Chapter Programs

Most monthly programs are open to both members and non-members. However, some will have space or venue limitations and will need pre-registration. Indoor programs will typically be held in the Fellowship Hall on the lower level of the Emmaus Baptist Church, 712 Linden Street N, Northfield, Minnesota. Parking is located on the south side of the church.

Chapter Program Schedule

Programs at Emmaus Church unless otherwise noted.  Outside tour dates may change due to weather. 

Upcoming 2025 Programs

Thursday Feb 20th:

Led by Master Naturalists:   Rice County Roadside Prairie Remnants – What can you do to help protect these gems? – Presented by Nancy Braker, Arboretum Director, Carleton College and Jim Platt, Cannon River Valley Master Naturalist Leadership Team

In 2000, roadsides in the prairie portion of Rice County were surveyed for evidence of prairie vegetation.  This was a project commissioned by the Rice County Integrated Roadside Committee and conducted by faculty and students at Carleton and St. Olaf Colleges. The intent of the survey was to identify roadside prairie remnants and bring them to the attention of the landowners and road managing authorities in order to reduce damage to them in the future.  56 sites were identified during the project, with nearly half of those found in Northfield Township.  In 2023 and 2024, using participants enrolled in a Master Naturalists Prairies and Potholes course (2023), Carleton College Arboretum staff, Master Naturalists volunteers and other volunteers (2024) all 56 sites were re-visited to assess their status and begin planning for management work to ensure long term viability.  This presentation will share the results of the surveys and provide you with information on how you can help manage and project these valuable treasures of our natural heritage.

We (Master Naturalists) will co-host the meeting with our friends from Southeast MN Prairie Partners chapter of Wild Ones.

Thursday March 13th, 7pm, at Emmaus Church:

Lessons learned in protecting and restoring biodiversity – conservation in action”.  Come and hear about this newly released book by one of the editors, Bonnie Harper-Lore.
Earth’s biodiversity is threatened in many ways, including by climate change, invasive species, and development. Conservation response cannot be defined by political boundaries, yet lands are commonly managed at the local, state and national levels. These authors’ actions from all levels, crossed lines to partner and get things done for the greater good.
Expert educators, scientists, practitioners, citizens and policymakers took action, and contributed to the present volume. Conservation requires a multidisciplinary approach, and so herein some 50 disciplines inform and inspire future practices and policies. Students and professionals alike in applied ecology, wildlife biology, entomology, botany, land management, landscape architecture, journalism, ethics and public policy benefit from these authorities’ stories.

April 10th – Chapter Anniversary Dinner:

Dennison, MN. Time and location TBD.

May 17-18th– Plant sale

Time and location TBD.

Past 2025 Programs

Thursday January 9th, 7pm zoom event: Rare ones in Wild Habitats

Tuesday January 21st: Minnesota Wild Ones chapters are hosting:- Neonics & Advocacy: Protecting Pollinators and Influencing Policy

Saturday, Jan 25th,  10AM-2PM: Grow Monarch Habitat  Hosted by Wild Ones Twin Cities Chapter

Thursday February 13th, 7pm: Zoom presentation – Barb Bolan – Secrets of Monarchs and Milkweeds.  How can we help this declining species recover? If you missed it, you can check out the presentation here: Secrets of Monarchs and Milkweeds.