Minnetonka Hosts Native Plant Market and Eco Fun Fest

Native plant market 

Many residents have asked for an opportunity to buy native plants, and now’s your chance! A number of vendors will be at the native plant market to sell a variety of native plants ranging from grasses to wildflowers. Learn more about what each plant vendor will be offering at the market:

• Prairie Restorations
• Dragonfly Gardens
• Cedar Hill Natives
• Natural Shore Technologies
• Minnesota Native Landscapes
• Naturally Wild

Please note that Out Back Nursery will not be able to make the event this year.This is a cash/check-and-carry event so bring a box to make it easier to carry your plants home.

Eco Fun Fest

After buying plants, spend some time with your family at the Eco Fun Fest. Visit the Zoo Mobile and view live animals, take a bird walk with the Audubon Society, join the herpetology society for an up-close look at reptiles, watch the honeybee hive, participate in a plant walk or watch your kids as they learn how to climb a tree with a rope and saddle. (Guardians will need to sign a liability waiver for their child to participate in the tree climbing.) Master gardeners, tree care advisors, the Audubon Society and watershed district representatives will be available to answer your plant, tree, bird and surface water questions. Hot dogs and chips will be available for purchase. What to bring:

• Cash or checks for plant purchases.
• A box to carry away your new landscape treasures.
• Your own water bottle, so you remember to hydrate.
• Rain gear if rain is predicted. This is a rain-or-shine event, although it may be cancelled if there is severe weather.

Schedule of events

Native Plant Market 
3–7 p.m.
Prairie Restorations, Dragonfly Gardens, Cedar Hill Natives,Natural Shore Technologies, Minnesota Native Landscapes, and Naturally Wild and will be at the native plant market to sell a variety of native plants ranging from grasses to wildflowers. Please note that Out Back Nursery will not be able to make the event this year.

Zoo Mobile 
Minnesota Zoo
4–6 p.m.
See native and exotic animals. 

Reptiles and Amphibians
Minnesota Herpetological Society3–7 p.m.
Visit and touch some cold-blooded critters.Honeybee Pollinator DisplayUniversity of Minnesota Bell Museum
4–6 p.m.
View and learn about honeybees.

Tree Climbing Activity
Minnesota Society of Arborculture
3:30–7 p.m.
Kids can learn to climb a tree with a rope and saddle. Guardian signature on liability waiver required for participation.

Bird Walk
George Skinner and Anne Hanley
6–7 p.m.
Look for resident birds and late migrants. Meet at Audubon Society table in information tent.

Native Plant Walk 
5–6 p.m.
Learn about plants and restoration progress. Led by Janet Van Sloun, restoration specialist. Leave from intersection above outdoor amphitheater

Free Native Plants to the first 150 visitors
3–7 p.m.
Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) plugs will be available. Limit one per person. Sign up to win a native plant starter garden. 

Information Tent
3–7 p.m.

• Audubon Society
• Blue Thumb display
• Master Naturalists
• Master Gardeners
• Tree Care Advisors
• Tree House of Horrors
• Nine Mile Creek Watershed District
• Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
• Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District
• Heather Holm, native plant gardener