Media contact: Barb DeGroot, 952-443-1459   For Immediate Release

Every Day is Earth Day at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Chanhassen, Minn. (April 14, 2010)- The best way to explore the spring landscape is on foot!  While walking a trail, you're sure to notice tiny scilla and hepatica wildflowers carpeting the woodlands, spring warblers above and the warmth of sunshine on your shoulders.  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum celebrates Earth Day every day with the following walks and strolls.  Call 952-443-1422 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu.

Earth Day Stroll!  Join us for a stroll through the Wildflower Garden with botanist Shirley Mah Kooyman on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. Meet in Ordway Parking Lot.  Free for members; $5 for non-members. RSVP at 952-443-1422.

Wildflower Walks.  Explore the lovely spring landscape with a naturalist on a wildflower walk April 24, May 1, 15 & 22. Walks start at 10:30 a.m.  Fee is: $10 member; $12 others.

Or enjoy a Birding Walk with naturalist Matt Schuth on Saturdays, April 24 or May 1, or Wednesday, May 19. Start time is 8:30 a.m. ($10 member, $12 others).

Celebrate Arbor Day!  Join us for a 35-minute Arbor Day Stroll at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 30.  Free for members; $5 for non-members. Meet in the Oswald Visitor Center. Then pick up a free tree seedling and start your own Arbor Day tradition.  Seedlings available at the Membership Counter in the Oswald Visitor Center. One per family please. 

Bud Break 5K Run/Walk. Enjoy the spring blooms while running through lovely Arboretum landscapes. Sunday, May 2. Fees from $20 to $30. Call 952-443-1515 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu.

Visit your favorite garden - the Arboretum - on National Public Garden Day, May 7.  Take a stroll with naturalist Julia Bohnen at 10:30 a.m. Members free; $5 others. 952-443-1422.

Also on tap...
Bareroot Hosta & Grass Sale, sponsored by Arboretum Gift Store, Oswald Visitor Center, May 1 & 2, 8 a.m. -5 p.m.

Mother's Day weekend, May 8-9.  Shop the Auxiliary Spring Plant Sale May 8 & 9, from 9 a.m. -4 p.m. for bedding plants, trees, shrubs and U of M introductions.  Treat mom to the Mother's Day Brunch on May 9 ($18.95 members, $21.95 others, $8.95 ages 4-7; call 612-626-3951 to reserve).  Participate in the Tribute to Mom event by buying her a crabapple tribute card ($20 each) for display in the Crabapple Collection on Three-Mile Drive!   

Arboretum's Summerhouse opens May 14.  Shop for fresh, locally grown produce and garden supplies.  At Rolling Acres Road & Hwy 5, a mile west of the Arboretum entrance. 

Happy Hour Thursdays! Enjoy wine, beer and appetizers Thursdays after 4:30 p.m., beginning April 15 and continuing into October.  Menu includes:  wine sampler (three 2 oz. glasses for $7), wine by the glass ($6), beer ($5) and appetizers ($4 each or 2 for $7). Take part in Garden Trivia on the May 6 happy hour to celebrate National Public Garden Day.

Big Build by Patrick Dougherty. Come and watch the environmental sculptor create one of his monumental stick works at the Arboretum during a three-week residency May 3-22. He will give a presentation May 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. $10-$20. Call 952-443-1422.  THE END