Golf Academy
Sharpen your golf skills with public or private lessons.
https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/golf-academySharpen your golf skills with public or private lessons.
https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/golf-academyLearn all about summer camps at Three Rivers!
https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/summer-campsElderberries are easily overlooked shrubs, but they are some of the most widespread plants in our region and Minnesota. They play roles in a variety of habitats, including streambanks, open fields and forest understories. Wildlife (especially birds) feed on the fruit, and deer really like to chew on the stems in winter (which can be annoying but is often not anything to worry about).
Paul is the Manager of Forestry and Horticulture at Three Rivers Park District – a position he has held for the past 10 years. Prior to that he was stomping around the wilds of Milwaukee County as the natural areas manager, and before that he was stomping around the wilds of New York City (yes, there are some) as an environmental restoration project manager for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. In his spare time he enjoys installing flashing on old windows.
Did you know American plum trees are common in Minnesota — and you can eat the fruit? Learn all about how to identify American plums, how to grow them, how we expect climate change to impact them and more.
American hazelnuts are easy to grow, cold-hardy, and offer many benefits to both humans and wildlife. Read on to learn all about this plant that grows throughout Minnesota.
Black cherry trees are known for their fruit and valuable, beautiful wood, but there's so much more to these common native trees. Learn how to identify them, which diseases and pests affect them, and how climate change will significantly impact their location in the state.
This time of year, we get so excited for #30daysofbiking at Three Rivers. There are so many great trails to explore, and after a winter where many folks in our community have been cooped up inside, this 30-day biking challenge can be just the motivation needed to get out and get moving.
Kaja Vang coordinates the Teen Council, Teen Engagement initiatives and the bike fleet here at Three Rivers. They also partner with local bike organizations and groups to provide more equitable access to bikes, trails and bike-related skills. During their free time, Kaja likes to watch TV shows that focus on alternative or parallel universes and always welcomes conversations surrounding astrology. Lastly, they are passionate about addressing inequities that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face – specifically queer and trans BIPOC – and being a part of the movement in investing in youth.
Nicole Fernandez, cultural liaison at Three Rivers, finds joy in connecting others to the outdoors. Learn what draws Nicole to nature, and read about some of her favorite experiences connecting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community members to the parks.
One Three Rivers enthusiast challenged herself to ride 140 miles in three days between all seven of the Three Rivers park reserves. Read all about why she did it, how it went and how it felt to complete this journey.
Stephen Scott, volunteer Outdoor Afro leader, shares his experience in creating opportunities for Black communities to explore and connect to nature in Three Rivers and throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Learn more about Outdoor Afro and how you can support leadership in nature.
Sundays | Nature Centers
We are turning the nature centers inside out! Each Sunday features different outdoor activities that may include meeting live animals, participating in nature challenges and checking out free exploration materials.
April 1 & 2 | Eastman
Celebrate the arrival of spring! Take the pollinator challenge, practice jumping like a frog, learn about egg-laying animals in Minnesota, and search for camouflaged creatures.
April 2 & 3 | Lowry
Explore five magical nature kingdoms as you search for painted hidden fairies, animals, gnomes, colorful butterflies and birds!
As the world around us begins to shake off winter’s grip, we Minnesotans start to pay very close attention to the changes happening in our outdoor environment. We eagerly look for those early signs of spring that signal to us that warmer weather and all it brings is just around the corner.
Ashley Smith grew up swimming, climbing trees, and fighting dragons at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. With a clear love of teaching and the outdoors, she majored in biology at Concordia College and continued on to Melbourne, Australia where she earned her Master's degree in environmental education. She has since spent the last 10 years working as an interpretive naturalist at various nature centers around the Twin Cities and in greater Minnesota before landing at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park. When not playing (working) outside with people of all ages, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, getting out on/in the water, learning about geology, and being a Tolkien-loving-Doctor Who-obsessed-D&D-playing nerd.
Three Rivers Park District is home to some special spring wildflowers, some of which have a very short above-ground life. Learn about six of these flowers and where to find them.
Little was known about the winter whereabouts of the monarch butterfly until the mid-1970s. Subtle factors, persistence and a network of people working across borders came together to finally reveal the mystery of the great monarch migration. Read on to learn how Minnesota occupies an important place in the history of monarch research.
Have you ever wondered what a monarch tag is or why we tag monarch butterflies? Read on to discover more about these beautiful insects and their incredible 2,000-mile migration.