin ( (link sends e-mail)) for information on fees and options, and to arrange your program.

Learn directly from our scientists

Our signature public program is our monthly Lunch with a Scientist lecture series, which connects community members directly with researchers for experiment overviews and field tours. Join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:30am! We also have opportunities for members of the public to contribute directly to research initiatives through several citizen science projects.

Discuss ecology with neighbors

The public is invited to participate in our monthly ecology book club, which was founded and continues to be run by community members. No science background is necessary, and it is not mandatory to finish the books to join in the discussion. Regular meetings take place on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the book club has transitioned to meeting online.

 

Additional events are listed on our Upcoming Events page and on facebook. 

Visit Cedar Creek on your own

Plan your visit using the links below:

 
Stay Connected!

Interested in learning more about what’s happening at Cedar Creek? Click here for our quarterly newletter Field Notes (and the newsletter archives). Did you attend an event? Share your favorite Cedar Creek stories on our Memories page or by emailing Caitlin (caitlin@umn.edu).

New events are being added all the time: stay up to date with research news and outreach activities at Cedar Creek by following us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Become a member! Your membership at Cedar Creek supports education and public programs (including K-12 science experiences, public events and citizen science initiatives) research opportunities for young scientists, and conservation and restoration of threatened ecosystems. Enjoy member benefits that keep you connected to Cedar Creek. Memberships are annual. Contributions are 100% tax deductible.

BECOME A MEMBER

  • $25 level: Cedar Creek’s quarterly newsletter “Field Notes” and an invitation to an annual members-only events
  • $50 level: all of the above, plus discounts on fee-based outreach programs and a set of Cedar Creek greeting cards.
  • $150 level: all of the above, plus a personal staff-led tour of Cedar Creek.

 

Work and Volunteer Opportunities
We have on-going opportunities to assist with events and programs onsite. With few exceptions, we recruit volunteers in three categories:
1) Interpretive naturalist volunteers to staff new bison gazebo and share information with the public during the summer
2) Citizen science volunteers to collect data on woodpecker behavior, wildlife track and sign, phenology and pollinators
3) Education volunteers to assist with elementary and middle school field trips during the spring and fall (must have experience working with K-8 students, in either formal or informal settings and be able to pass a background check)
 
These volunteering opportunities require attendance at a scheduled training event, as well as a committment to a somewhat-regular schedule. We are particularly seeking volunteers with an interest in connecting people to the environment around them. No science background is necessary. If you are interested, please contact Caitlin Barale Potter (caitlin@umn.edu).
 
Additionally, during our busy summer field research season, we hire undergraduate students from around the country to serve ecological research interns. Over the summer, they learn practical job skills, contribute to important research, and gain experience in research methods, theory and science communication. Does this sound like an experience you’d like to have? If so, check out our internship opportunities.
 
Resources and Partners