Wood Lake Nature Center

09/29/2026

Meet Amber Lattanzio, a proud FOWL Board Member for the past two years. Here’s why she loves being part of the flock.

Why are you wild about Wood Lake?
Wood Lake brings together three things I care about: wildlife, conservation, and community. I love having a place where I can experience nature up close while knowing that it’s being protected for future generations. The people I’ve met through Wood Lake have made the experience even more meaningful.

What do you like to do at Wood Lake?
I love exploring the trails, especially during the candlelight walks. Experiencing the preserve by lantern light is peaceful, beautiful, and completely different from a daytime visit. The bonfires add such a cozy feeling and make it a memorable way to experience Wood Lake in the winter. It’s one of my favorite Wood Lake traditions and something I look forward to each year.

What’s a memory at Wood Lake that’s stuck with you?
Attending my first Wood Lake dinner. I remember feeling like I was part of something special as I saw so many people come together to support the center. I enjoyed the silent auction, meeting members of the community, and the educational program on light pollution. It was a night when I really felt a sense of belonging and connection to the Wood Lake community.

Have you seen anything at Wood Lake you didn’t expect?
Planets. During an evening program, we had the opportunity to look through a telescope and see the night sky while enjoying hot cocoa. Seeing planets from the preserve was such a unique experience and a fun reminder that there are always new things to discover at Wood Lake.

Is there something you want to see at Wood Lake that you haven’t yet?
I would love to get into nature photography, and would happily spend a few hours sitting quietly and waiting for the chance to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat at Wood Lake. I love that nature doesn’t always work on a schedule, and you never know when you might get that perfect moment.

Is there anything you’re excited to see happen next at the Nature Center?
The new building. I’ve enjoyed learning about the plans and am looking forward to seeing it become a reality. I’m also excited to see how the new space will enhance the experiences people have at Wood Lake.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m grateful to be part of the Wood Lake community. One of the things I appreciate most is the people I’ve met there and the relationships I’ve built. Wood Lake has become a place where I enjoy learning, exploring, and spending time with others who share a love of nature.
Amber’s story is just one example of what it means to be part of FOWL: a community rooted in connection, curiosity, and care for nature.

By October 23, our goal is to welcome 100 new and returning members, will you join us?

FOWL Membership Benefits
In addition to supporting the nature center you love, you’ll also enjoy a suite of benefits when you join FOWL.

Join before October 23 to get a bonus print commemorating Wood Lake’s gorgeous new building, which will open in November!

Show you’re wild about Wood Lake. Become a FOWL member today: https://www.richfieldmn.gov/638/Friends-of-Wood-Lake

09/23/2026

09/20/2026

Wild about Wood Lake? Join the Friends of Wood Lake!

We all have reasons why we’re wild about Wood Lake. Maybe it’s spotting a muskrat swimming near the marsh docks or a family of Great Horned Owls perched in the Cottonwoods. Maybe it’s trick-or-treating with your kids at the Half-Haunted Halloween event or tapping maple syrup. Maybe it’s cross-country skiing around the three miles of trails or enjoying the leaves’ changing colors on a stroll.

To keep Wood Lake wild, we’re working to welcome 100 new and returning Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) members by October 23. Join or renew by that date to receive a bonus print commemorating Wood Lake’s new building, opening in November! Help keep Wood Lake wild. Become a Friend of Wood Lake today (richfieldmn.gov/fowl).

When you join the Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL), you become part of a community that helps this wild space thrive. Your support provides critical funding to protect wildlife, power hands-on learning with essential equipment, and bring engaging programs to people of all ages.

Thanks to FOWL members, Wood Lake has been able to provide resources like materials for scout projects, updates to exhibits, staff development, natural resource management, research equipment, and much more!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
In addition to supporting the nature center you love, memberships also include a number of benefits, like free admission to Half-Haunted Halloween, Candlelight and Ice, Bird Hikes, and Adult Book Club. Admission to Weekend Specials is 50% off. Membership also includes free on-site cross-country ski and snowshoe rental and a 10% discount on select programs and merchandise. See membership levels for additional benefits.

-INDIVIDUAL ($30) Basic membership benefits (listed above) for one person.
-FAMILY ($50) Basic membership benefits for a maximum of two named adults residing at the same address and dependent children or grandchildren under 18.
-SUSTAINING ($100) Family benefits plus four Wood Lake mugs.
-PATRON ($250) Family benefits plus engraved plaque.
-LIFE ($1,000) Family benefits for one family plus engraving on Life Member plaque.
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09/19/2026

Wild about Wood Lake? Join the Friends of Wood Lake!

We all have reasons why we’re wild about Wood Lake. Maybe it’s spotting a muskrat swimming near the marsh docks or a family of Great Horned Owls perched in the Cottonwoods. Maybe it’s trick-or-treating with your kids at the Half-Haunted Halloween event or tapping maple syrup. Maybe it’s cross-country skiing around the three miles of trails or enjoying the leaves’ changing colors on a stroll.

To keep Wood Lake wild, we’re working to welcome 100 new and returning Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) members by October 23. Join or renew by that date to receive a bonus print commemorating Wood Lake’s new building, opening in November! Help keep Wood Lake wild. Become a Friend of Wood Lake today (richfieldmn.gov/fowl).

When you join the Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL), you become part of a community that helps this wild space thrive. Your support provides critical funding to protect wildlife, power hands-on learning with essential equipment, and bring engaging programs to people of all ages.

Thanks to FOWL members, Wood Lake has been able to provide resources like materials for scout projects, updates to exhibits, staff development, natural resource management, research equipment, and much more!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
In addition to supporting the nature center you love, memberships also include a number of benefits, like free admission to Half-Haunted Halloween, Candlelight and Ice, Bird Hikes, and Adult Book Club. Admission to Weekend Specials is 50% off. Membership also includes free on-site cross-country ski and snowshoe rental and a 10% discount on select programs and merchandise. See membership levels for additional benefits.

-INDIVIDUAL ($30) Basic membership benefits (listed above) for one person.
-FAMILY ($50) Basic membership benefits for a maximum of two named adults residing at the same address and dependent children or grandchildren under 18.
-SUSTAINING ($100) Family benefits plus four Wood Lake mugs.
-PATRON ($250) Family benefits plus engraved plaque.
-LIFE ($1,000) Family benefits for one family plus engraving on Life Member plaque.
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FOWL AT PENN FEST: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 12-5 PM
Visit the Friends of Wood Lake booth at Penn Fest. Purchase or renew memberships, purchase Wood Lake merchandise, see plans of the new building, and more!

09/18/2026

Wild about Wood Lake? Join the Friends of Wood Lake!

We all have reasons why we’re wild about Wood Lake. Maybe it’s spotting a muskrat swimming near the marsh docks or a family of Great Horned Owls perched in the Cottonwoods. Maybe it’s trick-or-treating with your kids at the Half-Haunted Halloween event or tapping maple syrup. Maybe it’s cross-country skiing around the three miles of trails or enjoying the leaves’ changing colors on a stroll.

To keep Wood Lake wild, we’re working to welcome 100 new and returning Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) members by October 23. Join or renew by that date to receive a bonus print commemorating Wood Lake’s new building, opening in November! Help keep Wood Lake wild. Become a Friend of Wood Lake today (richfieldmn.gov/fowl).

When you join the Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL), you become part of a community that helps this wild space thrive. Your support provides critical funding to protect wildlife, power hands-on learning with essential equipment, and bring engaging programs to people of all ages.

Thanks to FOWL members, Wood Lake has been able to provide resources like materials for scout projects, updates to exhibits, staff development, natural resource management, research equipment, and much more!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
In addition to supporting the nature center you love, memberships also include a number of benefits, like free admission to Half-Haunted Halloween, Candlelight and Ice, Bird Hikes, and Adult Book Club. Admission to Weekend Specials is 50% off. Membership also includes free on-site cross-country ski and snowshoe rental and a 10% discount on select programs and merchandise. See membership levels for additional benefits.

-INDIVIDUAL ($30) Basic membership benefits (listed above) for one person.
-FAMILY ($50) Basic membership benefits for a maximum of two named adults residing at the same address and dependent children or grandchildren under 18.
-SUSTAINING ($100) Family benefits plus four Wood Lake mugs.
-PATRON ($250) Family benefits plus engraved plaque.
-LIFE ($1,000) Family benefits for one family plus engraving on Life Member plaque.
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09/10/2026

Reserve your tickets for Wood Lake Nature Center's Half-Haunted Halloween!
Sunday, October 25
1:00-5:00 pm (tours every 20 minutes)
Veterans Park (check in at the band shell)
636 East 66thSt, Richfield
$8/person, Free for FOWL members
(all participants must pre-register online in advance)

Come in costume to this non-scary Halloween party, complete with a trick-or-treat trail (that includes kids activities and costumed characters), games, fun, and refreshments! Enjoy a magic show, and go on a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt to earn a special treat!

Admission is available for specific entry times, every 20 minutes between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at richfieldmn.gov/register.

No tickets will be sold at the door. All adults and children aged 2+ need to purchase an admission ticket. Most attendees typically spend 1–1.5 hours enjoying the event. The event is primarily designed for young children up to the age of 10. There are no refunds for this event.

09/01/2026

Come take a walk around Wood Lake this fall!

08/15/2026

REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY FOR FALL PROGRAMS
Plan your fall fun with Wood Lake and get ready to register on Monday, August 17, 9:00 am. Check out Wood Lake's Fall brochure at woodlakenaturecenter.org.

You’ll find seasonal favorites for all ages (Half-Haunted Halloween, apple cidering, beeswax candles, Candlelight and Ice), ongoing adult programs (bird and night hikes, book club), youth school-out camps (Autumn and Winter Explorers), and more!

Also, Wood Lake Nature Center’s new building opens in November! Stay tuned for information about the grand opening by following Wood Lake Nature Center's page.

For a full list of programs and events visit woodlakenaturecenter.org.

08/12/2026

4 SPOTS REMAINING in ADVENTURE CAMP!

Looking to end the summer on a high note for your 3-6th grade graduate? We have just 4 spots remaining in our Adventure Camp Aug 17-20th.

Each day campers will explore a new park in Richfield! Hike around Wood Lake Nature Center and explore in the woods. Fish and bike at Taft Lake and the bike park! Run, play, and jump at the award-winning Adventure Park in Augsburg. Play mini-golf and enjoy ice cream at Veterans Park. Each day, campers will be dropped off and picked up by their guardians at a different park location. Campers must know how to ride a bike without training wheels. Campers may bring their own bikes and helmets or use the city’s bike fleet equipment. All other equipment provided.

To register visit richfieldmn.gov/register

08/12/2026

REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY FOR FALL PROGRAMS

Plan your fall fun with Wood Lake and get ready to register on Monday, August 17, 9:00 am. Check out Wood Lake's Fall brochure at woodlakenaturecenter.org.

You’ll find seasonal favorites for all ages (Half-Haunted Halloween, apple cidering, beeswax candles, Candlelight and Ice), ongoing adult programs (bird and night hikes, book club), youth school-out camps (Autumn and Winter Explorers), and more!

Also, Wood Lake Nature Center’s new building opens in November! Stay tuned for information about the grand opening by following Wood Lake Nature Center's page.

For a full list of programs and events visit woodlakenaturecenter.org.