By Jan Pease
I’m always happy to schedule a visit from Saint John’s Arboretum, because the Arboretum educators present an educational program that is both creative and entertaining. Each summer they develop a summer program that corresponds to the summer reading programs of area libraries. Because this year’s theme is “One World, Many Stories,” Saint John’s Arboretum is presenting “Animal Stories: Learn the stories of the animals around us,” Friday morning at 10:00 in the children’s department of the library. Animal Stories is a one-hour program geared towards children ages 3-12. Hands-on activities and materials are included.
Have you visited the Arboretum? The Saint John’s Arboretum website, http://www.csbsju.edu/Arboretum states that the Arboretum is:
“A partnership between Saint John's Abbey, its 2,830 acres and Benedictine tradition of stewardship, and the mission of Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict to provide environmental education. Saint John's Arboretum celebrates the unique beauty and richness of God's creation in central Minnesota and fosters the Benedictine tradition of land stewardship, education, and environmental respect.” Their mission is to “Preserve native plant and wildlife communities of the Arboretum lands, provide opportunities for education and research, model practices of sustainable land use, and make accessible a natural environment that invites spiritual renewal."
The following information is directly from the St. John’s website. The Arboretum includes all seven lakes, the prairie, the oak savanna, and all the woodland in the 2830 acres around Saint John’s Abbey & University. The 2830 acres of land surrounding Saint John's Abbey & University is privately owned and managed by Saint John's Abbey. The Abbey welcomes the public to enjoy the trails and natural beauty of the land. There is no charge to walk around the trails, but they ask that you respect the land. No pets or unauthorized vehicles should be on the trails at any time, and they ask that visitors walk during daylight hours. Contact the Arboretum by calling (320) 363-3163, especially if you are planning to bring a large group to visit.
Best of all, this natural gem is only about 40 miles from Litchfield. Come to the library Friday, July 15th at 10:00 to hear great animal stories, and to learn about this wonderful resource that is only a few miles away. Be sure to visit the Arboretum website to see upcoming events!
