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The Minnesota Naturalists’ Association (MNA) exists to advance
natural and cultural resource interpretation 
for the purpose
of fostering wise stewardship of all resources.

WORKSHOPS

MNA sponsors several free or low-cost professional development opportunities at venues around the Minneapolis and St.Paul Metro Area. Workshops are focused on content and practice for both naturalist staff and volunteers on topics including natural/cultural history, citizen science, recreation, and outdoor skills.
Workshops are held three times during the year.


In order to provide the best experience possible for both participants and host sites, pre-registration is required for all workshops. Online registration will close prior to the workshop and a confirmation email will be sent to you. We apologize for the inconvenience but we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins or requests made after the registration deadline has passed. If you have any questions regarding upcoming workshops or registration please email the MNA Professional Development Workshop Coordinator. 

    • May 16, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Springbrook Nature Center
    Register

    Come hang out with fellow MNA members as we go birding!  Cody Rosetti will be leading a hike at Springbrook Nature Center starting at 9:00 AM.  This is a great chance to brush up your birding skills, share your knowledge with other birders, hang out with other MNA members, and enjoy the fresh air.  If you are not a current member, this is a great time for you to join or renew your membership.  We look forward to seeing you there!

    • June 13, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson MN 56044
    • 4
    Register

    We will be learning how to pin butterflies for display in this workshop!  Melody Hanssen, an insect taxidermist and owner of Micro Mayhem, will be leading this workshop.  Check out her work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/micro_mayhem_melody/.  Participants will be educated on hydrating, pinning, drying, and displaying butterflies.  You will go home with a pinned butterfly that will need to finish drying before transferring., as well as a pinning board and display box.  Please note:  The butterflies will be non-native species as MN native butterflies are simply too expensive or too small to easily learn on.

    • July 16, 2026
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Various
    Register

    We will be meeting up at various breweries throughout the Twin Cities Metro and other areas for a recharge from Summer Camp Season!  The plan is top meet from 5:00-8:00 PM, but feel free to stay for as long or as little as you like.  If you are interested in hosting a get-together in an area that you don't see represented, please email mnaworkshops@gmail.org and we will add you to the list!

    The current meeting spots are:

    Omni Brewing in Maple Grove

    Fat Pants Brewing in Eden Prairie

    Mankato

    St. Paul

    • September 17, 2026
    • online
    Register
    Come one come all!  Supervisors associated with MNA will be hosting an "office hours" style event where you can show up and ask questions.  Are you interested in how scheduling decisions are made?  Curious what drives the timing of seasonal staff hiring?  Intrigued by facilities and grounds maintenance decisions?  Feel free to bring your questions or just hang out and listen in to the conversation!
    • September 26, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Wargo Nature Center
    • 7
    Register

    We will be learning how to pin beetles for display in this workshop!  Melody Hanssen, an insect taxidermist and owner of Micro Mayhem, will be leading this workshop.  Check out her work on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/micro_mayhem_melody/.  Participants will be educated on hydrating, pinning, drying, and displaying beetles.  You will go home with a pinned beetle that will need to finish drying before transferring., as well as a pinning board and display box.  Please note:  The beetles will be non-native species as MN native beetles are too expensive or too small to easily learn on.

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