Friends of Maplewood Nature

Full Circle: A Walk around Lake Superior

2012-01-29T23:10:00.012-06:00

Kate Crowley and Mike Link took a 1550 mile trek around the largest lake in the world. The combination of biological, physical, and cultural research with the adventure of walking around Lake Superior was a dramatic experience that this husband and wife couple will share with photos and stories from the trek. During their 5 month walk they kept to the shoreline, taking photos and making observations about the natural environment. Hear their story and see photos of this extraordinary experience.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Nature, Maplewood Nature Center and the Ramsey County Library-Maplewood.

Date: Tuesday, February 28th, 2012*.
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Ramsey County Library-Maplewood
3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109

Attendance is free, but seating is limited so pre-registration is required. Call 651-249-2170 to register today!
*Snow date: March 6

2012 Friends Calendar just reduced!

2012-01-29T23:07:00.003-06:00

Friends has produced another breathtaking calendar filled with images from the Maplewood Nature Center and also the Maplewood Nature Preserves. These calendars are now available for a reduced price of $7.00 each!

• Great for gift giving
• Room for notes
• Winning photography
• Two photos a month
• Inspiring quotes
• Support a great cause

Please attach check or money order payable to Friends of Maplewood Nature. Deliver or mail order form and remittance to:
Maplewood Nature Center
2659 East Seventh Street
Maplewood, MN 55119
(Due to the MN sales tax exemption rules, calendars are only mailed out once a month.)
If more information is desired please call (651) 249-2170

To download an order form please click below:

Friends CELEBRATION 2011!

2011-10-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

Lunch, Remarkable Reptiles, Photography Hike, and kids activity! Join the Friends of Maplewood Nature to celebrate the first 5 years of support for the Maplewood Nature Center and Preserves. Fun for the whole family!

• We will start with Lunch
• Meet Board Members and give out door prizes
• Entertain the kids with a hands-on activity
• Hike along the trail with a professional photographer. Bring your cameras and questions!

Try out the nature play yard, view the water works, see the reptiles, and take beautiful photos! Free for Friends members and new Friends are welcome.
Friends membership is $15 for single or $25 for family. Please call or send in a membership check to reserve a spot / 651-249-2170 Make checks out to Friends of Maplewood Nature and send or drop off payment c/o Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 E. 7th St, Maplewood, MN, 55119.

2012 Friends Calendar is now for sale!

2011-10-01T12:14:00.000-06:00

Friends has produced another breathtaking calendar filled with images from the Maplewood Nature Center and also the Maplewood Nature Preserves. These calendars are available for purchase for $12.50 each, or even better, 3 for $30.00.

• Great for gift giving
• Room for notes
• Winning photography
• Two photos a month
• Inspiring quotes
• Support a great cause

Please attach check or money order payable to Friends of Maplewood Nature. Deliver or mail order form and remittance to:
Maplewood Nature Center
2659 East Seventh Street
Maplewood, MN 55119
(Due to the MN sales tax exemption rules, calendars are only mailed out once a month.)
If more information is desired please call (651) 249-2170

To download an order form please click below:

Lions Park Berry Planting

2011-09-20T17:28:00.016-06:00

Help create an edible park. Learn how to plant and care for strawberry, blackberry and raspberry plants. Keeping our food locally grown is not only a worthy goal but also a fun activity for all ages. Invite family and friends and meet your neighbors while we create Maplewood's first "Edible Park".

Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Lions Park 618 Ferrell Street Maplewood, MN
Cost: FREE to all
Register by calling 651-249-2170

Local gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and all gardening tools and gloves will be provided. Homemade jams, jellies and recipes will be available for tasting and door prizes given to!

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

2011-03-28T16:04:00.002-06:00

BUDDING TREES AND SPRING WILDFLOWERS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Tuesday, May 3, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm Meet at Joy Park Preregister: 651-249-2170
Early spring can provide wonderful photography opportunities with budding leaves and catkins, wildflowers and returning birds. Explore both Joy Park and the open space on the north side of Joy Road. Bring your own camera and tripod. Learn about local photography clubs, and discover Maplewood’s other 13 natural areas! Back –up date in case of bad weather will Friday, May 6, from 6:30 -8:30 pm. You may enter your best shots (from the open space site) in the Friends of
Maplewood Nature 2012 Calendar contest. There will be (11) $25 prizes and one $100 prize.

Instructor Ellen Wold is a regular contributor to MN Weatherguide and has exhibited her work locally.

Open House

2011-03-28T15:45:00.001-06:00

Interested in learning more about the Friends of Maplewood Nature? Thinking about helping out? Attend an open house on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011. A light supper will be served from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. There will be a PowerPoint presentation followed by a tour of the waterworks and natural playground which is adjacent to the building. Door prizes for all.

Please preregister: 651-249-2170

$1000 plus $300 Awarded:

2011-03-28T15:43:00.001-06:00

Friends Board voted to award $1000 to the Maplewood Nature Center towards the solar energy project. The board also agreed to pay for a lawn mower to be used as a prize in the campaign to encourage residents to set their lawn mowers higher. Mow-Hi will save energy as a longer lawn needs less water and the lawn requires less work---more time for hiking at the Nature Center or a favorite park.

Fish Creek Hike

2011-03-28T15:41:00.003-06:00

Fish Creek Hike: Saturday, April 30^th, 2011 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Following the board meeting there will be a public hike along Fish Creek. A naturalist will be available to help identify wild flowers and Ron Cockriel will be there to speak to the history of the creek. This is a magical natural area. A must see on a Spring afternoon. Please preregister: 651-249-2170

Board Meeting

2011-03-28T15:40:00.001-06:00

The next board meeting will be Saturday, April 30th, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Maplewood Nature Center. If you would like to suggest agenda items contact Barb Kroll b65kroll@frontiernet.net

Photo Contest 2011

2011-03-28T15:38:00.000-06:00

The deadline for photo submissions is May 15^th, 2011. The winners will be awarded cash prizes. The award for the Grand Prize Winner will be $100. There will be 11 prizes for $25 for each of the photos chosen for each of the remaining 11 calendar photos. The photos must be scenes of landscape, animals or people within the environs of the Maplewood Nature Center or fourteen Neighborhood Preserves. The photos are judged on:

- Artistic Composition (subject, lighting etc.)

- Location of photos (variety of photos are needed from the Neighborhood Preserves; including the Maplewood Nature Center grounds)

- Seasonal appropriateness (variety of seasonal photos needed)

Check out the contest rules at the Friend’s blogspot or request a paper copy at MNC. The selected photos will be included in the Friends 2012 calendar. The calendar will be on sale to the public beginning in August. For photography help attend the Photography Workshop on Tuesday, May 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations required. FREE to members.

Minnesota State Parks Presentation.

2011-03-28T15:35:00.002-06:00

On Feb. 24 Doug Ohman, Minnesota photographer spoke to close 100 people at the Maplewood Library. That week had been a snowy week and the audience eagerly escaped to the varied state parks via Ohman’s slide show and lively talk. Dessert was served by Cravings. This presentation was co-sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Nature, The Maplewood Nature Center and the Ramsey County Library-Maplewood. Thanks Deb Krepka, Sara Sparrowgrove and Barbara Kroll for organizing this. Thanks to Bill Schrankler for the great idea.

Board Meeting

2011-03-11T13:44:00.000-06:00

Friends of Maplewood Nature Center will meet Saturday, March 12, at 9:00am at Maplewood Nature Center.

All are welcome as there are still Board Member spaces to fill!

Maple Sugar Bush Family Trip

2011-03-10T23:03:00.000-06:00

Sponsored by Friends of Maplewood Nature
Saturday, March 26, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
All ages welcome

Tour the S & S Sugar Bush and learn about its history and the process of making 100% pure maple syrup. There will be an opportunity to taste and purchase the syrup!

Location: Meet at the S & S Sugar Bush, Ellsworth, WI. (Maps e-mailed upon registration).
Fee: $15/Adult or $25/Family (fee includes a membership to the Friends of Maplewood Nature and a bottle of pure maple syrup).
Free to current members of The Maplewood Nature.

Please send checks made out to Friends of Maplewood Nature to the Maplewood Nature Center by March 24.

Minnesota State Parks with Author and Photographer Doug Ohman

2011-02-24T21:36:00.002-06:00

Presented by the Friends of Maplewood Nature and the Maplewood Library
Thursday, February 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

• Go on a vacation with photographer Doug Ohman as he explores many of Minnesota's most interesting state parks with a slide presentation featuring images from his newest book: Prairie, Lake, Forest – State Parks of Minnesota.
• Meet the author at a short reception and book signing at 6:30pm. Refreshments catered by Cravings.
• Cost is FREE. Please pre-register by calling, 651-249-2170.

Location: Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109

Winter White Photography Workshop

2011-01-18T08:44:00.000-06:00

Saturday, January 22, 8:00AM-10:30AM

Local photographer Ellen Wold will not only show you the unique opportunities Winter offers photographers, but will share what she knows about photography clubs and Maplewood’s natural areas. Bring your own camera and tripod. Fee is $10 per person, prepay by January 18. Checks payable to “Friends of Maplewood Nature” please. Call with any questions (651) 249-2170.

Board Meeting

2011-01-06T10:26:00.004-06:00

Friends of Maplewood Nature Center will meet Saturday, January 8, at 9:00am at Maplewood Nature Center.

All are welcome as there are still Board Member spaces to fill!

Extreme Green Makeover

2010-12-20T20:59:00.014-06:00

In March of this year we kicked off the Extreme GREEN Makeover program. Classes and events were offered to Maplewood residents interested in applying for a $15,000 GREEN makeover for their front yard. The nature center received 31 applications. Of those applicants 14 were chosen. After more deliberation and judging the winners were chosen. The winning entrants were Michele and Michael Tibodeau. The final event was October 9 at 2211 Ariel Street, the winning home location. Tours of the rain water flow system from roof to raingardens was offered to all local residents. Some of the sustainable landscape features included 3 raingardens, channel drain, wildlife habitat, and pervious pavers.

Major funding for the project was from the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District. For more infomation about the watershed district visit www.rwmwd.org

2011 Friends of Maplewood Nature Calendars

2010-12-19T00:19:00.000-06:00

Friends has produced another breathtaking calendar filled with images from the Maplewood Nature Center and also the Maplewood Nature Preserves. These calendars are available for purchase for $10 each. Please fill out the order form and send to the Maplewood Nature Center with your payment made out to Friends of Maplewood Nature.

Nature Play Area!

2010-11-06T10:15:00.002-06:00

Two Stillwater High School juniors have implemented a Nature Play Activity project in the nature center’s yard for their Girl Scout Gold Award. Laura Chandler and Sarah Mittelstadt created several nature play stations for families with young children.

They created a music circle, sand pit, balancing logs, child size picnic table and chalk box to engage young children and their families to explore the outdoors with their senses, imagination and curiosity. The girls have worked very hard with family and friends in collaboration with naturalist staff and the Friends of Maplewood Nature to enhance MNC yard’s existing natural and landscaped space.

(Pictured left to right are Barb Kroll - Friends member, Laura Chandler, and Sarah Mittlestadt)

Board Members needed

2010-03-18T09:45:00.004-06:00

The Friends of Maplewood Nature would love to recruit some more board members. We could use someone with a science teaching background, a financial background and enthusiasm for nature in Maplewood. You will enjoy working with a talented experienced Board. If you have questions contact: Barb Kroll b65kroll@frontiernet.net

We are having an open house May 10th, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. You will be provided with a slide show about Friends and a short tour. Please preregister by telephoning 651-249-2170

August 21, 2010

2010-03-18T09:39:00.003-06:00

Climbing Rock in Natural Playground
The Friends of Maplewood Nature purchased a climbing rock for the natural playground area next to the Maplewood Nature Center building. This climbing rock is installed and many children enjoy climbing on it. Two girl scouts who are working on their Gold Award will be creating some toys to use in this natural setting. The Friend's have received a grant from the City of Maplewood gambling fund to have interpretive signs designed to explain the water features adjoining the natural play area. These features have two rain barrels, a canal and water gardens. A celebration is planned for August 21, 2010 when all will be completed.

Maple Sugar Trip

2010-03-18T09:30:00.001-06:00

MAPLE SUGAR BUSH FAMILY TRIP: Sponsored by The Friends of Maplewood Nature
Saturday, March 27, 1 - 4 pm All Ages welcome!
* Tour the facilities of S &S Sugar Bush to see the sugar maples, the sap collection system, and taste the sweet syrup.
* Learn about the history of this family sugar bush and the process of making 100% pure maple syrup.
* There will be an opportunity to purchase syrup!
For further information: Call 651-249-2170
Location: Meet at S & S Sugar Bush, Ellsworth, WI, Maps will be e-mailed to you upon registration.

FEE: $15/adult or $25/family, includes a membership to The Friends of Maplewood Nature and a bottle of pure maple syrup. Free for Friends members.
Please send check by March 23, to The Friends of Maplewood Nature, c/o Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 E 7th St, Maplewood, MN 55119

Extreme Green Makeover: Sustainable Maplewood

2010-03-18T09:18:00.004-06:00

Extreme Green Makeover: Transforming Yards for a Sustainable Maplewood Provided by Maplewood Nature Center and co-sponsors
*For times and information see Extreme Makeover Brochure or City Website www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/nc

* Mar 24, Apr 15, 29, May 6—Raingarden Series
* April 6—MNC- Low Input Lawn Care – Bob Mugaas
* April 24th—MNC - Native Plant Workshops/Tour of MNC yard
* May 1—A Tree-mendous Celebration
* May 11—Rainbarrel Installation Demonstrations a Handout w/ Corrie Zoll
* May 8—Fish Creek Wildflower Hike
* May 22—Waterfest
* June evening TBD—Composting Demonstrations in the neighborhood.
* June 15—Rainbarrel Installation Demonstrations w/Corrie Zoll
* June 18—Extremely Green Summer Fun Event- Families and kids
* June 25—Makeover Application Deadline
* July 13—Lake Phalen Wildflower Buffer Walk

JOIN THE FRIENDS OF MAPLEWOOD NATURE

2010-03-18T09:08:00.001-06:00

The Friends is a non-profit organization supporting the mission of Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserves. Find the membership brochures for Friends on the web:
www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/nc

Fish Creek Wildflower Hike

2010-03-18T08:54:00.002-06:00

FISH CREEK WILDFLOWER HIKE: Co-sponsored by The Friends of Maplewood Nature
Saturday, May 8, 1:00-3:00PM
Discover the beauty of Maplewood's southern most Greenway. This is a rare local example of wildflowers you can grow in your yard. Learn how local citizens want to preserve surrounding bluffs. Hike along the creek to experience the natural environment and learn about its history and value to biodiversity. Be prepared for primitive trails and uneven terrain.
* Meet at Oakwood Church, 1388 Pointe Douglas Road South , St. Paul, 55119. All ages welcome.
Free! Please call 249-2170 to register by May 6

Nature Photo Tips

2010-03-18T08:50:00.002-06:00

NATURE PHOTO TIPS: A class sponsored by Friends of Maplewood Nature
Join photographer Ellen Wold, regular contributor to the MN Weatherguide Calendar and 2009 Friends Calendar, to learn some tips for making better nature photos.
* Learn about local photography clubs, and discover Maplewood’s other 13 natural areas!
* Bring your own camera and tripod.
* You may enter your best shots for the Friends of Maplewood Nature 2011 Calendar if you choose . There will be 11 $25 prizes and one $100 prize.

SESSION I
Saturday, March 20 from 8:30 – 11 am.
Pre-register by March 18.
* Meet at the Maplewood Nature Center.

SESSION II
Tuesday May 4 from 6-8:30 pm.
preregister by May 1.
* All are welcome, but this session will build on session I and will move along more quickly. Plan to attend both!
* Meet at the Prairie Farm Preserve parking lot on County Rd D, between Ariel Street and McKnight Road- one of the city’s 13 other preserves.

Fee: $10 per person/session. Please prepay by sending in payment to Maplewood Nature Center. Make checks out to “Friends of Maplewood Nature”.
Free to members of “Friends of Maplewood Nature!

Fish Creek Photos

2010-01-21T22:28:00.005-06:00

Here are a few photos of beautiful scenery you'll come across while on your Fish Creek Wildflower Hike (see previous entry for details).

Nature in the Neighborhood Programs

2010-01-21T22:20:00.008-06:00

FISH CREEK WILDFLOWER HIKE

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Maplewood Nature
Discover the beauty of Maplewood's southern most Greenway. Search the canyon floor for early spring wildflowers – an uncommon sight in the city. Learn how local citizens want to preserve it's valley and surrounding bluffs. Hike along the creek to experience the natural environment and learn about it's history and value to biodiversity. Be prepared for primitive trails and uneven terrain.

Meet at Oakwood Church, 1388 South Pointe Douglas Road, St. Paul.

Saturday, May 8
1-3 pm

Free, please call 249-2170 to register by May 6

2010 Beginning Bird Idenification Class for Adults

2009-12-17T10:57:00.006-06:00

Birding experts Bonnie Sample and Chase Davies will teach us how to observe and identify these feather-covered creatures. Study common feeder birds to learn identification techniques, then practice on other winter birds. Subsequent sessions will focus on other groups of species as birds move into our area.*

Classes will be held from 6:30–8:30 on Tuesday evenings at Maplewood Nature Center. Field Trips will take place the following Saturdays 8–10 am. Field trip locations will be determined by bird activity and weather. There will be no field trip with the last class. Students may receive a New Member membership in either the Friends of Maplewood Nature or the National Audubon Society.

Fee: $10 fee per session. Register for individual classes; or for all 6 for $50. Prepay by February 12th.

Send in a check or drop by with payment to Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 E 7^th St., Maplewood, MN 55119. Visit the www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/nc or www.saintpaulaudubon.org for more information.

Topic	Tuesdays	Saturday Trips
Topic	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.	8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Feeder Birds	February 16th	February 20th
More Winter Birds	March 2nd	March 6th
Water Bids	March 16th	March 20th
Early Migrants	March 30th	April 3rd
Early Warblers	April 13th	April 17th
More Warblers	April 27th	none

*The last four classes build on the information presented in the first two.

2011 Calendar Order Forms!!!

2009-08-10T09:22:00.004-06:00

2011 Friends of Maplewood Calendars will be available around the first of August! Each month will contain a photo of a natural preserve in the City of Maplewood.

Print off the order form from the Maplewood Nature Center website (under quick links)!

http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=342

Remember, these are perfect for gifts, home or the office and all proceeds go towards the support of the natural environment of Maplewood!

Congratulation 2010 Calendar Winners!

2009-07-24T13:56:00.003-06:00

Robert J. Schwartz - (St. Paul) (Grand Prize Winner)
Myra Smisek - (Roseville) (Second Prize Winner)
Danielle Bohn (Maplewood)
Kim Prayfrock (Maplewood)
Karen Cramer (Oakdale)
Breanna Knutson (Oakdale)
Jean Zoch (Woodbury)
Christa Rittberg (White Bear Lake)
Kaela Meyers (St. Paul)
Mary Selby (St. Paul)
Roseann Norizga (St. Paul)
John Bisek (St. Paul)
Adam Studer (St. Cloud)
Rick Fenstermaker (Hammond, WI)

If you wish to purchase a calendar they will be for sale at Johnny Appleseed event at the Bruentrup Farm on
August 15th and they are also for sale at the Maplewood Nature Center.

The calendars are on sale for the year 2010.

Congrats to our winners!

2009-07-18T13:24:00.009-06:00

Once again, a big congratulations goes out to Robert J. Schwartz of St. Paul for his winning photograph of November; a nuthatch (below). In addition to getting in the calendar, Robert also received $100.

Another congratulations goes to Myra L. Smisek of Roseville for her winning photograph of May!

The photo contest for the 2011 calendar deadline is May 15th, 2010! Photos must be taken in Maplewood's many natural preserves. Photos that represent a calendar month best will be given preference.

All profits goes to support the natural environment in Maplewood.

June photo featured above.

Future Board Meeting

2009-07-18T13:15:00.003-06:00

Please note the next Board Meeting:

Saturday, May 8th, 2010 9 to 12

Friends Celebration of Past, Present and Future

2009-07-18T13:02:00.003-06:00

Members and invited guests: Come and celebrate the 3rd year of Friends of Maplewood Nature and the 30th year of the Maplewood Nature Center!

Saturday, September 19th
2:00 to 4:00
Maplewood Nature Center

This event is a thanks of support for our Members!

Schedule Events:

2:00- Live Animals Make a Walking Stick (a stick has been newly inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame)

2:45 - Announce new Board members and new projections

3:00 - Hike along the nicely surfaced trails followed by anniversary cake

Non-scheduled Events:

View the display tables with the 30 year history of the Maplewood Nature Center.

Learn about the Friends of Maplewood Nature and their newest Fish Creek Project.
Enjoy the new gardens around the Nature Center!
View the climbing rock and natural play area.
See the energy bike used during various exhibits and events!

All events are FREE for Members of the Friends of Maplewood Nature and their invited guests.

Johnny Appleseed Festival at Bruentrup Farm

2009-07-18T12:50:00.003-06:00

2010 Friends of Maplewood Nature calendars will be for sale at their booth at the Johnny Appleseed Festival!

The nonprofit group Friends of Maplewood Nature has donated two apple trees to the Bruentrup Heritage Farm as part of the Johnny Appleseed Festival. These will be planted on Saturday, August 15th during the festival.

The Johnny Appleseed Festival is a fun family event that takes place on the farm grounds and the adjoining 25 acre prairie preserve. The hours are 11:00am to 3:00pm. The farm is located two blocks east of Maplewood Mall on County Road D.

Johnny Appleseed Background:

John Chapman, born September 26,1774, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. He became an American legend while still alive largely because of his kind and generous ways, great leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance of apples.

2010 Calendars are for sale!!!

2009-07-14T20:54:00.005-06:00

Good news everyone! The 2010 Friends of Maplewood Nature Calendar is for sale!

For just $10 you can purchase the calendar at the Maplewood Nature Center (telephone: 651-249-2170).

This calendar features scenic photos of your surrounding area in every season. All profits go to the support of the natural environment in Maplewood.

These are great for gifts for any occasion or even for personal use!
Make everyone in the office jealous with one of these nature calendars!
Impress your boss!
Impress your friends!

Hurry down to the Maplewood Nature Center and pick one up before they're all gone!

Annual Calendar Photo Contest

2009-07-14T20:16:00.006-06:00

The second annual calendar photo contest has just wrapped up! Congratulations to Robert J. Schwartz of St. Paul for winning the Grand Prize of $100 with his November photo and Myra L. Smisek of Roseville for second place with her May photo! Thank you to all of those who submitted photos.

All of those who are interested in entering the 2011 calendar the rules are below:

Eligibility: Anyone is eligible to participate. Each participant may submit up to a maximum of 5 images (so please select carefully!).

Rules:

Grand prize cannot be won by the same contestant more than once every three years.
All photos must be scenes of landscapes, animals or people within the environments of the Maplewood Nature Center or Neighborhood Preserves.
All photo must be in color, horizontal format, and submitted in both print and electronic versions. All entries are accepted when printed on high quality 4" by 6" photographic paper and accompanied by the digital file on disk. All photos should be burned on the same CD.
Digital files should be a minimum of 300 dpi or 2400 x 3000 pixels in resolution at an 8 x 10 size.
A contestant's name, full address and phone number, date and location of photo must be clearly displayed on the back of each photo and CD.
Contestants are required to provide the names and addresses of all identifiable persons in the photos.
All entries become the property of Friends of Maplewood Nature and will not be returned.

Judging: The photos for the calendar will be judged on:

Artistic Composition (subject, lighting, ect.)
Location of photos (variety of Neighborhood Preserves; including the Maplewood Nature Center)
Seasonal Appropriateness (variety of seasonal photos needed)

Awards: Twelve photos will be selected for awards. There will be eleven prizes awarded for $25 and one Grand Prize Winner award of $100. Winners will be notified prior to
December 1, 2010.

Permission to Reprint: Winners will be required to sign and deliver to Friends of Maplewood Nature a publicity release and permission to reprint photos in various media, including, but not limited to, the annual calendar.

By entering this contest, all entrants grant permission to Friends of Maplewood Nature to use the entered images in various media as determined by Friends of Maplewood Nature.

Entries for the 2011 calendar must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2010

Mail contest entries to:
Maplewood Nature Center Calendar
2659 East 7th Street
Maplewood, MN 55119
651-249-2170

Thank you for participating in our annual calendar contest.

Good Luck!

Board Meeting Dates for 2008

2008-08-07T16:18:00.002-06:00

The Friends of Maplewood Nature will hold Board Meetings approximately every other month. All Maplewood Residents and others are welcome to attend the Board Meetings. If you would like to attend please contact Barbara Kroll at b65kroll@frontiernet.net
The following meeting dates are planned:

Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 9 to 1:00 P.M. The Fish Creek Hike will follow.

Heritage Trees in Maplewood

2008-08-07T15:46:00.005-06:00

Ron Cockriel, Friends of Maplewood Nature Board member and Carol Mason Sherril Maplewood, a Maplewood resident were featured in the Star Tribune on July 17th, 2008 in an article titled "In Search of Monster Trees". Ron and Carol have been helping measuring and mapping memorable trees in the City of Maplewood. These trees are considered heritage trees. For more information check out the article at StarTribune.com

News Article about Calendar & Photo Contest

2008-07-26T16:40:00.002-06:00

The Maplewood Review published an article about the Friends of Maplewood Nature; including information about the group, the 2009 calendar and the photo contest. Check it out at their Website. July 25th, 2009 http://review-news.com.

SALE: Photo Calendar of Maplewood’s Preserves

2008-07-26T16:28:00.006-06:00

The first annual calendar produced by the Friends of Maplewood Nature is available for purchase. This 2009 calendar contains award winning photos of Maplewood’s many nature preserves. The calendar showcases the changing landscape and beauty of the Preserves throughout the four seasons. Each calendar month contains a photo of a preserve, a photo of a plant, directions to the preserve in the photograph, and a thought provoking quote. Money from the sale of the calendar will be used to purchase a climbing rock for the Nature Center’s picnic area. This climbing rock will be used to teach the participant about the relationship of water, trees, air and rocks.

The calendar was designed by a committee chaired by Bill Schrankler, a retired St. Paul principal and Friends Board Member who enjoys photography as a hobby. Mary Cavin, Steve Dobhihal, Judy Horsnell, and Mary Shrankler were also on this committee. The award winning photographers included in the 2009 calendar included: Oakley Biesanz, Virginian Gaynor, Pat O’Laughlin, Bill Schrankler, and Ellen Wold.

You may order a calendar for $10 at the reception desk at Maplewood Nature Center or by mailing in a check to the Nature Center office at: 1659 E Seventh St., Maplewood, MN 55119.
Order Forms available at: www.ci.maplewood.mn.us in the nature center section.

You may wish to give these as gifts to customers, friends or relatives!

Nature Preserve Calendars for Sale

2008-07-26T16:22:00.002-06:00

The first annual calendar produced by the Friends of Maplewood Nature is available for purchase. This 2009 calendar contains award winning photos of Maplewood’s many nature preserves. The calendar showcases the changing landscape and beauty of the Preserves throughout the four seasons. Each calendar month contains a photo of a preserve, a photo of a plant, directions to the preserve in the photograph, and a thought provoking quote. Money from the sale of the calendar will be used to purchase a climbing rock for the Nature Center’s picnic area.

You may order a calendar for $10 at the reception desk at Maplewood Nature Center or by mailing in a check to the Nature Center office at: 1659 E Seventh St., Maplewood, MN 55119. You may wish to give these as gifts to customers, friends or relatives.

The calendar was designed by a committee chaired by Bill Schrankler, a retired St. Paul principal and Friends Board Member who enjoys photography as a hobby. Mary Cavin, Steve Dobhihal, Judy Horsnell, and Mary Shrankler were also on this committee. The award winning photographers included in the 2009 calendar included: Oakley Biesanz, Virginian Gaynor, Pat O’Laughlin, Bill Schrankler, and Ellen Wold.

Energy Bike

2008-06-15T11:05:00.007-06:00

The Friends of Maplewood Nature have donated an Energy Bike to Maplewood Nature Center. This bike demonstrates the use of electricity to turn on lights, a television or other appliances. A person must get on the bicycle and pedal to produce electricity. It takes more energy to turn on a regular or incandescent light bulb than it does to turn on a florescent light bulb. It takes more energy to run a television than it does a light bulb. This Energy Bike is portable and has already been used at several community events and classrooms. For a ride on this bicycle visit the Maplewood Nature Center.

This bike purchase was made possible by a grant from the City of Maplewood Gambling Funds and a generous donation from Friends member Maridee McEvoy. There was publicity in the Review newspaper and the Four Seasons, an environment city newsletter.

Second Annual Celebration

2008-06-15T10:57:00.002-06:00

Second Annual Celebration of Friends: Past, Present and Future: is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th. at Bruentrup Farms At 10:30 a.m there will be a class on tree care presented by Rainbow Tree Care. It will include winter tree care including demonstrate proper pruning and if time allowed diseases a homeowner may be able to spot. Opportunity for questions. Lunch and a Silent Auction will be provided by the Friends group. Following lunch you may tour Bruentrup Farm or hike through the Prairie Farm Neighborhood Preserve. Look for a silent auction. Silent auction donations appreciated.

Adults Only: Come to one part of the event or all!
10:30 PROTECT YOUR TREES FROM WINTER: A certified arborist from Rainbow Tree Care Company will talk about how to protect your trees from winter damage.
11:30 FREE Picnic lunch –Silent Auction
12:30 Farm Tour – Learn about the Bruentrup farm, and take a short hike

Saturday, September 20, Time: 10:30 am - 1 pm
Location: Prairie Farm Preserve – Bruentrup Farm. The farm is located in northern Maplewood on County Road D between White Bear Avenue and McKnight.

Free to Friends members, or register at Maplewood Nature Center by sending in your $15 minimum donation.

Party

2008-06-15T10:50:00.000-06:00

Volunteer Potluck Holiday Party is scheduled for December 7th at the Nature Center.

Photo Calendar Sale

2008-06-15T10:46:00.001-06:00

Photo Calendars go on sale July 1st: The calendar committee headed by Bill Shrankler have been hard at work producing a spectacular calendar containing exclusive photos of the Neighborhood Preserves in the City of Maplewood. This limited edition sells for only ten dollars. You will want to order extras for birthday and Christmas gifts. Maybe you would like to give one to your favorite friend or neighbor just because....Ordering information will be available soon.

Volunteers

2008-04-01T09:45:00.003-06:00

The Friends of Maplewood Nature are looking for volunteers. We could use enthusiastic folks who like to work on committees. We will need help planning the Monarch Garden Party, planning other special events, recruiting new members, and fund-raising. Or you may name your own desire to volunteer. To find out more information telephone 651-249-2170.

Photo Contest

2008-04-01T09:29:00.004-06:00

The First Annual Friends of Maplewood Nature Center Calendar Contest is underway for the 2010 calendar, and you are invited to enter. Entries for the 2010 calendar must be received no later than May 15, 2009.

. Eligibility: Anyone is eligible to participate. Each participant may submit up to a maximum of 10 images (so please select carefully!).

. Grand prize cannot be won by the same contestant more than once every three years.

. Submissions: All photos must be scenes of landscapes, animals or people within the environs of the Maplewood Nature Center or Neighborhood Preserves

. All photos must be in color, horizontal format, and submitted in both print and electronic versions. All entries are accepted when printed on high quality photographic paper and accompanied by the digital file on disk. Digital files should be a minimum of 300 dpi or 2400 x 3000 pixels in resolution at an 8 x 10 size.

. A contestant's name, full address and phone number; date and location of photo must be clearly displayed on the back of each photo and CD.

. Contestants are required to provide the names and addresses of all identifiable persons in the photos.

. All entries become the property of Friends of Maplewood Nature Center and will not be returned.

. Entries for the 2010 calendar must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2009.

· Mail contest entries to:
Maplewood Nature Center Calendar
2659 East 7th Street
Maplewood, MN 55119
651.249.2170

·Awards: 12 photos will be selected for awards. There will be 11 prizes awarded for $25 and one Grand Prize Winner award of $100. Winners will be notified prior to December 1, 2009.

. Permission to Reprint: Winners will be required to sign and deliver to Friends of Maplewood Nature Center a publicity release and permission to reprint photos in various media, including, but not limited to, the annual calendar.

. By entering this contest, all entrants grant permission to Friends of Maplewood Nature Center to use entered the images in various media as determined by Friends of Maplewood Nature Center.

Thanks for participating in our annual calendar contest. Good Luck! The 2009 calendar will contain photos taken at some of the fourteen neighborhood preserves in Maplewood. The limited edition 2009 calendar will be on sale July 1st.

Celebration of Friends: Past, Present & Future plus tree class: Protect Your Trees From Winter

2008-01-06T18:45:00.004-06:00

Celebration of Friends: Past, Present & Future
Tree Class: Protect Your Trees From Winter

Come join this fun and dynamic group of people committed to helping support, protect and educate about Maplewood Nature Center and natural areas. The free picnic lunch will be served this year at the Prairie Farm Neighborhood Preserve at the Bruentrup Farm. Come to one part of the event or all! For Adults.

Schedule:
9:00 a.m. Board Meeting (visitors welcome)
10:30 a.m. PROTECT YOUR TREES FROM WINTER: A certified arborist from Rainbow Tree Care Company will talk about how to protect your trees from winter damage.
11:30 FREE PICNIC lunch –
Silent Auction: Many wonderful baskets of items to bid on.
12:30 Farm Tour – Learn about the Bruentrup farm, and take a short hike

Date: September 20th
Location: Prairie Farm Preserve – Bruentrup Farm on County Road D between McKnight and White Bear Avenues.

Registration: Free to Friends members, or if you are a nonmember register at Maplewood Nature Center by sending in your $15 minimum donation.

2008 Goal

2007-12-03T19:54:00.000-06:00

Our 2008 Goal is TREES! Protect, Plant, Preserve!
Trees provide cleaner air, cooler temperatures in summer and protection from the wind. Trees provide beauty and interesting views out your window. Family and adult classes will be held around the theme of trees.

Welcome!

2007-04-28T16:30:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the Friends of Maplewood Nature website. We hope you'll join us at the next Nature Center event!