Dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of Minnesota’s native plants and plant communities
Discover spring ephemerals and other spring wildflowers at Coldwater Spring! The Minnesota Native Plant Society will join the National Park Service in searching for and mapping these elusive and beautiful flowers while learning about how they fit into the ecosystem.
Enjoy a hike through the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, the oldest wildflower garden in the country, for a look at early spring wildflowers. This historic garden is home to over 500 species of plants, all within fourteen acres. We will
Come join other MNNPS members for a morning hike along the banks of Minnehaha Creek where you will get to view over 50+ different species of native plants found in this popular Twin Cities Landmark. Participants will be led by
See two gems of the Lower Minnesota River Valley consisting of sloping, calcareous, organic soil wetlands with springs and small, groundwater‐fed, marl streams. Fifteen members of the sedge family, including 10 species of Carex, as well as the exquisite white
Come join other MNNPS members for an exploration of the moist cliff areas at Carpenter Nature Center. This is challenging topography, not easily accessed, and not entirely catalogued. Many species of ferns and liverworts are to be found on the
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
Enjoy a Saturday morning hike through parts of the Arboretum to view spring wildflowers including the Grace B. Dayton Wildflower Garden which features native plants of the deciduous woodlands and includes a collection of Minnesota's state flower, the Showy Lady's-slipper. Folks should have the opportunity to see many other spring wildflowers like Bloodroot, Trilliums, Virginia Bluebells, Bellwort, Hepatica, Trout Lilies and more.
Lost Valley Prairie is an outstanding example of bedrock bluff prairie. Ridge crests and upper slopes host a diversity of prairie grasses; wildflowers such as puccoon, stiff gentian and prairie smoke. Of special interest are the fire-dependent Hill's thistle, a Minnesota special concern species, and state-threatened rock sandwort known to occur at only a few sites in the state.
The first part of the day from 10AM to noon will be an interpretive hike throughout the SNA to observe the plants and creatures that make this place home. Following the interpretive hike there will be lunch (bring your own) and then folks are encouraged to help with sumac removal for an hour or so.
