Friends of Gottfried Prairie & Arboretum

Tour of the Prairie 2025 – April
2025-04-12 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
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.

Sky Dance in the Prairie
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
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.

Spring has Sprung Luminary Hike
2025-03-22 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
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.

Fall in Love in the Prairie
2025-02-13 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
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)

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.

Winter Wreath Making Class
2024-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Do you want to create a beautiful fresh evergreen wreath with native plant material from the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum?
We are bringing back our popular wreath-making class so join us December 7th from 1pm-3pm to create a 12″ wreath masterpiece!
Come early by 12:30 pm to gather prairie elements like seed heads and dried flowers or grasses that you would like to add to your wreath. Balsam boughs and other evergreen materials will be provided.
Space is limited to 10 people so pre-registration is required by calling 920-960-0840. Please bring along a pruning shears and gloves plus $30 to cover materials.

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

7th Annual Luminary Hike
2024-11-02 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Join us for our annual family-friendly luminary hike. All ages are welcome!

This year’s theme: The Grog Strikes Back!

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 such as the sun and moon; prickly pear cactus; 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 former UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus ).

Seed Collection Workshop 2024
2024-10-19 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
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 former UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac buildings.

THIS WORKSHOP IS CANCELLED IN THE EVENT OF RAIN OR RECENT RAIN. Seeds cannot be collected wet. Rain date would be Sunday, October 20th.

Tour of the Prairie 2024 – October
2024-10-12 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States

Goin' Batty in the Prairie
2024-09-21 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Join us to learn more about bats in Wisconsin. After a brief presentation, there will be about a hour walk exploring and listening for bats using echolocation devices.
What to wear: Walking shoes and appropriate attire. Hopefully there will be lots of mosquitos!
Please note: Event will be cancelled if it’s too windy or rain.
This event is led by UW-Oshkosh Senior Lecturer Shannon Davis-Foust, Biology and Environmental Studies.
Meet at the Gottfried Shelter, east parking lot of the Fond du Lac County Campus.

Tree (trans)Planting Workshop
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum offer this free workshop that follows a Prairie Tour at 9 am. Learn how to transplant a Red Cedar Tree from the property to the Arboretum to create a Cedar Glade.
Meet at the Gottfried shelter, East parking lot of the Fond du Lac County Campus. No tools, equipment or experience necessary. Garden gloves and sturdy footwear or hiking boots would be helpful for walking a distance on uneven surfaces. Weather and conditions permitting.

Tour of the Prairie 2024 – September
2024-09-14 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States

Tour of the Prairie 2024 – August
2024-08-10 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States

Prairie Fest -Fly Above the Prairie!
2024-08-03 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Celebrate nature with yoga, prairie tours, environmental education displays, short nature pop-up presentations, and a monarch butterfly release at this year’s Prairie Fest on Saturday, August 3rd from 9:00 AM – Noon at the beautiful Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, adjacent to the former UW-Oshkosh -Fond du Lac Campus.
Prairie Fest is a FREE family-oriented environmental education event with activities for all ages. Enjoy this video overview: Prairie Fest

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE as of 6/28/24:

For EARLY BIRDS enjoy:
-Bird hike with Lisa Mick from UWO & Friends of the Gottfried @ 8 a.m.-Yoga in the Prairie Featuring Lucy Mathers @ 8:30 a.m.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DISPLAYS from 9:00 a.m. – noon
Learn about pollinators, flyers, native plants, cranes, and other nature and sustainable topics from:-WI Dragonfly Society-Randy Peterson, Artist and Monarch Enthusiast-Wild Ones-Audubon-International Crane Foundation
-Amanda Abramovich Local Legacy-CSA (Congregation of Sisters of St Agnes)-Fond du Lac Public Library-Citizens Climate Lobby-Earth Justice Now-The Loop-Historical Society

GUIDED TOURS:
10:00 am: Native Plant ID Walk.Learn about native plants and how to identify them.

11:00 am: Family/Kids WalkSearch for dragonflies -Get the whole family out in nature, strollers, and wagons welcome.

NATURE POP-UP TALKS (20-25 mins):
-9:30 a.m.What is Bird City Fond du Lac? by Laura DeGlier
Learn more about where do we find birds in Fond du Lac, how does the city support this effort, why does it matter, and how you can get involved.

-10:30 a.m.The Fascinating Life of Dragonflies and Damselflies by Edgar Spalding and Jessie Seiders from the WI Dragonfly Society
Learn about the different species of dragonflies and damselflies and try to catch one near our ponds during the family/kids walk at 11 a.m.

-11:30 a.m.Monarch Butterflies, Their Amazing Life Cycle, Migration and How We can Help Them Flourish by Randy Peterson
Learn about the monarch butterfly life cycle with large and lifelike sculptures Randy has created. Learn about little-known facts of these beloved insects and successful techniques for planting milkweed and flowers to help fuel the Monarchs great migration.

OTHER FUN KIDS ACTIVITIES from 9:00 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 Amy from Perspective Studios-Kids arts and crafts

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES Released into Prairie -Noon -12:15ish

Live music from 10:00 am-11:30 am.

Prairie Fest is presented FREE to the public thanks to our sponsors: Fond du Lac Area Foundation and Fond du Lac Evening Optimist Club.

Tour of the Prairie 2024 – July
2024-07-13 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States

Father's Day with the Fireflies
2024-06-15 20:30 - 22:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Join us for a Father’s Day walk through the prairie looking for fireflies. Meet at the Shelter and the group will head out around dusk. Lead by Douglas Stadler. Bring a flashlight if you wish.

Tour of the Prairie 2024 – June
2024-06-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States

Make and Take with Mom in the Prairie
2024-05-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Does mom like plants? Kids of all ages come and make native seed balls for your mom! Just plant, water, and watch them grow! Meet at the UWO-Fond du Lac maintenance garage west of the big hill. There will be signage directing location.

Tour of the Prairie 2024 - May
2024-05-11 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
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 2024 – April
2024-04-13 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States

Tour of the Prairie
2023-11-11 08:00 - 09:00, 2023-10-14 08:00 - 09:00, 2023-09-09 08:00 - 09:00, 2023-07-08 08:00 - 09:00, 2023-06-10 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Join us for a tour through the prairie, around the ponds, and take in the splendor of the Master Gardeners’ plot. Each Tour will begin at the Shelter and take approximately 1 hour. Tours will be every 2nd Saturday of the month (winter tours are tentative).

6th Annual Luminary Hike
2023-11-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
RESCHEDULED RAIN DATE!

Join us for our annual family-friendly luminary hike. This year’s theme: Grog-n-Tales

Take a self guided hike through the arboretum and prairie edge luminated trails. Stop to hear short stories from some fun characters such as a bat, turtle, stink bug and the sun!
Please start at the Gottfried shelter (east parking lot adjacent to UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac). The hike will take place on a gravel trail and grass.
Grog (cider & cranberry juice), regular cider and popcorn will be available. Donations going towards Gottfried Prairie educational programs are encouraged.
All ages are welcome!

Seed Collection Workshop 2023
2023-10-15 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
RAIN DATE!

Take a piece of the Gottfried home with you!

The Gottfried Prairie is a hidden gem: a successful 50-acre prairie restoration adjacent to the UWO-Fond du Lac campus. Most of the species originated from the last remaining prairie remnants around Fond du Lac County. This workshop is for landowners who wish to collect prairie wildflower and grass 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 UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac.

THIS WORKSHOP IS CANCELLED IN THE EVENT OF RAIN OR RECENT RAIN. Seeds cannot be collected wet. **RAIN DATE: Sunday October 15th, same time***

Tour of the Prairie
2023-08-12 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | WI

Prairie Fest 2023
2023-08-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Campus, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Thanks for being our friend of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum! Celebrate nature with yoga, prairie tours, environmental education displays, short nature pop-up presentations, and a monarch butterfly release at this year’s Prairie Fest on Saturday, August 5th from 9:00 AM – Noon at the beautiful Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, adjacent to the UW-Oshkosh -Fond du Lac Campus.
Prairie Fest is a FREE family-oriented environmental education event with activities for all ages.

Preliminary Schedule:

For Early Birds, at 8:00 am, enjoy:
-Yoga in the Prairie Featuring Lucy Mathers or
-Bird hike with Lisa Mick from UWO-Fond du Lac

Guided Tours:
10:00 am: Native Plant ID Walk with Native Niche. Learn about native plants and how to identify them.
11:00 am: Family/Kids Walk and Introduction to the Bug Brigade -Get the whole family out in nature, strollers, and wagons welcome.

Environmental Education Displays from 9:00 a.m. – noon
-Wild Ones
-Audubon and International Crane Foundation
-UW Oshkosh Sustainability
-Native Niche
-CSA
-Fond du Lac Public Library
-Thelma
-Citizens Climate Lobby
-Earth Justice Now
-The Loop
-Brother Town Indians
-Tallgrass – prairie plot seeds
-Historical Society

Nature Pop-up Talks:
-9:30 a.m.
Brad Spanbauer from UWO- Sustainability
-10:30 a.m.
Shannon Davis -Foust from the Wild Ones -Benefits of native landscaping & how to get started
-11:30 a.m.
Alicia Ward from the International Crane Foundation – History with Whooping Cranes
Other Fun Kids Activities:
9:00 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 Amy from Perspective Studios
-Kids arts and crafts

Noon:
Monarch Butterflies Released

Prairie Fest is presented FREE to the public thanks to our sponsors: Fond du Lac Area Foundation, Flood Family Foundation and Fond du Lac Evening Optimist Club

Father's Day with the Fireflies
2023-06-17 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Join us for a Father’s Day walk through the prairie looking for fireflies. Meet at the Shelter and the group will head out around dusk. Lead by Douglas Stadler
