Hastings Sand Coulee SNA: Prairie Spring Wildflower Interpretive Hike

Where: Hastings Sand Coulee SNA – North Unit
557 Tuttle Dr., Hastings, Minnesota
When: Saturday May 6th, 2017 (Noon to 2:00 PM)
Leaders: Mike Lynch, Botanist & MNNPS Board Member

Come explore the north unit of Hastings Sand Coulee just outside the city of Hastings in Dakota County. The SNA protects high quality native dry sand-gravel prairie, mesic prairie, oak woodland and oak forest in an area otherwise dominated by agricultural land use and expanding housing developments.

Recognized as one of the most biologically important sites in Dakota County. The 2.5 mile-long coulee is a former glacial stream valley with deposits of wind-blown sand that provide ideal conditions for sand prairie and associated species. This is the only sizable example of sand prairie in Dakota County.

A remarkable assembly of native species can be found in this SNA, including plants like James’ polanisia, sea-beach needlegrass, and clasping milkweed, and animals such as the regal fritillary butterfly, Ottoe skipper, gopher snake, blue racer and loggerhead shrike.

Park along street and meet at the north unit of the SNA.

Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. To register, send an email to: Ken Arndt <ken.arndt@mnrinc.us>