Diane Hilscher, President: e-mail or (651) 436-3836
Roger Miller, Programs: e-mail or (651) 275-0526

Our St. Croix Oak Savanna Chapter sponsors monthly programs by enthusiasts and experts on native plants and natural landscapes. Meetings are normally free and open to the public. Special events may include a registration fee to help cover costs. Cold weather (indoor) meetings are held the third Thursday of the month, 7 pm, at the FamilyMeans building in Stillwater (Click for a Map). Warm weather garden tours and field trips are typically held Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. See our Chapter Calendar below for details. We welcome all levels of plant and gardening enthusiast. Join us to learn more about Minnesota and Wisconsin native plants and how they can enhance our outdoor spaces.

Join a local community of native plant enthusiasts--from novices to experts--eager to share our interest, expertise, and support.
Learn about landscaping with native plants and about local resources for plants and information.
Enjoy monthly presentations on important topics and field trips to gardens, nurseries, and natural areas.
Help us make a difference by promoting a healthier, more diverse environment, one yard and garden at a time.

Our chapter president Diane Hilscher is a registered landscape architect and native plant ecologist. She founded Hilscher Design and Ecology in 1991, specializing in landscape design with a strong environmental emphasis. Diane has over twenty-five years of experience in ecological design and construction management, and has served as vice president of the Minnesota Native Plant Society. She enjoys native plant gardening and restoration on three acres of oak savanna near Stillwater.

    Jun 27, 2009 (Sat)    

Tour of Remnant Prairies at Belwin Conservancy, Afton, MN
Saturday, June 27th, 2009, 10:00 AM to about Noon
Space is limited. To reserve a spot RSVP to: st.croix.wild.ones@mac.com or call Diane at 651-436-6238.
Pack a lunch and join us on the deck at Belwin at the end of our tour. We'll bring cold drinks for all.

Join us for a guided tour of four remnant sand gravel prairies in the southern section of the preserve. Each remnant has a unique species composition. Prairie larkspur, wild rose, butterfly weed, hoary puccoon, frostweed, and large-flowered penstemon should be in bloom. Our guide will be Tara Kelly, Director of Ecological Restoration at Bewin. Bring hiking footwear and bug spray, and pack a lunch if you want to join us on the deck after the tour. The tour involves moderate level of walking difficulty. We will be joined by members of The Prairie Enthusiasts.

To reserve a spot please RSVP to the email address above, or call Diane at 651-436-6238. We'll confirm your reservation and send you directions to our meeting point at the Conservancy.

Belwin Conservancy is a diverse 1,300 acre preserve in Afton. It includes woods, wetlands, remnant and restored tallgrass prairies, goat prairies, oak savannas, spring-fed cold water streams, marshes, floating bogs, potholes, oak and maple/basswood forests and farmland being restored to prairie.