Summer Garden Tours & Nature Hikes
SATURDAY, MAY 30th, 10:00 am-11:30 am
May Birding Tour with Travis Bonovsky
Kroening Nature Center | Minneapolis
Members-only Tour
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026 | 10 AM
Nature hike at Eloise Butler to go see showy lady slippers.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27th, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Garden Tour in Brooklyn Center
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026 | 10 AM
Nature hike to view native forbs and grasses at Nine Mile Creek Bluff Remnant Prairie.
This tour is free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, JULY 25th, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Garden Tour in Chaska
Friday, August 14th, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
August Prairie Bloom Tour of Mni Owe Sni
This tour is free and open to the public
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 10:00 am-11:00 am
Garden Tour in Richfield
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Hiawatha Elementary School
This tour is free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026 | 10 AM
Nature hike at Eloise Butler to view the prairie at peak bloom.
More details for each Native Garden Tour and Nature Hike below.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Minnesota State Fair
Wednesday and Thursday, September 2 and 3
Minneapolis Monarch Festival
Saturday, September 12th | 10 am - 4 pm
Lake Nokomis
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 amBex's Garden in Brooklyn Center
This tour is free and open to public..
Address and any weather related updates will be emailed to registered attendees prior to event.
Bex is a master naturalist who has thoughtfully transformed their small suburban lot into a dynamic native habitat. The front yard, converted to a tall grass prairie in 2023 (with support of a Lawns to Legumes grant), is now in its third growing season. In the backyard, invasive species have been removed to make way for native plantings, alongside a natural pond that supports wildlife.
Ongoing restoration efforts include developing wetland overflow, installation of a dry stream for stormwater management, and expanding prairie and pocket forest plantings. Bex has also installed habitat features such as amphibian shelters, bat and bird houses, and other nesting structures to support wildlife. With continued work to replace turf and enhance biodiversity, this garden is an evolving example of community driven conservation in an urban setting.
We hope you can join us on June 27th as Bex guides us through their transformed property!
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Saturday, July 25th, 2026 | 10 am
Meg's Garden in Chaska MN
Address and any weather related updates will be emailed to registered attendees prior to event.
This corner plot of downtown Chaska is a National Wildlife Federation–certified habitat that continues to evolve with a focus on adding native plants amongst the current non-natives to attract pollinators and birds. A Fall 2025 Lawns to Legumes grant supported the expansion of current planting beds, the renovation of a shade garden, and the addition of shrubs to enhance habitat for birds.
Over the past few years, several invasive species (including Snow on the Mountain, Vinca, and Lily of the Valley) have been steadily removed and replaced with native plants, creating a more diverse and ecologically functional landscape. With a strong focus on supporting pollinators and birds, the host enjoys trialing new trends and techniques in her garden.
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Friday, August 14th, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
August Prairie Bloom Tour of Mni Owe Sni
Join us for a guided tour of Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring) to experience one of the Twin Cities’ beautiful native prairie restorations in peak bloom. This walk will explore the rich diversity of prairie wildflowers and grasses.
Participants should wear comfortable tennis shoes or hiking boots as this tour will take place on limestone trails. We hope you can join us as we learn more about this sacred, native land.
This tour is free and open to the public
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Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 | 10 am
Gwen's Garden in Richfield, MN
REGISTER HERE
Over the past 3–4 years, this suburban yard has been gradually transformed into a diverse native plant landscape, largely grown from winter-sown plants. About half of the front yard now features native plantings, including a 12×18’ tapestry lawn installed with support from a Lawns to Legumes grant.
In the larger backyard, roughly one-third of the space has been converted into multiple native planting beds connected by mulched paths. New trees—including white swamp oak, serviceberry, and chokecherry—add structure, while former lawn and garden areas continue to evolve with native flowers. The landscape also incorporates raised vegetable beds, blending habitat-focused gardening with edible plantings.
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 | 4 pm
Hiawatha Elementary School in Minneapolis, MN
4201 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis
This tour is free and open to the public.
Join us for the grand unveiling of the newly installed native garden at Hiawatha Elementary School! In the spring of 2026, Hiawatha's second grade team planted nearly 300 native plants across three classroom garden spaces thanks to funding from the Wild Ones "Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program and support from Wild Ones Twin Cities Chapter volunteers. This event will provide attendees with the opportunity to tour a native school garden in its first year of growth, and to meet with members of the volunteer garden team that made this project possible.
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Nature Hikes
Join us on a guided hike led by WOTC member, Don Gustafson, to explore native plants in their natural habitats, including opportunities to see species, such as lady’s slippers and remnant prairies. These outings offer a chance to experience Minnesota’s unique ecosystems with a knowledgeable guide.
Hikes may take place on uneven or unpaved terrain and vary in length and difficulty. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring water and snacks. For comfort and safety, consider long pants, insect repellent, and other tick prevention measures. Always follow leave no trace principles.
These hikes are free, open to both Wild Ones members and the public. Limited space, registration required.
About Don
Being a member of Door Peninsula Wild Ones in Door County Wisconsin for 12 years, my passion for native plants grew, especially, for the rare and threatened species. When we visited family here in the Twin Cites, I soon found about Nine Mile Creek Bluff and Eloise Butler Wildflower and Bird Sanctuary.
In July of 25 we moved to the Twin Cities. Soon after moving, I sought out the local Wild Ones Chapter.
Unlike Door County’s reconstructed prairies, I couldn’t believe how this area was so rich in remnant, native, prairies. Both of these natural areas are special to me and I look forward to sharing this experience.
June 13, 2026 | 10 AM
Easy hike at Eloise Butler to go see showy lady slippers.
July 11, 2026 | 10 AM
Moderate hike (approximately 1.5 miles) to view native forbs and grasses at Nine Mile Creek Bluff Remnant Prairie.
This tour is free and open to the public.
August 29, 2026 | 10 AM
Easy hike at Eloise Butler to view the prairie at peak bloom.
REGISTER HERE
