2025
History
of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
and The Friends of the Wildflower Garden
2025 is the 119th year of the Garden, the 73rd year for the Friends and Susan Wilkins’ 22nd year as Garden Curator. Jennifer Olson began her fifth year as Friends President.
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Highlights of this year include the enhancements to staffed Garden positions supported by a Friends funding commitment; renovation work in the north meadow; a new name for FIPAG; the completion of Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Florilegium; the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) recognition of the Friends as a long-term supporting organization and the announcement of a renovation of the approach to the Wildflower Garden’s south entrance.
Elected MPRB Commissioners: The newly elected Commissioners of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) took office at the beginning of the year. Commissioner Tom Olson was chosen President of the Board.
Friends Board Meeting: A Friends board of directors meeting was held February 3 at the home of past president Pam Weiner. Director Steve Benson had retired last fall and two new director candidates were present and elected to the board - Joelle Hoeft and Mary Bolla. Melissa Hansen retired as volunteer coordinator and Wildflower Garden naturalist Debbie Keyes was introduced as her replacement.
Susan Wilkins reported that 17 wayfinding posts were being installed to help visitors find the Wildflower Garden from the Wirth Beach parking lot access. Historically, this was the way people found their way to the early Wildflower Garden before the current south entrance road was put in following the building of Theodore Wirth Parkway in 1910, or if they came by streetcar after 1910 as the line terminated at the beach. A large wayfinding sign giving directions was installed during the winter at the trail entrance from Wirth Beach. Four arborists were at work in the Garden over the winter trimming hazardous branches and trees that needed removal.
Below: Two posters promoting winter activities run by the Wildflower Garden from the Trailhead Building. This illustrates the type of programming that funding the winter naturalist program can put on. Images - MPRB.
The MPRB approved the creation of the permanent 3/4 time Garden Program Specialist position which Garden Curator Susan Wilkins had proposed last year. The Friends board discussed accepting financial contributions to help fund a second permanent 3/4 time Natural Resources position at the Garden so that a person could be active during the winter months and provide programs at the Trailhead center. While the MRPB debates making this current position a permanent part-time position, funding would be needed to support the 1/4 time needed for this to equal a full time position for the person currently in that role. This discussion was continued to the next meeting.
Below: Winter Storytime at the Trailhead and poster promoting it. More examples of winter progaming by the Garden staff. Images MPRB.
Jim Proctor, coordinator of the Friends Invasive Plant Action Group (FIPAG) increased the number of volunteer events by going to 2 per month all year long instead of just spring and fall. This not only allowed more to be accomplished but allowed volunteers to anticipate work dates since they would be the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month. To demonstrate what had been accomplished in the Volunteer Stewardship Area around the Garden, Jim led several hikes in January to learn what people envisioned as the future for the area.
Below: FIPAG volunteers clearing buckthorn in the area of Anwatin Pond. Photo Jim Proctor.
Below: A spring view of the area of "Anwatin" Pond showing the removal work. New growth that occurs on the cut plants is stripped off in summer. Photo Jim Proctor.
The MPRB refurbished and rededicated a bench on the entry path to the Garden Crone Shelter. The new memorial was for Craig Kruse.
The Friends board met on April 7th at Jennifer Olson’s house. In her report to the board, Susan Wilkins said that Kimberly Ishkov was hired for the ¾ time permanent Garden Program Specialist position. Returning naturalists this year were Keegan, Lynette and Debbie. Available subs were Maria, Katie, Jody and Cheyenne while Tammy Mercer continues as the birding naturalist. New is Lisette who is also a Spanish speaker. Fifty volunteers for the visitors shelter and the entry kiosk were to receive training the following week.
The wild turkeys were a continuing problem creating plant damage to new plantings. MPRB staff were attempting to see what solutions were available. Susan and Marilyn Garber of the Minnesota School of Botanical Art announced that the 111 drawings in the Eloise Butler Florilegium Project, begun in 2010 were now completed and two exhibitions were being developed for 2026.
In an example of unique Garden programing, the American Swedish Institute was collaborating with a Garden naturalist so kids could learn some Swedish words about nature and be part of a storytime program which was already sold out in advance. With a grant from the Hennepin History Museum, Blue Hummingbird Woman was coming to the Garden to lead two walks featuring medicinal plant information. Susan herself, was on the air on April 23 on a DNR webinar on the Garden’s ephemerals.
Susan asked the Friends to formally commit to supporting the Natural Resources Horticulturist position discussed in the winter section. The board approved funding the difference between the ¾ time cost and the full time cost for a period of 3 years after which there would be a reevaluation. An anonymous donor came forward with a 3-year pledge of $9,500 per year. This was accepted by MPRB resolution on April 16. (copy)
Treasurer Gary Bebeau presented a budget and the annual Minnesota Charities Report for approval. Both were approved and the Charities Report was filed.
Jim Proctor’s group, FIPAG, has continue to work the oak savanna area SE of Eloise Butler. After removal of buckthorn and other invasives reseeding with natives and some planting of native shrubs gets underway.
Below: FIPAG volunteers clearing roots and stripping growth from the remains of a buckthorn cut in the oak savanna area. Photo-Jim Proctor.
The discussion of changing the organization of the Friends to a supporter/donation organization instead of a membership plan was continued, picking up from discussions in 2024.
At the Garden, there was a burn of the prairie before the April 15 opening day. Garden staff were busy removing a quantity of vinca along Violet Way so that natives could be planted. Plants had been purchased and were ready for planting.
Below: Hillside along Violet Way after a section of non-native vinca was removed. Photo-MPRB.
The spring issue of The Fringed Gentian™, Volume 73 No. 1, featured articles about white-nose syndrome in bats, the background on how Eloise Butler began the Wildflower Garden, a review of the book Birding to Change the World, an interview with new Friends board member Joelle Hoeft, and notes on Steve Benson’s retirement. Susan Wilkins discussed rare plants in the Garden, and Jennifer Olson reviewed the Friends website.
The Friends held a summer board meeting on June 23 at Jennifer Olson’s house. The 50 volunteers for the shelter and the kiosk had been trained and 34 were frequently active. Susan reported that by June 1 the Garden had 17,000 visitor engagements, held 95 public programs with 1,500 participants.
Jim Proctor set up a meeting with MPRB and Garden staff with Dan Shaw senior ecologist and vegetation specialist for MN Board of Water and Soil Resources to discuss wetland restoration in the north meadow and surrounding area. Jim’s group (FIPAG) had started working in this area.
One of Jim’s volunteers, Gabriel Bertilson, discovered Kittentails growing in an area near the entrance road. Kittentails had not been in the Wildflower Garden since Cary George discovered a secluded group in Wirth Park and brought a few into the Garden in 1990. Eloise Butler had originally introduced them in 1912.
The board continued the discussion of becoming a supporter/donation organization with what changes to the bylaws were needed. Planning was started for the upcoming 2026 celebration of Eloise Butler’s 175st birthday.
The summer issue of The Fringed Gentian™ covered barn swallows, slime molds in the Garden, the confusing white-throated sparrow, FIPAG activity, spring events at the Garden and Jennifer Olson’s searching Minnesota for rare plants.
Below: Evening star party talk in the Garden. Photo-MPRB.
Recognition of the Friends: On Thursday evening July 17 the leadership of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) held an event celebrating the work of the Friends of the Wildflower Garden over the past decades.
Superintendent Al Bangoura specifically highlighted two recent efforts - the Friends $95,000 contribution for completing the new fencing on the east side of the Wildflower Garden and the 20 years of effort of the Friends Invasive Plant Action Group (FIPAG), initiated and led by Jim Proctor, in removing invasives and restoring native habitat in the Volunteer Stewardship Area surrounding the Garden. Fittingly, the event was held on the southeast hillside next to the new fence and overlooking the hillside where the volunteers of FIPAG have been restoring the oak savanna habitat that once covered that area of the Wirth Park.
Besides Mr. Bangoura, Commissioner Meg Forney, Friends President Jennifer Olson and Jim Proctor spoke, followed by a tour of the restoration area led by Jim Proctor.
Below: MPRB Commissioner Meg Forney speaking at the Friends celebration. Superintendent Al Bangoura at right. Photo G D Bebeau.
FIPAG has a new name. The Friends Invasive Plant Action Group (FIPAG) was officially formed in 2007 with the leadership and industriousness of Jim Proctor. The purpose of the group was to protect the Garden itself from the influx of invasives from the buffer zone around the Wildflower Garden.
It was now announced that the Volunteer Stewardship Area (the old buffer zone) which surrounds the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden has been renamed "The Greater Eloise Volunteer Stewardship Area." Improving the natural habitat in this area which buffers the Wildflower Garden has been the focus of the Friends Invasive Plant Action Group (FIPAG) since 2007. In accord with the renamed area, FIPAG volunteers will now be called "Greater Eloise Stewards.”
The Greater Eloise Stewards have been busy every month this year primarily east and southeast of the Wildflower Garden, clearing buckthorn, garlic mustard, planting, protecting the slopes with wattles and controlling new buckthorn growth.
The photo below shows the development of the area tentatively named “Anwatin savanna,” near a large pond with all the non-native woody plants removed or cutback for further treatment. Seeds of dozens of species that were spread in the fall and over the winter have germinated on the green slopes.
Below: Summer 2025 panoramic photo of the area. [Larger photo]
In late summer The Greater Eloise Stewards were uncovering parts of the past in the meadow north of the Wildflower Garden’s back fence and gate. This area was once open marsh and meadow with scattered trees on higher spots. It was kept moist by springs, seeps and water draining from Eloise Butler’s wildflower reserve. In recent decades views of the area have been obscured by the growth of dense forests of buckthorn. The paths in the area which lead to the Garden’s back gate, once a tunnel of buckthorn are now being cleared so the native plants that once were abundant there can receive sunlight and regenerate or be re-introduced as necessary. Historically, this is the area where Eloise Butler created her Mallard Pool in 1932.
Below: GES (FIPAG) volunteers at work in the north meadow clearing buckthorn. Photo-Jim Proctor.
Jim Proctor wrote to the GES volunteers: In a wetland, buckthorn and other woody plants act like straws, drawing water out of the soil and releasing it into the air (a process called evapotranspiration). Removing them helps restore the natural hydrology of the site. We need to restore permanent soil saturation near the soil surface to stop the decay of any remaining peat in these wetlands.
Peatlands store more carbon than any other landscape, but their decay releases powerful greenhouse gases. We hope to reverse the trend here. In Eloise Butler's time, well-known and beloved springs poured into these wetlands. Although the "Great Medicine Spring" and the "Bubbler" are gone now, the area is still dotted with small groundwater seeps lower down. These seeps certainly aren't as active as they once were, but our actions should help. As we address the phenomena that are exporting water too quickly from the system, they just might get more active again!
Below: American mink in the wetland at the Wildflower Garden in 2025. Photo MPRB.
As part of the Friends position to support funding the Natural Resources Horticulturist position as discussed above, $9,500 was forwarded from the Friends to the Garden in September, funds from an anonymous donor. A second anonymous doner came forward to support the project, pledging $15,000 per year. This donor pledged to provide support for a two year period 2025/26 and 2026/2027. The pledge of the 2nd donor was accepted by MPRB resolution on September 25. (copy)
A Friends board meeting was held on September 29th at Jennifer Olson’s house. A new project was being planned by MPRB to renovate the approach to the Wildflower Garden’s south (main) entrance. Michael Jones, design project manager for the entrance project, was present and showed drawings of the two alternate proposed design concepts.
Below: Alternate entrance plan concept #1. Concept #2 is shown later in the text. Drawing MPRB.
The board was highly favorable of the project, most of which would be funded by MPRB. Later, in November, Jennifer Olson wrote an approval letter to the MPRB superintendent and commissioners giving the Friends approval of the concept. Mr. Jones held several public opportunities to see and comment on the plans on October 2 and October 4 at the Garden. In addition an online survey was carried out. He then made a formal request to the Park Board on December 3, with Jennifer present and giving support. The project concept was cleared to proceed.
One document that may have moved the MPRB toward the front entrance project was the resolution of the Friends Board in November 2024 re-affirming the Friends opposition to the Garden Shelter Improvement Project which at that time, was still being worked on by MPRB planners. That resolution requested the MPRB to focus on the front entrance which had been a portion of the Shelter Project. (copy)
The board meeting had more discussion about the organization bylaw change.
Fall activity by GES volunteers involved work around the north meadow and seeding natives in the oak savanna.
Twelve volunteer Friends again staffed a table at the Horticulture Building at the Minnesota State Fair, the 3rd year of this display representing the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden.
In the fall issue of The Fringed Gentian™, Volume 73 No. 3, articles covered the boardwalk replacement in the Quaking Bog, mink in the Wildflower Garden, a review of Phyllis Root’s new book Chasing Wildflowers, the history of Maria Sibylla Merian, the first ecologist. Summer events at the Garden were covered along with a review of galls on the Garden plants.
The Annual Friends of the Wildflower Garden Guest Lecture and Meeting was Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7PM in the Fireside Room, Eddie Manderville Chalet, Theodore Wirth Regional Park. Phyllis Root spoke on her new book Chasing Wildflowers, describing her adventures of chasing wildflowers throughout their unique Minnesota habitats. Big Hill Books in Bryn Mawr was on hand selling Root's books and sold out all copies of the book.
Below: Phyllis Root discussing her new book Chasing Wildflowers at the Friends annual lecture. Photo G D Bebeau
At the end of the lecture, a meeting of the Friends members was opened. An election of directors took place, directors to serve until the next election. Following the meeting, the Friends board elected the officers. Directors and positions are shown in the following table.
| Director | Responsibility | 1st Year |
| Jennifer Olson | President | 2013 |
| Gary Bebeau | Treasurer | 2001 |
| Candyce Bartol | Secretary | 2014 |
| Colin Bartol | Newsletter editor | 2013 |
| Mary Bolla | at large | 2024 |
| Joelle Hoeft | at large | 2024 |
| Bruce Jarvis | at large | 2022 |
| Jim Proctor | Invasive Plant Group | 2005 |
| George Lawton | at large | 2022 |
| J. Pam Weiner | at large | 2001 |
| Susan Wilkins | Ex-officio | 2004 |
Another great volunteer event: Sunday October 26 was the date of the 2025 volunteer event sponsored by the Friends and the Wildflower Garden and the MPRB. Eighty volunteers were able to register for the event, held at 5PM at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church. The Friends provided food from Christo's, beverages by Friends board members, and over 60 raffle gifts. The Wildflower Garden provided dessert and a take-home gift, this year a pack of Garden notecards. Garden Curator spoke of this past season at the Garden, Friends president Jennifer Olson spoke, introduced special guests from the MPRB administration and conducted the raffle. A special quest was Michael Jones, MPRB planner, who presented the final design concept for the Wildflower Garden entrance area renovation.
Below: The 2025 Volunteer appreciation event, October 26. Photo G D Bebeau. [Large image]
The Minnesota School of Botanical Art announced in the fall that a Florilegium exhibit of 32 drawings would be held at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts January 3 to March 8 2026. Planning was also underway for a full exhibit of all drawings later in the year.
Release of concept plan for the Garden entrance renovation.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) released the preferred concept drawing for the major renovation of the entrance approach to the Wildflower Garden. This will be the first real change to this area since the steps were put in during 1975 and the current front gate constructed in 1990.
The purpose of this is outlined in the following MPRB project plan:
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Entrance Renovation Project looks to renovate and reimagine the entrance into the wildflower garden. This project will improve the entry experience and access from the beginning as soon as visitors exit off Theodore Wirth Parkway all the way through the garden gates. Areas of focus include:
1. Improved walking trails and ADA access to the garden entrance gate from the existing parking lot.
2. A public gathering space for outdoor learning and education.
3. Enhanced welcoming experience by bringing the garden beyond the renovated entrance gate.
The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Renovation Project will build upon the vision outlined with the 2015-approved Theodore Wirth Regional Park Plan. This project will also follow guidance by the 2022 community findings that were developed and recommendations at that time.
Two public meetings, an on-line survey, and an open house were held for interested parties to comment.
Below: Alternate concept plan #2, chosen by MPRB and approved by the Friends for the renovation of the Wildflower Garden entrance approach. Image courtesy MPRB. [Larger image]
Garden highlights of the year were these:
• 55,276 visitor engagements were logged half were at the Kiosk
• 272 volunteers provided over 2,000 hours at and around the Garden
• 5,500 persons participated in a Garden program
• Historical records are being digitized
• The winter bird count tallied 39 species.
Wrap-up of the year for the Friends:
Total Friends mission spending was $20,421 The funding included $2,335 for the educational program, $2,686 in volunteer support, $15,500 for the Naturalist Resources position support. As usual, administrative and fund raising expenses (2.6% of revenue) were funded from non-contribution revenue.
Support other than annual memberships during the year was $51,259 from 83 donors, the 2nd highest in Friends history. Annual membership support was $10,545 from 110 annual supporters.
The Friends membership has a large number of loyal long-time supporters:
| Tenure | Number |
| 50+ years | 2 |
| 40-49 years | 5 |
| 30-39 years | 20 |
| 20-29 years | 25 |
| 10-19 years | 45 |
The 50+ year supporters are Jerry and Lee Shannon, J. S. Futcher.
Memorials: Name plates added to the Eliason Honor Board in the Crone Shelter were for Clarance Shallbettter, June Ortendal & Dorothy Lucas, Tricia & Dale Thompson, Michelle Weigand with in-honor-of from her husband Sidney Gasner. That completed the 3rd memorial board at the shelter.
At the end of the year the Friends active paying membership was 115 plus 54 life members. Thirteen new members joined. Financial assets at year-end were $251,846. Financial assets increase or decrease from year to year depending on contribution inflow vs mission expense outflow. During the years 2001 to 2010 the Friends consistently put more funds into our program than were received as contributions, spending down assets. After 2016, the contributed funds increased in amount and turned into a surplus as the mission projects for the Wildflower Garden were more spaced out and funds needed to be accumulated to fund those projects. Recent projects where this was evident were the two boardwalk segments in 2015 and 2019 and the fencing in 2024. The entrance renovation project will be the next one.
Website: Website activity during the year:
• Average monthly visitor count: 67,320
• Average unique monthly visitor count: 47,008
• Average monthly number of web pages accessed: 104,635
Email’s announce all of our publications - 3 issues of The Fringed Gentian™, 440 receiving, 11 issues of Twig and Branches, 486 receiving.
Photo top of page: Information sign in the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden upland about Friends founder Clinton Odell. Photo G D Bebeau
Links to related pages:
- Abbreviated Life of Eloise Butler
- Martha Crone - 2nd Garden Curator
- Ken Avery - 3rd Curator and Gardener
- Cary George - 4th Gardener
- Our Native Plant Reserve - Short document on the origins of the Garden.
- Eloise Butler's writings, a selection of essays written by Eloise Butler on the early Garden years.
- Geography of the Garden- an illustrated tour
References:
Meeting Minutes and correspondence of the Friends of the Wildflower Garden.
Archive of the Friends Newsletter The Fringed Gentian™
Vol. 73 No. 1 Spring 2025, Colin Bartol, Editor
Vol. 73 No. 2 Summer 2025, Colin Bartol, Editor
Vol. 73 No. 3 Fall/Winter 2025, Colin Bartol, Editor