See you on Wednesday, June 10, to support the Plant Conservation Program!
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees invites our community to gather for an evening that celebrates the beauty and power of plants to connect, inspire and sustain life. This year, we unite around a vital cause: conserving Minnesota’s native plants and advancing the Plant Conservation Program.
The Plant Conservation Program is dedicated to the protection and conservation of rare species of the upper Midwest and native orchids of Minnesota through research, seed banking, restoration and reintroduction. The team works to identify key species and populations and develop both in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies for an integrated approach to benefit these plants. Learn more about the program
Tickets
Tickets are now available for $325 for Individual tickets and $575 for Patron tickets.
- Individual: $325
- Patron: $575
- Presenting: $30,000
- Platinum: $20,000
- Gold: $10,000
- Silver: $5,000
Contact Austin Thomas, [email protected], for sponsorship inquiries.
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Plant Conservation Program protects what makes life possible: plants. This program safeguards Minnesota’s rare species and the ecosystems that sustain clean water, healthy soil, pollinators and wildlife. It does this through native plant rescue, propagation, seed banking and statewide education.
When native plants disappear, so do the intricate relationships that keep our natural world in balance. Protecting them isn’t only about preserving beauty — it’s about safeguarding the health, resilience and identity of our shared environment. When native plants disappear, entire ecosystems unravel. When we protect them, we strengthen the land, water and communities we call home.
Chair
Mary Ella Pratte
Special Advisor
Georgia Thompson
Members
- Jennifer Allen
- Elizabeth Berg
- Susan Campbell
- Linda Cutler
- Judy Fulk
- Kim Heiar
- Mimi Keating
- Simon May
- Jessica Reisman
- Ruth Ann Swanson
- Austin Thomas
Gala Sponsors
Thank you for your support of the 2026 Gala in the Gardens!
Presenting Sponsor
Anonymous
Platinum Sponsors
Nancy Jones
Jeannine Rivet & Warren Herreid II
Georgia & Jim Thompson
Gold Sponsors
Carmen & Jim Campbell
Lorin DeBonte
Silver Sponsors
Jennifer & Mark Allen and Judy & Howard Fulk
Linda & Ken Cutler
Robert & Debra Frimerman
Lori Johnson & James MacKay
Kathy & Steve Persian and Alene & Anthony Sussman
David & Ellen Phelps and Patrick & Andrea Bassett
Mary Ella Pratte & David Donahoo
Bachman's
Bailey Nurseries
Bolton & Menk
Hawkins, Inc.
Medical Alley
University of Minnesota Foundation
Relive the fun from past galas!
