Earth Day at the Park

Each year, Tamarack Nature Center hosts a plethora of springtime events and opportunities to bring us back into the outdoors. “We’re helping people discover the value of nature,” says outdoor education manager Sovatha Oum.

The nature center will host a “Sap to Syrup” event on March 11 and 18 (registration required), inviting participants to learn about the syrup-making process through a 45-minute guided tour and self-guided exploration. All are welcome as volunteers demonstrate how to tap trees and boil the sap to create syrup. “It’s definitely a cool event,” says Kristopher Lencowski, director of park operations for Ramsey County. “It’s unique to this geography. They can’t do it at just any nature center.”

The park will also host spring Bird Walks (April 29, May 6, 13 and 20; free, registration required) and celebrate Earth Day with a clean up and garden work day from 9:30 a.m. to noon on April 22 (pre-registration required). Tasks involve cleaning litter from trails, treating invasive buckthorn and preparing the gardens for the growing season. The garden’s beauty and bounty directly benefit the community. In 2021, Tamarack Nature Center donated 1,500 pounds of food, including tomatoes, eggplant, herbs and spices, to the White Bear Area Food Shelf.

A popular destination for kids and families, Tamarack Nature Center has been growing and evolving since the 1970s. Now spanning 320 acres, the center is focused on improving accessibility for all communities to enjoy the park and join the team of volunteers and staff.—Nicole Berglund

To pre-register for the Earth Day clean up garden and work day, call 651.266.0365 or email volunteer@tamaracknaturecenter.org.

Tamarack Nature Center
5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township; 651.266.0360
Facebook: Tamarack Nature Center