Experience the wonders of prairies alongside other Prairie Enthusiasts at this special event! Pollinator expert and tour guide Heather Holm will lead you through prairie and wetland areas at Richardson Nature Center located within the Hyland Lake Park Reserve to explore early-fall flora and fauna, accompanied by botany experts Ben Bullard and Gabriel Bertilson. We will finish the day with a catered lunch and a gathering to discuss what we learned, saw and what we love about the prairie.

Space is limited for this event. Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, September 13.

Date, Time and Location

Saturday, September 26 - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Arrive at Richardson Nature Center at 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438 (MAP HERE).

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Full group hike and tour of the grounds surrounding Richardson Nature Center (TRAIL MAP HERE). The hike is around 1-mile.

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

All groups will gather at the Bluestem Room within the Richardson Nature Center for lunch, beverages and socializing before heading home.

What to Bring

• Appropriate clothing for being outdoors including pants, long socks, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hiking sticks if you feel inclined for additional stability.
• Water, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, hat, and anything else to be comfortable. We will have additional water available on-site.
• Binoculars and camera.

📷Note: We will be taking photos of this event. If you do not want your photo taken, please send an email to Sarah Barron at SBarron@ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org.

See some images of Richardson Nature Center HERE and a video HERE.

Questions? Contact Event Organizer Cassidy Coulson at CCoulson@ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org.

Photo of pond at Richardson Nature Center by unknown photographer (link here).

The Prairie Enthusiasts is an accredited land trust with 13 local Chapters in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. The Prairie Enthusiasts seeks to ensure the perpetuation and recovery of prairies, oak savannas, and associated ecosystems of the Upper Midwest through protection, restoration, and education. To learn more, visit our website at ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org.