While fall is often overlooked as a planting season, it is actually one of the best times to add new native perennials to your landscape. Garden centers frequently offer great end-of-season deals, and the cooler temperatures combined with fall rains create ideal conditions for strong root growth. Planting in the fall gives perennials time to establish before winter, setting them up for a healthy and vibrant start the following spring.

NEW! How does your septic system really work, and what can you do as a homeowner to protect this important investment? Participants will learn simple steps that can help extend the life of a septic system, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Whether you are a new homeowner or have had a system for years, this session will provide valuable information to help keep your septic system working properly for the long term.

NEW! Shrubs and trees can become a favorite food source for wildlife during the winter months. This workshop will explore practical strategies for protecting your plants from deer, rabbits, and other chewing critters throughout the winter season. Participants will learn simple, effective techniques that can help prevent damage, preserve the health of trees and shrubs, and save time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Join us at the St. Cloud State Planetarium, a dome-shaped theater, for a fascinating educational film paired with a live Current Night Sky presentation using the star ball projector. These programs are perfect for curious minds of all ages and are a fun and engaging way to explore science together. The Sun: Our Living Star (September 28th, November 17th, December 8th) - Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and the collaboration between scientists from all over the world, we know more about the Sun than ever before. This movie features highly detailed imagery of the Sun’s surface and explores the effects that energy from the Sun has on planet Earth. Back to the Moon for Good (October 20th, December 2nd) - Learn about what human's exploration of the Moon has taught us about it's origin, composition, and structure, as well as how we can use the Moon’s resources to aid in our scientific exploration on Earth and beyond. The Planetarium is located in the lower level of the Robert H. Wick Science Building on SCSU campus. Parking is available across the street in the Eastman Lot for a flat fee of $3.00 (cash, card, or Flowbird app accepted.) A map will be emailed to participants prior to the program date.

We like ice on our lakes for fishing but not on our driveways causing slipping. The most common technique to get rid of it is using salt, but the overapplication of salt is causing pollution problems in our bodies of water. Chloride is a pollutant that’s almost impossible to remove once it’s in a lake or stream. Road and sidewalk safety is a must, but it doesn’t have to come at the price of good water quality. Join us to learn about the chloride problem and how you can make a difference.

NEW! This workshop will cover strategies, practical techniques, and helpful tips for successfully identifying, controlling, and eradicating this stubborn invasive species We will also discuss which trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers make the best replacements to help outcompete buckthorn regrowth while improving habitat, biodiversity, and overall landscape health.

The Sauk River is an amazing connected ecosystem with a wide variety of plants and animals calling this habitat home. Discover all of the careful planning and work going into protecting and improving this water resources now and for future generations and why it matters to you.