Racemed milkweed (upper) and prairie larkspure (lower), two of many Sand Coulee beauties.

Photos by Karen Schik

Explore the unique plant and animal life in a recent, new addition to the Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area at the southern tip of Hastings.

One of only a few dry sand prairies remaining in the metro area and the largest in Dakota County, the coulee hosts rare plant and animal species and is home to many species found only in this type of ecosystem! Enjoy an ecologist-guided walk looking for such bodacious beauties as large-flowered penstemon, hairy puccoon and prairie larkspur among others.

Field trip leaders include FMR Ecologist and Program Manager Karen Schik, FMR Conservation Director Tom Lewanski, “retired” Wild River State Park naturalist Dave Crawford and Ellen Fuge of the MN Department of Natural Resources.

This event is also part of the Vermillion Stewards program, which involves volunteers in hands-on stewardship and educational programs throughout the unique Vermillion River watershed.

Ready to register?

To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited andpre-registration required. To sign up, contact FMR Program Assistant Erika Guenther at eguenther[at]fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x23. Please include: the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party.

You will receive a confirmation email and additional details, such asdirections and what to wear, from eguenther[at]fmr.org within, at most, aweek. If you have earthlink or an active SPAM filter, please add Erika's email address to your contacts to ensure receipt.