The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center will host a Friends and Volunteer Appreciation Night at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium.

Join staff for pie, ice cream, and live comedy with Chris Anderson and his program “BIRDS! (and other stuff).” Find out why it’s great to be a birder and a Minnesotan. Chris will explore which bird is the most “Minnesota Nice,” which has the best Minnesota accent, and which bird is the biggest Vikings fan. He’ll also take a look at his own transition from Star Wars-novel-reading-indoor-kid to someone who can walk across his lawn barefoot and identify a Northern Shrike while in a moving car. Who doesn’t remember that first shrike spotting? Tribute will be paid to all of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center and the special volunteers at this program. Please RSVP by Tuesday.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP by phone 507-437-7519 or email at info@hormelnaturecenter.org, or in person at the Interpretive Center.