Thomas Irvine Dodge Foundation

Dodge nature center is dedicated to serving our community with over 62,000 accessible and affordable nature experiences each year, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our high-quality environmental education programs include school field trips that meet state academic standards in science and social studies, affordable camps during school breaks, and after-school programs for k-8 students. We also offer a naturalist fellowship program, engaging family activities, and free or low-cost community events, along with adult enrichment opportunities. To ensure everyone can participate, we provide low-cost programs and scholarships to support schools and families in financial need.(continued on scheduled o)(continued from part iii)this past year, our new education center (located in cottage grove) welcomed growing numbers of students in the southeast metro. School field trips, summer and fall break camps, and unique programs for families and adults are serving more students of all ages with hands-on learning. Dodge expanded adult programming in cottage grove with the addition of blacksmithing classes. The new taste and learn series highlights farm-to-table cooking classes that connect the natural world to the food we eat. Two new full-time staff teaching positions (elementary liaison and curriculum specialist) and two summer seasonal naturalists are supporting this expanded effort and helping meet the needs of both students and teachers. In addition to education programs, dodge provides free access to 460+ acres of restored and native landscapes, including woods, prairies, wetlands and oak savanna. These green spaces provide habitat for wildlife and peaceful retreats welcoming everyone in our community. Trails are open 365 days a year to the public at no charge. Dodge offered these services with the support of 24 board members, 34 full-time staff, 13 part-time staff, and 295 volunteers.

To highlight the importance of agriculture for both the environment and our communities, dodge nature center operates two working farms in west st. Paul and cottage grove. This approach sets dodge apart from similar nature-based organizations. Our farms provide educational experiences for students of all ages, covering topics such as food science, traditional agriculture, soil science, beekeeping, livestock management, sustainability, and renewable energy. Visitors can observe heritage breeds of chickens, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats in the pastures, and guided tours take them through the barn and chicken coops. (continued on scheduled o)(continued from part iii)community members can rent garden plots, learn organic gardening techniques from our farmers, and cultivate their own produce in nutrient-rich soil. The farms also host dodge's most popular public programs, including maple syruping and the exciting spring births of farm animals like lambs, goat kids, piglets, and chicks.

Volunteers are an integral part of dodge nature center and preschool. Dodge was able to enhance the lives of more than 56,848 school children who visited the center last year with the assistance of volunteers. Volunteers are critical to the success of our programs and serve in a variety of capacities including teacher naturalists, class assistants, land restorationists, grounds support, event helpers, office assistants, trail greeters and guides, camp volunteers, preschool assistants, and animal care and garden support. Volunteers contributed approximately 5192 hours of service during the year ended august 31, 2024.