Welcome to the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum
At one time, most of Fond du Lac County was covered by prairie -- native grasslands that were home to bison, prairie chickens, bobolinks and other wildlife. At the Gottfried
Prairie and Arboretum on the UW-Fond du Lac campus, a group of volunteers has reestablished the native plants that once grew on this site.
The project began in 1991, with the goal of representing the original plant communities of Wisconsin in a small arboretum. At present, volunteers have planted 37 acres of native prairie grasses and wildflowers, developed two wildlife ponds and planted 176 native trees and shrubs. Most of the wildflower seeds were collected from some of the last remaining original prairie sites in Fond du Lac County. To educate local residents, there’s an interpretive trail, as well as six benches, two picnic tables and a kiosk for recreation.
The Formal Arboretum is an innovative attempt to depict the native plants and plant communities of Wisconsin in a design representing the “Tension Zone” of our state. This is the area of overlap of northern and southern Wisconsin plant communities, which occurs in the Fond du Lac area. It consists of savannah, lowland forests and northern mixed forests, plus their associated wildflowers.
The Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum is named for Bradley Gottfried, former dean of UW-Fond du Lac, and a major force behind the project’s initiation and development. Dean Gottfried's vision and persistence have resulted in the restoration of a portion of native prairie for county residents to enjoy.
Support the Arboretum by dedicating a bench to
someone special. For $145, we’ll install a handsome
new “Leopold” bench at the Arboretum and affix a
small plaque with a dedication message of your
choice. Benches
for Sale (PDF file)
For more information send inquiries to Erika
Jensen at erikajen@sbcglobal.net.
Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum Educational Programs
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Learn to Burn
Mike Marek
Thursday, March 15, 2012, 7 pm
UC114 University Center
The talk will focus on basic burn planning, implementation, and its many benefits. Safety equipment will be on display and a short video of a small prescribed burn will be shown. Plenty of time for questions and discussion will be allowed, including help on written burn plans.
Mike Marek of Marek Landscaping, LLC. of Milwaukee has been practicing native landscaping in Southeast Wisconsin for 20 years. The firm specializes in using native plants, and natural materials for habitat restoration and reconstruction, streambank stabilization, trail construction, rainwater harvesting systems, and stormwater design. Marek offers prescribed fire services to residential, commercial, and governmental clients and is a member of the Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council.
Working With Highway Departments to Minimize the Spread of Invasive Plants
Kelly Kearns
Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 7 pm
Room UC114 University Center
How to Manage your Land to Help Birds
Vicki Piaskowski
Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 7 pmRoom UC114 University Center
Wildflower Identification
Connie Ramthun
Wednesday, June 20, 2012, noon or 6:30 pm
About one hour each session
Meet at the Gottfried Arboretum Shelter
Digital Nature Photography Workshop
Jerry Kiesow
Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 6 pm until dark
Room UC114 University Center
Interactions Between Plants and Insects
Gretchen Meyer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 7 pm
Room UC114 University Center
Learning from a Native Plant Garden
Sue Carpenter
Tuesday, September 25, 2012, 7 pm
Room UC114 University Center
Seed Collecting Workshop
Connie Ramthun
Saturday, October 20, 9:30 am to noon
Meet at the Gottfried Arboretum Shelter
Create a Winter Wreath and Swag
Jackie Scharfenberg
Tuesday, November 8, 2012, at 1 pm to 3:30 pm and 6 pm to 8:30 pm @ IAC
Wednesday, November 14, 6- 8:30 pm @ Lakeside Park Pavilion
Learning to Think Like a Bluebird
Kent Hall
Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 7 pm
Room UC114 University Center
Wisconsin Native Orchids: Their Biology, Conservation, and Cultivation
Scott Weber
Wednesday, December 16, 2013, 7 pm
Room UC114 University Center
Plants in Winter: Surviving the Big Chill
Jim Reinartz
Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 7 pm
Room UC114 University Center
Wetland Restorations: Are They for the Birds?
Jill Hapner
Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 7 pm
Room UC114 University Center |
