Arboretum ReservationsStudents and Campus Groups

Interpretive Center Guidelines

Thank you for considering the Melva Lind Interpretive Center for your gathering! Here are a few guidelines and rules regarding procedures that may be helpful. Please read carefully and thank you for following all directives.

Organization and cleaning: Keeping the Interpretive Center clean and orderly is imperative. Please do your best to keep the area clean.

  • Put tables and chairs back into their original placement. Rearrange any furniture that was put out of place. Please keep the podium near the control panel (to the right of the fireplace).
  • Clean the table tops and kitchen surfaces. Supplies located in kitchenette.
  • Sweep and/or mop the floor, if necessary. Supplies located in kitchenette.
  • Unless provided by the Arboretum, please take extra materials/food with you after the event is complete. Please remember to check the fridge for any food items you may have brought (including ketchup, mustard, etc.).
  • If used, please retract the screen (up/down button on east wall). Turn off the sound system and put technology cords back in the wood box neatly.
  • If used, please pull down wood kitchen divider upon departure.
  • Turn lights off when you leave the space (located in the hallway by the restrooms).

Decorations and modifications:

  • Please do not use nails, staples, spray paint, or 3M Command Hooks on the ceiling or ANY drywall area.
  • All decorations must be taken down and removed after the event. 

If you are unsure whether your decorations are acceptable in the Interpretive Center, please contact us at 507-933-6181 or arboretum@gustavus.edu and please always use discretion.


Projector and Sound System:

  • The up/down button for the screen is located on the east wall.
  •  To turn on the projector, refer to the technology panel below the display case (far right of the fireplace).
  •  Directions for your laptop are located on the wood ledge. 
  • When finished, please retract the screen back toward the ceiling.
  • When finished, please turn off the projector/sound system and neatly place technology cords back in wood box.

Fireplace: If you are renting out the space, you are approved to use the fireplace. Please be aware that the person who starts the fire is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of guests and property for the duration of the fire. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Be sure the damper is open by positioning the lever all the way to the right.
  • Begin with a hot fire to draw smoke up (a small, cold fire can result in a smoke-filled room)!
  • Prepare before lighting: Use lots of crumpled paper, some kindling on top of that, and split logs on top.
  • Once fire is burning well, close glass doors to prevent smoke rollout.
  • Do not leave fire unattended.
  • Leave only after fire has died down to coals. Be sure the mesh screen is closed!
  • Leave damper open even after the fire dies down.
  • For assistance with the fireplace, call 933-8888 for Gustavus Campus Safety.
     

Parking: Lots are color coded on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus. Please review the parking regulations for specific lots and permit types before parking your vehicle, or contact the Campus Safety office 24 hours a day at 507-933-8888 with any parking questions. VISITOR designated parking permit required 2am-7am, 7 days a week: Closed to students and staff at all times.
 

Arboretum Guidelines

  • Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Arboretum in accordance with College rules. Please see our Dog Policy page for more information.
  • Please stay on trails, lawn areas, or the paved road at all times. Off-trail use damages plants, animal homes, restorations, and research.
  • Bike on the paved drives and dirt trails only. Bicycles are not allowed in the gardens.
  • Ski and snowshoe only on designated trails.
  • No hunting, trapping, or disturbing animals. No target practice.
  • No campfires or open flames. Permission for campfires must be approved by the Arboretum Office.
  • The use of drones is prohibited in accordance with College rules.
  • The use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited on the grounds of the Arboretum in accordance with College rules.
  • All forms of tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, bidis, smokeless/spit tobacco, hookahs, blunts, pipes, e-cigarettes and snuff are prohibited. This applies to all campus grounds including parking lots, athletics facilities, event venues, classrooms and common areas.
  • Collecting and removing plants and other natural materials is prohibited. Collection for research should be done with the prior permission of Arboretum Staff. 
  •  Please be respectful and conscientious of others enjoying the Arboretum.