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

Our St. Croix Oak Savanna Chapter was formed in 2003 and 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 at the Boutwells Landing auditorium in Stillwater. Socializing begins at 6:30 pm with our speaker at 7 pm. 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.

    Aug 19, 2010 (Thu)    

Tour of Blueberry Hill Prairie, plus Joan & Andy Ulrich’s Prairie Yard in Stillwater
Thursday, August 19th, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm
LOCATION: Just south of Bayport, MN

Join us Thursday evening for a tour of Blueberry Hill, a small native prairie and oak savanna remnant overlooking the St. Croix River just south of Bayport, Minnesota. The site is owned by the Minnesota DOT and managed by The Prairie Enthusiasts. Restoration efforts have included prescribed burning and release of insect bio-controls for invasive spotted knapweed. Joan and Andy will host our tour and have invited us back to their home (nearby) for refreshments and a look at their gardens. The site is located just south of Bayport at Highway 95 and Quant Avenue. It is on the east side of MN 95. This parcel is known locally as Blueberry Hill. It holds a commanding view of the St. Croix Valley, overlooking Hudson, WI. It serves as a fine example of the native grasses and wildflowers that used to predominate in this area before settlement.

Following the BB Hill tour, we will drive (perhaps car pool) to Joan and Andy’s home (nearby) to tour the planted prairie where the owners are attempting to recreate an oak savanna from a cornfield development on a small acreage site. This is an opportunity to compare a planted prairie with a restored prairie where both projects have similarities in their size, time frames, and management for invasive species. Ulrich address: 2090 Oriole Avenue North, West Lakeland Township, MN 55082


To reserve a spot please RSVP to st.croix.wild.ones@mac.com, or call Roger (651-275-0526). He'll confirm your reservation and send you a map and information on parking at the tour site