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

Tuesday June 17th 3-5pm – prairie remnant roadside restoration project – evaluation and workday.

Some roadsides are our best remaining pieces of native prairies, but they desparately need saving before we lose even these gems. More of the few good quality ones are being lost to frequent mowing and invasive species takeover each year. We are working with Nancy Braker (Carleton Arboretum director) and the local Cannon River Master Naturalist chapter to clean up and restore some of the ‘salvageable’ roadsides in Rice County. On June 17^th we will get together and have a remnant prairie roadside restoration party where we will be removing invasives as needed and may be documenting what species, good and bad, remain. Nancy Braker is working with the county to have one loaded with wild parsnip mowed prior to our workday. If that is not mowed, we will work on another one. Please wear long pants and sleeves and closed toe shoes to help with this project. We will have a carpool leaving from the Emmaus church at around 2:30, depending on which site we go to. One is near Medford, the other is closer to Nerstrand. Reservations aren’t required for this event, but please let me know if you plan to make it so we make sure we are properly supplied.

Thursday July 10th evening , – Lake Byllesby tour stops – Mary D and Tim/Sue B places – lakeshore restoration and native plantings and perhaps a pontoon ride on the lake in the evening by Tim and Sue.

Saturday July 26 afternoon – Northfield yard tours – Jean N, Polly H, Will S/Pam F and more

Friday August 1st, Twilight walk, moth observation, frog and fireflies watch… Owls… – Family event, with Master Naturalists

August 14th, 2pm – Whitewater area Prairie tour and Whitewater Gardens Nursery tour (opportunity to buy native plants)

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.

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.

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.

April 10th – Chapter Anniversary Dinner

Chapter Programs