Knowing Nature Series

Name: Knowing Nature Series
Start: 2025-10-11T13:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-10-11T16:00:00-05:00
Location: Minnesota Zoo

Schedule

Sat Oct 11 2025 at 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Minnesota Zoo | Apple Valley, MN

Through nature, we find inspiration, healing, provision, knowledge, and a sense of interconnection with the world around us. Explore nature and connect to the natural world through this unique series with a multi-faceted lens of science, creativity, recreation, and wellness.
Each series includes:
- Both an experienced guest instructor and Zoo Naturalist guide.
- Interconnection and reciprocity between people, animals, and the natural world.
- Guided mindful, creative, and experiential activities (e.g. nature journaling and nature immersion walks).
- Exploring less-developed and staff-only areas of the Zoo (e.g. exclusive visits to the Zoo’s prototype platform tents and animal kitchens).
- Zoo-focused educational opportunities (e.g. visits with Zoo staff and insider animal information).
Classes are designed to build off each other but participants may register for individual classes if preferred. Participants registering for the full series receive a 20% discount. To register for the series, please add each class into your cart. Once you have all four in your cart, the discount should be applied.
Knowing Nature Series- Fall 2025: Creature Comforts
Saturday, October 4- Connecting
Explore ways we relate with others and build community, honoring our natural and cultural ecosystems. Includes exploring social networks and animal/plant connections in the natural world.
Saturday, October 11- Sheltering
Explore forms of shelter for protection, comfort, and rest in homes and habitats. Includes animal shelter exploration and guided experience on sheltering from threats and managing stress.
Saturday, October 18- Nourishing
Explore ways we nurture and nourish ourselves, including food, exercise, and healthy habits. Includes mindful eating/savoring and a behind-the-scenes visit to one of the Zoo’s animal kitchens. (Registrants will be contacted for dietary restrictions prior to the program.)
Saturday, October 25- Preparing
Explore ways rhythms in nature affect animals, including ourselves. Includes considerations for how animals prepare for winter and guided session on letting go, self-care, and gratitude.
Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $60 per class/$192 full 4-week series Zoo Members;
$70 per class/$224 full 4-week series Non-members. (Fee includes Zoo admission.)
Meeting Location: Education Event Center (EEC) at the Zoo
Program Maximum: 20 participants
Guest Instructor: Richard Bonk, M.Ed. | Mindful Naturalist & Behavioral Health Specialist with over 30 years’ experience in health and wellness; creating programs uniting wellbeing, mindfulness, nature, and creativity.