HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 02-13 Maplewood develops its nature center REVIEW Maplewood develops
its nature center r‘e6i3/ '912
Maplewood is in the process of for educating visitors. With continued
developing a nature center to meet the public support, the city anticipates this
needs of its municipality and surrounding nature center will be of great enjoyment
area northeast of St. Paul. Michael Lane for the entire community.
Nature Center,as it is currently named,is For further information,contact Megan I
located off E.7th St.,directly from High- Gange at the Office of Community Ser-
way 120 between Highway 12 and 212. vices, 777-8131, ext. 40.
Although very accessible, this
protected environment is situated in a
quiet area where single family housing
borders the north,east,and west property
line adjacent to Union Cemetery on the
south.
This forty acre site,nestled in a valley,
i surrounds a lake and marsh. Waterfowl,
song and game birds,birds of prey,deer,
muskrat, rabbit, squirrel, rodents and
other wildlife are abundant. Its
vegetation is primarily a mature oak
forest with small areas of birch, aspen,
silver maple,locust,boxelder,willow, as
well as areas of cattail, swamp grasses
and meadow plants.
Acquisition took place by the City in
1967 for the purpose of preserving this
unique natural environment.Planning for
the interpretive center began in Nov.,
1973.
Fencing to reduce site abuse,a parking
lot, fine grading for the building, partial
for the building, partial sodding along
with wood chip trails have been com-
pleted. An interpretive center building,
along with boardwalk, blinds, plantings,
and other details, are expected to be
established during 1978. A crew of four
laborers are presently working on the site
removing debris,cleaning trails,building
benches, bird houses and feeders.
Programs for all seasons are being
developed by naturalist, Megan Gange,