Our mission

 To share our love of birds with others!

Release The Birds!

Join The Raptor Center and Carpenter Nature Center as we celebrate our annual Raptor Release!

What: Raptor Release, a free family event.
When: Saturday, September 27, 2025, @ 11 am - 2 pm.
Where: Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033.

This free family event is a way for our community to share in the success of returning magnificent raptors back to the wild. Whether they suffered from a broken wing, lead poisoning, disease, or any other number of ailments, these raptors have been given second chances at life due to the caring efforts of many.

Enjoy family-friendly activities, a variety of educational booths from local organizations, live ambassador raptors from The Raptor Center, and food truck refreshments for purchase. Programs begin at noon with releases of raptors to follow. Please leave pets at home. 

Food available by:

• Nuttin’ Like It

• Deep Roots Food Truck

Educational booths from:

• 3M wizards

• Get the Lead Out

• Hastings Environmental Protectors

• Minnesota Dragonfly Society

• Minnesota Falconry Association

• Minnesota Herpetological Society

• Minnesota Master Naturalists

• Minnesota Ornithologists Union

• My Bird Club

• National Camera Exchange

• St Croix Valley Bird Club

• Tropical wings

• UMN Bee Squad (Honey for sale)

• UMN Raptor Center Gift Shop

• Washington County Master Gardeners

• Washington County Master Gardeners

• Wisconsin Master Naturalists