Minnesota Sounds and Voices: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Tucked away in Wirth Park on the western edge of Minneapolis, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary's 15 acres is a small slice of woodland, bog and prairie respite from city life.
The preserve takes its name from Butler, who taught biology and botany at the old Minneapolis Central High School. She founded the park in 1907, when it was known as the Wild Botanic Garden, it's now home to more than 500 plant and 130 bird species.
Minnesota Sounds and Voices reporter Dan Olson recently spent some time at the sanctuary and spoke with volunteers to learn more about its history, and why it attracts more than 60,000 visitors a year.
Click on the audio link above to hear more.
Support Local News
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.