Gardens & Gazing Hike

Tour of gardens on FSPA land with hiking and star gazing hosted by

Mississippi Valley Conservancy

A tour of the Villa St. Joseph gardens with a guided sunset hike and ridgetop
stargazing will be offered by Mississippi Valley Conservancy in partnership with the Franciscan
Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society. This popular
annual event offers a family-friendly experience with the unique opportunity to visit the FSPA
land and gardens and enjoy the views and night skies.
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration purchased this breath-taking 200-acre property in
1895 with a deep commitment to protecting and preserving the farmland and forests for both
people and wildlife for generations to come. This passion for stewardship of the land led to the
development of a land management plan created in partnership with Mississippi Valley
Conservancy in 2007. FSPA guides Siena Muehlfeld and Meredith Hink will share all that goes into
the management of the land and gardens and how the food is used to help others. There will
also be a guided hike along a winding trail which leads to a panoramic view of the bluffs and
valleys. As the sun sets, telescopes will be set up as guides from the La Crosse Area
Astronomical Society point out things of interest in the late summer sky.
In addition to the tour, hike and guided star gazing, refreshments, light snacks and a coloring
activity will be offered. Advance registration is required for this free event, which takes place
from 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th, at Villa St. Joseph (W2658 State Hwy 33
Trunk, La Crosse WI).

REGISTER BY AUGUST 12, 2024.
Details, directions, and registration for this FREE event are on the Events page at
www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org. With questions, contact Karen Solverson
at karen@mississippivalleyconservancy.org or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8.