Friends of Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum

Winter Luminary Hike-CANCELLED
2025-01-25 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
NOTICE: ***Due to windy conditions and low temperature wind chills this afternoon and evening, the Winter Luminary Hike, is CANCELLED for this evening and will be postponed to late winter/early spring. Stay tuned for details. ****

Join us for our first winter luminary hike! Check out the Gottfried in the winter – hopefully we will have snow!

Take a self guided hike through the arboretum and prairie edge luminated trails. All ages are welcome! Please start at the Gottfried shelter (east parking lot adjacent to the Fond du Lac County campus ).
After or before your hike, warm up with some hot chocolate or apple cider.

Donations going towards Gottfried Prairie educational programs are encouraged.

Fall in Love in the Prairie
2025-02-13 18:30 - 19:30
We all love the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, a hidden gem in Fond du Lac County! It is a place for visitors to enjoy solitude, quiet time, and observe nature. The Gottfried Prairie has over 78 identified species of native forbs (flowers) plus native grasses and sedges. Most of these species originated from the last prairie remnants around Fond du Lac County
Do you want to create your own small (or large) prairie garden? Or just learn about native plants? Would you like to get started with adding natives to your property but feel unsure where to start?
In this workshop, you will learn about good starter species and plant combinations to get your project going. A discussion of soil types and moisture conditions will be addressed.
Reasons to plant natives? Prairies and native plants provide:

Wildlife habitat-home to grassland birds, butterflies and many other beneficial insects.
Protect and enhance species diversity.
The grass and wildflower root systems help to rebuild our soils.

In addition, learn about the beautiful native plants we have available during our annual native plant sale. Pre-order February to end of March.
This class is FREE! To help us determine the number of people interested for refreshments/snacks, please RSVP to info@gottfriedprairiearboretum.org. Thank you!

Updated Location of class:
Moraine Park Technical College
235 N National Ave, Fond du Lac WI 54935
Room C005 (park in Lot C, C1 entrance, room to the left of entrance)

Spring has Sprung Luminary Hike
2025-03-22 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for our Spring has Sprung luminary hike!
Take a self guided hike through the arboretum and pond luminated trails. All ages are welcome! Please start at the Gottfried shelter (east parking lot adjacent to the Fond du Lac County campus ).
After or before your hike, enjoy some apple cider and popcorn!
NOTE: Since it is March and spring, the trails might be a little wet so wear appropriate footwear.

Donations going towards Gottfried Prairie educational programs are encouraged.

Sky Dance in the Prairie
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:00
Come experience a spring sunset and watch for the “sky dance” display of the American Woodcock also known as Timberdoodle. These plump, short-legged birds resemble a small grouse or quail, but have long bills and are members of the sandpiper family. Males perform a twittering aerial display of spiraling flight and fluttering, tumbling descent to impress females.

Please join us by 7:30pm at the Gottfried shelter (east parking lot adjacent to the Fond du Lac County campus ). As a group, we will walk out to the prairie and listen for the Woodcock’s peenting (loud, short nasally calls) and experience this fascinating performance.

Tour of the Prairie 2025 – April
2025-04-12 09:00 - 10:00
Join us for a tour through the arboretum, prairie, and around the ponds. Discover something new each month! Each Tour will begin at the Shelter and take approximately 1 hour. Tours will be every 2nd Saturday of the month.

Tour of the Prairie 2025 - May
2025-05-10 09:00 - 10:00
Join us for a tour through the arboretum, prairie, and around the ponds. Discover something new each month! Each Tour will begin at the Shelter and take approximately 1 hour. Tours will be every 2nd Saturday of the month

Tour of the Prairie 2025 – June
2025-06-14 09:00 - 10:00
Join us for a tour through the arboretum, prairie, and around the ponds. Discover something new each month! Each Tour will begin at the Gottfried Shelter (east parking lot adjacent to Fond du Lac County Campus) and take approximately 1 hour. Tours will be every 2nd Saturday of the month.

Fathers & Fireflies 2025
2025-06-14 20:30 - 22:00
Join us for a Father’s Day walk through the prairie looking for fireflies. Meet at the Gottfried Shelter (east parking lot near the Fond du Lac County Campus). The group will head out around 8:30 pm. Firefly activity usually starts around 9:00 pm. Lead by Douglas Stadler. Bring a flashlight if you wish.

Tour of the Prairie 2025 – July
2025-07-12 09:00 - 10:00

Prairie Fest 2025
2025-08-02 08:00 - 12:00
https://gottfriedprairiearboretum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Prairie-Fest-2025-promo-video.mp4
Celebrate nature with yoga, prairie tours, environmental education and art displays, short nature pop-up presentations, and more at this year’s Prairie Fest on Saturday, August 2 from 8:00 AM – Noon at the beautiful Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, adjacent to the Fond du Lac County Campus.

Prairie Fest is a FREE family-oriented environmental education event with activities for all ages.

SCHEDULE as of 7/18/25:

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DISPLAYS from 8:00 a.m. – noonLearn about native plants, trees and shrubs; dragon flies; cranes; pollinators; small wild animals; history of area; climate change and other nature and sustainable topics from:-Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum
-WI Dragonfly Society-International Crane Foundation-Marsh Haven Nature Center-Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation-Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter-Fond du Lac County Audubon Society-CSA (Congregation of Sisters of St Agnes)-Fond du Lac Public Library-Citizens Climate Education-Sustain FDL-Earth Justice Now-The Loop-Twisted Warrior Yoga-Brothertown Indian Nation-Fond du Lac County Historical Society & Galloway House & Village
-Local Legacy (Native plant information and plants for sale)
-Johnson’s Nursery (Native plant information and plants for sale)

NATURE INSPIRED ART AND FOOD TO PURCHASE
-Hand-carved birds, mystical gnome houses from Joe Longo-Hand painted drawings and crafts from Mary’s Crafts
-Butterfly and dragonfly themed gifts and décor from Two Bear Originals-Bakery and beverages from Annie’s Fountain City Catering

GUIDED TOURS & YOGA8:00 am Bird hike with Lisa Mick from UWO & Friends of the Gottfried8:00 am Yoga in the Prairie Featuring Lucy Mathers, Twisted Warrior9:30 am Find-and-Identify Dragonfly walk by pond10:00 am: Native Plant ID Walk-Learn about native plants and how to identify them.

NATURE POP-UP TALKS (20-30 mins):-9:00 a.m.The Fascinating Life of Dragonflies and Damselflies by Edgar Spalding from the WI Dragonfly SocietyLearn about the lifecycle of dragonflies and damselflies in the context of the ponds at the Gottfried. Find out what field markers to look for when identifying species at the site. After the presentation, you’ll explore the ponds starting around 9:30 am to see what you can identify!-11:00 a.m.Native Trees and Shrubs with Ben French from Johnson’s Nursery
Learn about the different Wisconsin native trees and shrubs you can plant plus the insects, birds and mammals that benefit from them.

OTHER FUN KIDS ACTIVITIES from 8:00 am-noon:-Prairie Dog Challenge (Youth Obstacle Course). Venture through the Arboretum with zigs, zags, ups, and downs. Go through once or as many times as you can!-Face/arm painting by Perspective Studios-Kids arts and crafts including prairie hats, paper tambourines, bat masks and dragonfly crafts, Goosekazoos
-The Backyard Bug activity book for kids (limited supply, sponsored by the Fond du Lac Evening Optimists)

NEW this year: Kids & adult prairie hat parade at noon

LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC by Eddie Uttendorfer from 10am-11:30am (sponsored by the Fond du Lac Area Foundation)

Tour of the Prairie 2025 – August
2025-08-09 09:00 - 10:00

Tour of the Prairie 2025 – September
2025-09-13 09:00 - 10:00

Fall Native Tree, Shrub and Plant Sale through Johnson's Nursery
2025-09-22 08:00 - 2025-10-13 22:00
Support the Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum by participating in our fall native tree, shrub, and plant sale!

For a limited time, you can add beautiful, locally-adapted plants to your landscape. The best part? 15% of all sales through Johnson’s Nursery will directly fund future events and enhancements at the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum.

Planting in the fall gives your new trees and shrubs a head start, allowing their roots to establish themselves before the stress of summer heat and drought. It’s a win-win for your garden and our community!

Simply click on the following link to Johnson’s Nursery Online Plant Sales: https://www.jniplants.com/online-plant-sales. Click the Shop Now button to order. At checkout, in the “Shipping” section, select the Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum (FOGPA) as the drop off site so your plants get to the right place and the sale is credited to FOGPA.

Hurry! Sale Ends: October 13, 2025
Pick-up Day: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Pick-up Time: 8:00am – 2:00pm
Pick-up Location: Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum
400 University Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Tour of the Prairie 2025 – October
2025-10-11 09:00 - 10:00

Seed Collection Workshop 2025
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00
Take a piece of the Gottfried home with you! The Gottfried Prairie is a hidden gem: a successful 50-acre prairie restoration. Most of the species originated from the last remaining prairie remnants around Fond du Lac County. This workshop is great for landowners who wish to collect prairie seed for planting on their own property.

This is a free event sponsored by the Friends of the Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum and the Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter.

The first part of the session involves collecting seed in bags. Following seed collection the seed will be sorted and distributed amongst the participants. Bags will be supplied. Participants should bring a small snips or pruner and sharpie marker if they have one. A limited supply will be available.
Workshop leaders: Margie Winter and Shannon Davis-Foust

Meet at the Gottfried shelter located in the east parking lot adjacent to the Fond du Lac County Campus (former UW-Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Campus).

THIS WORKSHOP IS CANCELLED IN THE EVENT OF RAIN OR RECENT RAIN. Seeds cannot be collected wet. Rain date would be Sunday, October 19th.

CANCELLED! 8th Annual Fall Luminary Hike now November 8th
2025-11-08 18:30 - 20:30
DUE TO THE POSSIBLE RAIN/SNOW WITH WIND ON SATURDAY, WE ARE CANCELLING THE EVENT THIS YEAR. . Watch for new luminary hikes scheduled for 2026!

Join us for our annual family-friendly luminary hike. All ages are welcome!

Theme: Slog with the Grog!

Take a self guided hike through the arboretum and prairie edge luminated trails. The hike will take place on a gravel trail and grass. Along the way, stop to hear short stories from some fun characters including a squirrel, tree and scat!

Grog (cider & cranberry juice), regular cider, and popcorn will be available. Donations going towards Gottfried Prairie educational programs are encouraged.
Please start at the Gottfried shelter (east parking lot adjacent to the Fond du Lac County campus ).

Holiday Wreath, Container, and Swag Making- NEW TIME
2025-12-06 09:00 - 12:00
Do you want to create a beautiful fresh evergreen wreath, swag or decorate your own container with native plant material from the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum?
We are bringing back our popular wreath-making class with a twist so join us December 6th from 9AM-NOON to create a masterpiece!
Come early to gather prairie elements like seed heads and dried flowers or grasses that you would like to add to your 12″ wreath or swag or your own container. Balsam boughs and other evergreen materials will be provided.
COSTS: $30 for a balsam bough wreath or metal container provided by the Gottfried. $25 if you bring your own container. Max of 2 items to make.
Space is limited to 10 people so pre-registration is required by emailing info@gottfriedprairiearboretum.org. Please bring along a pruning shears and gloves.

Park in the South Parking lot of the Fond du Lac Campus and enter the Maintenance Building (circled on map).

2026 Winter Hike
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00
Don’t get stuck inside! Join us for a winter hike through the Prairie. This winter wonderland tour will leave from the Gottfried Prairie Shelter, east parking lot near Fond du Lac County Campus.
Snow shoes are welcome. Complementary cider and hot chocolate will be provided.

Tour of the Prairie 2026 – April
2026-04-11 09:00 - 10:00

Bluebird House Workshop – Welcome Spring with a Splash of Blue!
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00
Spring is finally here—and with it comes one of nature’s most breathtaking sights: the return of the dazzling Eastern Bluebird! Imagine spotting a flash of brilliant blue as the male bluebird, with his vibrant feathers and warm orange chest, claims his territory and sings to attract a mate. It’s a true sign that warmer days have arrived.
These charming birds thrive in open spaces like pastures, parks, golf courses, and backyards—but they need a little help from us. In the past, Eastern Bluebird populations declined due to habitat loss and fewer natural nesting spots. The good news? Thanks to people putting up bluebird houses, their numbers have been increasing!
✨ Now’s your chance to be part of that story!
Join us for a fun and interactive Bluebird House Workshop where you’ll:

Learn fascinating facts about Eastern Bluebirds
Discover how to attract them to your yard
Build your very own bluebird house to take home

🛠️ Event Details:
📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac WI 54937 (FCC Maintenance Building)
What to Know:

$10 per kit (includes wood and nails)
Limit of 10 kits – first come, first served!
Bring your own hammer
Great for ages 5 and up (adult supervision required for kids)

Whether you’re a bird lover, a DIY enthusiast, or just looking for a unique way to celebrate spring, this hands-on experience is sure to be a hit. Build, learn, and help bring more bluebirds back to our community—one house at a time!
To reserve a spot or two, email us at info@gottfriedprairiearboretum.org.

2026 Terra Luna Hike – Luminary Hike and Snipe Hunt
2026-04-25 19:00 - 21:00
Join us as the stars align for two celebratory hikes through the Prairie.
The first available hike will be a luminary hike celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day, and is self-guided.
A guided Snipe Hunt tour will start at 8 pm.
Both tours start from the Gottfried Prairie Shelter in the east parking lot near the Fond du Lac County Campus.
Complementary cider, hot chocolate, and popcorn will be provided.

Please note: Grounds may be wet, please bring appropriate footwear.

Tour of the Prairie 2026 - May
2026-05-09 09:00 - 10:00

Tour of the Prairie 2026 – June
2026-06-13 09:00 - 10:00

Fathers & Fireflies 2026
2026-06-20 20:30 - 21:30

Parade of Prairies
2026-07-11 08:30 - 15:30
Get Ready for the first-ever Parade of Prairies!
This summer, the Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum invite you on a journey through the heart of Fond du Lac County. We’re opening the gates to 5 of Fond du Lac County’s most stunning native landscapes, including the prairies of the Gottfried, Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, Laudolff Ledge Conservation Area, Bill Nettelhorst’s private prairie, and the Greenway Arboretum.
Why Join Us?

Be a Prairie Explorer: Discover hidden gems and private restorations
Your Pace, Your Way: Tour one, two, or conquer all of them! It’s the perfect summer Saturday road trip.
Nature in High-Def: From important pollinators to the “ocean” of tallgrass and wildflowers, see Wisconsin as it looked a century ago.
It’s Free! Donations are appreciated to bring more events like this to the community.

Download the attached Site Map, Schedule, and Prairie Guide! Parade of Prairies Final 6-24-26
Prairie Descriptions on page 2!

Things to remember to bring along for your prairie road trip:

Hat, sunscreen, bug/tick spray, appropriate clothing, and shoes for walking & being outside in warm weather
Reusable water bottle – some prairie hosts may have water available to fill your bottle
A packed or purchased lunch or snacks – We will be having a lunch break at Bill Nettelhorst’s art studio patio overlooking his prairie (#3 prairie site)

PLEASE NOTE:

Bathrooms are not available at these prairie sites. Extra time is scheduled between prairie visits to stop at gas stations for bathroom and refreshment breaks.
Please keep pets at home for your visit to all the prairies; leashed service animals only.

Connect with Nature - Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum Events Video
2026-07-14 - 2026-12-31

Prairie Fest 2026
2026-08-01 08:00 - 12:00
Prairie Fest is Moving Indoors—The Fun is Still On!

Mother Nature has decided our prairie needs a good drink of rain this Friday and Saturday, so Prairie Fest is moving INDOORS on August 1st to the Prairie Theater & Event Center!
Same location at 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac!

Celebrate nature with prairie tours, environmental education and art displays, short nature pop-up presentations, and more at this year’s Prairie Fest on Saturday, August 1, from 8:00 AM – Noon overlooking the beautiful Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum in the Prairie Theater and Event Center of the Fond du Lac County Campus.
Prairie Fest is a FREE family-oriented environmental education event with activities for all ages.

SCHEDULE as of 7/31/26:

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DISPLAYS from 8:00 a.m. – noon
Learn about native plants, butterflies, pollinators, cranes, small wild animals, the history of the area, and other nature & mindfulness related topics from:
-Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum
-Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter
-FDL Area Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Audubon)-International Crane Foundation-Marsh Haven Nature Center
-Mosquito Hill Nature Center-CSA (Congregation of Sisters of St Agnes)-Oshkosh/Fond du Lac Citizens’ Climate Education
-Earth Justice Now-InterTribal Lake Winnebago Mayom ~ Wild Rice Revitalization Project
-ParkWatch for Greenway Arboretum, Bird City Fond du Lac, and Water Warriors Monitoring Team-Fond du Lac County Historical Society
-The Arc Fond du Lac, Inc.
-Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Dept.
-Native Niche (restoration services, tools, and plants)
-Local Legacy (native plant information and plants for sale)-Prairie Revival (ecological services)

LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC from Edward Uttendorfer from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. (sponsored by Fond du Lac Area Foundation)

NATURE INSPIRED ART TO PURCHASE 8:00 a.m.-noon
-Hand-carved birds, mystical cottonwood bark houses from Joe Longo-Hand painted drawings and crafts from Mary’s Crafts-Nature inspired wood burns from The Wooden Well
GUIDED TOURS (if raining lightly, the tours may still happen or we will make them a pop-up talk instead)
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Guided mindful nature walk with Kelsey Beine, Lead with Light. Explore two different techniques to help you connect more deeply with nature – a mindful walk and walking meditation. Both invite you to use your senses to see, smell, hear, and feel the natural beauty around you. All are welcome!10:00 a.m.: Native Plant ID Walk-Learn about native plants and how to identify them with Amanda Abramovich, Local Legacy LLC

NATURE POP-UP TALKS (20-30 mins):
-9:30 a.m.Nifty Natives for Your Yard – Margie’s Favorites. Friends of the Gottfried board member, Margie Winter, will share some great native plant choices for your home landscape. Colorful native prairie plants can thrive in your yard and create a pocket of habitat for birds, butterflies and pollinators.
-10:00 a.m.Marsh Haven Nature Center presentation at booth – Wildlife of Marsh Haven
-10:30 a.m
So Many Legs! from Jackie Scharfenberg, retired DNR Environmental Educator/Naturalist. 6, 8, 14, 20, 100+ Why so many legs? As we sweep, poke and dig through the fields, we’ll uncover what creatures have so many legs and try to figure out why.

OTHER FUN KIDS ACTIVITIES from 8:00 a.m.-noon:
-Face/arm painting by Renee
-Kids arts and crafts featuring prairie hats and flower bracelets
-The Backyard Bug activity book for kids (limited supply, sponsored by the Fond du Lac Evening Optimists)
-Chalk zone (inside on cardboard)
-Big bubbles

**FEATURE ENTERTAINMENT** Join us for Randy Peterson’s high energy concert at 11:15 a.m. His shows are a fast-moving mix of music, humor and storytelling that are geared for kids, but which all ages enjoy! (sponsored by the Fond du Lac Evening Optimists)

For a video about Prairie Fest, check out the overall event page, first event post about all our events.

Tour of the Prairie 2026 – August
2026-08-08 09:00 - 10:00

Evening in the Prairie: Bats, Bugs & Stars
2026-08-21 20:00 - 22:30
Experience the prairie in a whole new light…or rather, under the stars!
As the sun sets, the prairie comes alive with creatures and sounds that many of us never notice. Join us for an unforgettable evening of discovery as we explore the wonders of the prairie after dark.
🦇 Listen to bats in real time! We will bring specialized bat sonar equipment that lets us hear the calls of bats flying overhead. Together, we’ll identify the different species that make the Gottfried Prairie their nighttime home.
✨ Explore the night sky. Astronomer Carey Woodward will guide us through the constellations and celestial wonders above. Using his telescope and expert knowledge, you’ll get an up-close look at the stars, planets, and other nighttime treasures.
🦋 See what insects come out after sunset. We’ll set up a black light and viewing sheet to attract fascinating nighttime insects. How many different species can we discover together?
🔥 End the evening with a gourmet S’mores Bar! Thanks to our generous event sponsor, Ripon Dough Co., you’ll enjoy roasting marshmallows and creating your own delicious s’more with graham crackers, cookies, and a variety of tasty fillings.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, curious about the night sky, or simply looking for a memorable family outing before school begins, this is a one-of-a-kind evening you won’t want to miss.
Friday, August 21, 2026
8:00–10:30 p.m. (approximately)
Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum
Come discover why the prairie never truly goes to sleep!
NOTE: The event is weather-dependent- watch for updates.

Tour of the Prairie 2026 – September
2026-09-12 09:00 - 10:00
