Deep in the heart of central Minnesota is a 2,944-acre forest brimming with northern red oak and white oak trees. For more than 150 years, this habitat has been carefully maintained by the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey, who focus on the forest’s conservation.
Discover the wonders of Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum and its incredible story of stewardship.
Oak forest: A cycle of renewal
The oak furniture dotted around Saint John’s University campus in Collegeville, Minnesota, is ecological masterpieces hidden in plain sight. It’s gone against modern-day conventions of overseas manufacturing, and, instead, is harvested, designed, constructed and put into use all on the same grounds.
“The furniture is made by people here, used by people here and materials are planted by the next generation,” Fr. Lew Grobe, director of Saint John’s Abbey woodworking said. “We’re stewards of this land.”
Each year, Saint John’s harvests five acres of its oak forest to be used in woodworking. Once the oak has been harvested, it’s milled by a local Amish community and then brought back to Saint John’s to be crafted into furniture. Staff use time-tested techniques to produce stunning chairs, tables and other pieces which are enjoyed for generations. Some are still in use after 90 years!
And for pieces that need to be repaired, the woodworking shop can do that too. The woodworkers repair, sand down and refinish the solid wood giving it a new life.
In 2003, Saint John’s earned the Forest Stewardship Council certification, a testament to its sustainable forestry.
“We’re looking at the long-term vision of this place,” John Geissler, Abbey land manager said. “We want to leave a place that’s better than we found it.”
Animals in the oak forest
Saint John’s sustainable methods not only benefit the human university community, but the animal one too. The forest is home to hundreds of species of animals, including flying squirrels, black bears, blue jays and red-shouldered hawks.
Oak trees support around 400 species, making them one of the most essential trees for wildlife. In comparison, maple trees support about 200 species.
The oak trees provide shelter for these animals, both within their branches and as shaded spots for ground dwellers. They also produce acorns, a rich food for more than 35 mammals in the area. Even ducks get in on the fun, with wood ducks enjoying the benefits of the trees too!
White-tailed deer are also fond of oak trees, so the staff take precautions to protect the saplings. When new oaks are planted, wire cages are placed around them until they grow taller than the deer. This ensures the young trees can develop safely, as deer browsing can hinder their growth. A little further north in Minnesota, careful management of wolves and other predators can also help even out the deer population and allow more oak trees to grow.
“They say if you do one thing for restoration, just plant an oak tree,” Geissler said. “A lot of things like to eat the leaves, and acorns are so important for animals.”
Enjoying the arboretum
To see conservation in action, visit the Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum, a convergence of native plants. Walk through the peaceful grounds to learn about the different plant and animal species that call it home.
If you can’t make it to Minnesota, search for arboretums or other natural places in your area.
“A lot of people think you have to go two hours away to experience nature,” Geissler said. “Whatever you have access to, there’s something happening. If you look for it, it’s out there.”
See more ways to discover nature in your community. Plus, learn how bur oaks benefit wildlife.
