2011/2012 

Walks for the Curious
Spend a few hours with a leading Arboretum expert to discover what plants are unfurling and blooming and which creatures are coming and going throughout the Arboretum. Enroll in one or several of these "classes on the move" to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the seasonal changes in this unique setting. Instructors include acclaimed landscape gardener Richard Gjertson and wildlife expert Matt Schuth. Bring your binoculars and a willingness to savor the wonders of the flora and fauna. Each week prior to the walk, visit our website to learn about that week's expert and what he has been selected specifically to show you during your enriching walk in your outdoor classroom.

Walks for the Curious-Hot Chocolate Walk (960-12-28-11)
Wednesday, December 28, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
$7.50 member/$15 non-member, All Levels, Walks, Limit 30
Meet in McQuinn Great Hall/Oswald Visitor Center

Walks for the Curious: Snowshoe Trek (960-02-22-12)
Wednesday, February 22, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth will lead a snowshoe tromp around Wood Duck Pond. Learn how to identify plants and trees in a stark and breathtaking winter landscape. Learn to recognize signs of wildlife activity in a snowy setting. Bring your snowshoes!

Walks for the Curious: Earth Day (960-04-22-12)
Sunday, April 22, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Join Arboretum acclaimed landscape gardener Richard Gjertson to celebrate and honor Earth Day on a walk during which you will discover what is growing and about to emerge in early spring at the Arboretum.

Walks for the Curious: Arbor Day (960-04-27-12)
Friday, April 27, Noon-2:00 p.m.
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Join Arboretum acclaimed landscape gardener Richard Gjertson to celebrate Arbor Day on a walk during which you will discover the arboreal delights and treasures, and some of his personal favorites, at the Arboretum.

Walks for the Curious: Early Birds and Blooms (960-04-28-12)
Saturday, April 28, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth will take you on a walk to find the first flowers and birds of springtime. Learn about migration and the ephemeral flowers of spring. Binoculars recommended.

Walks for the Curious: Early Bird Catches the Worm (960-05-09-12)
Wednesday, May 9, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth will lead a bird walk through the Arboretum Bog. Early warblers, thrushes, kinglets, phoebes, waterfowl and a variety of sparrows are just a few species that you will likely see on this walk. Binoculars recommended..

Walks for the Curious: Sing Like the Birds (960-05-19-12)
Saturday, May 19, 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth shows you how to bird "by ear." It is warbler mania time, and the air will be rich with song. Let the symphony begin with the Arboretum as your concert hall as you walk woodland trails listening and enjoying the sounds of nature. Binoculars recommended.

Walks for the Curious: In Full Bloom (960-05-20-12)
Sunday, May 20, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, All Levels, Walks, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Get on your hiking shoes and explore the wildflower garden in full bloom with expert landscape gardener Richard Gjertson. At this time, the Lady's Slippers are opening up and there are other signs to discover declaring that spring is truly with us.

Walks for the Curious: Bobolinks and Meadowlarks (960-06-13-12)
Wednesday, June 13, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Join Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth in the open fields and woodland edges to observe birds and other wild things. Learn about our bluebird program and get up close and personal with baby bluebirds. Binoculars recommended.

Walks for the Curious: A Walk on the Wildflower Side (960-06-17-12)
Sunday, June 17, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, All Levels, Walks, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Spend a few hours reveling in the glories of the wildflower garden, featuring Minnesota's state flower blooming, the Showy Lady's Slipper. Learn about some of the favorites of Arboretum landscape gardener Richard Gjertson.

Walks for the Curious: Summer Delights (960-06-23-12)
Saturday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.-Noon
$5 member/$7.50 non-member, Beginner, Hands-On, Limit 30, Ordway Parking Lot

Join Arboretum naturalist Matt Schuth to learn about all things natural: bees and blooms working together, birds and their nests, beetle-mania and other small living creatures. You will hear about wildlife lore and other tales from the wild side of summer. Binoculars recommended.

For information on docent-led Arboretum tours, click here.