THE PRAIRIE ENTHUSIASTS ANNUAL PICNIC & MEETING
Annual Picnic Hosted by the Many Rivers Chapter
Sunday, July 16th – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum, 800 College Ave., St. Peter, MN
Please mark your calendars for this chance to meet fellow prairie lovers from all of our chapters! Besides visiting the large prairie area at the arboretum there will also be tours of prairies in the vicinity. Further details will be announced closer to the event.
Updated schedule per the Many Rivers Chapter:
ABBREVIATED VIEW:
9 to noon: Tours. Meet at Gustavus to car pool to Minneopa. Please see below for details.Noon to 1:00: Picnic 1:00 to 2:00: Members Meeting (TPE President Jim Rogala and Executive Director Debra Behrens) 2:15: Walk-About Tour of Gustavus Prairie
DETAILED VIEW:
MORNING TOURS:Bison, Oak Savanna, and Rusty Patch Bumblebees at Minneopa State ParkThe word Minneopa is derived from the Dakota language and is interpreted to mean “water falling twice,” referring to the beautiful waterfalls of Minneopa Creek. The tour will take a short hike through oak savanna and native prairie grasslands overlooking the scenic Minnesota River Valley, visit the native plant nursery, and drive through the bison range to a historic mill. A Minnesota State Park pass is required for this tour, $35 annual or $7 daily. Tour will be led by MNDNR Resource Specialist Molly Tranel Nelson. Full facilities and ADA accessibility are available on this tour and it is suitable for people with low mobility.Park Info Kasota Prairie Scientific and Natural Area TourSituated on an extensive rock terrace 70 feet above the Minnesota River Valley, the Kasota Prairie is named for its view, the word kasota from the Dakota language meaning “a cleared place.” Today, prairie, wet meadow, oak woodland, and lowland hardwood plant communities thrive in the thin soils. This site has no maintained trails or other recreational facilities and will be led over uneven ground and poison ivy is present so tall boots are recommended. Tour will be led by MDNR SNA manager Brad Bolduan.Site Info Picnic Site Information
Drive to Gustavus. At Gustavus: 12 noon to 12:15 Drone Use in Prairie Management Presentation (Charles Farrow) 12:15 to 1:00 Picnic 1:00 to 2:00 Members Meeting (TPE President Jim Rogala and Executive Director Debra Behrens) 2:15 Walk-About Tour of Gustavus Prairie Gustavus Arboretum Tour (location of the picnic)Located on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College, the Arboretum provides an enriching environment to educate the mind, revive the spirit, and delight in Minnesota’s natural history and the College’s Swedish heritage. The Arboretum is comprised of the three major vegetation communities found throughout Minnesota – the coniferous forest, the tallgrass prairie, and the deciduous forest – in addition to formal gardens and hardy trees from around the world surrounding the Melva Lind Interpretive Center. We invite you to walk the Arboretum trails, experience its special beauty, and enjoy this unique campus sanctuary. Full facilities are available on site.
If you plan to attend the picnic, please email a response to schambersmediator@yahoo.com