At 7 p.m. on Monday, join naturalist intern Will Bjorndal for his “Life in Chile” program, sponsored by the Izaak Walton League for a presentation on the culture and natural world of Chile, where Will spent six months teaching English in 2017.

The meeting and presentation will take place in the Jay C. Hormel Interpretive Center classrooms.  If you can please RSVP by email at info@hormelnaturecenter.org or call 507-437-7519 as they like to know in advance how many to expect.

Al Batt returns at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, for his program “Traveling with the Birds” in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium located at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.  This program is co-sponsored with Austin Audubon. Again, please RSVP using the information above.

Youth basketball

It is time to register for Park and Recreation Youth Basketball.  You may register online until Oct. 22 at www.cityofapr.maxgalaxy.net or follow the link on the city of Austin’s website at www.ci.austin.mn.us , City Department, Park and Rec -— online registration.

The program starts on Oct. 23 and offers skills on Tuesdays and games on Thursdays for the second to sixth-grade participants who want to learn the game or work on their skills.  The K-1 participants will practice skills and be introduced to a game setting as the program progresses.  The cost is $28 and meets 10 times at Banfield Elementary School in the wood or carpet gym.

Halloween Warm-up

Fall is around the corner.

Halloween Warm-up tickets are on sale at Super Fresh Produce and Bakery.  The event takes place this year on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 13.  New this year, during the 6:50 p.m. time slot, there will be 12 extra tickets available for those who cannot walk the trails.  Questions, please call the nature center at 437-7519.

Thanksgiving Feast

It is time to mark your calendar to join the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for their Thanksgiving Feast Fundraiser at 5-9 p.m. on Oct. 27.

The event will take place at the Austin Holiday Inn in the Conference Center at 1701 4th St. NW.  Tickets can be purchased for $40 online at www.hormelnaturecenter.org. You may also call 507-433-6928 to reserve tickets. It is a fun evening which starts off with a social hour, a delicious meal, music and entertainment, raffles and games, and a silent and live auction. Better yet, join the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center and you will receive a $5 coupon at the feast to use towards raffles, games or auction items. All proceeds go to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center Operations Fund, which supports interns, staffing, and programs throughout the year.

Sola Fide Observatory

Come out to the Sola Fide Observatory at 8-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, to view Mars and discover fascinating facts about the night sky during our free observatory open house hours. Sola Fide Observatory is open to the public on specified Saturdays throughout the year (dependent on clear skies). On these select evenings, nature center staff and volunteers are available to assist the public in viewing the night sky.

Nature center honey

Do you like honey?  The nature center has a very successful honey harvest from their very own hives.  You can purchase a pound of raw honey at the Nature Center for $12.  Stop out and get some soon.

Riverside Arena

Riverside Arena public skates: 3:15-4:45 p.m., today and 5:45-7:45 p.m., Oct. 4.

We add Stick Time times as different opportunities arise so check our Facebook page as we will update this calendar as they happen.

How about renting Riverside Arena for your special event?  Call our office to check on availability.  The Austin Bruins play tonight when they host Bismarck. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m.