Skip to main content
Go to the U of M home page
  • One Stop
  • MyU: For Students, Faculty, and Staff
College of biological sciences

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Menu
  • About Cedar Creek
    • Overview of Cedar Creek
    • Diversity statement
    • History
    • Facilities
    • Conservation
    • Leadership
    • Employment opportunities
    • Support Cedar Creek
    • Contact us
  • Research
    • Research overview
    • Conducting research
    • Cedar Creek LTER
    • Google Scholar Publication List
    • Request housing
    • Annual research reporting
    • Research check in
    • Undergraduate, graduate and postdoc opportunities
  • K-12 Programs
    • Program overview
    • K – 2nd grade programs
    • 3rd – 4th grade programs
    • 5th – 6th grade programs
    • 7th – 8th grade programs
    • 9th - 12th grade programs
    • Education resources
    • Educator professional development
    • Teacher testimonials
  • Public Programs
    • Visit Cedar Creek
    • Upcoming events
    • Field Notes newsletter
    • Bison and savanna research
    • Lunch with a Scientist
    • Artist-in-residence program
    • Volunteer opportunities
    • Ecology book club
  • Flora and fauna
    • Catalogs
    • Habitats StoryMap
    • Plants
    • Birds
    • Fungi
    • Mammals

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
  3. Cedar Creek Public Programs
Cedar Creek Tour

Public events

Our goal is to connect students, teachers, community members, and scientists to Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve’s ecological research through engaging hands-on experiences, and as a result to increase science literacy and help our community better understand scientific principles, processes, and concepts. Come join us at one of our upcoming events!

Illustrated stars, telescope, and grass with blue background and text that says 'Star Party'

March 24: How to Use a Telescope & Star Party

Receive a new telescope as a gift or new to using telescopes? In the first Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Star Party of 2023, experienced Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through the basics of telescope use and help you learn more about your telescope and how to use it. If the skies are clear, practice what you learned using your telescope. In addition, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend. 

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, March 24, or Saturday, March 25. You do not need to register for this event. 

Green background with text 'Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Lunch with a Scientist 2023

April 11: Lunch with a Scientist: Lichens as Environmental Indicators

Lichens are a fascinating example of symbiosis in ecology. In lichens, algae and fungi support each other to survive in unique habitats and locations. Lichens also can inform scientists about environmental quality and climate change. Join us for April's Lunch with a Scientist when we host Dr. Natália Koch as she describes the unique characteristics of lichens but also their utility in science as environmental indicators.

April's Lunch with a Scientist program is hybrid, join us online or in person at Cedar Creek. Visit our Lunch with a Scientist page for details. 

Illustrated stars, telescope, and grass with blue background and text that says 'Star Party'

April 28: Spring Constellations & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night skies in Spring. Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through the April skies. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend. 

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, March 24, or Saturday, March 25. You do not need to register for this event. 

Illustrated stars, telescope, and grass with blue background and text that says 'Star Party'

May 12: What’s up Tonight & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in May. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend. 

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, May 12, or Saturday, May 13. You do not need to register for this event. 

Illustrated stars, telescope, and grass with blue background and text that says 'Star Party'

August 25: What’s up Tonight & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in August. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend. 

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, August 25, or Saturday, August 26. You do not need to register for this event. 

Illustrated stars, telescope, and grass with blue background and text that says 'Star Party'

September 22: What's Up Tonight & Star Party

Come and learn more about the night sky! Minnesota Astronomical Society members will walk you through interesting things occurring in the night skies in August. After the short presentation, a number of telescopes will be available for night sky viewing after the program, weather dependent. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend. 

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, September 22, or Saturday, September 23. You do not need to register for this event. 

 

Illustrated stars, telescope, and grass with blue background and text that says 'Star Party'

October 20: Telescope Purchasing 101 & Star Party

Thinking about purchasing a telescope? This special Star Party program will include a presentation about telescope anatomy and terminology. Experienced Minnesota Astronomical Society members will also highlight key components and considerations to think about before purchasing a telescope. After the presentation, if the weather cooperates, head outside and view the night sky through telescopes. NOTE: You do not need a telescope to attend.

Star Parties are scheduled on Friday nights, with a backup date of Saturday, if the weather is better. Please check the Minnesota Astronomical Society Cedar Creek webpage to stay up to date on the start time and if the Star Party is occurring on Friday, October 20, or Saturday, October 21. You do not need to register for this event. 

Questions? Email Kara Baldwin (baldwink@umn.edu) with questions about events in general. Specific events may have other contact people listed.

College of Biological Sciences

123 Snyder Hall
1475 Gortner Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108

Student Services

3-104 MCB
420 Washington Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States

Quick Links
College directory
Resources for faculty and staff
Contact us

Connect

University of Minnesota
Parking & Transportation
Maps and directions

For Students, Faculty, and Staff

  • One Stop
  • MyU
© 2023 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Privacy Statement Report Web Disability-Related Issue
  • About Cedar Creek
    • Overview of Cedar Creek
    • Diversity statement
    • History
      • Comprehensive history
    • Facilities
    • Conservation
      • Deer herd management
    • Leadership
    • Employment opportunities
    • Support Cedar Creek
    • Contact us
  • Research
    • Research overview
    • Conducting research
      • Proposal review process
      • Research and land use policy
      • Research rules and guidelines
    • Cedar Creek LTER
    • Google Scholar Publication List
    • Request housing
    • Annual research reporting
    • Research check in
    • Undergraduate, graduate and postdoc opportunities
  • K-12 Programs
    • Program overview
    • K – 2nd grade programs
    • 3rd – 4th grade programs
    • 5th – 6th grade programs
    • 7th – 8th grade programs
    • 9th - 12th grade programs
    • Education resources
    • Educator professional development
    • Teacher testimonials
  • Public Programs
    • Visit Cedar Creek
    • Upcoming events
    • Field Notes newsletter
    • Bison and savanna research
    • Lunch with a Scientist
    • Artist-in-residence program
      • Don Luce
      • Emily Dzieweczynski
      • Gretel Van Wieren
      • Alyssa Baguss
    • Volunteer opportunities
    • Ecology book club
  • Flora and fauna
    • Catalogs
    • Habitats StoryMap
    • Plants
    • Birds
    • Fungi
    • Mammals