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Nourishing Everyone’s Need for Nature

The Campaign for Dodge Nature Center and Preschool

The Vision & Goal

Beautiful, accessible environmental spaces close to urban centers are rare, yet they are critical to the health and well-being of people and communities. All people should be able to nourish their need for nature, without regard to background, life experiences, geography, or socioeconomic status.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is an oasis in the midst of a busy metropolitan area, a place that has inspired curiosity and wonder for more than 50 years as an essential destination and educational resource for high-quality, nature-based learning.

This $40 million fundraising campaign for Dodge Nature Center and Preschool will address three vital areas:

Campaign Town Halls

Join us to hear from Executive Director Jason Sanders on exciting changes that have taken place over the past year, and plans for what lies ahead once we’ve completed the most ambitious campaign in Dodge history. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, and afterwards, join us for a nature program.

Tuesday, May 23

3:00–4:30 p.m.
Program: Farm Animals

Main Property – Farm Entrance
1701 Charlton St, West St. Paul, MN 55118

Register Here

Thursday, July 20

6:30–8:30 p.m.
Program: New Education Center

Shepard Farm – Cottage Grove
8946 70th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Register Here

Give to the Campaign

Donate Now

Campaign To Date

$4.8 million

left to raise

88%

toward $40 million goal


The Nourishing Everyone's Need for Nature Campaign began as an investment in the next 50 years of Dodge. And now – it’s an action plan. It’s the most ambitious project since the creation of Dodge, which is needed now more than ever to help people and nature thrive together in a rapidly changing world.

This gift to the future is a collaborative effort – and we can’t do it without you!

All donations and commitments made to this campaign will help finish the construction work in the year ahead and sustain new environmental education programming at both our West St. Paul site and the new facilities at Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove.

Accomplished

Accomplished

Access
✓ Installed a solid-surface elevated boardwalk through the Farm pond
✓ Paved parking lots for school groups to safely arrive at Dodge
✓ Created pride programs for the LGBTQIA+ community

Sustainability
✓ Continue welcoming guests every day from sunup to sundown, free of charge
✓ Hired a Restoration Specialist to preserve our most precious asset - the land
✓ Added an Outreach Naturalist position to expand education to underrepresented communities
✓ Created a Farm Manager position to support operations at Shepard Farm
✓ Constructed a new pole barn and turkey pen at Shepard Farm for quality animal care and encounters

Legacy
✓ Grown the number of children, adults, and families served at Dodge
✓ Established an endowment to support the longevity of Dodge Nature Preschool

Read About Access

In Progress

In Progress

✓ Renovation of existing buildings at Shepard Farm to create functional classroom and program space
✓ Addition of a new teaching kitchen at Shepard Farm to provide new educational opportunities for adults and older children
✓ Continuous outreach and partnership-building with people, schools, and organizations to grow access to nature for all who have an interest in learning about the natural world
✓ Increasing Dodge's endowment by expanding legacy giving opportunities to sustain Dodge into the next 50 years

Coming Summer 2023
Dodge's newest education center at Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove will be a fully-functioning learning center, allowing even more people to have exceptional experiences in nature. There continues to be high demand for Dodge camps, classes, and programming, and this new facility will allow us to serve more people in a new community.

Donate Now

Egret Society

As a planned giving donor, you'll be welcomed as a member of the Egret Society, receiving recognition and special event invitations throughout the year. A planned gift to Dodge allows you make a meaningful donation while providing for your family in a tax-effective way.

Learn More

Wildflower Society

Wildflower Society donors sustain environmental education and ensure that Dodge Nature Center and Preschool will always be here for our community. Your annual gift of $1,000 or more will welcome you to this recognition club for leadership-level supporters.

Learn More

Ways to Give

Campaign Materials

For more details about the Nourishing Everyone’s Need for Nature Campaign, read our full Case Statement.

Download PDF

Thank You Donors

Thank you for your consideration

Contact us with any questions

Jason Sanders  |  Executive Director
Dodge Nature Center and Preschool
365 Marie Avenue W
West St. Paul, MN 55118
651-789-5235
JSanders@DodgeNatureCenter.org

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