Minnesota Native Plant Society

Dragonflies 101
2019-06-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

Ordway Prairie
2021-09-11 12:00 - 15:00
Plant Identification Focusing on Native Prairie and Wetland Species
Where: Ordway Prairie, 31505 MN Highway-104, south of Glenwood, MN
When: Saturday September 11th, 2021 (Noon to 3:00 PM)
Leader: Rhett Johnson, DNR Prairie Specialist
Come join Rhett Johnson for a day of native prairie and wetland plant identification at Ordway Prairie located in western MN south of Glenwood, MN off of highway 104. Rhett Johnson has worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for five years where his duties include prairie management, developing easements on private lands, prescribed fire, ecological evaluation, and teaching people about plants. His career has included working for a private ecological consulting firm, The Nature Conservancy, and the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Rhett also worked for eight years as an independent botanist on projects all over the country.
The grasslands of the Great Plains once covered one fifth of the North American Continent. Ordway Prairie represents a fraction of what remains after the West was settled. Visitors are reminded of the history of the Great Plains through the numerous granite boulders and potholes that are evidence of the area’s glacial past. The relatively undisturbed quality of Ordway Prairie’s grasslands and wetlands attracted the Nature Conservancy more than 30 years ago. Rhett will guide a tour of Ordway Prairie focusing on grass identification. However, we’ll identify as many plants as we can in both wetland and upland areas.
Agenda:
11:45-12:00 Gather at Parking Area
12:00-2:45 Tour of Various Sites and Hands-On Plant Identification
2:45-3:00 Wrap-up Q&A and Discussion
This field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants.
Items to Bring:

Hat
Sunglasses
Water/snacks
Bug/tick Spray
Pen or Pencil
Notebook
Plant Identification Books
Hand Lens
Boots, tick gators, long pants/sleeves (ticks and poison ivy are present)

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
Please register by September 1st
Ordway Prairie Location
31505 MN Highway-104, Glenwood, MN 56334
Park in the pull-out parking area off Minnesota Highway 104

Directions from the Twin Cities area:
Follow I-94 W to MN-23 in St. Joseph Township (65 miles). Take exit 164 for MN-23 toward Paynesville/Waite Park (26.9 mi) Turn left onto MN-23 W. Take the ramp to MN-4 N/Hwy 55W. Turn right onto MN-4/Hwy 55 W (21.4 mi). Slight left onto Co Hwy 8 (3.0 mi). Slight left to stay on Co Hwy 8. Slight left to say on Co Hwy 8. Turn right to stay on Co Hwy 8. Turn left onto MN-104 S (3.2 mi). Turn left into the pull-out parking circle, your destination will be on the right.

Crow-Hassan Park Reserve
2021-10-30 10:00 - 13:00
Prairie Restoration and Management for Multiple Goals
Where: Crow-Hassan Park Reserve 12595 Park Drive, Rogers, MN
When: Saturday October 30th, 2021 (10:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m.)
Leader: John Moriarty, Senior Wildlife Manager, Three Rivers Park District
Come join John Moriarty, Senior Wildlife Manager for Three Rivers Park District for a tour of Crow-Hassan Park Reserve. John will discuss work conducted to restore, establish, and manage wildlife habitats, especially prairies, at Crow-Hassan. Prairie now covers 1,200 acres within the 2,600-acre park which has been established through a mix of seeding and burning in pockets around core, existing prairie. Strategic fires are conducted to help clear remaining trees and nonnative grasses, restore nutrients to the soil, and provide a positive reboot for native plant growth. Grasses are established first. Then every year after a burn, the district overseeds with wildflowers, with additional seedings every five years. To date, 20 species of grasses and sedges have been planted at Crow-Hassan, as have 85 species of wildflowers. Wildlife conservation efforts at the Reserve has included reintroductions of Bullsnakes, Plains Hog-nosed Snakes, and Regal Fritillary as well as management for Blanding’s turtles.
Agenda:

9:45-10:00 Gather at Parking Area
10:00-12:00 Tour Established Prairie Areas up to Prairie Lake
12:00 -12:45 Tour Additional Prairie Establishment (optional)
12:45-1:00 Wrap-up Q&A and Discussion

This field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants.
Items to bring if you need or want to:

Hat
Sunglasses
Water/snacks
Bug/tick Spray
Pen or Pencil
Notebook
Plant Identification Books
Hand Lens
Boots, tick gators, long pants/sleeves (ticks and poison ivy may be present)

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
Please register by October 28th
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve Location
12595 Park Drive, Rogers, MN 55374
Park at the Crow-Hassan Trail Head on Park Preserve Road

Directions from the Twin Cities area:
Follow I-494 N, use left two lanes to take exit 27 for I-94 W towards St. Cloud (8.4 mi). Take exit 207A-207B toward MN-101 S (0.8 mi). Keep left at the fork to continue on exit 207A, follow signs for MN-101/County Rd 81/Rogers (0.3 mi). Use the 2nd from the left lane to turn left onto MN-101 S (0.2 mi). Continue onto Main Street. Turn right on Main Street (1.1 mi). Turn left onto Territorial Rd (2.3 mi). Turn left onto Hassan Parkway (1.6 mi). Turn right onto Park Drive. Park at the Crow-Hassan Trail head (green pin drop on image below).

Sax-Zim Bog Winter Snowshoe Hike
2022-01-09 09:00 - 14:00
Birding, Botany and More!
Where: Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center – 8793 Owl Avenue, Toivola, MN 55765
When: Sunday January 9th, 2022 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m.)
Leader: Clinton Nienhaus, Head Naturalist, Friends of Sax-Zim Bog
Come join Clinton Nienhaus, Head Naturalist with the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, for a tour of Sax-Zim Bog. Snowshoes are a great way to continue being active during the winter season and are a great way to explore hard to get to locations in the Bog. Join us for a leisurely hike and learn a little bit about boreal forests and animal sign present during the winter. Many visitors to the Sax-Zim Bog in the winter season come to find the elusive Great Gray Owl. Others come for the more readily seen, bright, and vocal finches. This field trip will not only look for some of these bright winter visitors, such as Pine Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, and Crossbills, but we will take some time to learn about their ecology. Snowshoes are required and there are a few pairs that can be borrowed from the Welcome Center.
This trip is limited to 15 participants and you must be a MNNPS member to participate. To register for this field trip please contact:
Field Trip Coordinator: Jennifer Kamm at jennifer.kamm@stantec.com or 612-875-0543
Please register by January 1st
Download the Sax Zim MNNPS Field Trip Flyer for the agenda, maps and additional information.

Spring Butterfly Trek - Crex Meadows to the Namekagon Barrens
2022-05-14 09:00 - 16:00
Where: Northwestern Wisconsin, near Grantsburg
When: Saturday May 14, 2022 (9:00 AM to 4:00PM)
Leader: Dean Hansen, local butterfly enthusiast
For a dozen years now, 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 begin at the Visitors’ Center for 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, has square miles of county land to explore, and has a fine component of 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 early May to early June, and if one doesn’t see them then, one won’t see them for the rest of the year. Hopefully, some of the overwintering butterfly species will still be in flight. The best viewing year was 2012, when 18 butterfliers saw a total of 31 butterfly 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.
You MUST have had two Covid-19 vaccinations to participate. There will be a limit of ten participants for each day (May 14th & 21st).
The trip is open to MNNPS members only and preregistration is required. Email Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register; specify which day you prefer.

Spring Butterfly Trek - Crex Meadows to the Namekagon Barrens
2022-05-21 09:00 - 16:00
Where: Northwestern Wisconsin, near Grantsburg
When: Saturday May 21, 2022 (9:00 AM to 4:00PM)
Leader: Dean Hansen, local butterfly enthusiast
For a dozen years now, 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 begin at the Visitors’ Center for 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, has square miles of county land to explore, and has a fine component of 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 early May to early June, and if one doesn’t see them then, one won’t see them for the rest of the year. Hopefully, some of the overwintering butterfly species will still be in flight. The best viewing year was 2012, when 18 butterfliers saw a total of 31 butterfly 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.
You MUST have had two Covid-19 vaccinations to participate. There will be a limit of ten participants for each day (May 14th & 21st).
The trip is open to MNNPS members only and preregistration is required. Email Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register; specify which day you prefer.

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Tour
2022-06-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
A tour of the Horticultral Research Center and walk through the Arboretum grounds.
Where: U of M Landscape Arboretum – Chaska, Minnesota
When: Saturday June 18th, 2022 (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM)
Leaders: David Remucal, Curator of Endangered Plants & Adjunct Professor (Department of Horticultural Science), University of Minnesota and MNNPS Board Member
Come join David Remucal for a tour of the Horticultural Research Center (HRC) at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum followed by a walk through parts of the Arboretum. The first part of the field trip will be a tour of the HRC where David will be giving participants a look at the Rare Plant Rescue Program work that he is involved with. After touring the HRC, everyone will then go to the Arboretum for a walk with David to observe some of the many unique plants (probably native plants 😉) found throughout the grounds. After that you are free to enjoy the rest of the Arboretum on your own and at your own pace. The HRC is located 1 mile west of the Arboretum on Hwy. 5 and it should only take a few minutes to travel between sites.
Participants will be meeting at 10AM at the HRC where the field trip will begin and will then drive to the Arboretum following the HRC tour. It has been arranged by David to have the entrance fee for the Arboretum waived for those attending this field trip.
As always, this field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants. In the event of potential bad weather, participants will be notified of any changes to the day.
Contact Ken.Arndt@mnrinc.us to register for this trip.

A Tour of Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
2022-07-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, 2660 Fawn Lake Dr NE, East Bethel, MN, 55005, United States
Where: Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve – Bethel, MN
2660 Fawn Lake Dr NE, East Bethel, MN 55005
When: Saturday July 9, 2022 (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
Leaders: Katrina Freund, Postdoctoral Associate (Department of Horticultural Science), University of Minnesota and Barb Delaney, Professional Plant Ecologist and Botanist
Come join Katrina and Barb for a tour of the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve where participants will tour part of the reserve in the morning followed by lunch on-site (bring your own) and then another walk to other areas of the property. Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is a University of Minnesota biological field station with many ecosystems and species found throughout the forests and grasslands of North America.
Participants will meet at 10AM at the Lindeman Center at 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE in East Bethel.
As always, this field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants. Contact Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us to register. In the event of potential bad weather, participants will be notified of any changes to the day.

Ordway Prairie Plant Identification Focusing on Native Prairie and Wetland Species
2022-09-17 12:00 - 15:00
When: Saturday, September 17th, 2022 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: Ordway Prairie, 31505 MN Highway-104, Glenwood, MN 56334 (See directions below)
Limit: 20 People, open to all MNNPS members
Please register by September 1st by emailing jennkamm8@gmail.com
Note: The topography within the SNA is hilly and there are not designated trails.
Guide: Rhett Johnson – DNR Prairie Specialist
Rhett Johnson has worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for five years where his duties include prairie management, developing easements on private lands, prescribed fire, ecological evaluation, and teaching people about plants. His career has included working for a private ecological consulting firm, The Nature Conservancy, and the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Rhett also worked for eight years as an independent botanist on projects all over the country. Rhett has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in biology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Agenda:
11:45-12:00 Gather at Parking Area
12:00-2:45 Tour of Various Sites and Hands-On Plant Identification
2:45-3:00 Wrap-up Q&A and Discussion
The grasslands of the Great Plains once covered one fifth of the North American Continent. Ordway Prairie represents a fraction of what remains after the West was settled. Visitors are reminded of the history of the Great Plains through the numerous granite boulders and potholes that are evidence of the area’s glacial past. The relatively undisturbed quality of Ordway Prairie’s grasslands and wetlands attracted the Nature Conservancy more than 30 years ago. Rhett will guide a tour of Ordway Prairie focusing on grass identification. However, we’ll identify as many plants as we can in both wetland and upland areas.
Items to Bring:
Hat
Sunglasses
Water/snacks
Bug/tick Spray
Pen or Pencil
Notebook
Plant Identification Books
Hand Lens
Boots, tick gators, long pants/sleeves (ticks and poison ivy are present)
Coordinator: Jennifer Kamm. For more information, feel free to contact Jennifer at jennkamm8@gmail.com or 612-875-0543.
Ordway Prairie Location
31505 MN Highway-104, Glenwood, MN 56334
Park in the pull-out parking area off Minnesota Highway 104.

Link to directions via Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/AidKXXdXbPuZkJ2P6

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
2023-02-25 09:00 - 12:00
Geology, Birds, and Plants of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
Where: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Oak Savanna Learning Center
16797 289th Avenue Northwest, Zimmerman, Minnesota 55398
When: Saturday February 25th, 2023 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m.)
Leader: Bruce Galer, Professional Geologist, Sherburne NWR Volunteer, Master Naturalist, and Jennifer Kamm, Environmental Consultant, Master Naturalist
Come join Bruce Galer and Jennifer Kamm for a discussion of the geology and natural history of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and hike the Blue Hill Trail. A one-hour presentation at the Oak Savanna Learning Center will discuss how the glaciers shaped the landforms we see in the Refuge today, and how these landforms, along with water, influence vegetation and other organisms. Then follow us to the Blue Hill Trail just west of the Learning Center to hike the trail and observe geologic features, birds, and winter botany. The 30,700-acre refuge was established in 1965 at the urging of local conservationists and hunters interested in restoring the wildlife values of the St. Francis River Basin. Following that, the refuge became and remains the largest public land holding in Sherburne County. The refuge is now a wild remnant at the meeting of the western prairies and the northern woods, with oak savanna, prairie opening, forest, wetland and riverine habitats.
Download the flyer with additional information: MNNPS Field Trip – Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Feb 25 2023
This trip is open to MNNPS members only. To register, please contact:
Field Trip Coordinator: Jennifer Kamm. For more information, feel free to contact
Jennifer at jennifer.kamm@stantec.com or 612-875-0543
Please register by February 24th

Hastings SNA Volunteer Day
2023-03-26 09:00 - 12:00
Help Remove Buckthorn Encroachment on Snow Trillium Population
Where: Hastings Scientific and Natural Area, Hastings, MN
When: Sunday March 26th, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m.
Leader: Jennifer Kamm
Please join your fellow MNNPS members in an effort to remove buckthorn that is encroaching on a snow trillium population at Hastings SNA. We will be cutting and treating the buckthorn and stacking the cuttings. We will have plenty of tools for everyone. We will meet at the CP Adams City Park parking lot on the north side of Leduc Drive and walk to our treatment area on the south side of Leduc Drive in the south unit of the SNA. We will go to Schoolhouse Scoop for ice cream when we finish.
Hastings SNA consists of two parcels totaling 64.9 acres. The southeast unit where we will be working, is about 43 acres and dominated by mesic oak forest, with old-growth red oak, sugar maple, and basswood on steep north-facing bluffs and bluff tops. Sugar maple-basswood forest covers a small section of the mid-slope, and emergent marsh, pond and floodplain forest cover low-lying areas. Talus slopes and steep escarpments of dolomitic limestone provide habitat for mosses, lichens, and liverworts. The northwest parcel, about 26 acres, is entirely in the Vermillion/Mississippi River floodplain and consists of floodplain forest and emergent marsh. The Vermillion River covers about 3 acres here as it meanders through this parcel. Silver maple dominates the forest, with green ash and American elm. The site topography is varied, with a 52-meter (170 feet) difference in elevation across the site.
This event is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants.
Download the flyer for maps, directions, and more information: MNNPS – Hastings SNA Volunteer Day
To register for this event please contact:
Event Coordinator: Jennifer Kamm, jennifer.kamm@stantec.com or 612-875-0543
Please register by March 20th

Spring Ephemerals, Sedges, and Birds of Old Growth Hardwood Forest in SE MN
2023-04-30 10:00 - 14:00
Join Michael Lee and Jennifer Kamm in exploring a rich hardwood forest on the bluffs along Partridge Creek In southeastern Minesota.
This field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 25 registrants. Contact field trip coordinator Jennifer Kamm to register: jennifer.kamm@stantec.com
Download the flyer for more information: MNNPS Field Trip – Partridge Creek April 30

Geology, Birds, and Plants of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
2023-05-07 09:00 - 12:00
Join Bruce Galer and Jennifer Kamm for a discussion of the geology and natural history of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and hike the Blue Hill Trail.
This field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 25 registrants. Contact field trip coordinator Jennifer Kamm to register: jennifer.kamm@stantec.com
Download the flyer for more information: MNNPS Field Trip – Sherburne Nat’l Wildlife Refuge May 7

Spring Butterfly Trek
2023-05-13 09:00 - 16:00
This trip is scheduled for May 13 -OR- May 20, depending on weather.
For a dozen years now, 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.
This field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 8 registrants. Contact field trip coordinator Ken Arndt to register: ken.arndt@mnrinc.us
Download the flyer for more information: MNNPS Field Trip – Spring Butterfly Trek May 13 or 20

Tiffany Bottoms Train Ride
2023-09-09 13:00 - 17:00
Where: On Highway 25 about 4.5 miles south of Durand, Buffalo County, Wisconsin
When: Saturday, September 9th, 1-5 p.m.
Leaders: Steve Eggers, Jennifer Kamm
Come join your fellow MNNPS friends on Saturday, September 9th for the unique experience of an open air, antique train ride into an expansive, high quality floodplain forest of the Chippewa River. The event is hosted by the Chippewa Valley Motor Car Association. Enjoy stops with short hikes into floodplain forests, savannas and prairies.
Please see the flyer for more details.
You must be a member of the Minnesota Native Plant Society to participate. Register for this trip by emailing Jennifer Kamm at Jennifer.kamm@stantec.com

Seminary Fen SNA Volunteer Event
2024-03-03 09:00 - 12:00
Please join your fellow MNNPS members in an effort to remove buckthorn that is encroaching on a rare plant population at Seminary Fen SNA on Sunday March 3, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We will be cutting and treating the buckthorn and stacking the cuttings. We will have plenty of tools for everyone. We will go get coffee when we finish. Download the flyer for further details.
This event is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants. Please register by February 28.
To register for the event, contact Jennifer Kamm at Jennifer.kamm@stantec.com.

Seminary Fen SNA Volunteer Day
2024-04-14 08:00 - 12:00
Please join your fellow MNNPS members in an effort to remove buckthorn that is encroaching on a rare plant population at Seminary Fen SNA on Sunday April 14, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We will be cutting and treating the buckthorn and stacking the cuttings. We will have plenty of tools for everyone. We will go get coffee when we finish. Download the flyer for further details.
This event is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants. Please register by April 12.
To register for the event, contact Jennifer Kamm at Jennifer.kamm@stantec.com.

Schueler Wildlife Management Area Field Trip (Rescheduled)
2024-05-04 10:00 - 17:00
Where: Schueler Wildlife Management Area
Located 1 mile north of Rushford, MN west of Highway 43, Fillmore County
When: Recheduled – Saturday May 4th, 2024 (10:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.)
Leader: Michael Lee, Botanist with Minnesota Biological Survey
Please join your fellow MNNPS Members on a fun field trip to Schueler WMA. The tour will include a rich diversity of spring ephemerals including snow trillium and squirrel corn, as well as rare ferns and sedges, on a large north-facing bluff along Rush Creek. Further details are provided in the flyer: MNNPS – Schueler WMA Field Trip-4May2024
The trip is open to all MNNPS members but pre-registration is required. To register for the event, email Jennifer Kamm at Jennifer.kamm@stantec.com

Tettegouche State Park
2024-07-13 10:00 - 15:00
A day of touring the State Park
Where: Tettegouche State Park 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
When: Saturday July 13th, 2024 (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
Leaders: Kurt Mead, Head Naturalist at Tettegouche State Park, Author of Dragonflies of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and Joe Walewski, Naturalist at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and lichen expert.
Come join Kurt and Joe for a tour of the Tettegouche State Park where participants will tour part of the Park in the morning followed by lunch on-site (bring your own) and then another walk to other areas of the property.
Participants will meet at 10AM at the Visitor Center at 5702 MN-61 in Silver Bay. As always, this field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 20 registrants. In the event of potential bad weather, participants will be notified of any changes to the day.
To register for this field trip, email Ken Arndt at ken.arndt@mnrinc.us

Judge C.R. Magney State Park
2024-09-14 10:00 - 14:00
A day of touring the State Park.
Where: Judge C.R. Magney State Park 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN
When: Saturday September 14th, 2024 (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
Leader: Chel Anderson, Retired DNR Botanist and Plant Ecologist, Minnesota Biological Survey and co-author of North Shore—A Natural History of Minnesota’s Superior Coast.
Come join us as we say goodbye to summer and embrace fall while enjoying the scenic Judge C.R. Magney State Park. The field trip will be led by Chel Anderson and will involve a discussion of local natural history, late summer botany, and the scenery of one of Minnesota’s great State Parks.
Participants will meet at 10AM at the Visitor Center at 4051 MN-61 north of Grand Marais approximately 15 miles. As always, this field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 10 registrants. In the event of potential bad weather, participants will be notified of any changes to the day.
To register for this event please contact:
Scott Milburn at scott.milburn@mnrinc.us
Download the flyer: MNNPS FIeld Trip Judge C.R. Magney State Park 091424

Rare Plant and Plant Community Phenology at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
2025-07-11 09:00 - 16:00
When: Friday, July 11th from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, 2660 Fawn Lake Drive NE, East Bethel, MN 55005
Cost*: $10 for Current Members of the Wetland Professionals Association
$30 for Nonmembers and $10 for students (both include a 1-year WPA membership)
*All money collected goes directly to support the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
Guide: Jason Husveth, Principal Ecologist at Critical Connections Ecological Services (CCES)
Join us for a full day ecological and botanical field trip to the Bison Enclosure area of the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve. This is a unique opportunity to visit and botanize the diverse wetlands, prairies, and savannas within the Cedar Creek Bison Enclosure in a year where there will be no bison present. We discuss landscape setting, surficial geology and soils, hydrology, plant community ecology and rare species autecology. Jason will cover the identification of over a dozen rare plant species of the Anoka Sand Plain, including some of the rarest species in the state.
Pre-registration is required. Please see the July 2025 Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Field Trip flyer for more details and registration information. Space is limited so please reply at your earliest convenience.

Iron Springs Bog Scientific and Natural Area
2026-08-15 10:00 - 14:00
A day of touring the SNA.
Where: Iron Springs Bog SNA, MN Trunk Highway 200, Clearwater County. See map.
When: Saturday August 15, 2026 (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
Leader: Rhett Johnson, MNDNR, Minnesota Biological Survey.
The field trip will be led by Rhett Johnson and will involve exploring the native plant communities on the SNA, including Mesic Hardwood Forest NPCs, Forested Peatland NPCs, Wet Meadow, and an upland prairie restoration on the adjacent University of Minnesota property. Waterproof boots are recommended.
As always, this field trip is for members of the MN Native Plant Society only and will be limited to 10 registrants; pre-registration is required.
In the event of potential bad weather, participants will be notified of any changes to the day.
To register for this field trip, email Ken Arndt.
