Programs and Events

Washington County Parks offers nature programs, festivals, and lessons. The programs are typically free (some lessons do require a small fee). However, Washington County Parks vehicle permits are required for all vehicles entering the parks.

 
Phone: 651-430-8370
Email: Parks@co.washington.mn.us

Intro to Warblers
April 25, 3-4 p.m.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Chase Davies is the field trip coordinator for St. Paul Audubon Society and a career naturalist and environmental educator. Where birds are found and what they do in their habitats are of particular interest to her. She delights in taking people out-of-doors to witness and explore the happenings in the natural world. Come to view slides of some of the common and not-so-common Washington County birds. Learn some keys and tips of bird identification. Presentation takes place indoors. 

Explore Your Parks Day
June 5, 2010
All Washington County Parks

Come explore all of the Washington County Parks on Saturday, June 5th.  Free entrance into the parks and plenty of fun activities. Activities include: 5k fun run/walk, music, nature programs, camping, and more!

Campfire Programs
Saturday @ 7:15p.m. (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Park Campgrounds 

Every Saturday evening, between May 29 and Sept. 4, a naturalist from a local nature center will conduct a program in each Washington County Park campground. The programs will be held at 7:15 p.m. in the campground amphitheater, unless otherwise noted.

The programs are free and open to both campers and non-campers. Vehicle fees do apply - $5 per vehicle or display a current Washington County Parks Annual Permit

Minnesota Starwatch with Mike Lynch
Sept. 3, 8-10 p.m. (Lake Elmo Park Reserve)
Sept. 10, 7:45-9:45 p.m. (Big Marine Park Reserve)

Mike Lynch, a meteorologist with WCCO Radio who also writes a weekly stargazing column in the “St. Paul Pioneer Press,” will be presenting an outdoor program called "Minnesota Starwatch." Participants can get to know constellations such as “The Big Bear,” “Cassiopeia,” “Pegasus,” and some of the stories behind them. They will also use large reflecting telescopes, including a 20-inch telescope that is among the biggest in Minnesota. Stargazers may wish to bring along a lawn chair or blanket.

Washington County Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 11, 2010

Saturday, Sept. 11, Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Come out to for live music from multiple bluegrass bands. There will also be family activities including exhibits, food vendors, and camping. More information coming soon.