Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center

About Us

Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization with the mission of fostering a lifelong appreciation of the natural world through environmental education, habitat conservation, and outdoor experiences. Our vision is for nature to be honored and valued by people of all generations. Through the pursuit of our mission and vision, we uphold the following values: Providing premier science- and nature-based education | Proactively protecting habitat and pursuing excellence in land stewardship | Serving all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with experiences for all seasons | Leading and partnering collaboratively | Connecting environmental and human health | And honoring the history and legacy of the land and the St. Croix Valley.

We have been proudly serving Twin Cities, St. Croix Valley, and Western Wisconsin communities since 1981. Open 361 days a year, free of charge, Carpenter Nature Center plays a vital role in the hands-on education of more than 7,000 K-12 students and 50,000 visitors annually. Carpenter Nature Center (CNC) manages a total of 725 acres on both sides of the scenic St. Croix River and maintains 20+ miles of walking trails. Additionally, the CNC Minnesota Campus is home to a nine-acre education orchard committed to growing and providing the highest quality fruit in a sustainable environment.