Mankato Community Education

Join us on April 27th from 1-4 PM at Williams Nature Center for a hands-on conservation service day, led by the youth leaders of the Green Crew. Roll up your sleeves for trail maintenance, invasive species removal, plant identification, water quality testing, and rewilding activities that will make a real difference to the park and our planet. This event is perfect for families and kids of all ages. Bring your love for nature and get ready to give back to the earth! Gloves, tools, and training will be provided. Williams Nature Center: 54988 MN-68, Mankato, MN 56001 This service day is being offered by the young adult leaders of the Green Crew. The Green Crew is a youth-led environmental education and conservation service program associated with the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. *Cost of this project is funded by Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America.

Join us for a fun and engaging Leave No Trace Training designed especially for families! This 3-hour hands-on experience will teach both kids and parents the simple yet powerful ways we can all enjoy nature responsibly. Through games, interactive activities, and outdoor exploration, families will learn the 7 Leave No Trace principles—from how to respect wildlife to keeping our favorite parks clean. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just enjoying a picnic in the park, these tips will help your family minimize your impact while having fun in the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to instill a love for nature and a sense of stewardship in your little adventurers. Let’s work together to preserve our beautiful planet, one adventure at a time! Registration cost of $25 is per family unit. This workshop is being offered by the young adult leaders of the Green Crew. The Green Crew is a youth-led environmental education and conservation service program associated with the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The Leave No Trace curriculum is associated with the Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Are you passionate about protecting our natural spaces? Join us for a transformative Leave No Trace Trainer Certification program over the first two April weekends! This comprehensive two-day training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a certified Leave No Trace trainer, empowering you to educate others on responsible outdoor practices. Day 1: A 6-hour training session at the Williams Nature Center on April 6th, will cover the 7 Leave No Trace principles in-depth, engaging you in hands-on activities and discussions. We will review the history of Leave No Trace. Day 2: Dive deeper with a 10-hour training at Williams Nature Center on April 13th, where you’ll participate in practical scenarios and learn effective teaching strategies for conveying these important concepts. Our expert instructors will guide you through real-world situations, helping you gain confidence in leading workshops and community events. This certification is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and leaders who want to make a difference in their communities. By becoming a certified Leave No Trace trainer, you’ll join a network of dedicated advocates committed to preserving our natural resources for future generations. Take the next step in your outdoor leadership journey and help shape the future of responsible recreation! This class is open to youth and adults but has been designed for young adults 14-21. This class is being offered by the young adult leaders of the Green Crew. Williams Nature Center: 54988 MN-68, Mankato, MN 56001 The Green Crew is a youth-led environmental education and conservation service program associated with the Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America. The Leave No Trace curriculum is associated with the Center for Outdoor Ethics. The lead trainer Tom Crawford is a certified Leave No Trace Educator and an associate advisor with the Green Crew. He will be joined by a team of young adult-certified Leave to Trace Trainers.

In this one-day workshop, students will encounter nature and translate it to the page. This course is open for students aged 16+, unless accompanied by an adult. Weather permitting, we'll be outside for part of the class, but sights, sounds, and objects will be provided inside if there is rain or snow. We'll practice seeing, hearing, smelling, and touching the natural world, then work on finding ways to turn those experiences into words that inspire readers to slow down and take pleasure in creation. J. Anderson has taught composition and literature at the College of St. Catherine, The Loft, St. Louis Park Schools, and other schools and nonprofits. She worked in community relations for Barnes & Noble and was the director of the Westminster Town Hall Forum. She writes the "Smaller" column in the St. Peter Herald.

Join us for a beautiful experience at Rasmussen Woods! Plant walks are a great opportunity to become more connected with the plants all around you! These walks are interactive as we explore the plants to get to know them better through sight, touch, smell and taste. You will leave knowing ID as well as how to work with the plant and its benefits! These plant walks are designed for the beginner and the knowledgeable alike! Rasmussen Woods. Hike will begin at 5pm at (555 Stoltzman Rd, Mankato, MN 56001) Walk is led by Herbalist and Integrative Nutritionist, Kara Swenson of Thistle Patch Wellness. Kara Swenson, owner of Thistle Patch Wellness, is an herbalist and integrative nutritionist.