Minnesota Native Plant Society

Springbrook Nature Center: Dragonflies 101
2016-06-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave., N.W., Fridley, MN, 55432, United States
Leaders: John Arthur, MNNPS Board Member and Dragonfly Expert
Digital dragonflies in an analog world? Join us for a different kind of field trip with a focus on dragonflies. We will spend about a half hour in the classroom reviewing dragonflies and then spend about an hour out in the wetland looking for dragonflies, taking their photos when we can get them to pose and netting those that do not want to pose. We will have a projector available so the image will be shown on a very large screen instead of a computer monitor. There is no charge to participate.
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>

Quarry Park SNA: Bedrock Outcrops, Wet Meadow/Prairie and Oak Woodland/Forest
2016-06-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Quarry Park SNA, 1802 Co Rd 137, Waite Park, MN, 56387, United States
Leaders: Jyneen Thatcher, Naturalist and MNNPS Board Member, DNR Representative
Come join other MNNPS members for part of a day exploring granite bedrock outcrops found throughout Quarry Park SNA as well as high quality wet meadow, wet prairie, oak woodland, and oak forest. This mix of communities supports rare birds and orchids and forms the most significant remaining example of the granite bedrock outcrop community in central Minnesota.
The site, on the southwestern edge of St. Cloud, is the within the Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, a 250-acre park depicting the granite industry, historically significant to the area. Look for Minnesota’s largest population of the state-endangered tubercled rein-orchid among the scattered willow and dogwood lining the margins of the site’s wet meadows
Directions and Parking: From Twin Cities, head north on I-94, exit CR 15 towards St. Cloud. Turn left on 7th St/CR 137 to Quarry Park entrance. In Waite Park, from MN Hwy 23 0.65 mile S. on 10th Ave, then 0.75 mile W. on Co Rd 137 (7th St). Fee required ($5)
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>

Falls Creek SNA: Ferns in the Forest
2016-07-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Falls Creek SNA, MN Hwy 95, Scandia, MN, 55073, United States
Leaders: Barb Delany, Professional Plant Ecologist/Botanist
Come and enjoy a shady hike through the forests of Falls Creek SNA for a morning of fern identification with Barb Delaney. Falls Creek SNA is one of the most diverse natural areas remaining in Washington County. Folded and faulted rocks at this site show the largest displacement of any known Paleozoic rocks in Minnesota, revealing Decorah, Platteville, Glenwood, and St. Peter formations. Steep ravines line the intermittently active stream beds. Slopes face north or south primarily, with groundcover varied accordingly. Pine canopy openings on south slopes permit growth of many species native to bluff prairies. Oak forest occupies the drier ridge tops. The site is unique for its stand of virgin hardwood and white pine forest, which is rare along the St. Croix River.
This field trip will require participants to be able to hike up and down moderate to steep slopes.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Registration is closed – this field trip is full.

Black Lake Bog SNA, an Interstate Natural Area: A focus on updating and expanding the plant species list for the SN
2016-07-23 09:00 - 15:00
Leader: AmberBeth VanNingen, MN DNR SNA Ecologist
Black Lake Bog Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is in rural eastern Pine County, approximately 2.5 hours north of St. Paul and 1 hour south of Duluth. The SNA is part of a larger interstate natural area encompassing more than 3,600 acres in Pine County, MN and Douglas County, WI.
Our focus will be on updating and expanding the plant list for the site, but other activities could focus on insect or bird inventory or taking GPS points of the boundary signs depending on group time and interest.
As parking is limited and the site remote, we will likely choose a meeting place along I-35 or Hwy 23 and carpool. We will meet around 9:00 a.m. and work through the day. Bring a lunch, appropriate clothing, sun and tick protection, water, and field guides.
This field trip is open to all and pre-registration is required. You can register for this field trip either through Ken Arndt <ken.arndt@mnrinc.us> or you can contact AmberBeth VanNingen <amberbeth.vanningen@state.mn.us> with any other questions and also to register.

Larix Wildlife Management Area: Calcareous fens, Tamarack Seepage Swamps, and Rich Fens
2016-08-20 09:00 - 16:00
Leaders:
Steve Eggers, Senior Ecologist for the St. Paul District Corps of Engineers
Scott Milburn, Senior Botanist/Ecologist for Midwest Natural Resources
Larix WMA is located in the extreme southern portion of the Minnesota aspen parkland. It is a large undeveloped wooded WMA, which is immediately adjacent to the Gully Fen SNA and contains many of the same habitat types. Its location in the Glacial Lake Agassiz Lake plain is notable as it is located just north of the high beach ridge at Gully.
The Larix WMA is one of the true treasures of the MN DNR Wildlife Management Area lands in terms of native plant communities and rare plant species. This area is where east meets west and includes several very unique plant communities including calcareous fen, tamarack seepage swamp, and rich fen. Highly unusual for calcareous fens statewide is the presence of pitcher plants (Sarraceniapurpurea), bog buckbean (Menyanthestrifoliata), and lantern sedge (Carex limosa), but commonly observed within the calcareous fen components here. Field trip attendees will also encounter a number of rare species including sterile sedge (Carex sterilis), Beaked Spike-rush (Eleocharis rostellata)Hair-like Beak-rush(Rhynchospora capillacea), Twig Rush (Cladium mariscoides) and much more.
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>

Prairie Perspectives 2016: Second Annual Workshop and Retreat
2016-08-26 - 2016-08-28 | Shalom Hill Farm, 42194 Co Rd 3, Windom, MN, 56101, United States
This field trip is full.
Co-sponsored by Minnesota School of Botanical Art and Minnesota Native Plant Society.
Leaders:
Marilyn Garber: Director of Minnesota School of Botanical Art
Nancy Sather: Ecological resource person
Malcolm and Rosemary MacFarlane: Botanical resources
TBD: volunteer logistical and leisure activity coordinators
Botanical Artists: Explore the morphology of native plants under various growing conditions in several habitats; sketching in the field. Develop your palette of color samples, learn proper methods of plant collection and photography to assure realistic depictions.
Plant lovers: Explore new locations of fens, prairies, and rock outcrops. Shalom Hill Farm lies in the center of a circle of at least 15 potential destinations to be selected depending on the conditions of the season. These include upland prairies, rock outcrops, “waterfalls,” mesic prairies, and wetland complexes with calcareous fens. Two prime publicly owned forests are a little over an hour away.
Location and facilities: Shalom Hill Farm is between Jeffers and Windom, approximately 3 ½ hours west of the Twin Cities by way of State Highway 30. The nearest gas stations and public dining are a half hour drive and have limited hours.We will have access to a library, workroom for art, several small gathering spaces, sauna, dining/assembly room, and kitchen. Bedding is provided. Common spaces and one floor of the facility are handicap accessible. We will prepare our own shared meals using provisions contributed by participants.Alcoholic beverages are allowed in moderation with meals. SHF is a no-smoking facility.
Cost: This retreat has a cost based on the cost of lodging, facility use and equalizing the cost of food.There is an additional cost of $1 per person per meal for kitchen use. A volunteer logistical coordinator will collect and submit checks for lodging to SHF in advance of the event to secure our reservation of the facilities. If you have taken a class at MSBA, are a member of the Great River Chapter of ASBA, or a member of the Minnesota Native Plant Society (MNNPS), there is no additional registration cost. If you lack these affiliations, you can join the MNNPS online at: http://mnnps.org/membership/. Membership is $15 for individuals or families, $8 for seniors.
How to register:
Registration is closed – this field trip is full.
Retreat culture:
This is a low key, participatory retreat where everyone chips in to make it happen. We want to create opportunities for everyone. It has plenty of opportunities to either get out (in nature) or hang out (at Shalom) in fun sharing and fellowship. People of all ages are welcome, but most participants are on the “older” side. People with limited mobility or stamina are welcome. It is not the best for loners. Meals are prepared and shared family style. A list of recommended items to bring will be distributed by e-mail to participants. Plant collecting is not allowed in most preserves and managed areas.

Hastings Sand Coulee SNA: Prairie Spring Wildflower Interpretive Hike
2017-05-06 12:00 - 14:00 | Hastings Sand Coulee SNA – North Unit, 557 Tuttle Dr., Hastings, MN, United States
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>

Interstate State Park: A Hike into Wisconsin’s Oldest State Park
2017-06-10 09:30 - 12:00 | Interstate State Park (WI), Interstate State Park, St Croix Falls, WI, 54024, United States
Where: Interstate State Park (WI), St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
When: Saturday June 10th, 2017 (9:30 AM to Noon)
Leaders: Barb Delaney, Professional Plant Ecologist and Botanist, and Derek Anderson, Plant Ecologist/Botanist with the MN DNR Biological Survey
Barb Delaney and Derek Anderson are thrilled to welcome MNNPS members for a morning hike into Interstate State Park, Wisconsin’s oldest state park. See bedrock prairie, oak woodlands, white pine-hardwood forest, spring-fed creek, shady, basalt talus slopes lush with mosses and ferns. Please consider bringing a lunch and hiking the stunning bluff trails overlooking the St. Croix River in the afternoon.
Be ready to go at the Ice Age Visitor Center at 9:30am, June 10, 2017. If you do not wish to purchase a day or annual State Park sticker, put a sign in your car saying “MN Native Plant Society Hike.” Arrive earlier to purchase park sticker, use bathroom, fill water bottle, etc.
We will caravan in a few vehicles to our starting point (Lake of the Dalles, large parking lot). We’ll hike past Lake of the Dalles to Eagle Peak and return to cars. The last segment of the hike, Mountain Meadow, will take you half-way uphill to the Visitor Center. You may continue uphill by foot; some of us will drive up and meet you 15 minutes later at the Visitor Center at noon.
Derek and Barb live in the St. Croix Falls area and have scoured this park to record its great plant diversity. They weren’t the first, but Derek’s list is the most complete. The park has been a magnet for botanists and geologists for over 150 years. WI Interstate Park marks the western terminus of Wisconsin’s 1000-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail (see: Ice Age Trail Alliance). Derek and Barb can recommend many other places to botanize on the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River.
In case of severe weather, we will wait for it to pass and shift the trip time accordingly. In the unlikely event that we must cancel, we will email you.
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>

Springbrook Nature Center: Dragonflies 101
2017-06-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave., N.W., Fridley, MN, 55432, United States
Where: Springbrook Nature Center (Fridley)
When: Saturday June 24th, 2017 (1:00 PM to 3:00PM)
Leader: John Arthur, MNNPS Board Member and Dragonfly Expert
Digital dragonflies in an analog world? Join us for a different kind of field trip with a focus on dragonflies. We will spend about a half hour in the classroom reviewing dragonflies and then spend about an hour out in the wetland looking for dragonflies, taking their photos when we can get them to pose and netting those that do not want to pose. We will have a projector available so the image will be shown on a very large screen instead of a computer monitor. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required.
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>

Quarry Park SNA: A Return Hike to the Bedrock Outcrops, Wet Meadow/Prairie and Oak Woodland/Forest
2017-06-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Quarry Park SNA, 1802 Co Rd 137, Waite Park, MN, 56387, United States
Where: Quarry Park SNA, St. Cloud, Minnesota
When: Sunday June 25, 2017 (10AM to 1PM)
Leaders: Jyneen Thatcher, Naturalist and MNNPS Program Chair, and Stephen Saupe, Biology Professor at College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University
Come join other MNNPS members for a return trip to Quarry Park SNA to explore the granite bedrock outcrops found throughout the SNA as well as high quality wet meadow, wet prairie, oak woodland, and oak forest plant communities. This mix of natural communities supports rare birds and orchids and forms the most significant remaining example of the granite bedrock outcrop community in central Minnesota.
The site, located on the southwestern edge of St. Cloud, is the within the Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, a 250-acre park depicting the granite industry, historically significant to the area. Look for one of Minnesota’s largest populations of the state-endangered tubercled reinorchid among the scattered willow and dogwood lining the margins of the site’s wet meadows.
Due to the nature of this hike into fresh wet meadows, wet conditions may be encountered along the way. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended. A park fee of $5 is required for entrance.
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>

Canoeing the Mississippi River: A Return to Weaver Bottoms for Wetland Plant Identification
2017-07-22 10:30 - 15:30 | Weaver Bottoms, 57604 Hwy 61, Altura, MN, 55910, United States
Where: Weaver, Minnesota
When: Saturday July 22nd, 2017 (10:30 AM to 3:30 PM)
Leader: Steve Eggers, Senior Ecologist for the St. Paul District Corps of Engineers and MNNPS Board Member
Come join Steve Eggers and other MNNPS members for a day of wetland plant identification canoeing through the unique plant communities of Weaver Bottoms. Weaver Bottoms is located on the Upper Mississippi River within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This 5,500 acre habitat complex includes areas of open water, flowing channels, backwater lakes, isolated wetlands and forested wetlands.
We hope to see American lotus in full bloom as well as 9-foot tall wild rice stands since the timing of this trip coincides with the typical peak bloom of lotus. An array of emergent, floating and submergent aquatic vegetation will be viewed throughout the day at the bottoms.
To begin the day we will meet at 10:30 AM at the USFWS boat landing/parking lot just 100 feet east off Highway 61 in Weaver, MN, this is just north of where the Whitewater River crosses Highway 61. Participants will need to provide their own canoe. We will be enjoying flat-water canoeing into backwater areas at a nice and slow pace for the day.
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>

St. Wendel Tamarack Bog SNA: A Slog Into a Mosaic of Wetland Plant Communities
2017-07-30 09:00 - 13:00 | St. Wendel Tamarack Bog SNA, Co Rd 4, St Joseph, MN 56374, St Joseph, MN, 56374, United States
Where: St. Wendel Tamarack Bog SNA, St. Wendel Township, Minnesota (just north of St. Cloud)
When: Sunday July 30, 2017 (9 AM to 1 PM)
Leader: Mike Lee, Plant Ecologist/Botanist with the MN DNR Biological Survey
Come join Mike Lee and other MNNPS members for part of a day hiking and identifying wetland plants at St. Wendel Tamarack Bog SNA. This SNA is one of the top sites for significant biological diversity in Stearns County as evaluated by the Minnesota County Biological Survey in 1999. The site is a large wetland complex encompassing one of the largest remaining blocks of native vegetation in the county, including the best and largest example of tamarack swamp in central Minnesota.
In addition to the extensive tamarack stands, the site also contains: rare mixed hardwood seepage swamp, and a unique boreal spring fen which supports populations of the state threatened sterile sedge and special concern twig rush. The hike will focus on this large fen and will also venture into the surrounding tamarack swamp. Significant acreage of rich fen, wet meadow, mixed hardwood swamp, and shrub swamp also occur. Two shallow lakes, each named “Swamp Lake”, with rich aquatic vegetation complete the natural mosaic of this large wetland complex.
Due to the nature of this hike into several wetland plant communities, very wet conditions will be encountered. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended with water depths possibly being up to your knees in some places.
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>

Spring Butterfly Trek - Crex Meadows
2018-05-20 09:00 - 16:00 | Crex Meadows, 102 East Crex Avenue, Grantsburg, WI, 54840, United States
Crex Meadows to the Namekagon Barrens State Wildlife Areas
Where: Start at Crex Meadows (Grantsburg, WI)
When: Sunday, May 20, 2018 (9:00AM to 4:00PM)
Leader: Dean Hansen, MNNPS Member and Butterfly Enthusiast
For the past ten years, butterfly enthusiast Dean Hansen has led a day-long trip to look for spring butterflies in the jack pine/oak barrens in northwest Wisconsin’s Burnett County.
The trip will start at the Visitor’s center at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area just north of Grantsburg, WI, and end up on the Namekagon Barrens in far northwest Burnett County. This entire Barrens area, which extends to the northeast in a wedge across four counties, is very sandy, lightly populated, and with square miles of county land to explore. And there is a fine component of the spring butterflies to see.
The dry plant communities of the Barrens feature lots of lupines, blueberries, bearberries, and New Jersey tea. A beautiful bog with cotton grass and wild cranberries will also be explored to experience its unique habitat. All of these native plants are the specific host plants for the larvae of various species of butterflies.
What might be seen? Four species of “blues”, four species of elfins, five species of dusky winged skippers, and a host of others butterflies. Several of these species are in flight only in mid-May to early June, and if one doesn’t see them then, one won’t see them the rest of the year.
We will start at Crex Meadows Visitor’ Center at 9 AM and end up somewhere on Gomuluk Fire Lane on the Namekagon Barrens about 4 PM. Most of the viewing is within 100’ or less of the road, so don’t let any mobility issues keep you from joining us. We will car pool from the Crex Meadows Visitor Center area.
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>
This field trip is full, registration is for a waiting list only.

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
2018-05-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Fish Lake Nature Trail, 23603-23699 Durant St NE, East Bethel, MN, 55005, United States
Oak Savanna and Prairie Swales Before the Bison Arrive
Where:Cedar Creek Ecosystem Reserve, East Bethel, MN
Fish Lake Nature Trail parking lot (east side of Fish Lake)
When: SaturdayMay26th,2018(10:00AM to 12:30 PM)
Leader: Barb Delaney, Professional Plant Ecologist and Botanist
This hike is a unique opportunity to observe the “before” scene of a first-time bison introduction at Cedar Creek Reserve. Barb will describe plant micro-habitats within the bison enclosure area before the beasts arrive! In the 1980s at Cedar Creek and Allison Savanna SNA, Barb Delaney made lists of plants occurring in the rare, wet swale habitats in the oak savannas. These swales are unusual on the Anoka Sandplain for harboring diverse assemblages of plants and some rare species. Most wet swales were lost or altered by human activities. What she observed here, was that water level fluctuations from year to year appeared to be a key disturbance that allowed many species to live together in a small zone. Some plants tolerated submersion in wet years; others species rebounded in dry years.
Bison will add another kind of disturbance. How will plant populations respond? Barb will identify some plant species that she is curious about. This is a gorgeous area so you will enjoy the hike and the beautiful spring display in the savanna. We will walk by the red-headed woodpecker recovery project area. You will see them!
Rain or shine! We will be walking mostly on the uplands but we will cross some squishy areas. Wear waterproof boots if you like to poke around in the wet places.
Directions: Meet at Fish Lake Nature Trail parking lot. East side of Fish Lake (From Co. Rd. 26, go north on Durant St., follow signs. We will have a ¼ mile walk to and from the gate plus our hike in the savanna. Barb will be there for social time 9:30-10am and afterwards.
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>

Avon Hills Forest Scientific and Natural Area
2018-06-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Avon Hills Forest SNA, Quaker Rd, Albany, MN, 56307, United States
Explore strongly-rolling morainal terrain that supports a large tract of mature mesic hardwood forest with small vernal wetlands
Where: Avon Hills Forest SNA, Avon, Minnesota
When: Saturday June 9, 2018 (10AM to 1PM)
Leaders: Michael Lee, Plant Ecologist/Botanist w/the MN DNR Biological Survey, and Jyneen Thatcher, Naturalist and MNNPS Program Chair
This 350-acre SNA lies in the heart of central Minnesota’s 65,000-acre Avon Hills region. The region is known for its constellation of high value natural and cultural features within the often strongly rolling terrain of the St. Croix Moraine.
The two units of the SNA are characterized by classic kettle and kame topography which supports extensive hardwood forest. The broader landscape that the Avon Hills SNA is located in is dotted with wet depressions, pot holes and lakes. Uplands are dominated by mesic oak forest, while lowland plant communities feature tamarack swamp and black ash seepage swamp.
In a 2009 study of 41 SNAs, Avon Hills Forest SNA ranked highest in state-designated species in greatest conservation need: many of which rely on the SNA’s interior forest conditions (large, intact tracts). Notable birds include cerulean warbler, red-shouldered hawk, veery and blue-winged warbler.
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>

Valley View Park
2018-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Valley View Park, 5425 North Osgood Avenue, Oak Park Heights, MN, 55082, United States
An Early Summer Sunday Morning Hike
Where: Valley View Park, Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
When: Sunday June 10, 2018 (10AM to Noon)
Leaders: Jyneen Thatcher, Naturalist and MNNPS Program Coordinator
Join Jyneen and other MNNPS members in exploring a small dry prairie remnant in a city park in Oak Park Heights. The park has undergone restoration efforts by the environmental studies classes at Stillwater High School, including buckthorn removal and prairie reconstruction, but the only management in this remnant has been prescribed burns. We will add to the species list which currently includes plants such as prairie phlox, prairie violet, purple-lipped twayblade, lupine, and short prairie grasses.
The remnant is on a knob, but will be reached via an access road and narrow dirt trail. Total distance of walking is approximately 1 mile to and from the parking lot.
Directions: Generally south of Hwy 36 on Osgood Ave, immediately north of the Minnesota State Prison. Search for GPS location using 5425 North Osgood Avenue, Oak Park Heights, which will direct you to the intersection with Valley View Park Road, the access to the park
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>

Flora of the Central Sand Plain of Wisconsin Black River State Forest
2018-06-23 - 2018-06-24 | Black River State Forest, Black River Falls, WI, 54615, United States
An Overnight Trip to Multiple Sites in Black River State Forest
Where: near Black River Falls, Wisconsin
When: Saturday June 23rd and June 24th, 2018
Leader: Steve Eggers, Senior Ecologist for the St. Paul District Corps of Engineersand MNNPS Board Memberand Jennifer Kamm, Merjent, Inc.
Meet in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, travel time of approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes from St. Paul, MN. Spend Saturday afternoon exploring various habitats. Stay overnight either at the Pigeon Creek Campground within the state forest, or at motels in Black River Falls. Super 8, Comfort Inn and Suites, Best Western and Days Inn are all in the vicinity of the intersection between Interstate 94 and Highway 54. Spend the next morning exploring additional habitats and then travel back that afternoon.
Twenty-eight rare plant species (listed below) in habitats as varied as saturated, acidic sands to tamarack swamps to Sphagnum bogs to white pine/jack pine swamps.
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>
This field trip is full, registration is for a waiting list only.
Plant List:

Springbrook Nature Center - Dragonflies 101
2018-06-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave., N.W., Fridley, MN, 55432, United States
Dragonflies 101
Where: Springbrook Nature Center (Fridley)
When: Saturday June23, 2018(1:00PM to 3:00PM)
Leader: John Arthur, MNNPS Board Member and Dragonfly Expert
Digital dragonflies in an analog world? Join us for a different kind of field trip with a focus on dragonflies. We will spend about a half hour in the classroom reviewing dragonflies and then spend about an hour out in the wetland looking for dragonflies, taking their photos when we can get them to pose and netting those that do not want to pose. We will have a projector available so the image will be shown on a very large screen instead of a computer monitor. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required.
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>

Crow-Hassan Park Reserve Prairie
2018-08-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, 12595 Park Drive, Hanover, MN, 55341, United States
Prairie Communities along the Crow River – a Saturday Morning Hike
Where: Crow-Hassan Park Reserve (Hanover/Rogers)
When: Saturday August 25th, 2014 (9AM to 11AM)
Leaders: John Moriarty, Senior Manager of Wildlife for Three Rivers Park District, and Three Rivers Staff
Come join other MNNPS members for a Saturday morning hike into the prairie communities of Crow-Hassan Park Preserve. Participants will be led by John through the rolling hills, woods, lakes, wetlands and prairie of this 2,800 acre metro park reserve to view the native vegetation and wildlife that call this fantastic place home.
Crow-Hassan has a 1,200 acre restored prairie complex in northwest Hennepin County. Restored prairie units range from 3 to 50 years old. This reserve is a highly diverse prairie with over 100 species of forbs and 20 species of grasses and sedges. The hike will be approximately 3 miles on turf and sand trails.
Highlights for the field trip are early fall flowering forbs, including blazingstars, goldenrods, and early asters. Prairie animals including Fritillary butterflies, Monarchs, Bullsnakes and Plains hog-nosed snakes will be discussed and observed. There will also be an opportunity to view grassland bird species.
Directions: Park at the trailhead located at 12595 Park Drive, Hanover, MN.
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>

Valley View Park
2018-09-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Valley View Park, 5425 North Osgood Avenue, Oak Park Heights, MN, 55082, United States
An Early Fall Sunday Morning Hike
Where: Valley View Park, Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
When: Sunday September 30, 2018 (10AM to Noon)
Leaders: Jyneen Thatcher, Naturalist and MNNPS Program Coordinator
Join Jyneen and other MNNPS members in exploring a small dry prairie remnant in a city park in Oak Park Heights. The park has undergone restoration efforts by the environmental studies classes at Stillwater High School, including buckthorn removal and prairie reconstruction, but the only management in this remnant has been prescribed burns. We will add to the species list which currently includes fall species that include upright gentian, multiple species of Liatris, and rattlesnake master.
The remnant is on a knob, but will be reached via an access road and narrow dirt trail. Total distance of walking is approximately 1 mile to and from the parking lot.
Directions: Generally south of Hwy 36 on Osgood Ave, immediately north of the Minnesota State Prison. Search for GPS location using 5425 North Osgood Avenue, Oak Park Heights, which will direct you to the intersection with Valley View Park Road, the access to the park.
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>

Prairie Communities in the Springtime
2019-05-11 | Lost Valley SNA, 10540 Nyberg Ave S, Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Where: Lost Valley Prairie SNA (Washington County) & Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA (Wabasha County)
When: Saturday May 11th, 2019
Leaders: TBD
Join members of the Friends of Minnesota Scientific & Natural Areas and others on an all-day outing to Lost Valley Prairie SNA and Kellogg Weaver Dunes SNA to explore these prairie communities in the springtime. Folks will get to learn from site stewards and retired SNA staff about the history of each SNA as well as get to explore the natural resources found at each one. If time permits the group will be stopping at Bald Eagle Bluff SNA on the way back to the Twin Cities. Also, the group may be renting a van to carpool everyone on the trip so a fee will be associated with this trip but that amount has not been finalized.
Located on one of the northern most limestone outcrop prairie areas, Lost Valley Scientific and Natural Area contains prairie knobs unchanged for thousands of years as well as former agricultural fields being restored back to their native state. Indian Grass and Big Blue Stem grass grow to 6 feet high. Native forbs include many of the species associated with a tall grass prairie biome. Established in 1991, Lost Valley SNA was a mix of original native prairie and agricultural fields.
At Kellogg Weaver Dunes, participants will get to take in sweeping views across a terrace above the Mississippi with the state’s greatest expanse of dry barrens prairie and savanna. Geologic studies conducted in the vicinity suggest that this complex of dunes may have originated during one of two major dune-forming periods in this part of the Mississippi Valley, most likely between 18,000 and 14,000 years ago, when sediments deposited by glacial meltwater became “remobilized” by wind.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register.

Spring Butterfly Trek
2019-05-18 09:00 - 16:00 | Crex Meadows, 102 East Crex Avenue, Grantsburg, WI, 54840, United States
Where: Crex Meadows to the Namekagon Barrens
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019 (9:00 AM to 4:00PM)
Leader: Dean Hansen, local Butterfly Enthusiast
For the past eleven years, Stillwater butterfly enthusiast Dean Hansen has led a day-long trip to look for spring butterflies in the jack pine/oak barrens in northwest Wisconsin’s Burnett County.
The trip will start at the Visitors’ Center at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area just north of Grantsburg, WI, and will end up on the Namekagon Barrens in far northeast Burnett County. This area in Wisconsin is very sandy, lightly populated, and with square miles of county land to explore. And there is a fine component of the spring butterflies to see. The dry plant communities here feature lots of lupines, blueberries, bearberries, jack pines, and New Jersey tea. All of these (and other) native plant species are the specific host plants for the larvae of various species of butterflies. A beautiful bog with cotton grass and wild cranberries will also be explored to look for its unique butterfly fauna.
What butterfly species might be seen? Four species of “blues,” four species of elfins, five species of dusky winged skippers, and the Olympia Marble are very likely, and a host of others butterflies are strong possibilities. Several of these species are in flight only in mid-May to early June, and if one doesn’t see them then, one won’t see them for the rest of the year. The best viewing year was 2012, when 18 butterfliers saw a total of 31 species. 2017 was, well, a dismal failure; spits of snow at 9 AM kept butterfly numbers seen to zero. That’s butterflying in May up here on the tundra. But we still had fun!
We will start at the Crex Meadows Visitors’ Center at 9 AM and end up somewhere on Gomuluk Fire Lane on the Namekagon Barrens about 4 PM. Most of the viewing is within 100’ or less of the road, so don’t let any mobility issues keep you from joining us.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. You MUST let me know if you will be coming—I will have to limit the group to 18 participants. Contact Dean Hansen at hanse112@umn.edu or 651-439-8770.

Spring Plants and Observations of Change on the Sandplain
2019-05-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Helen Allison SNA, 22795 County Rd 15, East Bethel, MN, 55011, United States
Where: Bethel, Minnesota (northern Anoka County)
When: Saturday May 25th, 2019 (9 AM to Noon, with picnic lunch after)
Leaders: Barb Delaney, Botanist and Plant Ecologist
Barb Delaney will lead MNNPS members on a morning hike into Helen Allison Savanna, one of the more unique plant communities of the Anoka Sandplain. If you have never seen an oak savanna, this is your chance. See large, open-grown bur oaks with a suite of prairie plant species understory. Helen Allison Savanna was named for Helen Allison Irvine, “Minnesota’s grass lady,” who wrote a text on the 180 grasses of Minnesota. This SNA lies within the Anoka sand plain, providing an excellent example of sand dune plant succession, with blowouts and dunes in various stages of stabilization by pioneer species.
Community types found on the site include oak sand savanna, dry prairie with bur oak and pin oak, thickets of willow and aspen, and sedge marshes in scattered depressions. Trees and shrubs characteristic of a savanna are found here: pin oak, bur oak, American hazelnut, chokecherry, and quaking aspen. Other savanna species include lead plant, smooth sumac, slender willow, steeple bush, aster, and goldenrod. Look on the dunes for pioneer sand plants such as sea-beach needle grass and hairy panic grass. Sedge meadows contain tussocks of Hayden’s sedge, along with marsh fern and blue-joint grass. Other rare plant species occurring here include rhombic-petaled evening primrose and tall nut-rush.
In case of severe weather, we will wait for it to pass and shift the trip time accordingly. In the unlikely event that we must cancel, we will email you.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register.

Dean Lakes Conservation Area
2019-06-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Dean Lakes Conservation Area, 5080 Dean Lakes Blvd, Shakopee, MN, 55379, United States
Following up on our 2018 presentation, visit the conservation open space of this mixed-use development and enjoy learning about the remnant oak woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairies.
Where: Dean Lakes Development, Shakopee, Minnesota
When: Sunday June 16, 2019 (1-4PM)
Leaders: Doug Mensing, Senior Ecologist w/ Applied Ecological Services (AES)
Matt Lasch, Regional Contracting Manager w/ AES
The Dean Lakes mixed-use development lies on the shore of Deans Lake in the Minnesota River Valley. Recognized by the City of Shakopee as a conservation priority, the development of this site required careful planning and conservation practices. Attendees will learn about the site’s natural history, how the land changed over time, and what conservation development strategies were applied.
Walking a paved trail most of the time, we will visit remnant and restored natural communities: oak woodlands, savannas, wetlands (natural and restored), and restored prairies. Hopefully the lupine will be in bloom! Other interesting native plant species we anticipate encountering include silky prairie clover (Dalea villosa var. villosa) and plains snakecotton or prairie cottonweed (Froelichia floridana). Bring your dad…or dads, bring your kids – it’s Father’s Day!
We’ll plan to meet at the east end of Dean Lakes Blvd…there is a cul-de-sac with established parking spots along the south side of the road.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register.

Dragonflies 101
2019-06-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave., N.W., Fridley, MN, 55432, United States
Where: Springbrook Nature Center (Fridley)
When: Saturday June 22, 2019 (1:00 PM to 3:00PM)
Leader: John Arthur, MNNPS Board Member and Dragonfly Expert
Digital dragonflies in an analog world? Join us for a different kind of field trip with a focus on dragonflies. We will spend about a half hour in the classroom reviewing dragonflies and then spend about an hour out in the wetland looking for dragonflies, taking their photos when we can get them to pose and netting those that do not want to pose. We will have a projector available so the image will be shown on a very large screen instead of a computer monitor. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register.

Cambria Wildlife Management Area
2019-07-13 09:00 - 11:00
A Mid-Summer’s Hike through Remnant and Restored Prairie as well as Upland and Lowland Forest
Where: Cambria, Minnesota (Blue Earth County)
When: Saturday July 13th, 2019 (9 AM to 11AM)
Leader: Megan Benage, MNDNR Regional Ecologist
Come join us for a nature hike and tour of Cambria Wildlife Management Area. This 81 acre site is nestled in the Minnesota River Valley and offers views of remnant and restored prairie as well as lowland forest with several interesting groundwater seeps along the hillside. In 2018, the DNR salvaged 106 Indian plantain from a nearby mine site and transplanted them onto the WMA to help enhance the local population.
Come get refreshed by spending a bit of time in nature, observing the deep purple spikes of Liatris, the yellow blooms of coneflower, and the tiny bursts of red pollen on the purple prairie clover. If there’s time, participants will take part in an inventory exercise where we count the number of stems of Indian plantain in the transplant location. There is only one mowed access trail otherwise participants will be walking through tall prairie and grassland vegetation. Sturdy footwear for walking on uneven ground, sunscreen, a hat, and water are recommended.
Directions/Parking Information: Cambria Wildlife Management Area is located in Blue Earth County. From Cambria, go 0.5 miles southeast on State Hwy 68 to 239th Lane and turn East, go 2/3 of a mile. The WMA is on the North (left hand) side of the road.
A parking area is located North of the “T” of 491st Ave and 239th St (44.228644, -94.303183). A second parking area is located 0.2 miles East of the before mentioned parking area North of 239th Street. Please use two available parking areas and do not park on 239th Street. Carpooling is strongly recommended!
In case of severe weather, we will wait for it to pass and shift the trip time accordingly. In the unlikely event that we must cancel, we will email you.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register. This trip is limited to 20 participants.

Hoffman Prairie State Preserve, A Joint Field Trip with the Iowa Native Plant Society
2019-07-27 12:00 - 14:00
Where: Cerro County (north central Iowa), Iowa
When: Saturday July 27th, 2019 (12PM-2PM)
Leaders: Mark J. Leoschke, Botanist, Wildlife Bureau of the Iowa DNR & Larissa Mottl, Ecologist, Stantec
Join us for a joint field tour with members of the Iowa Native Plant Society! We’ll visit Hoffman Prairie State Preserve, a tallgrass prairie pothole complex with mesic to wet prairie and pothole marshes of various sizes, near the city of Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, north-central Iowa. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this 36-acre preserve supports over 150 plant species. Some of the summer blooms at the preserve include butterfly weed, Indian paintbrush, prairie coreopsis, prairie larkspur, showy tick-trefoil, pale purple coneflower, rattlesnake master, compass plant, wood lily, and white camass.
The tour will be led by botanist Mark Leoschke, botanist for the Wildlife Bureau of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in Des Moines. MN NPS member, Larissa Mottl, will help organize a carpool from Minnesota. There are two natural areas near the Hoffman Prairie State Preserve that are also worth a botanical hike while folks are in the Clear Lake area–Union Hills Wildlife Area and Pilot Knob State Preserve. Please contact Larissa (651-272-5237) if you’d like to carpool and if you’re interested in a hike at the other preserves.
Directions: This state preserve is located just north of U.S. Highway 18 between Clear Lake and Ventura. From the intersection of U.S. Interstate Highway 35 and State Highway 18 in Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County (Interstate Interchange #194) drive west on U.S. Highway 18 (you will pass by a number of businesses including fast food restaurants, regular restaurants, convenience store/gas stations, a Fareway grocery store, etc.). Travel approximately 5 miles to Cardinal Avenue (a gravel road just west of the preserve. There is a sign for the prairie on the north side of the road) and turn north (right). Park your vehicle on the east (right) side of Cardinal Avenue (43.134557, -93.457882). Bring boots if you want to visit the wetter portions of the preserve.
Carpooling will be an option for participants for attending this field trip. Trip leader Larissa Mottl will be arranging this for the folks from Minnesota going down to Iowa for the day.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register.

St. Croix Savanna SNA, A Late Summer Hike above the St. Croix River
2019-08-18 09:00 - 11:00
Where: Bayport, Minnesota (Washington County)
When: Sunday August 18th, 2019 (9AM-11AM)
Leaders: Jyneen Thatcher, Naturalist & MNNPS Program Coordinator
Come join Jyneen and other MNNPS members for a morning hike through St. Croix Savanna Scientific Natural Area. This SNA with its dramatic topography site protects one of the best remaining examples of hill prairie in the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Dry gravel prairie blankets the slopes and crest of the bluff, transitioning to savanna with widely-spaced burr and pin oaks on the flat terrace, then to oak woodland.
St. Croix Savanna SNA is a dry savanna that exhibits a significant diversity of grasses: hairy and side oats grama, needle and thread, prairie dropseed, and many others. Several species of goldenrod, sunflower, aster, and blazing star join the prairie gentian, coreopsis, flowering spurge, potentilla, fleabane, coneflowers, and hoary vervain in an ever-changing palette of prairie color. Rare kitten tails grow in the partial shade of bur oaks; other rare species found here include James’ polanisia, Illinois tick-trefoil, and a species of pinweed.
Park at the end of the unnamed road on the north end of the SNA, lat/long 45.007117, -92.786157.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register. This trip is limited to 20 participants.

Moose Mountain SNA, A Late Summer Hike in the North Shore Highlands
2019-08-24 10:00
Where: Duluth, Minnesota
When: Saturday August 24th, 2019 (Time TBD)
Leaders: Brooke Haworth, MNDNR NE Region Plant Ecologist & AmberBeth VanNingen, MNDNR SNA NE Region Specialist
Moose Mountain SNA is located in Duluth, in the North Shore Highlands ECS subsection. Moose Mountain is a bedrock ridge “held up” by an underlying erosion-resistant diabase sill, formed by intrusion of magma between pre-existing rock layers. At its peak, the mountain rises nearly 550 feet above the elevation of Lake Superior, which is less than a mile away as the crow (or raven) flies.
The SNA straddles the ridge, hosting both north- and south-facing forested slopes. It was selected for protection as an excellent example of northern hardwoods, in particular a 55-acre stand of old-growth sugar maple-basswood forest. This stand has been the focus of research into dynamics of northern hardwood communities along Minnesota’s north shore, exploring ways that human-caused climate change might affect the distribution of sugar maple trees. The remainder of the site’s uplands are dominated by aspen-birch forest, while lowlands in the northwest corner of the SNA near the Lester River are occupied by wet forest, with black ash, aspen and balsam poplar.
Logistics

Meet at 10 am at the (small) SNA parking area. Carpooling from Duluth could be helpful.
Directions: north from Duluth on MN Hwy 61 N, to Lester River Rd (Co Rd 12) for 3.4 miles. Parking lot on east side of road. Lat/Lon: 46.881545, -91.983906

Notes: This SNA features steep/sloped terrain throughout. Can be slippery and wet. Bring appropriate hydration and field gear.
Field trips are open to MNNPS members only and pre-registration is required. Send an email to Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register.

A day along the Mississippi River Canoeing and Hiking
2021-08-07 10:30 - 16:45
An aquatic vegetation tour of Weaver Bottoms followed by a xeric vegetation tour of Kellogg-Weaver Dunes SNA
Where: Weaver & Kellogg, Minnesota (SE MN)
When: Saturday August 7th, 2021 (10:30 AM to 4:45 PM)
Leaders: Steve Eggers, Retired Senior Ecologist for the St. Paul District Corps of Engineers and MNNPS Board Member, and Jennifer Kamm, Senior Environmental Scientist at Stantec and MNNPS Board Member
Come join Steve Eggers and Jennifer Kamm for a day of aquatic plant identification canoeing Weaver Bottoms followed by a xeric vegetation tour of Kellogg-Weaver Dunes SNA. Both of these areas are close to one another and are located just off of Highway 61 in southeastern Minnesota.
The day will start at Weaver Bottoms on the Mississippi River where we will enjoy the morning and early afternoon flat-water canoeing into backwater areas at a nice slow pace. Following the canoeing, those who wish to continue the day botanizing will get a tour of the xeric vegetation found at Kellogg-Weaver Dunes SNA. This SNA is home to one of the most significant nesting sites of Blanding’s turtle as well as hosting a suite of vegetation unique to this sand dune plant community.
This field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants. Participants are expected to provide their own canoe or kayak. Make sure to bring food and water for the day and in the event of potential bad weather, participants will be notified of any changes to the day.
To register for this field trip please contact:
Field Trip Coordinator: Jennifer Kamm. For more information, feel free to contact Jennifer at jennifer.kamm@stantec.com or 612-875-0543
Schedule for the Day:
10:30 am: Meet at Weaver Bottoms public boat ramp on east side of Highway 61 (cross over the railroad tracks) in town of Weaver, MN
11:00 am-2:00 pm: Canoe/kayak Weaver Bottoms for aquatic vegetation tour
2:00 pm-2:45 pm Load up canoes/kayaks and drive to Kellogg-Weaver Dunes SNA
2:45 pm-4:45 pm: Hike the SNA for xeric vegetation tour
The following is a link to Google Maps for Weaver Bottoms to Kellogg-Weaver Dunes SNA
https://goo.gl/maps/1Lgf2qfP1q7krUW67
The following is a link to Google Maps for St. Paul to Weaver Bottoms
https://goo.gl/maps/ezncTrzJBJ2TFh35A
