On September 20 the public is invited to join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Friends of the Wild Flower Garden in an event commemorating the completion of a lovely new section of boardwalk in Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden.
Open since late July, the boardwalk adds a simple, graceful amenity to Theodore Wirth Regional Park. It crosses two channels and features an expanded bridge with a bench and camera stands looking toward Mallard Pond. The new bridge will be dedicated to former Gardener Cary George in a short ceremony beginning at 3:30 pm.
The boardwalk’s decking is made from ash trees harvested as part of the MPRB Forestry Department’s Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness Program. Finding a creative way to reuse the harvested ash is a wonderful example of the commitment to sustainability fostered at the wildflower garden and throughout Minneapolis parks. The ash was custom-milled and sent to a processor for heat treatment to make it suitable for outdoor use.
MPRB would like to thank the Friends of the Wild Flower Garden for its steadfast support and fundraising that made this project possible. This is just the first section of new boardwalk that will eventually wind throughout the wildflower garden’s wetlands. Please visit the Friends of the Wild Flower Garden donation page to support the next phase of the project.
Stop by anytime 3-5 pm September 20 and enjoy comfortable access to the peaceful, quiet wetlands as summer fades into fall. Fans of the wildflower garden may also be interested in the dozens of programs, classes and activities offered at Eloise Butler in September and October. Please check out the fall program guide for details.
For more information on the boardwalk bridge dedication or fall programs offered at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden please contact Susan Wilkins at 612-370-4863 or swilkins@minneapolisparks.org.