Now booking — Nature Explorers #1 - Nature Detectives
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- Free
Oct
10
Nature Explorers #1 - Nature Detectives
Saturday · 9:00 AM–10:30 AM CDT
21104 Belle Lake Road -Piepenburg County Park, Hutchinson, MN
Come and learn how to become a Nature Detective with an MN Master Naturalist. Samantha will introduce you to iNaturalist (an app that can be downloaded on your phone prior to the event). Learn how to observe, identify, document, and contribute to our understanding of the natural world. We will then go and explore some of the park and use our new knowledge to start using iNaturalist! The meeting place will be by the Park Shelter near the swimming beach. Be sure to check out the other two events in October as well! Nature Explorers #2 - The Great Nature Scavenger Hunt: https://wellnestwalks.com/walks/466ad0bb-6d01-4289-87ae-a9e5cc2d7359 Nature Explorers #3 - Nature Has a Story to Tell: https://wellnestwalks.com/walks/3a3f44d7-1279-4dc6-9ffb-5f1ad93e4a4b This is a family-friendly event, but please remember that others want to observe nature, so don't run around! Remember, these are outdoor events; please dress appropriately. Also, please arrive 5-10 minutes early so I can check everyone in! *****WAIVER MUST BE SIGNED TO PARTICIPATE*********
- Free
Oct
17
Nature Explorers #2 - The Great Nature Scavenger Hunt
Saturday · 9:00 AM–10:30 AM CDT
Stahl's County Park - 21197 230th Street, Hutchinson, MN
3 goingRediscover Your Childlike Wonder Explore. Search. Notice. Wonder. There will be a scavenger hunt for adults and another for kids! And remember, the prize isn't something you take home. The prize is being in nature. Don't forget to sign up for the next event at: https://wellnestwalks.com/walks/3a3f44d7-1279-4dc6-9ffb-5f1ad93e4a4b Remember, these are outdoor events; please dress appropriately. Also, please arrive 5-10 minutes early so I can check everyone in! *****WAIVER MUST BE SIGNED TO PARTICIPATE*********
- Free
Oct
24
Nature Explorers #3 - Nature Has a Story to Tell
Saturday · 9:00 AM–10:30 AM CDT
Swan Lake Park - 12206 Swan Lake Rd, Silver Lake, MN
1 goingCome along with Samantha Wendt, an MN Master Naturalist, on an Interpretive Sign Discovery Walk Slow down, follow the clues, and discover what the landscape is telling you. And since this is part 3, you can use your knowledge from part 1 with iNaturalist and make new discoveries! This is a family-friendly event, but please remember that others want to observe nature, so don't run around! Remember, these are outdoor events; please dress appropriately. Also, please arrive 5-10 minutes early so I can check everyone in! *****WAIVER MUST BE SIGNED TO PARTICIPATE*********
Wellness · Community · Calm
Breathe in. Step outside. Belong here.
About Samantha
Samantha is a wife, mom, nature lover, plant enthusiast, and lifelong learner who has a deep love for God, family, and the outdoors. She can usually be found exploring a trail, studying a plant, watching wildlife, spending time with her family, or finding something new to learn. She is a Minnesota Master Naturalist, Certified Master Herbalist, Certified Facial Analysis Master, and trauma-informed coach who founded Empowered by Nature Wellness Center. Her background brings together a unique understanding of plants, wellness, people, and the natural world. Samantha is curious, down-to-earth, and always ready to stop and look a little closer. She believes nature is meant to be experienced, not rushed, and loves sharing that experience with others.
Find the event before you arrive.
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Everything you need to know.
What can I expect on a wellness walk with Samantha?
A welcoming, low-pressure experience that combines movement, nature, curiosity, and connection. Each walk is a little different depending on the location, season, and theme. But be forewarned: Samantha gets super excited about nature sometimes, especially when she finds a new plant...you have been warned.
Do I need to know anything about plants or nature?
Absolutely not! You don’t need to be a nature expert. Come curious. Come open-minded. Samantha will share what she knows and help you notice the things you might otherwise walk right past.
Are the walks actually “wellness” walks?
Yes, BUT wellness can look different for everyone. These walks create space to slow down, move your body, breathe, connect with nature, learn something new, and be present. Some walks may be more wellness-related than others; just look at the description to know for sure.
How difficult are the walks?
Walk difficulty varies by location and event. Samantha will try her best with each walk to include information about distance, terrain, and accessibility so you can decide what’s right for you.
Do I have to walk fast?
Nope. These aren't races! The pace is designed around exploration, conversation, and noticing nature.
Can children come?
Some walks are family-friendly, and others may be designed for adults. Check the individual event description for age recommendations and requirements. Just know that these are outdoor events, and some events may be more nature-focused. You know your kids best; Samantha just asks that if your kiddo is wild, please do not bring your kids to events where we are taking up nature.
What should I bring?
Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes appropriate for the terrain. Depending on the walk, you may also want water, sunscreen, bug protection, a notebook, or binoculars. Please know that some of the events will require a smartphone to use the iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID apps.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather plans will be listed with each event. Some walks may be moved, modified, or canceled when conditions make being outdoors unsafe. Make sure to dress for the weather if the event is still on.
Will we be identifying plants and wildlife?
Often! Depending on the walk, Samantha may introduce you to native plants, wild edibles, wildlife, seasonal changes, or tools for exploring the natural world.
Do I need to be “into wellness” to participate?
Not at all. You don't have to follow a wellness lifestyle, know anything about herbalism, or have any particular goal. You just have to be willing to come outside and explore. Please let Samantha know if you have any health concerns prior to starting the walk.
What makes Samantha's walks different?
Samantha brings together her experience as a Minnesota Master Naturalist, Certified Master Herbalist, wellness professional, and nature enthusiast. Her walks aren't simply about getting from point A to point B, they're about learning to see, notice, wonder, and reconnect.