Join Wendy Johnson and other prairie lovers on Saturday, September 19, for the Hay Creek Hills 4th Annual Farm Tour + More! You’ll enjoy beautiful restored and remnant prairies, delicious food, and fun music as we celebrate Mother Nature and the community supporting her.

The farm is on 100 acres just south of Red Wing, Minnesota. The farm includes portions enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and an Environmental Quality Incentives Program project that consists of a dry bluff prairie and oak savanna restoration.

Wendy began annual farm tours in 2023, and every year she’s added a little something different for guests. This year, Wendy’s adding seed collecting and vendor/organization tabling.

Two special guests will lead groups into the reconstructed prairie (planted in spring 2024) where you’ll learn about seed collection techniques, species, and prairie ecology: Karin Jokela with the Xerces Society and Alex Bouthilet from the St. Croix Valley Prairie Enthusiasts Chapter.

There will also be a handful of Red Wing makers of art and jams for sale and a tent with information from local conservation organizations.

Wendy’s crew will shoot the day’s events for her documentary film, Healing Ground: A Story of Restoration, but they will honor anyone’s desire not to be on camera.

The planned schedule is as follows. Come for any activity or stay all day:

• 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Seed Collecting
• 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Farm Tour
• 5:00 p.m. – Potluck begins
• 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Old Tyme Music Jamboree (bring your fiddle, guitar, uke, banjo, spoons, drum, cello, flute, or voice, to make a joyful sound!)

It’s a public event, so you’re welcome to share the event information with your friends and family and other conservation organizations as well!

CONTACT:

Please RSVP to Wendy (wendyjohnson2016@gmail.com) so she knows how many people to expect. Wendy will also contact people if the weather causes problems with the event.

LOCATION:

Next to 30817 Hay Creek Hills Dr., Red Wing, MN. Look for event signs when you get close. MAP HERE