On the 18th, we joined the St. Croix Oak Savannah WO Chaper for a tour of Carpenter Park near Hastings. And discovered Diane Hilscher, our fellow Wild Ones member from St. Croix Oak Savannah Chapter, has converted a drab, flat landscape into a multi-level splendor with a pond, waterfall, and thousands of native shrubs and plants. This is definitely a family destination everyone should consider.
Not to be stopped by occasional drizzle, 30 people took the opportunity to view the suburban yards of Pat Stevesand in Burnsville and Roberta Moore in Apple Valley. These yards were a feast for the eyes and beautiful examples of transforming sterile grass lawns into tasty environments for insects, butterflies, and birds. And yet purposely designed to include functional spaces for the humans to enjoy entertaining, relaxing, reading, and perhaps sipping some wine while watching the creatures. Both yards were prolific with native plants, trees, and shrubs and plenty of room to share with favorite perennials. And we spotted the some PAINTED LADY CATERPILLARS enjoying pearly everlasting. A special thanks to Pat and Roberta for sharing and giving us all a boost of enthusiasm for what we each might be able to do in our own spaces.
Marilyn Jones, Twin Cities President
