At the Arboretum
By Martha // Posted 10 October, 2012 in: Photography
As a birthday gift to Tom last year (I called it a “Bike and Ski Package”), I purchased a membership to Minnesota Landscape Arboretum thinking that we’d take advantage of their trails all year long by biking in three seasons and skiing for free in the winter. That plan fell flat early when Mother Nature decided to withhold precipitation last winter – the Arb never even opened their ski trails. We have, however, enjoyed biking 3-mile drive on several occasions and visiting with friends and family during different points of the year. There’s nothing quite like the Arboretum in fall, though. I hope you’ll enjoy these photos from two separate late-September trips to the Arboretum.
I also wanted to share something that I’m having a hard time with in relationship to the organization. At this time, Tom and I don’t have plans to renew our membership as the Arboretum has a new policy:
In an effort to reduce the amount of traffic on Three-Mile Drive, bicycles are no longer allowed. Pedestrians and motorized vehicles acceptable only.
Yes, you read that right. In an effort to reduce traffic, bicycles have been banned. For those of you who enjoy biking at the Arb as much as we do, I hope you’ll let the staff know what this change means to you.
4 comments | Arboretum, Arboretum photography, Bikes Belong, Biking at the Arboretum, Biking Ban, Fall Flowers, flowers, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
This entry was posted by Martha on Wednesday, October 10th, 2012 at 10:27 am and is filed under Photography. You can subscribe to responses to this entry via RSS.
Wow, looks like a beautiful spot, especially seen with a close up lens! Once again, the pictures are gorgeous, Martha. My, oh my, what colors.
Hope they get a response to your plea. What a crazy-sounding policy!
The arboretum is in the wrong on this policy.
Fabulous shots, Martha. Gingko leaves and grasshopper my faves~ Brett
I work in the vicinity of the Arboretum, and made a few post-work bike rides there. Nothing is better than riding the Three-Mile Drive, especially during apple/cherry blossom season and autumn. Doing so required a tense jaunt on busy Highway 5. I was excited when a tunnel was built under Highway 5 that would provide access to the Arboretum via bike without having to ride or cross said highway. Learning of this policy has extinguished that excitement and leaves me wonder, “What was the point of enhancing bike access?”. The joy of taking the bike there is riding on Three-Mile Drive – and, given the scenery, it’s not as if the road is packed with need-for-speed Lance Armstrong wanna-bes.
I have registered my disappointment. Thank you for getting this out there.