History
Founded in 1967 by Olivia Irvine Dodge, the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center was one of the first nature centers in the state of Minnesota and a pioneer in environmental education. Dodge is a nonprofit organization operating on 460+acres of nature preserve within the cities of West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. The nature center provides environmental and agricultural experiences for thousands of people every year through school programs, community events, and a nature preschool that is recognized nationally.