Historical Walk in Miller Woods

Waving prarie grasses, crowned by towering oak trees, once covered much of the land Hutchinson was built on.  A small protected remnant of original oak savanna can still be found in the northwest corner of the city.  Miller Woods, a 21-acre tract, is one of the few remaining transition zones in Minnesota, marking the end of the Big Woods to the east and the pairie to the west.

 

More than 30 years ago, John and Sedona Miller donated the natural woodland to the city.  John Miller, who died in 2006, attached covenants that forbid the introduction of any buildings, motorized vehicles, portable toilets or any similar modern convenience into the park.  Efforts have been made in recent years to preserve and restore Miller Woods.  In addition to the savanna's oaks, prairie flowers, grasses, and a butterfly garden add to the uniqueness of the area.

 

Hutchinson city forester Mark Schnobrich, joined by city parks coordinator Sara Witte, DNR private lands specialist Joe Stangel, and McLeod County Museum landscaper Lawrence Winter will walk us through the history of this rare ecosystem, answering questions about the unique native plants and trees.  We will start our tour at the McLeod County Museum's Meeting Room then walk to the Miller Woods.