2025 Gardens and Gazing on St. Joseph Ridge

Register Below

Families, nature lovers, and stargazers are invited to a special evening of discovery and connection with nature at the popular Gardens and Gazing event hosted by Mississippi Valley Conservancy, in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society.
Taking place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., this free event offers a rare opportunity to explore the serene gardens and protected farmland and woods at FSPA land, with guided experiences and hands-on activities for all ages. This Linked to the Land event is provided at no cost thanks to the support of Olson Solar Energy and WXOW News 19.

The evening begins with a walking tour of their beautiful gardens, led by FSPA guides, who will share the inspiring story of how the sisters care for the land and grow food that supports local communities, and how their green burial sites are providing a more natural approach at the end of life. Visitors will also learn about the long-standing stewardship values behind this 200-acre property, which the Franciscan Sisters purchased in 1895 and have protected ever since. 

In addition to the garden tour, a guided hike will lead guests along a scenic woodland trail to a ridgetop with sweeping views of the Driftless Area’s bluffs and valleys—just in time for sunset. As night falls, members of the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will provide telescopes and expertise for viewing the stars and constellations in the late summer sky.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds prior to the event starting at 5:30. To round out the evening, guests can enjoy light refreshments and snacks as they prepare to enjoy the night sky.

Advance registration is required by September 17. Details, directions, and registration for this FREE event are on the Events page at MississippiValleyConservancy.org/events. It will be held at FSPA Land, St. Joseph Ridge, W2658 State Hwy 33 Trunk, La Crosse, WI.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with the land, the sky, and a community that values both.

With questions, contact Karen Solverson at [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8.
 

Sign-up at the bottom of this page prior to September 17 so we can plan for the event.

Proposed timeline:

5:00             Arrive, park, and gather at Quonset hut

5:30 - 5:45 Refreshments, and introduction to MVC & FSPA 

5:45 – 6:45, then 6:45 – 7:45

            Two one-hour station options for tours – people can pick one or do both

STATION 1: Garden/grounds tour and FSPA land history and natural burial cemetery 

STATION 2: Hike and habitat tour

6:30-7:45            Free time to relax and get situated for stargazing, enjoy cookies, lemonade, ice water, and some salty snacks in the Quonset hut

7:09                    Sunset

7:45 – 9pm         Stargazing with help from La Crosse Astronomical Society

(PHOTO: Participant enjoy the ridgetop view on a prior Gardens and Gazing hike. Photo by Karen Solverson.)