Arboretum Reservations

Interpretive Center Guidelines

Here are a few guidelines and rules about procedures that need to be done before and after your event takes place in the Interpretive Center. Please read carefully and follow the directions. 

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. Keep podium up at the front.
• Turn lights off when you leave the space (located in the hallway by the restrooms).
• Raise the projector up into the ceiling (button near the office door/ behind the projector). Turn off the sound system and put technology cords back in the wooden box neatly.
• Leave the wooden kitchen divider down once you leave.
• Sweep and/or vacuum the floors.
• Clean the table tops and kitchen surfaces (rags and soap can be found in the kitchen).
• Unless provided by the Arboretum, please take extra materials after the event is complete.
• Collect all garbage and place the garbage bags in the bins outside the kitchen doors.

Technology: 

• Projector and sound system:
  • The “up and down” button can be found on the wall closest to the office door and behind the projector.
  • To turn on the projector, refer to the technology panel near the slide doors and display cases.
  • Directions for your computer are located on the wooden ledge. 

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 well-being 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.
   

Decorations and modifications: If you are unsure whether your decorations are acceptable in the Linnaeus Arboretum, please contact us at 507-933-6181 or arboretum@gustavus.edu and use discretion.

• No nails or staples on the inside or outside Center walls.
• No spray paint.
• All decorations must be taken down and taken away after the event.
   

Parking: Visitor parking can be found near the Interpretive Center in Lots M and N and are marked with blue signs. Please note that Red parking is for Gustavus students and Green parking is for Gustavus staff/faculty during weekdays. Parking is not enforced on weekends, but overnight parking requires a permit from Campus Safety. 
 

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 Linnaeus 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.
• 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.