Quarry Hill has been feeding birds for years as part of its bird banding education and research program. This has established a community of birds that visit the feeders daily. We recently re-captured a chickadee that was first banded at Quarry Hill in 2014!
During winter the feeders are especially busy and the birds are especially beautiful against the white snow. Quarry Hill adult members are invited to a special viewing time in the bird observation room before the Nature Center opens to the public. In this quieter setting, you can expect to see woodpeckers, chickadees, juncos, nuthatches and perhaps less common visitors like purple finches, pine siskins and brown creepers.
Quarry Hill has been feeding birds for years as part of its bird banding education and research program. This has established a community of birds that visit the feeders daily. We recently re-captured a chickadee that was first banded at Quarry Hill in 2014!
During winter the feeders are especially busy and the birds are especially beautiful against the white snow. Quarry Hill adult members are invited to a special viewing time in the bird observation room before the Nature Center opens to the public. In this quieter setting, you can expect to see woodpeckers, chickadees, juncos, nuthatches and perhaps less common visitors like purple finches, pine siskins and brown creepers.
Bring your sweetheart or come with friends for a candlelit evening in nature.
Follow the glow of a candlelit trail to the Prairie House. There you can warm up by a bonfire and enjoy your selection from the hot cocoa bar, with or without spirits. Luminaries will light your return path. Don't forget to stop at the photo tree adorned with candles for a selfie with your special someone.
Enjoy a reading of the children’s book, Secrets of Winter by Carron Brown. Then meet a Quarry Hill ambassador animal before heading outdoors for a night hike. Using flashlights to guide our way, we will search for the secrets of winter in Quarry Hill Park.
Quarry Hill has been feeding birds for years as part of its bird banding education and research program. This has established a community of birds that visit the feeders daily. We recently re-captured a chickadee that was first banded at Quarry Hill in 2014!
During winter the feeders are especially busy and the birds are especially beautiful against the white snow. Quarry Hill adult members are invited to a special viewing time in the bird observation room before the Nature Center opens to the public. In this quieter setting, you can expect to see woodpeckers, chickadees, juncos, nuthatches and perhaps less common visitors like purple finches, pine siskins and brown creepers.
Gather 'round for a reading of the children’s book Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack by Alan Page. Then head outdoors to tap a tree and learn about gathering sap and making syrup; a sweet syrup treat will follow.
About the Book: Here is the gentle story of a granddaughter discovering one of the great joys of her grandfather's youth - spring in the north woods, when the maple trees are bursting with sap.
Together, grandfather and granddaughter make their way out into the chilly pre-dawn woods to find and tap maple trees, hang buckets, and collect sap. And then patiently (or not!), they wait for the sap to boil into syrup back at the sugar shack. They wait until . . . at last! The first sweet taste of amber, sticky goodness is ready.
There are seven native Minnesota snake species at the Nature Center. From flexible jaws to smelling with their tongue, snakes are charming! Slither in and coil up while a naturalist introduces you to a variety of snakes and their scaly goodness.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group.
No homework required during this two-day mini camp for grades K-5. Spend your days off enjoying some good-natured fun with a Quarry Hill naturalist discovering the many signs of spring emerging in the park. Explorers, and investigators - read on to see which camp is designed especially for your age group
Ribbit, croak, and sing. Our frogs have plenty to say about their lifestyle at Quarry Hill. We might even see some of their friends on a quick trip out to the pond.
Spring has sprung and it’s a great time to hit the trails. Pick up or print your exclusive member passport containing coordinates to 4 geocaches in Quarry Hill Park. Follow the coordinates and discover what animal is hatching from each ‘egg’ you find. Hatch all four eggs, collect all 4 stamps and turn in your passport for a chance to win a Get Outdoors Family Adventure Pack provided by Scheels.
A great way to bring a natural touch into your backyard, native plants are best adapted to the local climate and once extablished seldom need watering, mulching, or protection from frost.
All orders are pre-order only.
This Earth Day we take time to think about the importance of water. Making up more than 60 % of our body and our Earth, water deserves our attention! Join Quarry Hill volunteer Andrew Pruett to hear how water has shaped his life.
Earth Day is a remarkable day that deserves celebration! And what better way to do that than sharing an environmental success story? Join us at Quarry Hill Nature Center to hear all about the peregrine story and see a live falcon up close.
Learn what is being done right here in Minnesota to help the species and what we have discovered about them after 40 years of research. Following the program, try your hand at our Animal Survival Game.
Ribbit, croak, and sing. Our frogs have plenty to say about their lifestyle at Quarry Hill. We might even see some of their friends on a quick trip out to the pond.
On May 20th, 2023 exactly 50 years from the 1973 dedication of the Nature Center, we invite the community to celebrate with us and participate in a large restorative planting.
This event, free and open to all.
9:00 AM Program & Remarks:
Friends of Quarry Hill Board Chair Peggy Edwards
Mayor & former Quarry Hill Board Member Kim Norton
Rochester Public School Board Director Jean Marvin
Former Quarry Hill Director, Greg Munson
Present Quarry Hill Director, Pamela Meyer
9:30 - 11:00 Plant a Tree!
Working with community partners, community members are invited to help plant 350 trees and shrubs, more than 360 native plants and pull invasive garlic mustard - activities that will protect the natural landscape and our outdoor classroom for generations to come.
'Open a can of worms' with a Quarry Hill naturalist during this adventure into the wonderful world of worms. Learn about earthworms, worm compost and other decomposers.
Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.
About the book:
It’s a perfect day for yoga, and Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him! But lizard is too tired, fox is in a rush, and Bird has the hiccups. Will Bunny ever be able to get his friends to slow down and realize that yoga just might be the solution to their problems?
Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.Join a naturalist at Quarry Hill for a reading of the children’s book Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo. Then take a slow walk to the Prairie House and practice poses just like Yoga Bunny and his friends.
About the book:
It’s a perfect day for yoga, and Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him! But lizard is too tired, fox is in a rush, and Bird has the hiccups. Will Bunny ever be able to get his friends to slow down and realize that yoga just might be the solution to their problems?
As the sun sets we will gather to celebrate the beauty of the moth. Using techniques known as light sheeting and sugar baiting we will draw in this often unheralded creature of the night.
Look for moths on baited trees as you hike to the Prairie House where you'll meet Kyle Johnson, moth and butterfly specialist with the Minnesota Biological Survey. He will lead us in identifying our finds and will share his wealth of knowledge on these mysterious creatures. To round out the night, create your own Luna Moth mask and dress up for the photo booth to remember your evening at the Moth Ball.
It is a 10 minute hike to the Prairie House on uneven terrain. This trail is not stroller friendly.
Flashlights recommended
No pets allowed
Event is for Quarry Hill members only
Members were emailed a link to the event with a ticket code. Inquire if you need this information.
Leaders: Joel Dunnette (ZVAS) & Pamela Meyer (Quarry Hill)
Free and all ages welcome. Help us catch, tag and release monarch butterflies as they migrate through our area on their journey south to Mexico. Citizens just like you are important contributors to monarch research and conservation. Join us in the field to learn why!
This is an open house event hosted a the West entrance to Quarry Hill Park. Learn about the monarch's life cycle and have fun walking in the Oak Savanna to catch a monarch for tagging. Come and go on your own schedule. We'll provide the nets.
Park at the West entrance to Quarry Hill Park (not the nature center entrance) at 2100 9th St NE. Be prepared for a short hike up the hill to the Oak Savanna. Water bottles and sunscreen are recommended.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
September Topic: Monarch Migration Magic! Join us as we say adios and good luck to the butterflies that will be migrating south to Mexico for the winter. Learn about why they head south and the challenges they will face during this magical migration. If we are lucky, we may even get to tag a butterfly before sending it on its way!
Insect are preparing for winter - some are migrating, some are packing pollen, some are laying next spring's eggs. Grab a net to catch and release some of these incredible critters to study up close.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Insect are preparing for winter - some are migrating, some are packing pollen, some are laying next spring's eggs. Grab a net to catch and release some of these incredible critters to study up close.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Students will learn microscope basics and have time to practice with prepared slides before moving on to the amazing world of microorganisms within a drop of water. Collecting a sample, preparing a wet mount slide, observation, sorting, & classifying skills will be emphasized.
Students will use physical and chemical tests, as well as biological indicators, to determine if the Quarry Hill pond is “healthy”. This class includes an examination of the fish life in the pond as they try their hand at fishing from the pond bridge as well.
Students will practice the science skills of observation, measurement and asking questions. A puppet show, observation hike and tree measurement activities will be included.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
October Topic: All About Apples Apples juicy, apples round, on the tree or on the ground. Apples crunchy, apples sweet, apples are so good to eat! Join us for crafts, games and adventure as we explore all about apples one of nature’s most delicious treats!
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Quarry Hill creatures lurk about in the night. They are friendly and funny with just a bit of fright.
Join us in the park and cave for a family friendly evening in nature. Encounter costumed creatures - a turkey, deer, coyote, & spider, each with a tale to tell about their night life. They are friendly and funny with just a touch of fright.
Following the program, experience twists and turns on a self-guided walk, spying hidden objects in forest. Bring your flashlight!
The evening wraps up with take home treats delivered by an eight-legged friend!
Choose a time slot: 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00
Event lasts approximately 1 hour.
Event is all outdoors and will be held in light rain, snow or cold.
Participants will walk along along a 1/2 mile self-guided, unpaved trail
Trail is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
No pets allowed
1 ticket admits 1 person (24 months and older). Tickets are non-refundable.
Join us in the park and cave for a family friendly evening in nature. Encounter costumed creatures - a turkey, deer, coyote, & spider, each with a tale to tell about their night life. They are friendly and funny with just a touch of fright.
Following the program, experience twists and turns on a self-guided walk, spying hidden objects in forest. Bring your flashlight!
The evening wraps up with take home treats delivered by an eight-legged friend!
Choose a time slot: 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00
Event lasts approximately 1 hour.
Event is all outdoors and will be held in light rain, snow or cold.
Participants will walk along along a 1/2 mile self-guided, unpaved trail
Trail is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
No pets allowed
1 ticket admits 1 person (24 months and older). Tickets are non-refundable.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Come for a reading of Bat Loves the Night then visit the Quarry Hill cave!
Join a naturalist for a reading of the children’s book, Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies. Then take a 10 minute hike through the forest to the Quarry Hill cave to to see who might be preparing for winter hibernation.
Recommended for families - activities for children ages 4 to 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather; including sturdy footwear. The hike is not stroller friendly.
Please bring a flashlight.
Cost: $5.00 per person 24mo & older
About the Book: Night has fallen, and Bat awakens to find her evening meal. Follow her as she swoops into the shadows, shouting and flying, the echoes of her voice creating a sound picture of the world around her. When morning light creeps into the sky, Bat returns to the roost to feed her baby . . . and to rest until nighttime comes again. Bat loves the night!
Come for a reading of Bat Loves the Night then visit the Quarry Hill cave!
Join a naturalist for a reading of the children’s book, Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies. Then take a 10 minute hike through the forest to the Quarry Hill cave to to see who might be preparing for winter hibernation.
Recommended for families - activities for children ages 4 to 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather; including sturdy footwear. The hike is not stroller friendly.
Please bring a flashlight.
Cost: $5.00 per person 24mo & older
About the Book: Night has fallen, and Bat awakens to find her evening meal. Follow her as she swoops into the shadows, shouting and flying, the echoes of her voice creating a sound picture of the world around her. When morning light creeps into the sky, Bat returns to the roost to feed her baby . . . and to rest until nighttime comes again. Bat loves the night!
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
November Topic: Nuts about Squirrels Get ready to get squirrelly as we learn about Minnesota’s different tree squirrels and their acrobatic stunts. We’ll even learn how to “talk” with the squirrels! Nutty games, seed buffets, and hiking await you on this forest adventure.
Come along on Craig Blacklock’s visual exploration of Lake Superior. For 47 years
Blacklock’s artistic practice has been intrinsically linked to the interface of land and
water in wilderness areas—most often Lake Superior. Over that time his artwork has
evolved from color landscapes depicting what these places looked like to increasingly
non-representational imagery untethered from context.
His most recent body of work, Light Waves, is a series of images isolating the complex
mirror of Lake Superior’s surface, producing a purely abstract representation of the
palette and textures lying outside of the frame.
The animal residents who live in Quarry Hill Park are amazing. Join us to bust the myths about an often misunderstood and feared mammal, Bats! Echolocation, keen sense of smell and the ability to eat 500 mosquitoes in an hour - bats are amazing and beneficial!
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
You’ll see pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass, woodworking and more. Admission is free and ten percent of all sales are donated to the Friends of Quarry Hill in support of nature education programs.
You’ll see pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass, woodworking and more. Admission is free and ten percent of all sales are donated to the Friends of Quarry Hill in support of nature education programs.
Flock to Quarry Hill and experience birds up-close while taking part in the Nature Center's bird banding program. Learn why birds are banded and how bird banding helps with conservation. Then get up-close when you learn how to safely trap, handle and release wild birds! The data gathered from these birds will be submitted to the USGS Bird Banding Laboratory. Enrollment is limited.
Step back in time when you step into the Quarry Hill Cave! Quarry Hill Park was once part of the Rochester State Hospital grounds and there remains some interesting historic features from a century of agriculture, quarry operations and more. Learn about some of these historic features and tour the sandstone storage cave, carved in 1882.
Offered for 3 & 4 year old kids with an accompanying grown up, these classes are all about getting outdoors to explore, learn and connect to the natural world. New topics monthly.
December Topic: Time to Sleep With December comes the deep sleep know as hibernation. Come learn about what animals choose to sleep out the winter season here and just how they prepare for this deepest sleep. This class will also take us underground to explore who might be sleeping in the Quarry Hill cave!
There are seven native Minnesota snake species at the nature center. From flexible jaws to smelling with their tongue, snakes are charming! Slither in and coil up while a naturalist introduces you to a variety of snakes and their scaly goodness.
The “Soil Chef” will help students understand the difference between soil & dirt and give the recipe for soil. Students will hike to the QH sandstone cave and also sift & sort soil samples into their components.
Just what is a raptor? Students will examine and study this special group of birds. They will learn what makes an owl such a successful predator: silent feathers, powerful talons, and incredible senses.
Students will work at hands-on experiment stations to learn about the geology under our feet and how our limestone bedrock forms caves and affects groundwater quality.
