EVENTS

Summer Prairie Walk in Valley View Park, Oak Park Heights
Explore this late summer blooming prairie and see how the abundance and diversity of native plants impacts the local web of  bird-life.
 

Leaders:  

Chase Davies,  Saint Paul Audubon Society & Wild Ones St. Croix Oak Savanna, email.
Kathy Widin, Wild Ones St. Croix Oak Savanna, email.

During this evening prairie walk we'll observe, discuss, and enjoy a diversity of native prairie plants and the birds that visit them. Come enjoy a delightful blooming prairie and its visiting winged creatures. No registration required.

SUGGESTED GEAR: Bring your 10-power magnifier if you have one, or borrow one from a tour leader; consider a hat, camera, water, and bug repellent. Wear closed-toe shoes with socks above the ankle.

WHY A PRAIRIE? Birds need insects. Insects need food. Prairies provide food for insects and birds. People, as well as needing food, thrive on the calm and beauty of natural places.

WHY THIS PRAIRIE? When seeking places for birding or botanizing, Washington County has many great choices. The restored prairie at Valley View Park is an excellent example of a quality, high-diversity, hillside prairie. The highest quality, probably remnant, portion of the prairie overlooks the valley. Chase Davies who has a keen interest in both native plants and bird ecology, had the idea for this walk and we did it last summer for some members of St. Paul Audubon. The co-leader is Kathy Widin, in a former Oak Park Heights Arborist and Past-President of Wild Ones St. Croix Oak Savanna (Stillwater).

DIFFICULTY: Moderate. The walk starts downhill on blacktop surface through woodlands, then on turf, and finally up and down through woods on a compressed dirt trail to the prairie. Distance is about 1 mile round-trip. Consider bringing a walking stick.

DIRECTION: Go south from Hwy 36 on Osgood Avenue, continue beyond Upper 55th St. to the large sign on the left for Valley View Park. Meet in the parking lot at 6:20pm.