Haider oversees a team of naturalists who help visitors explore the center and the surrounding 52 acres of marsh, prairie, and forest. A network of trails and boardwalks allow visitors to discover all three habitats. She will also manage the Live @ The Rog summer entertainment series including the popular Creative Crossroads series featuring a different region of the world each Sunday evening.

“Parks are the heart of a community,” Haider said. “It’s amazing to have this piece of property preserved and open to the public in a large metropolitan area.”

Naturalist-led programming and special events help visitors learn more about the distinctive plants and animals that live in this region. The nature center is open year-round and includes interactive displays, live animals, and a touch-and-see area. It’s part of Roseville’s larger 225-acre Central Park.

“The Central Park corridor is just an amazing opportunity for all types of outdoor engagement,” Haider said.

Haider has a bachelor’s of environmental studies and theater arts from the University of Minnesota- Morris. She comes from the University of Minnesota- Extension SNAP-ed program, which works with people eligible for nutrition benefits.  Before that, she worked for the Minnesota Historical Society at the Oliver Kelley Farm site in Elk River during a major revisualization of that site.

Haider lives in Roseville and she is an avid gardener.

“My dad actually grew up in Roseville, so I’ve always felt a connection to the place. Roseville has a little bit of that small town vibe with that big city energy too."

Visitors are invited to come and discover the process and science behind maple syrup at “It’s Tapping Time!”  The free, family-friendly event at the nature center includes hands-on youth activities, exploration stations, and naturalist-led tree identification walks. Volunteers will also be demonstrating how to tap maple trees, collect saps and boil it to make delicious maple syrup. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 26.

The Harriet Alexander Nature Center is located at 2520 North Dale St in Roseville and is open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Click here to learn more about Harriet Alexander Nature Center.