Field trips

Enjoy a Saturday morning hike through parts of the Arboretum to view spring wildflowers including the Grace B. Dayton Wildflower Garden which features native plants of the deciduous woodlands and includes a collection of Minnesota's state flower, the Showy Lady's-slipper. Folks should have the opportunity to see many other spring wildflowers like Bloodroot, Trilliums, Virginia Bluebells, Bellwort, Hepatica, Trout Lilies and more.

Lost Valley Prairie is an outstanding example of bedrock bluff prairie. Ridge crests and upper slopes host a diversity of prairie grasses; wildflowers such as puccoon, stiff gentian and prairie smoke. Of special interest are the fire-dependent Hill's thistle, a Minnesota special concern species, and state-threatened rock sandwort known to occur at only a few sites in the state.

The first part of the day from 10AM to noon will be an interpretive hike throughout the SNA to observe the plants and creatures that make this place home. Following the interpretive hike there will be lunch (bring your own) and then folks are encouraged to help with sumac removal for an hour or so.

Grey Cloud Dunes is situated on two sandy terraces along the Mississippi River offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi river valley. The sandy soil is home to unique plant communities in different habitats such as erosional faces and blowouts. Distinctive species adapted to the dry, sandy environment include little bluestem, penstemon, prairie dropseed, sand reed grass, gramma grass, silky prairie clover, among others. Rare sea-beach needlegrass occurs in several of the blowouts; purple sand grass, on bare sand areas. Louisiana broomrape and Hill's thistles are also found here. North American (blue) racers, an uncommon Minnesota snake, live here.

See two gems of the Lower Minnesota River Valley consisting of sloping, calcareous, organic soil wetlands with springs and small, groundwater-fed, marl streams. Fifteen members of the sedge family, including 10 species of Carex, as well as the exquisite white lady's-slipper orchid, are anticipated highlights. Such floristic diversity in the heart of a large metropolitan area is rare. Problems with invasive species (buckthorn, Phragmites, hybrid cattail) will be discussed. Of particular interest will be observing the results of a prescribed burn conducted last spring at Seminary Fen SNA.