Classes on the Go! Garden & Horticulture by Tram

Instructors: Annie Klodd, Manager of Interpretation and Visitor Learning, Laura Vogel, Manager of Adult Education, Jake Lavigne, Gardener at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Leila Jacobson, resident bird expert on the Natural Resources team.

Experience the Arboretum like never before! Step aboard the tram for an exclusive special access evening of rolling discovery! Guided by our resident experts, you'll travel through the grounds, stopping along the way to discover and explore Minnesota's beautiful, shifting seasons. Each month dives into a different theme; check out the schedule and sign up for your favorites.

Aug. 20: Minnesota Fruit Harvest - cancelled*
Learn more about our spectacular Minnesota apples and grapes! Join Annie and horticulture research staff as you:

• Learn about the University of Minnesota’s research program for apples and grapes
• Tour the vineyard and orchard at the Farm at the Arb, learning about cultivars, management, harvest and more 

Sept. 17: Late Summer Flora and Fauna (formerly Evening Prairie Exploration)
Be immersed in the beauty of the late summer prairie at sunset and learn about the myriad of wildlife and native plants that call the Arboretum their home.  Led by Laura, Jake and Leila you will:

• Learn about prairie ecosystems and the history of our own Bennett Johnson Prairie at the Arboretum
• Tour the prairie, stopping to identify and admire unique species 
• Try to spot local Minnesota wildlife like sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, foxes and more
• Tour the Garden for Wildlife to get fresh ideas on making your garden an oasis for birds and pollinators

Oct. 15: Fall Color Tree Study
Join us for a deep dive into the most popular season at the Arboretum! Led by Laura and Arboretum curatorial staff, you will learn:

• Learn the fascinating plant physiology behind the colorful changes of our deciduous tree species
• Tour our most colorful fall vistas and be introduced to the tree species responsible for the beautiful display 

Please note:  As Minnesotans know, Mother Nature can be unpredictable…that is the joy and spontaneity of nature, and of these explorations. The tram will run during most weather conditions, so please dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of unsafe weather, you will be notified regarding any cancellation or reschedule.

Instructors: 

Annie Klodd is the Manager of Visitor Learning at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Her collective experience spans the field of plant ecology in multiple ecosystems, as well as the science of fruit and vegetable production. Since 2015, Annie’s roles have focused on teaching public and professional audiences in these topics through a variety of delivery methods.

 
 

Laura Vogel is the Adult Education Manager and  ProHort Course Coordinator at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Her education includes a B.S. in Horticulture from Purdue University and an M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Delaware. Laura has worked in the horticulture field across two decades and seven states, from retail and production to research and education. 

 
 

Jake LaVigne is a Gardener at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum who has worked with the Natural Lands team since 2017. He helps to maintain the Bennet-Johnson Prairie, the Dayton Woodland Wildflower Garden and the Johanna Frerichs Garden for Wildlife. When he isn't helping native plants to thrive, he strives to keep invasive species at bay. In his spare time, Jake writes fiction, plays board games and is teaching himself taxidermy.

Leila Jacobson is the resident bird expert on the Natural Resources team. Bio coming soon.