The Coneflower Prairie, a 70-acre restoration project on the west side of the Linnaeus Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College, will be officially dedicated during a ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.
Several individuals will give remarks during the ceremony, including President Jack R. Ohle, Arboretum Naturalist Scott Moeller, former director of the Linnaeus Arboretum Herb Chilstrom, and current Gustavus student Mary Patterson ’14. Patterson is one of two Gustavus students who collaborated with Professor of Biology Pam Kittelson on research in the prairie this past summer.
Those interested in attending the dedication ceremony can park near the southwest corner of the Arboretum near the intersection of Jefferson and Nicollet Avenues. Tours of the Coneflower Prairie will be available following the dedication ceremony. The Arboretum’s annual Fall Fest is also taking place on Sept. 15 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., with fun and free activities for the whole family.
The College would like to offer special thanks to the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation for initiating a challenge grant that encouraged the generosity of many to help restore this native prairie. Carl ’25 was especially committed to the preservation of wildlife and the environment.
The existence of the Coneflower Prairie is a significant and important addition to the Linnaeus Arboretum. With 125 acres on the southwestern end of the Gustavus campus, the arboretum provides an environment to educate the mind, revive the spirit, exercise the heart, and delight in Minnesota’s natural history. The Linnaeus Arboretum is open during daylight hours throughout the year.
For more information about the Coneflower Prairie or the Linnaeus Arboretum, go online to gustavus.edu/arboretum or contact Scott Moeller at 507-933-6182.
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