Redwing blackbirds enjoy
the habitat around the Arboretum's ponds.
Click here for a larger image of the Gottfried Arboretum at UW-Fond du Lac.
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 42 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.
Connie Ramthun
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Two sessions: Noon or 6:30
Meet at the Gottfried Arboretum Shelter
We will be using Newcomb's Wildflower Guide to identify native wildflowers in the prairie. This guide uses a simple key system to take the guesswork out of wildflower identification for the nature lover with no formal botanical training.
Connie is the Education Coordinator for the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum. She has owned her own native plant nursery since 1983 and has been part of the Prairie and Arboretum since its inception.
Most programs run about one hour unless otherwise noted.
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