After School Programs at Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul, MN

During the school year, Dodge Nature Center offers several afterschool programs designed to get K-8th graders excited about nature, science and land restoration. Children will experience hands-on fun and learning as they explore the natural world around them. Four or six week sessions are offered in the fall, winter and spring. Members receive a discount on registration fees. Scholarship money is available.

Young Explorers – Grades K-4

Cost : $66 Members, $77 General Public
Cost is per session
Scholarships are available

Forts and Hideouts Session
Grades K – 1st
Grades 2 – 4th
Animals throughout nature build homes and hideouts to live in. Join Young Explorers as we build our own forts and hideouts. We will build forts out of sticks, rocks, and even snow! We will also build forts out of hay and straw bales. Bring your own imagination and sense of adventure to help create a new fort each week.

Earth, Fire, Water, and Air Session
Grades K – 1st
Grades 2 – 4th
Earth, fire, water, and air, the elements of nature, have been studied by people since the beginning of time. During this session of Young Explorers we will participate in the Water Olympics, experiment with the air around us, build fires, and do our part to help the Earth. Come and join us for some “elemental” fun.

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Junior Naturalist Program-Grades 7- 8
Grades 7 and 8
Saturdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $55 Members $66 General Public
Cost is per session (4 meetings)
Scholarships are available

Fall/Winter Session
Winter/Spring Session

The Junior Naturalist program is designed to provide hands-on opportunities for teens to participate in environmental service projects around Dodge Nature Center (land restoration, animal care, garden preparation, etc.) Junior Naturalists will have the opportunity to form stronger connections with nature and develop naturalist skills. Sessions often include winter hikes, a land restoration project, maple syruping and a visit to the U of M Raptor Center. They are eligible and encouraged to assist as volunteers at DNC special events.

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