Walks With Matt: Wetland Walk at Green Heron Pond

Instructor: Matt Schuth, Naturalist, Author and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum expert for more than 40 years. Discover the awakening natural world around you through Matt's wealth of wisdom, trivia, and wit. Matt starts each walk with a show-and-tell from his collection of mammals, bird specimens, nests and eggs, for a hands-on experience of nature.

Explore the rich and vibrant ecosystem of Green Heron Trail as you journey to the boardwalk through the bog and marsh. Glide past still waters where hooded mergansers and wood ducks paddle, while great egrets and elusive green herons stalk the shallows. Overhead, flashes of scarlet tanagers and rose-breasted grosbeaks add bursts of color, while the songs of common yellowthroats and swamp sparrows fill the air. 

With the chance to spot 45 to 50 bird species on a good day, every step brings a new discovery. Along the way, we’ll also seek out the fascinating plant life that thrives in these wetlands, from the early unfurling of skunk cabbage to the carnivorous intrigue of pitcher plants and the elegant blooms of native irises. Join us for an unforgettable immersion into the sights and sounds of this unique habitat!

As you walk together, you will: 

• Explore the Arboretum’s beautiful and biologically diverse wetlands.
• Learn about the wildlife that calls the Arboretum home.

Weather: As Minnesotans know, Mother Nature can be unpredictable…that is the joy and spontaneity of nature, and of these explorations. Be prepared for the weather and a possible change of subject matter based on what Mother Nature has in store for participants during this session. Walks will run rain or shine, and will not be canceled due to weather unless extreme conditions cause safety concerns.

Bring from home (suggested)

• Binoculars
• Magnifying glass
• Water bottle
• Practical shoes for walking over uneven paths
• Dress for the weather