Gardens and Gazing Event

As summer begins to give way to fall, Mississippi Valley Conservancy invites the community to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience an unforgettable evening at a Gardens & Gazing Hike on Saturday, September 12 from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. Held in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society, this free Linked to the Land event combines gardens, scenic hiking, breathtaking views, and telescope-guided stargazing into one memorable experience.

The evening begins with a guided tour of the gardens at FSPA's St. Joseph Ridge property, where participants will learn about the sisters' thoughtful transition toward a no-till, organic, regenerative gardening model and the many ways they care for the land. Guests will also discover how food grown in the gardens supports local communities, learn about FSPA's green burial sites that offer a more natural approach at the end of life, and hear the inspiring story of the sisters' stewardship of this remarkable 200-acre property, which has been lovingly cared for since 1895.

From the no-till garden model, guests will enjoy a guided hike through peaceful woodlands to a scenic blufftop overlooking the Driftless Area. The tour will include a walk through a walnut plantation and restored prairies to a scenic overlook that hosts a remnant prairie. Near sunset, participants can take in sweeping views as the evening light settles across the valleys before darkness reveals a sky full of stars.

As night falls, members of the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society will share their knowledge of the night sky and provide telescopes for viewing stars, constellations, and other celestial objects visible on a late summer evening. Whether you're an experienced stargazer or simply curious about what lies beyond the horizon, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the wonders of the universe from one of the area's most scenic overlooks.

Light refreshments will be available as guests relax and enjoy the peaceful transition from daylight to darkness. This free event is made possible through the generosity of Mississippi Valley Conservancy's members and donors, along with support from WXOW News 19. Advance registration is required by September 9.

For details, directions, and registration, visit the Events page at MississippiValleyConservancy.org/events. Questions may be directed to Karen Solverson at [email protected] or 608-784-3606, ext. 8.

(Above: Hikers make their way through blooming prairie on a guided walk to a scenic blufftop overlook, soaking in the golden light of a summer evening at FSPA. (Photo by Karen Solverson)