Show All Answers

1. What are the prohibited activities at the nature center?

When enjoying the trails and features in the park, to maintain Springbrook's fragile ecosystem, the following are prohibited:

• Dogs and other pets
• Picking or collecting of any plants, fungi, wildflowers, or animals
• Feeding of wildlife, especially bread to ducks and geese
• Using bikes, scooters, skateboards or hoverboards on our trails (wheelchairs, strollers and wagons welcome)  
• Alcoholic beverages
• Use of tobacco products
• Use of recreational cannabis 

2. What are the prohibited activities at the nature center?

When enjoying the trails and features in the park, to maintain Springbrook's fragile ecosystem, the following are prohibited:

• Dogs and other pets
• Picking or collecting of any plants, fungi, wildflowers, or animals
• Feeding of wildlife, especially bread to ducks and geese
• Using bikes, scooters, skateboards or hoverboards on our trails (wheelchairs, strollers and wagons welcome)  
• Alcoholic beverages
• Use of tobacco products
• Use of recreational cannabis 

3. What should I do with trapped, abandoned, injured or sick animals?

Please do NOT bring animals to the Nature Center for care or to be released. We have plenty of natural, healthy wild animals that we really enjoy. If a wild animal acts strangely (e.g. approaches humans rather than runs away), the animal may be ill and should be avoided. Alternatively, call your local Public Safety Department to remove a threatening animal. For injured or abandoned animals, contact your local Animal Humane Society for assistance or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville (651-486-9453).

4. How many animals live in the Nature Center?

We estimate 200 bird species live in or pass through the Nature Center each year. Over 1500 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects and other macro invertebrates, plus more than 350 species trees, shrubs wild flowers and other plants live there.

5. When is the best time to visit and see animals?

Early in the morning and late in the day are the best times to view most animals in the wild. Bats, beavers, flying squirrels, owls, and other wildlife are nocturnal and only seen at night. The same is true for fireflies and other insects Also, to view our captive live animals(snakes, turtles, frogs, salamanders, and fish and various nature exhibits, come when the Interpretive Center is open.

6. Are the trails easy to walk on?

Yes. Most trails are wood chips, some are boardwalks, and there is a 0.3 mile paved trail. There are 3.5 miles of trails in very flat terrain.

7. Is it easy to get lost in the Nature Center?

There are “way-finding signs” at major intersections. All the trails are circular so end where they begin. Also, since the Nature Center is surrounded by urban development, you may hear sounds of neighbors (businesses and homes) that help in direction finding.

8. What are the best clothes to wear in the Nature Center?

In general, wear clothing that is suitable for the weather . You may see more wildlife clothed in natural colors and while you stroll quietly. To minimize mosquito irritation in mid-summer, wear lighter colored clothing that covers all skin areas possible. Walking shoes or hiking boots are suitable foot gear. In the summer a hat helps keep the sun and deer flies from being bothersome.