Now offered both online and in person
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 1-3 p.m.
Online or in person at the Arboretum; choose at registration.
How it works for online: Registered attendees will receive the link needed to join in their initial purchase confirmation by email. The Arboretum will also send a reminder email with the link a few days prior to the start date. Simply click the link at the webinar start time to join!
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center) or online via Zoom
Spring session in April will give you the information you need to begin your conversion to a bee lawn for the current season.
Are you interested in how to make your lawn more desirable to pollinators? This workshop will cover everything a homeowner needs to know about growing and maintaining a bee lawn. Jon Trappe and Kristine Moncada from the University of Minnesota will introduce what bee lawns are, what they mean for pollinators and the environment, as well as what has been learned from over 10 years of research for the best management practices for planting and maintaining bee lawns. At the end of the workshop, attendees will take a plant walk and view a few bee lawns at the Arboretum.
In this class you will:
- Identify the recommended species for bee lawns in Minnesota.
- Compare and contrast maintenance practices for bee lawns with traditional lawns.
- Learn how to establish and maintain a bee lawn.
- How to control pests in your bee lawn.
- Discover where to find bee lawn mixes you can purchase.
Supplies: Bee lawn seed sample bag will be provided.
Instructors:
Dr. Jon Trappe is the Turfgrass Extension Educator for the University of Minnesota. He has over 20 years of experience working in the turfgrass industry. He received his B.S. in Agronomy from Purdue University, M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, and Ph.D. in Agronomy from Purdue University. Jon is passionate about helping homeowners and professionals manage their turfgrass areas using fewer resources.
Kristine Moncada has been a researcher in the University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science since 2017. She works with the Turfgrass Science team on projects that include low input turf, lawn water conservation, native plants for roadsides, and bee lawns. She is an avid gardener with a passionate interest in pollinating insects.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: 3210 W 82nd St, Chanhassen, MN 55317
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Bee Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.