Join Us! Space is limited, so get your tickets soon!

"From the Ground Up"
A Celebration of Cullen Nature Preserve ​Annual Fundraising Event

Friday, September 9, 2022
​from 5:30 to 8:45 pm
​​The Marsh, 15000 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka 55345

Back by popular demand is renowned speaker/educator, Dr. Lee Frelich, Director of the Center for Forestry Ecology at the University of Minnesota to share his expertise on oak ecosystems. We will update you on significant progress at the Preserve. You will enjoy delectable hor d'oeuvres, live music by Clark Machtemes of popular Twin Cities band, Traveled Ground, cash bar, and an opportunity to peruse and bid on unique silent / online auction items.

---

Purchase Event Ticket

Please note, space is limited, so get your event tickets early!

Donate Item

We are accepting live/silent auction in-kind donations NOW until August 15th.

Make a Donation

If you can't attend our event, please consider making a donation instead.

---

Thank You to our Sponsors

Bur Oak Sponsor

Eagle Sponsors

Event Schedule

5:30 – 6:15 pm
Guest Registration, Food, Music, Slide Show, Online Bidding Kick-off

6:15 – 6:45 pm
Welcome and Opening Remarks

Cullen Board President 
Jerrold Gershone

Park and Trail Project Manager, City of Minnetonka
Matt Kumka

Minnesota House of Representatives
Patty Acomb

Commissioner, Hennepin County
Chris LaTondresse

Mayor, City of Minnetonka
​Brad Wiersum

Curated Exterior Cleaning, Premier Event Sponsor
Alex Underwood

6:45 – 7:30 pm
Guest Speaker Introduction, Presentation/Q and A with Dr. Lee Frelich

Oak Forest, Maple Forest or Prairie?
The Roles of Climate, Fire and Landform
Southern Minnesota once had an interesting mosaic of oak forest, maple forest and prairies. We will learn how climate and fire interacted with landform to create this mosaic, how this mosaic has been altered by human activities, look at potential future changes with a warmer climate, and discuss implications for management and restoration of natural areas.

8:15 pm
Online Bidding Closes

​8:15 – 8:45 pm 
​Wrap Up, Gift Distribution, Silent/Online Auction Closeout