Park Programs
Animals Nobody Loves
Description: Minnesota’s “Unlovable” Animals“ It feels slimy!” “It looks ugly!” “It smells!” Some Minnesota animals have reputations they do not deserve. This program investigates why some animals are considered “unlovable” including snakes, spiders, skunks, porcupines, and owls - OH MY!! Live animals and artifacts introduce the natural history of these “unlikable” animals focusing on identification, adaptations and behavior.
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 1/2/2010
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Dog sledding
Description: Learn about the exciting sport of dog sledding then head to the trails to experience the thrill of being pulled on a sled by a team of Siberian huskies through the woods. End your outing with a cup of hot cocoa or cider. It is very important everyone come dressed for the weather! Cost: $20/person Maximum class size 20. Pre-Registration Deadline:1/8/2010 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Collinwood Park (Cokato)
Date: 1/16/2010
Time: 9:30 am or 12:00 noon

Owl Pellets
Description: What do owls eat? How much does an owl eat in a year? This hands-on program will provide answers to these questions. Have fun dissecting and analyzing your own regurgitated owl pellet. Cost: $5/Person Maximum class size 25.(Registration Required) Pre-Registration Deadline: 1/8/2010 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 or marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 1/17/2010
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Moonlight Snowshoe
Description: It’s time to discover winter’s wonders off the beaten path as we venture to and through areas accessible only by snowshoe in winter. Join local naturalist David Grack on this snowshoe trek through Ney County Park. Pre-Registration is required. Either bring your own snowshoes or reserve a pair from the nature center. Cost: $5/Person Maximum class size 20. (Registration Required) Registration Deadline: 1/22/2009 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 or marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 1/30/2010
Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Dog sledding
Description: Learn about the exciting sport of dog sledding then head to the trails to experience the thrill of being pulled on a sled by a team of Siberian huskies through the woods. End your outing with a cup of hot cocoa or cider. It is very important everyone come dressed for the weather! Cost: $15/person Maximum class size 20. May have multiple sessions. Pre-Registration Deadline:1/29/2010 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 or marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 2/6/2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m

Candlelight Ski
Description: Join us at Ney Park for a great night of cross-country skiing. Luminaries will help provide light to the groomed trail. The Nature Center will be open for refreshments, and a fire outside will help warm your toes! Participants provide their own skies. Rentals are not available.
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 2/13/2010
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Sweetheart Hike
Description: Bring your sweetheart out for a romantic stroll through the woods around Ney pond. Luminaries will help provide light to the trail. The Nature Center will be open for refreshments, and a fire outside will help warm your toes!
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 2/14/2010
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The Remarkable Reptiles
Description: The Remarkable Reptile program gives you an up close look at an assortment of Minnesota reptiles including the protected timber rattlesnake and a blandings turtle. The program is enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities. Cost: $5/Person Class maximum 35 Registration Deadline: 2/12/2010 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 or marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 2/21/2010
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Duck Identification
Description: Come to the Ney Nature center and learn different techniques on how to identify waterfowl. Great program for beginner and seasoned water fowlers alike. Cost: $5/person Class maximum 30. (Pre-Registration Required) Registration Deadline: 2/26/2009 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 or marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 3/7/2010
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Woodworking for Wildlife
Description: A great program for the whole family! You will have the opportunity to build your own bird house and learn how to install and maintain it. Bring your own drill or we’ll provide one. Cost: $5.00/ birdhouse (limit- two houses per family) Maximum class size 30. Pre-Registration Deadline: 3/5/2010 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 or marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 3/13/2010
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Buckthorn Hiking Sticks
Description: Select, cut, and create a buckthorn hiking stick. Learn about invasive species, how to identify buckthorn shrubs, and why it’s important to remove them from the Park District. Cost: No Charge Ages 8 + Class maximum 20. Registration Deadline: 3/5/2010 Registration: Contact the Wright County Parks Office at (763) 682-7693 or marc.mattice@co.wright.mn.us
Location: Robert Ney Regional Park
Date: 3/14/2010
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.