Published January 17, 2013, 09:04 AM

Party held for retiring CNC director

For many years, Carpenter Nature Center on the St. Croix River has been a destination for school children and adults from the south metro and the surrounding area. The environmental education program at the nature center, which provides many students with their first outdoor learning experience, has been led for the past 32 years by executive director Jim Fitzpatrick. On Jan. 4, the nature center hosted a retirement party for Fitzpatrick, honoring him for his long service and contributions to the community. At a special evening program following an open house at the center, volunteers, staff and board members paid tribute to Fitzpatrick as he ended his last day of work.