FAQ
What is the Arboretum?
Is the Arboretum public land?
How much does it cost to visit the Arboretum?
Can I walk my dog on the trails?
Where can I ride my bike?
How do I become a member?
What are the duties of becoming a member?
Do I have to be a graduate of CSB or SJU to become a member?
Do I have to be a member to come to your events?
Can I work at the Arboretum?
Can I volunteer at the Arboretum?
Where are your offices located?
Why are there always buses as the kiosk?
What's the story behind the kiosk?
Who was Father Paul?
I've heard your t-shirts are organic. What does that mean? How can I get one?
How can I hold a bonfire on campus or purchase firewood for a bonfire?
I saw an injured deer on campus! What should I do?
I want to use your logo on a t-shirt. How do I get it?
I have a special request for land use. Who do I contact?
Q: What is the Arboretum?
A: The Arboretum includes all seven lakes, the prairie, the oak savanna, and all the woodland in the 2830 acres around Saint John’s Abbey & University. It does not include the mowed and landscaped areas of the University. Arboretum land is owned by Saint John’s Abbey.
Q: Is the Arboretum public land?
A: No. The 2740 acres of land surrounding Saint John's Abbey & University is privately owned and managed by Saint John's Abbey. The Abbey welcomes the public to enjoy the trails and natural beauty of the land. For questions about land policies and land use, contact the Arboretum land manager, Tom Kroll.
Q: How much does it cost to visit the Arboretum?
A: To walk around the trails, nothing! We just ask that you do so during daylight hours and respect the land. To organize a tour for a larger group, please contact Sarah Gainey or Tom Kroll. If you are an educator, please check out our environmental education programs.
Q: Can I walk my dog on the trails?
A: No. Saint John’s Arboretum is a game refuge. No pets, bikes, or unauthorized vehicles are to be on the trails at anytime. Review our current pet policy.
Q: Where can I ride my bike?
A: You may ride your bike on any paved roads or trails. You may not ride your bike on any unpaved trails since the Arboretum is a game refuge. However, the Lake Wobegon trail runs close to campus and welcomes bikes, rollerblades, and pets.
Q: How do I become a member?
A: Visit our membership page for more information.
Q: What are the duties of being a member?
A: No duties – just benefits! Once you become a member, you will receive our quarterly newsletter, Sagatagan Seasons, and invitations to special events at discounted rates. You will also be invited to our annual December Volunteer/Membership Appreciation Open House.
Q: Do I have to be a graduate of CSB or SJU to become a member?
A: Absolutely not. Memberships are open to everyone.
Q: Do I have to be a member to come to your events?
A: Aside from our Volunteer/Membership Appreciation Open House, no. Our events are generally cheaper for members, however, so maybe you should just become one!
Q: Can I work at the Arboretum?
A: We offer plenty of job opportunities for students and fellowship opportunities for recent graduates.
Q: Can I volunteer at the Arboretum?
A: We always welcome volunteers! Check out our list of ongoing projects and let us know if anything interests you.
Q: Where are your offices located?
A: We're on the first floor of the New Science Center, in offices 104-110. We are generally open every weekday from 8-4:30.
Q: Why are there always buses at the kiosk?
A: Thousands of local K-12 students visit the Arboretum every year as part of our Environmental Education Program. Most of these visits involve a trip around the boardwalk loop, beginning and ending at the kiosk.
Q: What is the kiosk?
A: The prairie kiosk, located on the prairie just off of county road 159, is a great place to find information about the Arboretum.
Q: Who was Father Paul?
A: Father Paul Schwietz, OSB, founded Saint John's Arboretum and worked for many years to make it what it is today. He passed away in 2000. You may see a memorial dedicated to him in the oak savanna.
Q: I’ve heard your shirts are organic. What does that mean? How can I get one?
A: Our new t-shirts are made from 100% organic cotton. They are available in avocado green and brown and are $20. You may stop by the Arboretum office (NSC 104) during regular business hours to purchase one. We also sell t-shirts at most of our events.
Q: How can I hold a bonfire on campus or purchase firewood for a bonfire?
A: Learn how to hold a bonfire and request firewood from the Arboretum
Q: I saw an injured deer on campus! What should I do?
A: Report it to SJU Life Safety (320.363.2144).
Q: I want to use your logo on a t-shirt. How do I get it?
A: Assuming you are from an on-campus organization, you should contact us with your t-shirt idea and we will work it out together.
Q: I have a special request for land use. Who do I contact?
A: If you are planning to hold a bonfire, you should follow the guidelines listed here. For other land use queries, contact Tom Kroll. Review a summary of current land use policies.