What's That Plant? Event is Back for Another year!

The What's That Plant? event is a week-long event that happens monthly from May through September 2023. No registrations are needed. Stop by at your leisure. Plant signs stay up all week!

Understanding what grows on and lives in our yards and parks will help us better understand how to keep our natural settings healthy. A diverse plant area can attract and support many more bees, birds, bugs, and butterflies than mowed lawns. As we develop more land, we lose diverse habitats, which means we lose habitats for bees, birds, bugs, and butterflies!

What: Trailside plant identification displays

Where: Browns Creek Trail starting at the Neal Ave Park 8312 Neal Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082 (View on map):

• Garden at the parking lot

• Trail east of the parking lot for 1/4 mile distance.

​When: Signs will be up throughout the first week of each month:​

• May 1st - 7th

• June 1st - 7th

• July 1st - 7th

• August 1st - 7th

• September 1st - 7th

​Why: Learn what plants are along the Gateway Browns Creek Trail

Why attend?

• CURIOSITY.

• If you wish to know what plants are along the trail, here is your chance!

• Watch for plant signage, try some plant ID apps, and follow these plants throughout the seasons.

​Plant ID apps to learn more about any plants (all are Android and iOS compatible)

• Picture This: Plants

• iNaturalist: plants and animals (i.e. bugs, birds, and bees)

• PlantNet

• PlantSnap

• LeafSnap

• Flora Incognita

• Google Lens

• Pinterest

• Seek

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?

All AGES! The path is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Great opportunity for outdoor classroom time! Leashed furry four-legged friends are also welcome!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?

A curiosity for the natural world!

• A smart device is handy for learning more, but not necessary for the event.

• Water to hydrate

• A good pair of walking shoes

I'M PLANNING A DAY TRIP, WHAT AMENITIES ARE NEARBY?

• Mobile restrooms, playground, and parking onsite

• The Brown's Creek State Trail is 5.9 miles long and connects the Gateway State Trail to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Stillwater. Situated on a former railroad grade, the trail is generally level and accessible to users of all abilities.

• Restaurants nearby in Stillwater

• Located 3.5 miles off Hwy 36 in Stillwater MN

I'M INTERESTED IN IDENTIFYING MORE PLANTS, WHERE DO I START?

Start with a smart device App! PictureThis or iNaturalist are great beginner Apps Download the app and snap a picture of your favorite plant-it’s as easy as that!