Visitor Center campus opens tomorrow After three months of construction, the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center campus will reopen on Thursday, Dec. 1 bett

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Visitor Center campus opens tomorrow

After three months of construction, the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center campus will reopen on Thursday, Dec. 1 better than ever. Improvements include new hard-surface, looped, lit walking trails that extend use into the evening and accommodate guests of all abilities; a redesigned parking lot that improves safety; raingardens to filter stormwater runoff; an amphitheater and sledding hill; and shaded areas on the Lake View Deck. Stop by to check out the new additions and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa on us through Dec. 16.

The campus cross-country ski, snowshoe and kicksled equipment rental will open weekends beginning Saturday, Dec. 3 (or after the first significant snowfall). Get updates online.

Bring new or gently used winter clothing to the Visitor Center through March 1 to help dress our indoor snowman. All donations will be taken to the Hastings Family Service.

Moonlight and headlamps

Try something new this winter. Invite a friend to explore Lebanon Hills Regional Park by moonlight or headlamp. Cross-country Ski and Snowshoe Nights begins Dec. 9 and continues on alternating Friday evenings throughout the winter season. Come anytime from 5–9 p.m. and warm up by the bonfire or next to the stove in the Visitor Center. Hot beverages will be on sale and the ski and snowshoe equipment rental will have extended hours—last rental at 7:45 p.m. Bring your own headlamp.

Volunteers needed: New Year’s Eve Party

Volunteering is lots of fun at our family New Year’s Eve Party. Join us on Dec. 31 at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center to light candles along the trails, tend bonfires, help with registration and more. Hours vary. For more information, contact Katie Pata at katie.pata@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6532.

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Now that the trees are bare we can see what their leaves were hiding all summer long. The various sized dark-colored clumps in the trees are bird nests. Hummingbird nests are very small and covered in lichen. They look like a mossy knot about the size of an egg on top of small branches—usually a few feet above eye level. Oriole nests are woven of silken plant fibers and hang from naked branches much like a large teardrop. Robin nests are made of mud and grass and are nestled in among shrubs. Take a hike in any Dakota County park and look for the nests fall has revealed.

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See a full list of courses and activities in the Dakota County Newsletter. Register online anytime. No registration required on free courses unless indicated.

Forever Wild Family Friday: Movie Night: African Cats
Friday, Dec. 2
7–8:30 p.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Join us for a family friendly-movie in the park with hot chocolate and popcorn. Bring your sled for outside fun on our lit sledding hill. All ages. Free; registration requested. Register now.

Homeschool Activity: Winter Ecology
Wednesday, Dec. 7
1–3 p.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Be an ecologist for the afternoon and explore how wildlife adapts to winter. Ages 6-12. Fee: $6/youth. Register now.

Knee-High Naturalists: The Hibernators of Winter
Thursday, Dec. 8
10–11:30 a.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Find out if hibernators really sleep all winter long. Ages 3-6. Fee: $8/youth; adults Free. Register now.

Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Nights
Friday, Dec. 9
5–9 p.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Explore Lebanon Hills Regional Park Bring by headlamp or moonlight on alternate Friday evenings this winter. Warm up by the bonfire or in the Visitor Center. Hot beverages on sale; ski and snowshoe equipment for rent. Bring your own headlamp. All ages. Free. A Dakota County cross-country ski pass required for skiers 18 years and older.

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike for Women
Friday, Dec. 9
7–9 p.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Enjoy a guided moon-lit snowshoe on the trails of Lebanon Hills Regional Park (hike if poor snow conditions) and roasted marshmallows over the campfire. Ages 15 and older. Fee: $15/person. Register now.

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike for Adults
Saturday, Dec. 10
7–9 p.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Enjoy a guided moon-lit snowshoe on the trails of Lebanon Hills Regional Park (hike if poor snow conditions) and roasted marshmallows over the campfire. Ages 15 and older. Fee: $15/person. Register now.

Acorns ‘n Oaks: Snow and Ice
Sunday, Dec. 11
2–4 p.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Explore the park with your favorite budding nature nut. Ages 6-9. Fee: $8/youth; adults Free. Register now.

Knee-High Naturalists: The Hibernators of Winter
Saturday, Dec. 17
10–11:30 a.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Find out if hibernators really sleep all winter long. Ages 3–6. Fee: $8/youth; adults Free. Register now.

Scout Badges: Bear Cub Scouts: Take Care of Your Planet
Saturday, Dec. 17
2–4 p.m.
Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Earn your Wildlife Badge by learning about the plant and animal life around us. Ages 8–10. Fee: $8/youth. Register now.

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General park hours

Big Rivers Regional Trail: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Dakota Woods Dog Park: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Lake Byllesby Regional Park: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Schulze Lake Trailhead: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Trailhead closed during construction.
Mountain Bike/Ski Skate Trailhead: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
Spring Lake Park Reserve: 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Thompson County Park: 5 a.m.–10 p.m.

Building hours
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Dec. 1–March 31
Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center, Spring Lake Park Reserve
Nov. 1–March 31
Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

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