Ney Nature Center

08/25/2026

Make sure Fall Festival 2026 is on your calendar!

08/25/2026

In Memory of Mick McGuire:

The Ney Nature Center mourns the loss of Mick McGuire, a longtime friend, supporter, volunteer, and leader whose connection to Ney Nature Center reaches back long before the organization and board of directors that exist today. Mick’s connection to the Ney family began through his father’s work, creating a family connection to the land and its history that would continue for generations.

Mick became deeply involved with Ney Nature Center, serving for many years on the Board of Directors and taking on key executive leadership roles as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. He was also instrumental in helping Ney Nature Center develop its first strategic plan, serving on the steering committee and helping shape the organization’s future.

Mick’s love of the Nature Center extended beyond board service. As a student in the Ney Nature Center’s Master Naturalist program, Mick chose a capstone project that would leave a lasting legacy. He developed the plan that launched Ney Nature Center’s maple syruping program, establishing the foundation for many successful years of sap collection and syrup making each spring. What began as a capstone project became a beloved seasonal tradition and an important educational program at Ney.
Mick was also one of Ney Nature Center’s greatest ambassadors. He enthusiastically promoted our programs, encouraged others to become involved, and consistently shared his belief in the value of the Nature Center and its mission. His support could always be counted on.

For many years, Mick was a key figure behind the Ney Fling, helping make the annual fundraiser a success. He worked tirelessly to enlist donors, sell dinner tickets, secure venues, and help with the many details required to bring the event together. On several occasions, he even took the microphone as emcee, bringing his warmth, humor, and personality to the evening.
Mick gave the Ney Nature Center his time, talents, leadership, creativity, and friendship. His contributions helped shape the organization and create programs and traditions that will continue for years to come. More importantly, Mick believed in the importance of connecting people with nature, history, and one another.

The Ney Nature Center is grateful for all that Mick gave to this place and to the many people whose lives he touched through it. His legacy lives on in the maple trees tapped each spring, the programs he championed, the organization he helped strengthen, and the countless people he encouraged to discover and support Ney Nature Center.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Mick’s family and loved ones and are grateful to have called him a friend of the Ney Nature Center.

08/18/2026

Summer Rewind! Did you know our youngest summer camps are for 4 and 5 year-olds? The Tiny Tadpoles camp this year was the perfect chance for these smallest campers to have the biggest adventures!

08/13/2026

Late evenings with the Master Naturalist students always leads to new discoveries!

08/13/2026

Summer Rewind! Outdoor Adventure I was our first week of camp this year, and these campers were able to jump right into the best that Ney has to offer. It was the perfect way to start the summer!

08/12/2026

Are you a current Ney member? Then take advantage of these warm summer nights and come stargazing with us! Get a front row seat to the universe as a member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society presents on current notable features in the night sky, and guides us in an outdoor and hands-on opportunity to view celestial objects and constellations. Not a Ney member yet but want to join in the fun? Visit our website today! https://neycenter.org/membership/

08/05/2026

08/04/2026

We're very excited to be hosting another round of Master Naturalist courses this year! With the prairie currently in full bloom, it's the perfect time to learn about Prairies & Potholes!

07/31/2026

Don't leave us hanging! Now that summer camp 2026 is over at Ney, share your camper's favorite activity or camp from this year! (We already can't wait until next year!)

07/30/2026

Geology rocks when you're a summer camper at Ney. Always something exciting to discover!