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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. 

    • July 18, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Wargo Nature Center
    Registration is closed

    Join us at Wargo Nature Center for our second Animal Care Focus Group!  This is a great opportunity for animal care specialists and those interested in animal care to meet and trade tips.  We will be working as a group to answer each other's questions, as well as provide support to each other.  We look forward to seeing you there!

    • July 28, 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Harriet Island Regional Park
    • 30
    Register

    We are having a social gathering!  Come spend an evening hanging out with other MNA members as we explore the Mississippi River Institute's floating classroom.  We will have food, beverages, and games for people to enjoy.  If you are looking for something in particular, please reach out to us or consider bringing it with you.  You should plan to bring your own dishes, and clean them at home.  The barge does not have potable water or a setup for dishwashing, though they do have Culligan water jugs available.  We have been challenged to try to be as sustainable as possible for this gathering, so MNA will not be providing single use items for food and beverages.

    Plan to sign a waiver before you are allowed onto the barge.  Layers are recommended, and close-toed shoes are mandatory.  The Mississippi River Institute will be parked at Harriet Island Regional Park at the old showboat dock.  The dock is next door to, or upriver from,  Covington Inn.  Park next to the Target Stage, with overflow parking in the lot just NE.

    • September 23, 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Dodge Nature Center-Main property
    Register

    Does it seem like magic to you—how a hawk sits calmly on a glove, an opossum willingly steps onto a scale, or an animal enters a crate without hesitation for a program? If you’ve ever wondered how this works, are now responsible for an ambassador animal collection, or are interested in starting one, this workshop is for you!

    Discussion includes everything from the ground up: positive and negative reinforcement, positive and negative punishment, primary and secondary reinforcers, labels, and lures. Gail Buhl of the Raptor Center and Courtney Wright of Wolf Ridge ELC will guide you through training plans and show you how to apply these foundational concepts to begin training your own ambassador animals. Operant conditioning governs the behavior of all living organisms—come learn how it works!

    This interactive session is filled with real-world examples and opportunities to practice, so come ready to participate and have fun!


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