BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CalDiscovery//caldiscovery//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH DESCRIPTION:Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscover y.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fro m CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. SOURCE:https://caldiscovery.com/saint-paul-mn/src-15457.ics X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H X-WR-CALDESC:Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscove ry.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fr om CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. X-WR-CALNAME:CalDiscovery - saint-paul-mn BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Mixed Precipitation's Pickup Truck Opera: Tales of Hoffmann DTSTART:20260910T000000Z DTEND:20260910T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28497-1788980400-1788985800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:theater DESCRIPTION:With the barn as your backdrop\, come to Dodge Nature Center t o enjoy Tales of Hoffmann! Mixed Precipitation celebrates 18 years of o utdoor opera with their futuristic version of Jacques Offenbach’s 1881 o pera.  \nABOUT THE SHOW\nFollow the wild adventures of traveling poet\, H offmann\, as he seeks love and creative inspiration in a world overrun by technology. He meets ghosts\, robots\, magicians\, and shape-shifting demo ns in this lively fantasy. With a mix of 1990s grunge and R&B\, the Pickup Truck Opera is a one-of-a-kind mix of classical opera and pop tunes you ’ll love. Full for all ages!  \nAudiences are encouraged to bring a l awn chair or a blanket for seating on the grass\, sunscreen\, bug spray\, and a water bottle. Indoor\, accessible bathrooms are available in the F arm Education Building.  \nAll performances are offered for a suggested d onation ($5–$50). Youth\, teens\, and children under 18 are welcome t o attend for free. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:1701 Charlton Street\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/mixed-precipitations-pickup-tr uck-opera-tales-of-hoffmann X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Blacksmithing Basics 1 with Coal Forge (8-session Series) DTSTART:20260910T230000Z DTEND:20260911T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28864-1789063200-1789074000@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Join blacksmithing instructors from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for an eight-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at D odge’s forge at Shepard Farm! This course is designed to ignite your pas sion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge o f iron and its characteristics\, an understanding of the dynamics of forgi ng using a coal forge\, and the ability to safely shape iron.  \nBy the e nd of this class\, you’ll have covered the basic forging processes\, including drawing and tapering\, drifting\, punching\, twisting\, and set ting shoulders. You’ll develop those skills through projects such as quick tongs\, scribe/center punch\, round punch/drift\, basic heat treati ng\, hooks\, multi-hook rack\, trivet…and you’ll know what a clink er is!  \nAttendance at the first class session is required—impor tant safety information will be presented. No experience necessary. Al l materials and consumables included in class cost. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/blacksmithing-basics-1-with-co al-forge-8-session-sept-oct-2026/2026-09-10 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Fall Farm Tour DTSTART:20260911T150000Z DTEND:20260911T160000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28718-1789120800-1789124400@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:outdoors DESCRIPTION:Experience the sights\, sounds\, and smells of fall on Dodge ’s farm! Tour the barnyard and meet pigs\, sheep\, chickens\, goats\,  and cows. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:1701 Charlton Street\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/fall-farm-tour X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Coal Forge Blacksmithing Project Shop: Fire Poker DTSTART:20260912T150000Z DTEND:20260912T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28494-1789207200-1789228800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Join blacksmithing instructor Lee Meilleur from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for a one-day blacksmithing workshop at Dodge’s forge at Shepard Farm!  \nTransform a piece of raw metal into an artistic yet functional fire poker for your fireplace or fire pit. You’ll learn abo ut traditional methods and equipment\, including the coal forge\, hammer \, tongs\, and anvil. To create your custom hand-forged piece\, you’ll  practice essential skills: taper\, bend\, twist\, forge weld\, and colla r.  \nOpen to beginners\, though some forging experience will be helpfu l. All materials and consumables included in class cost.  \nAbout the In structor\nLee Meilleur has seven years of blacksmithing and metalwork expe rience and has trained at CAFAC\, North House Folk School\, The Guild of M etalsmiths\, Saint Paul College\, and The Hack Factory. He is an instructo r with The Guild of Metalsmiths and volunteers at the Minnesota Transporta tion Museum\, where he contributes to blacksmithing and fabrication projec ts. Lee values collaboration and enjoys working with others to create\, re store\, and teach. His dedication to craftsmanship and community drives hi s passion for preserving and sharing the art of metalwork. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/coal-forge-blacksmithing-proje ct-shop-fire-poker X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Farm to Flapjack DTSTART:20260912T150000Z DTEND:20260912T170000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28728-1789207200-1789214400@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:food DESCRIPTION:Head to the farm to meet some barnyard friends and discover wh ere breakfast begins! Collect fresh ingredients\, churn butter\, crack far m-fresh eggs\, and practice your pancake-flipping skills before gathering around the table to enjoy a stack of delicious homemade flapjacks. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/farm-to-flapjack X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Down on the Farm DTSTART:20260914T150000Z DTEND:20260914T160000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28730-1789380000-1789383600@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:outdoors DESCRIPTION:Join a naturalist for a tour of Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove! Meet farm animals as you explore the historic barn\, poultry pens\, and w ide pastures. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/down-on-the-farm-sept-14 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Dancing at Dodge DTSTART:20260914T220000Z DTEND:20260914T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28745-1789405200-1789408800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:dance,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Join naturalist fellows Simone Gingerich-Boberg and Ceili Alld er for a 3-week series of movement exploration at Dodge! Each class will b ring movement to the outdoors: swoop like a sparrow\, reach like a branch\ , and leap like a frog.  \nKids will be introduced to grounding warm-up exercises\, foundational movement techniques\, and investigations of th e natural world. Each class will end with an opportunity for participa nts to apply newfound skills in creating their own movement phrases.  \nT his program is designed for children ages 5–7. Children will participa te independently\; adults are welcome to stay onsite during the program. L esson themes will vary. No experience is required! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:365 Marie Avenue W\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/dancing-at-dodge/2026-09-14 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Nature After Dinner: The Buzz About Bees DTSTART:20260915T230000Z DTEND:20260916T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28732-1789495200-1789500600@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education DESCRIPTION:Join naturalist Pam Welisevich for an eye-opening look into the fascinating world of bees! Dive into the hive to learn how these ani mals communicate and why they are so important to our food web. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:1701 Charlton Street\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-after-dinner-the-buzz-a bout-bees X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Blacksmithing Basics 1 with Coal Forge (8-session Series) DTSTART:20260915T230000Z DTEND:20260916T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28867-1789495200-1789506000@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Join blacksmithing instructors from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for an eight-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at D odge’s forge at Shepard Farm! This course is designed to ignite your pas sion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge o f iron and its characteristics\, an understanding of the dynamics of forgi ng using a coal forge\, and the ability to safely shape iron.  \nBy the e nd of this class\, you’ll have covered the basic forging processes\, including drawing and tapering\, drifting\, punching\, twisting\, and set ting shoulders. You’ll develop those skills through projects such as quick tongs\, scribe/center punch\, round punch/drift\, basic heat treati ng\, hooks\, multi-hook rack\, trivet…and you’ll know what a clink er is!  \nAttendance at the first class session is required—impor tant safety information will be presented. No experience necessary. Al l materials and consumables included in class cost. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/blacksmithing-basics-1-with-co al-forge-8-session-sept-oct-2026/2026-09-15 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Nature Playdate DTSTART:20260916T140000Z DTEND:20260916T150000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28749-1789549200-1789552800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Join naturalist Michael Harrison\, M. Ed.\, for 4-week fal l series of Nature Playdates!  \nExplore the woodlands\, farm\, and an imals at Shepard Farm in fall. Each class will include an inside group gathering time\, a short walk (a quarter- to a half-mile) outside explo ring Dodge’s ecosystems\, and a closing activity.  \nThrough this pro gram\, adults will gain confidence being outdoors with their young child a nd learn strategies to support their development.  \nThis program is des igned for children ages 2–5 years. The $80 cost is per child\; an adult must accompany each child at no additional cost. A child will get the most out of the class if they can move independently over uneven terrain. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-playdate/2026-09-16 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Catnip and Crafts for Your Cat DTSTART:20260916T230000Z DTEND:20260917T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28800-1789581600-1789587000@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Come to Shepard Farm to learn how to identify\, forage\, and grow plants that cats have loved for generations! Hike through the woods i n search of cat-friendly herbs\, then use your favorite dried herbs to cre ate a handmade toy for your feline friend. Before you leave\, plant catni p seeds in a small pot to take home and grow on your porch or windowsill. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/catnip-and-crafts-for-your-cat X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Night for Nature 2026 DTSTART:20260917T230000Z DTEND:20260918T023000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28610-1789668000-1789680600@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:community,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Dodge Nature Center’s 60th anniversary is coming up in 2027\ , and we’re kicking off this historic milestone at Night for Nature! \nF or six decades\, Dodge has grown because of people like you: people who be lieve in the power of nature and the importance of protecting it for futur e generations. \nJoin us for an unforgettable evening outdoors as we celeb rate Dodge’s past\, honor the community that has helped us thrive\, and raise funds to support 60 more years—and beyond—of environmental educa tion. \n\nFor more event details and to purchase tickets\, see Night for N ature 2026. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:1701 Charlton Street\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/night-for-nature-2026 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Blacksmithing Basics 1 with Coal Forge (8-session Series) DTSTART:20260917T230000Z DTEND:20260918T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28868-1789668000-1789678800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Join blacksmithing instructors from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for an eight-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at D odge’s forge at Shepard Farm! This course is designed to ignite your pas sion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge o f iron and its characteristics\, an understanding of the dynamics of forgi ng using a coal forge\, and the ability to safely shape iron.  \nBy the e nd of this class\, you’ll have covered the basic forging processes\, including drawing and tapering\, drifting\, punching\, twisting\, and set ting shoulders. You’ll develop those skills through projects such as quick tongs\, scribe/center punch\, round punch/drift\, basic heat treati ng\, hooks\, multi-hook rack\, trivet…and you’ll know what a clink er is!  \nAttendance at the first class session is required—impor tant safety information will be presented. No experience necessary. Al l materials and consumables included in class cost. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/blacksmithing-basics-1-with-co al-forge-8-session-sept-oct-2026/2026-09-17 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Outdoor Learning Day (Grades 1-2) DTSTART:20260921T131500Z DTEND:20260921T201500Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28824-1789978500-1790003700@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Screens off—outdoor gear on! Spend a day at the nature ce nter exploring ponds\, forests\, and prairies. Discover the lives of n ative plants and animals. Enjoy snacks around a campfire you’ll b uild yourself. Learn\, explore\, and play the Dodge Nature Center way! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:365 Marie Avenue W\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/outdoor-learning-day-grades1-2 -sept21 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Outdoor Learning Day (Grades 3-4) DTSTART:20260921T131500Z DTEND:20260921T201500Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28827-1789978500-1790003700@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Screens off—outdoor gear on! Spend a day at the nature ce nter exploring ponds\, forests\, and prairies. Discover the lives of n ative plants and animals. Enjoy snacks around a campfire you’ll b uild yourself. Learn\, explore\, and play the Dodge Nature Center way! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:365 Marie Avenue W\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/outdoor-learning-day-grades3-4 -sept21 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Dancing at Dodge DTSTART:20260921T220000Z DTEND:20260921T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28747-1790010000-1790013600@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:dance,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Join naturalist fellows Simone Gingerich-Boberg and Ceili Alld er for a 3-week series of movement exploration at Dodge! Each class will b ring movement to the outdoors: swoop like a sparrow\, reach like a branch\ , and leap like a frog.  \nKids will be introduced to grounding warm-up exercises\, foundational movement techniques\, and investigations of th e natural world. Each class will end with an opportunity for participa nts to apply newfound skills in creating their own movement phrases.  \nT his program is designed for children ages 5–7. Children will participa te independently\; adults are welcome to stay onsite during the program. L esson themes will vary. No experience is required! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:365 Marie Avenue W\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/dancing-at-dodge/2026-09-21 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Forest Bathing DTSTART:20260922T230000Z DTEND:20260923T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28739-1790100000-1790107200@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:outdoors,wellness DESCRIPTION:Join Silvae Spiritus Nature & Forest Therapy\, certified by th e Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs\, for a gui ded forest bathing experience!  \nForest bathing is a slow-moving\, deepl y sensory\, mindful and “bodyful” walk in nature that has shown to res ult in measurable physiological\, cognitive\, and emotional benefits. Much like walking meditation or yoga\, these activities can be practiced on on e’s own\, almost anywhere\, and yet the benefits greatly increase wit h regular practice. Forest bathing is significantly more immersive when f acilitated by properly trained and certified guides—you’ll be guid ed by an expert through this program!   \nOver the course of this walk\, you will be given a series of invitations and suggested ways to connect t o your natural surroundings. This experience will be mostly silent\, honor s each participant’s personal space\, and covers just about 1.5 miles over generally flat surfaces.  \nAt the end of each invitation\, the grou p will have an opportunity to share a few words of reflection\, integratin g the experience both internally and within community. The walk concludes with tea and light snacks. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:1701 Charlton Street\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/forest-bathing-sept-26 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Blacksmithing Basics 1 with Coal Forge (8-session Series) DTSTART:20260922T230000Z DTEND:20260923T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28869-1790100000-1790110800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Join blacksmithing instructors from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for an eight-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at D odge’s forge at Shepard Farm! This course is designed to ignite your pas sion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge o f iron and its characteristics\, an understanding of the dynamics of forgi ng using a coal forge\, and the ability to safely shape iron.  \nBy the e nd of this class\, you’ll have covered the basic forging processes\, including drawing and tapering\, drifting\, punching\, twisting\, and set ting shoulders. You’ll develop those skills through projects such as quick tongs\, scribe/center punch\, round punch/drift\, basic heat treati ng\, hooks\, multi-hook rack\, trivet…and you’ll know what a clink er is!  \nAttendance at the first class session is required—impor tant safety information will be presented. No experience necessary. Al l materials and consumables included in class cost. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/blacksmithing-basics-1-with-co al-forge-8-session-sept-oct-2026/2026-09-22 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Nature Playdate DTSTART:20260923T140000Z DTEND:20260923T150000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28751-1790154000-1790157600@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Join naturalist Michael Harrison\, M. Ed.\, for 4-week fal l series of Nature Playdates!  \nExplore the woodlands\, farm\, and an imals at Shepard Farm in fall. Each class will include an inside group gathering time\, a short walk (a quarter- to a half-mile) outside explo ring Dodge’s ecosystems\, and a closing activity.  \nThrough this pro gram\, adults will gain confidence being outdoors with their young child a nd learn strategies to support their development.  \nThis program is des igned for children ages 2–5 years. The $80 cost is per child\; an adult must accompany each child at no additional cost. A child will get the most out of the class if they can move independently over uneven terrain. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-playdate/2026-09-23 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Paint by Nature: Butterflies DTSTART:20260924T233000Z DTEND:20260925T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28742-1790274600-1790281800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Create your own butterfly-inspired masterpiece in this guided painting class! Naturalist and artist Ashley Johnson will provide all the materials\, step-by-step instruction\, and a butterfly template that you c an personalize with your own creative flair. Along the way\, discover the fascinating story of the iconic monarch butterfly and its incredible mig ration\, and get inspired by real butterfly specimens. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:1701 Charlton Street\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/paint-by-nature-butterflies X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Full Moon Night Hike DTSTART:20260926T000000Z DTEND:20260926T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28816-1790362800-1790368200@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:outdoors DESCRIPTION:The full moon is out and so are we! Join a naturalist on a guided night hike at Shepard Farm. Wander the woods to listen for owl s and bats\, try out a UV flashlight\, and become more comfortable ou tdoors after dark. Flashlights will be provided. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/full-moon-night-hike-2 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Fun with Fire DTSTART:20260926T150000Z DTEND:20260926T163000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28829-1790416800-1790422200@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:outdoors DESCRIPTION:Come play with fire—safely! Under the guidance and supervis ion of a naturalist\, learn what it takes to make fire from spark to flame . Collect kindling and firewood\, practice different fire-starting techniq ues\, and end your morning with the sticky goodness of a fire-roasted ma rshmallow. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/fun-with-fire X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Taste and Learn: Knead to Know – Homemade Yeast Bread DTSTART:20260926T180000Z DTEND:20260926T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28500-1790427600-1790438400@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,food DESCRIPTION:This program is sold out. Visit the Activities Calendar for more upcoming programs.\n\nLearn how to make a simple yet satisfying hone y whole wheat yeast bread in this fun and informative 3-hour class!  \nWe ’ll lead you through the entire process\, from explaining the differenc es in flour and yeast to guiding you as you mix and shape a beautiful loaf . While the dough rises and bakes\, delve into the art of making butter an d simple jams to perfectly complement your homemade bread.  \nLearning wa s never so delicious! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/tal-bread-2026 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Outdoor Learning Day (Grades 1-2) DTSTART:20260928T131500Z DTEND:20260928T201500Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28833-1790583300-1790608500@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Screens off—outdoor gear on! Spend a day at Shepard Farm exploring the forest\, prairie\, and farm. Discover the lives of nati ve plants and animals. Enjoy snacks around a campfire you’ll buil d yourself. Learn\, explore\, and play the Dodge Nature Center way! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/outdoor-learning-day-grades-1- 2-sept28 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Outdoor Learning Day (Grades 3-5) DTSTART:20260928T131500Z DTEND:20260928T201500Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28835-1790583300-1790608500@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Screens off—outdoor gear on! Spend a day at Shepard Farm exploring the forest\, prairie\, and farm. Discover the lives of nati ve plants and animals. Enjoy snacks around a campfire you’ll buil d yourself. Learn\, explore\, and play the Dodge Nature Center way! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/outdoor-learning-day-grades-3- 5-sept28 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Dancing at Dodge DTSTART:20260928T220000Z DTEND:20260928T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28748-1790614800-1790618400@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:dance,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Join naturalist fellows Simone Gingerich-Boberg and Ceili Alld er for a 3-week series of movement exploration at Dodge! Each class will b ring movement to the outdoors: swoop like a sparrow\, reach like a branch\ , and leap like a frog.  \nKids will be introduced to grounding warm-up exercises\, foundational movement techniques\, and investigations of th e natural world. Each class will end with an opportunity for participa nts to apply newfound skills in creating their own movement phrases.  \nT his program is designed for children ages 5–7. Children will participa te independently\; adults are welcome to stay onsite during the program. L esson themes will vary. No experience is required! LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:365 Marie Avenue W\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/dancing-at-dodge/2026-09-28 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Blacksmithing Basics 1 with Coal Forge (8-session Series) DTSTART:20260929T230000Z DTEND:20260930T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28871-1790704800-1790715600@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Join blacksmithing instructors from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for an eight-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at D odge’s forge at Shepard Farm! This course is designed to ignite your pas sion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge o f iron and its characteristics\, an understanding of the dynamics of forgi ng using a coal forge\, and the ability to safely shape iron.  \nBy the e nd of this class\, you’ll have covered the basic forging processes\, including drawing and tapering\, drifting\, punching\, twisting\, and set ting shoulders. You’ll develop those skills through projects such as quick tongs\, scribe/center punch\, round punch/drift\, basic heat treati ng\, hooks\, multi-hook rack\, trivet…and you’ll know what a clink er is!  \nAttendance at the first class session is required—impor tant safety information will be presented. No experience necessary. Al l materials and consumables included in class cost. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/blacksmithing-basics-1-with-co al-forge-8-session-sept-oct-2026/2026-09-29 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Women in the Woods: All About Bees DTSTART:20260930T000000Z DTEND:20260930T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28754-1790708400-1790713800@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:drink,outdoors DESCRIPTION:What’s the buzz about bees? Join naturalist Pam Welisevic h and other women interested in the natural world to dive into the hive a nd discover the fascinating lives of honeybees! With a drink in han d\, learn how bees communicate\, work together\, and support the plants a nd foods we depend on.  \nWomen\, female-identifying\, and non-binary adu lts age 21+ are all welcome at Women in the Woods. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:1701 Charlton Street\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/women-in-the-woods-all-about-b ees X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Nature Playdate DTSTART:20260930T140000Z DTEND:20260930T150000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28752-1790758800-1790762400@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:education,family,outdoors DESCRIPTION:Join naturalist Michael Harrison\, M. Ed.\, for 4-week fal l series of Nature Playdates!  \nExplore the woodlands\, farm\, and an imals at Shepard Farm in fall. Each class will include an inside group gathering time\, a short walk (a quarter- to a half-mile) outside explo ring Dodge’s ecosystems\, and a closing activity.  \nThrough this pro gram\, adults will gain confidence being outdoors with their young child a nd learn strategies to support their development.  \nThis program is des igned for children ages 2–5 years. The $80 cost is per child\; an adult must accompany each child at no additional cost. A child will get the most out of the class if they can move independently over uneven terrain. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-playdate/2026-09-30 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Build it Yourself: Fishing Bobbers DTSTART:20261001T230000Z DTEND:20261002T003000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28818-1790877600-1790883000@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:outdoors DESCRIPTION:Fishing can be an expensive sport. Save a little money and lea rn a new skill by designing and making your own fishing bobbers! Guided by naturalist and experienced fisherman Andy Vang\, you’ll craft one -of-a-kind bobbers using natural materials and leave ready for your next d ay on the lake. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:365 Marie Avenue W\, West St. Paul\, MN\, 55118\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/build-it-yourself-fishing-bobb ers X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Blacksmithing Basics 1 with Coal Forge (8-session Series) DTSTART:20261001T230000Z DTEND:20261002T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260902T181931Z UID:28872-1790877600-1790888400@www.dodgenaturecenter.org CATEGORIES:arts,education DESCRIPTION:Join blacksmithing instructors from Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center for an eight-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at D odge’s forge at Shepard Farm! This course is designed to ignite your pas sion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of shaping iron with fire and hammer. You’ll gain basic knowledge o f iron and its characteristics\, an understanding of the dynamics of forgi ng using a coal forge\, and the ability to safely shape iron.  \nBy the e nd of this class\, you’ll have covered the basic forging processes\, including drawing and tapering\, drifting\, punching\, twisting\, and set ting shoulders. You’ll develop those skills through projects such as quick tongs\, scribe/center punch\, round punch/drift\, basic heat treati ng\, hooks\, multi-hook rack\, trivet…and you’ll know what a clink er is!  \nAttendance at the first class session is required—impor tant safety information will be presented. No experience necessary. Al l materials and consumables included in class cost. LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T181931Z LOCATION:8946 70th Street S\, Cottage Grove\, MN\, 55016\, United States URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/blacksmithing-basics-1-with-co al-forge-8-session-sept-oct-2026/2026-10-01 X-SOURCE-NAME:Dodge Nature Center X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.dodgenaturecenter.org/event/nature-mandalas-2026 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR