Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center Trip

We took the two youngest boys to Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center today. We packed up a lunch and decided to take off for a few hours. The other kids were off doing their own thing, so I figured why not take advantage of the nice day.

Here are some snapshots of our nature hike:

 Cheeky decided to stop early, and of as usual I miss a great shot!

This was a "tree bulge", it was to far in the distance to get close to it. Oddly, when we got home and looked through the pictures, my son yells "Look at the creepy face in the tree".  I have to admit it does have a creepy "lokking at you" quality to it.

 And again, can never get those perfect shots of the kids!

 This is a spider web with a egg sack in the middle, I think. My 12 year old thought it was neat.

 This was a normal tree limb, but it had a scaling effect going. Along with some fabulous colors that the camera could not pick up very well. It was odd because this was the only limb on the tree that had this.

 Now, why did this bird have to look right at me when I snapped this. I wasn't scared of it when he was looking to the side! Then just as I clicked, he turned. Eagles always look like they want to make you their next meal.

This one was hit by a truck and can no longer live in the wild. That was what was on the sign outside his cage.

LOL, they had an extra sign on this one, it said "I am not sad or sick, I am molting" When we first walked up to it, it was looking pretty pouty. When I went back he looked like this.

The other sign explained how he had been raised to be like a human and now he thinks HE IS human, so he can't be released.

 Here is another injured bird. I believe they are hoping to release him back into the wild.

 Another picture we have of many, of a moth. I still love the colors on them!

I was trying to get a "money-shot" but Cheeky refused to cooperate. I wanted him sitting in the whole of the base of the tree and look at the camera. Close but no cigar.

And here are the boys making friends with a rabbit they have outside.

Here is some information about the Nature Center:

Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center (CNC) provides a unique opportunity for you to learn and explore the outdoors. With property on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the scenic St. Croix River, we are able to preserve wildlife habitat while also providing educational opportunities. Hiking trails wind throughout the tall pines, oak savanna, restored prairies, wooded ravines, around the apple orchard, and along the river of the 425 acre main property north of Hasting, MN. Wildlife abounds in the restored prairie and wooded bluffs on the 300 acre Wisconsin nature preserve. We invite you to become a member or to visit CNC! Carpenter Nature Center is a 501 C 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

With over 10 miles of hiking trails, 3.5 of which are paved to accommodate persons with mobility limitations, you will see a vast variety of plant and animal communities.


Our Visitor Center is open daily 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, offering hands-on exhibits and live animals for display.

Hiking trails, Beach access, and the Visitor Center are open to the public 7 days a week 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, and are only closed on the following Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and New Years Day.


Admission is free! Come and enjoy the quiet, serene world.


They have programs available for a minimal fee for all ages, including a Preschool Story Hour. They also have many volunteer opportunities.