Minnesota Native Plant Society

Valley View Park
2018-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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>

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>

A World-Class Biogeographical Oddity: The Boreal Forests of Door County, by Dr. Lee Frelich, UM
2018-06-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presented by: Dr. Lee Frelich, Director, The University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology.
Plant-of-the-Month: Dwarf Lake Iris, Iris lacustris

Photos by Ken Piehl.

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>

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.

Collaborating for Resilience in the Face of Climate Change: The Nature Conservancy's Forest Conservation and Restoration Program, by Jim Manolis, TNC
2018-05-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presented by: Jim Manolis, Forest Conservation Program Director, The Nature Conservancy in MN, ND & SD.
Place-of-the-Month: TNC’s Upper Manitou Preserve

2018 Symposium - Old Growth Forests
2018-04-21 08:30 - 16:00 | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
Download the 2018 MNNPS Symposium Registration form
Speakers and Topics:

8:30–9:00
Registration

9:00–9:10
Welcome to the Symposium

9:10–9:30
Welcome to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Peter Moe, Director of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

9:30–10:20
Old-Growth Forests: What are They? Why are They Important? and What Should We Do with Them? A Minnesota Perspective in a Global Context
Kurt Rusterholz, Retired Forest Ecologist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

10:20–10:40
Break

10:40–11:30
Old Growth Landscapes: Hemlock-Hardwood Forests of the Porcupine Mountains and Sylvania
Lee Frelich, Director—The University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology, University of Minnesota

11:30–12:25
Using Lichens to Assess the Ecological Continuity of Forest Ecosystems
Steven Selva, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Maine at Fort Kent

12:25–1:25
Lunch

1:25–2:15
The Overlooked Old Growth: Lowland Conifers
Becky Marty, Regional Ecologist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

2:15–2:35
Break

2:35–3:30
The Role of People and Fire in Minnesota’s Red Pine Forests of the Boundary Waters
Kurt Kipfmueller, Associate Professor of Geography, Environment & Society, University of Minnesota

3:30-4:00
The Magney-Snively Northern Hardwoods Across Three Centuries
David Schimpf, Department of Biology and Olga Lakela Herbarium, University of Minnesota Duluth

Where to Park: Symposium participants should park in the Arboretum’s main lot. The standard gate fee will be waived for attendees.
How to Get There: Nine miles west of I-494 on State Hwy. 5; 4 miles west of Chanhassen on Hwy. 5; and ¼ mile west of the intersection of State Hwy. 41 on Hwy 5.
Questions Directed to: Shirley Mah Kooyman, smkooyman@gmail.com 763-559-3114
Download the 2018 MNNPS Symposium Registration form

A Flower Patch for the Rusty Patched: Recovery of the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, by Dr. Elaine Evans
2018-04-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenter: Dr. Elaine Evans, Assistant Extension Professor, University of Minnesota Bee Lab
Dr. Elaine Evans is an extension educator at the University of Minnesota and a researcher at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab in the Department of Entomology. Her work focuses on conservation of native pollinators. She is author of the books “Befriending Bumble Bees” and “Managing Alternative Pollinators” and engages citizen scientists through the Minnesota Bee Atlas and Minnesota Bumble Bee Survey programs.
POM: Turtlehead, Chelone glabra

Minnesota’s New Ecological Monitoring Network – First Year Observations and Outcomes, by Hannah Texler and Erika Rowe
2018-03-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenters: Hannah Texler, Plant Survey Supervisor, and Erika Rowe, Plant Ecologist/Botanist, both with the Minnesota Biological Survey
POM: Mesic Prairie in Kertsonville Wildlife Management Area, presented by Erika Rowe

The Dean Lakes Development – Lessons in Ecology over 15 Years
2018-02-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenter: Doug Mensing (Senior Ecologist) and Matt Lasch (MN Contracting Manager)
POM: silky prairie clover (Dalea villosa var. villosa)

Maximizing the Protection of Rare Wetland Resources through the Completion of a Positive Feedback Loop, by Jason Husveth
2017-12-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenter: Jason Husveth, Restoration Ecologist & Botanist, Critical Connections Ecological Services.
Place-of-the-Month: Traversing the Red Lake Peatland on Foot in August 2017, by Jason Husveth

Crow-Hassan Prairie - Fifty Years and Counting, by John Moriarty
2017-11-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenter: John Moriarty, Senior Manager of Wildlife, Three Rivers Park District
POM: Prairie violet by Angela Isackson, Wildlife Technician, Three Rivers Park Division

Minnesota Biological Survey - highlights from the past 30 years and priorities for the future
2017-10-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenter: Bruce Carlson, MBS Program Supervisor
POM: Green violet (Hybanthus concolor) (Mn endangered) by Hannah Texler, MBS Plant Survey Supervisor

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>

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>

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>

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>

Swedes Forest SNA Bioblitz
2017-06-17 09:00 - 17:00 | MN
Join in a day to identify as many plant and animal species as possible in the first ever BioBlitz at Swedes Forest SNA. Scientists, naturalists and volunteers will conduct this intensive one day field study. Volunteers learn from experts and will be engaged in surveying to better understand the full suite of organisms found here. No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm.
Open to all – MNNPS members and non-members.
Date: Saturday, June 17, 2017
Time: 9A.M. and ongoing – start and end when you like
Location: From Sacred Heart 7 miles south on County Road 9, then 1.5
miles west on Township Road 1 (440th Street). Park in pull-off on south.
(Lat/Lon for parking area: 44.69271, -95.368501 see map)
Website and map: www.mndnr.gov/snas/sna01027
Questions: Brad Bolduan at 507-831-2900 x 241

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>

Evaluating your Prairie Seeding; a refresher on seedling identification, by Paul Bockenstedt, Stantec
2017-06-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenter: Paul Bockenstedt, Restoration Ecologist, Stantec.
POM: TBD

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>

Friends of Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas: Their history and purpose, by Bob Djupstrom and Ellen Fuge, MnDNR-retired
2017-05-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenters: Bob Djupstrom – MN DNR Scientific and Natural Areas-Retired, and Ellen Fuge – MN DNR Scientific and Natural Areas-Retired

EDDMapS: Easy reporting of invasive species, by Laura Van Riper, MnDNR
2017-04-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presenter: Laura Van Riper, Terrestrial Invasive Species Coordinator, MnDNR.
POM: Key species you should know

2017 Symposium - Restoration and Conservation of Native Landscapes and Species
2017-04-01 08:00 - 16:00 | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN, 55318, United States
Download the 2017 MNNPS Symposium Registration form
Speakers and Topics:

8:30–9:00
Registration

9:00–9:10
Welcome to the Symposium

9:10–9:30
Welcome to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Peter Moe, Director of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

9:30–10:20
Rare Plant Restoration and Ex Situ Conservation: A Great Pairing of Two Controversial Concepts
David Remucal, Curator of Endangered Plants, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

10:20–10:40
Break

10:40–11:30
Preserve is a Verb: Restoration’s Role in Preserving the Changing and Fragmented Landscape of Southeastern Minnesota
David Schmidt, Southeast Minnesota Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy

11:30–12:25
Midwest Orchid Conservation Initiative
Melissa Curran, Environmental Scientist/Botanist, Stantec

12:25–1:25
Lunch

1:25–2:15
Sax-Zim Bog: Vegetative Responses to Hydrology Restoration
Deric Deuschle, Senior Biologist, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH)

2:15–2:35
Break

2:35–3:30
Saving Minnesota’s Prairie Butterflies
Erik Runquist, Butterfly Conservation Biologist, Minnesota Zoo

3:30-4:00
The Felton Prairie—Could we recreate it?
Robert Dana, Entomologist/Prairie Ecologist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Where to Park: Symposium participants should park in the Arboretum’s main lot. The standard gate fee will be waived for attendees.
How to Get There: Nine miles west of I-494 on State Hwy. 5; 4 miles west of Chanhassen on Hwy. 5; and ¼ mile west of the intersection of State Hwy. 41 on Hwy 5.
Questions Directed to: Shirley Mah Kooyman, smkooyman@gmail.com 763-559-3114
Download the 2017 MNNPS Symposium Registration form

Watching the Grass Grow; A Primer on Botanical Time-Lapse Imagery, by Steve Saupe
2017-03-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presented by: Steve Saupe, CSBSJU Biology Professor.
Plant of the Month: Rusty woodsia (Woodsia ilvensis) – one of the resurrection type ferns

Ecology of Ordway Prairie, Minnesota, by Scott Zager, Botanist
2017-02-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presented by: Scott Zager, Wildlands.
Plant of the Month: TBD

A Look at the Gully 30 Calcareous Fen: Characterizing, Permitting, Constructing Through, and Monitoring a State Regulated Sensitive Wetland Resource, by Jim Arndt, Merject & Scott Milburn
2016-12-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presented by: Jim Arndt, Merjent and Scott Milburn, Midwest Natural Resources

Local History and Science behind Eastern Hemlock, Minnesota's most endanged conifer, by Emily Ellingson
2016-11-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presented by: Emily Ellingson, Graduate Research Assistant, UMN.
Plant of the Month: (Bryophyte), Kim Fackler

Flora of Wisconsin’s Interstate Park: Advenures and Discoveries in My Backyard, by Derek Anderson
2016-10-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Presented by: Derek Anderson, Botanist/Plant Ecologist, MN-DNR.
Place of the Month: Minnesota-Wisconsin Interstate Parks, also by Derek

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.
