Olmsted County Parks is hosting a day of collecting native prairie seeds that will be used in the parks for prairie restoration. This is a golden opportunity to learn about prairie plants and seed collection while spending time immersed “In Our Home Outdoors”. The event will be held at Chester Woods Park, which has many prairies filled with wildflowers.

Feel free to come for part or all of this seed collecting day.

This event is open to anyone interested in nature, including children over 5 years old. Registration is required (see details below) and registration is limited to 25 participants. A free lunch of Subway sandwiches, chips, and cookies will be provided by Friends of Chester Woods.

WHAT TO BRING:

Water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Seed collection equipment will be provided. Wear long pants, closed-toed sturdy shoes for uneven terrain, gloves and a hat.

FIELD TRIP LEADERS:

Event leaders include Patty Trnka, Joel Dunnette and Loretta Mogan who are MN Master Naturalist Volunteers and have collected seeds for many years.

For any questions and to RSVP (registration required), email Patty Trnka at (patty.trnka@prodigy.net). Registration required by September 20. You may also call Patty on her cell at (507) 261-6592.

LOCATION:

Meet at Chester Woods Park office, 8378 Hwy 14 E, Eyota, MN 55934.