theNature ofthingsCALL OR VISIT US: 651.455.4531 DODGENATURECENTER.ORG

RECOGNIZING OLIVIA IRVINE DODGE

NATURE ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

NATURE AND MATH...PERFECT TOGETHER

CAMPER PREP 101

EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

IN THIS ISSUE

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

DANDELION FRITTERSby Pete Cleary, Director of Environmental Education

While they were not likely invented here, dandelion fritters have a long and illustrious history at Dodge Nature Center. They are strangely the iconic food of Dodge - more so than apples, maple syrup, or honey. The story of fritters may not stretch back to the very beginning, but back further than any current staff can remember. There is no proof that Mrs. Dodge ever partook in the delight of a deep-fried dandelion, but thousands of people have over the years. This plant eating experience is a commonly told story and vivid memory from those who remember their visits to the nature center.

From the 1980’s through the early 2000’s, thousands of 6th graders (from West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, South St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights) ended the school year with the same field trip to Dodge, “Wild Edible Plants.” Few of those past students remember the cooked itchweed and even fewer recall the wild green salad or spruce tea. Yet nearly all remember eating a deep-fried dandelion.

Maybe it’s the commonness of dandelions that makes the experience so memorable. While not many 6th graders know the complexities of plant ID, almost all students can find a dandelion.

Maybe taking a plant you have known so well and eating it makes it hard to forget. That logical disparity was on display on many of the kids’ faces when they raised the first deep-fried nugget to their mouths.

Maybe it’s the smell of the deep fryer bringing back memories of the State Fair.

Yes, we actually have made deep-fried dandelion on a stick.

Maybe it’s the fact that you can batter dip and deep fry just about anything and make it taste good.

Maybe it’s the simplicity of the recipe: pancake batter left over from the nature center's Pancake Breakfast, with fresh-picked dandelion blossoms ready for a brief swim.

Nearly all the nutrient value of the dandelion blossom is likely compromised by the batter coating and oil and the first one tastes far better than the 15th. If you haven’t tried one yet, the options are simple. Make them at home with some pancake batter and oil. Or join us at Dodge for the spring Rock the Barn event - where the mess and smell will stay. The ultimate question will still remain. Topped with sugar or salt, or both?

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Founder Olivia I. Dodge 1918-2009

Board President Ann Schwichtenberg

Board of Directors Dave Adams Kari Anderson Kim Austrian Sara Beckstrand Amy Bloomquist Thomas I. Dodge Adam Ehrmantraut Litton E.S. Field Jr. Peter Fleming Peter Garretson Jason Howard Alan R. Johnston Jennifer Kellogg Allan Klein Peggy Novak Erin Olson Bill Owens Sue Powell Linda Silrum Michael Slade Shehla Tauscher Trey Titcomb Brian Van Abel Rachel Wand Ann Winsor

Board Emeritus Si Ford Vicki Ford

Directors Jason Sanders Executive Director

Peter Cleary Environmental Education

Rachel Hughes Development

Dave Napier Buildings and Grounds

Don Oberdorfer Farm

Beverly Sargent Finance

Marty Watson Preschool

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Dodge Nature Center’s past is so important to its future. Over the last year, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary. A number of longtime friends have reconnected with us and trails continue to buzz with excitement. In 1967, Mrs. Oliva Irvine Dodge created Dodge Nature Center for the community and surrounding cities. Her vision for Dodge Nature Center and Preschool has become a national model for other nature centers and nature-based preschools. Dodge gets calls from people all over the country, and as far away as Australia and Norway, seeking knowledge and nature education inspiration. In 2017, Dodge Nature Center took on a renovation project with the purpose of honoring Olivia Irvine Dodge's contribution to so many.

“One of the goals of the 50th anniversary was to bring together the history and have some kind of space that would tell our story and tell the story of my mother. The words ‘library’ and ‘history center’ are synonymous with Olivia Dodge.” said Tom Dodge, Olivia's son.

On October 12, 2017 the grand opening of the Olivia Irvine Dodge Library and History Center was celebrated. The original farm house, located near the nature Dodge's animal barn, was renovated into a structure filled with artifacts and tributes from Olivia’s life.

The building can be rented for your next gathering. It has a 770-square-foot, adult education classroom, which seats up to 25 people. It includes 24 iPads. Two clear overhead garages open to a patio with a stone amphitheater. In addition, the center has a corporate conference room seating up to 14 people. Both spaces are equipped with the latest technology.

This building honors Mrs. Dodge's memory and positive impact in this State of Minnesota. You are invited to contact me and let me take you on a stroll down memory lane. See pictures dating back to the 60’s, as well as newspapers articles dating back decades. Please feel free to email me at jsanders@dodgenaturecenter to set up a visit.

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE by Jason Sanders, Executive Director

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For activity details and registration, visit DodgeNatureCenter.org or call 651.455.4531

NATURE ACTIVITIES MARCH - AUGUST 2018

MARCH3 Pancake Breakfast All6 The Secrets of Sap (O.W.L.S.) Seniors10 Grow Your Own Mushrooms Adults10 Girl Scout Maple Syrup Time Scouts15 Nature After Dinner: Animal Tracking Ages 3 - 817 Maple Syruping Families23 Nature Playdate: Maple Syrup Pre-K24 Maple Syruping Families

26-29 Spring Break Camp - Registration Deadline: March 19 K - 8th grade

MAY1 Springtime on the Farm (O.W.L.S.) Seniors5 Marvelous Mushrooms Adults

10 Nature After Dinner: Meet the Milk Makers Ages 3 - 8

18 Nature Playdate: Splish Splash Pre-K19 Rock the Barn Families

JUNE2 Morning on the Farm Families5 Caring For Raptors (O.W.L.S.) Seniors8 Nature Playdate: Nature Hide and Seek Pre-K

14 Nature After Dinner: Creatures of the Pond Ages 3 - 8

15 Outdoor Concert: Graham Bramblett EveryoneJune 18- Aug 9

Summer Camp Registration Opens Feb. 5 1st - 8th Grade

22 Outdoor Concert: Capital City Brass Quintet Everyone

25 Summer Solstice Campfire Families

JULY12 Nature After Dinner: Volcanoes Rock! Ages 3 - 8

13 Outdoor Concert: The Eddies on the River Everyone

20 Nature Playdate: Exploring Our Senses Pre-K

23 Songs and Stories Campfire Families28 Farm Tour Families

AUGUST9 Nature After Dinner: Insect Safari Ages 3 - 810 Nature Playdate: Crazy About Birds Pre-K

23 Outdoor Concert: Mixed Precipitation's Picnic Operetta Everyone

APRIL3 It's Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature

(O.W.L.S.) Seniors

10 Women in the Woods with Wine: Spring Arrives Adults

12 Nature After Dinner: SNAKE!!! Ages 3 - 813 Nature Playdate: Farm Babies Pre-K14 Youth Nature Photography Ages 12 - 1621 Let's Talk Turkey Families

24 Earth Day Event Give Back to Nature Families

28 Girl Scout Farm Fun Day Scouts

Nature After DinnerOWLS - Outwardly, Wiser, Livelier, SeniorsNature Playdate

4 SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Nearly a third of Americans say they would rather clean the bathroom than solve a math problem according to Change The Equation (changetheequation.org).

How can this be? We are hardwired for math as infants. Research has shown beyond a doubt that the fundamentals of mathematical thinking are innate to human beings. Early math experiences predict later math achievement and other life outcomes.

“Children’s early knowledge of math strongly predicts their later success in math, even into high school….More surprising is that it also predicts later reading achievement, even better than early reading skills.” (Clements, Baroody & Sarama, 2013)

Curiosity, play and learning are partners. Children are born curious and use that trait as a powerful learning tool that drives exploratory play. Young children naturally build math into their daily play. Teachers at Dodge see this all of the time. As they watch students play, they have opportunities to support and build math skills. This has been identified through research as a more effective way for children to learn, rather than direct teaching with a large group.

Children at Dodge illustrate the joy of math and the natural use of number in play. Dodge Nature Preschool teachers were asked to list math words and concepts used by students. The following list was created. Think about these words in connection with the math stories shared below: more or less, compare, add and subtract, patterns, shapes, heavy, light, long, short, weight, faster, slower, age, ordinal, sequencing, sorting.

SNAIL MATHRecorded by Teaching Assistant, Brenda Jerde

Small group hike; turns out that collecting snail shells can be quite mathematical.

L: “Look at my snails.” Teacher: “How many do you have?” L: “Four...now five….now six…now seven.” S: ”I have one.” A: ”I have two.” S: “L has the most” L: “Now I have nine. Give them all to me.” S: “Okay. How about we each hold three?” L: “Okay.” (passes three each to S and A) “I still have more. Now I have six.”

Sometime later…

S: “I have two and you have three, two plus three equals five.” A: “Yeh, 2 + 3 is five.” L: “Yeh.” S: “L still has the most.”

I FOUND IT. TWO! Recorded by Teacher, Kristenza Nelson

On a recent small group hike, a three-year old boy became excited when he found a piece of wood that, to him, looked like “two." It did not look like a numeral two. Instead, it looked like the quantity of two, as if the wood was a hand holding up two fingers, another symbol of sorts. The boy heaved this large piece of wood all the way down the trail and back to the preschool. He exercised his problem-solving skills as he solicited other children to help him divide the labor and haul the heavy load.

In his excitement he told everyone he passed along the trail, “Hey, this is two! I found it. Two!"

The group talked about two for the rest of the hike. We discovered that we had two eyes, two arms, two feet, two legs. We saw two sheep in the pasture.

Back at school, the boy painted his found two, now claiming it and owning it in a new way. This child is excited about math and is developing knowledge about math in a very personal, concrete, and meaningful manner.

Number sense seems to evolve from something deep inside of us. Maybe it begins with our own rhythmic heartbeat. If math is a natural part of us, it make sense that time outside in nature will be a resource for developing our love and understanding of math. Stop cleaning the bathroom…..get outside and discover math!

Dodge Nature Preschool provides an early childhood program for 3 and 4 year olds during the school year. Children attend half day classes in the morning or afternoon. A six week summer camp is available during July and August.

NATURE AND MATH...PERFECT TOGETHERby Marty Watson, Preschool Director

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SIGNS OF SPRING CONTEST Starting in March and running through the end of meteorological spring in May, the nature center staff will track the return of migrating animals and the re-emergence of hibernating critters and dormant plants. What makes it a contest is that you have the opportunity to see how well you can predict when it each event will happen! Prizes will be awarded to the three individuals with the most correct guesses. Visit Dodge Nature Center's Facebook page (www.facebook/dodgenaturecenter.org) to print an entry form with complete directions. Email your entry to troot@dodgenaturecenter.org or mail to: Naturalist, Teresa Root, 365 Marie Avenue W, West St. Paul, MN 55118. Entries are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2018. Late entries will not be accepted. Three winners will be notified by Monday, June 4, 2018. Each winner can claim a $15 Target Gift Card prize.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION FROM OUR NATURE EDUCATORS Defining the Wind by Scott Huler

Defining the Wind is a wonderfully written account of one man’s crusade to learn about what the wind is made of by tracing the history of the Beaufort Scale and its eccentric creator, Sir Francis Beaufort. It’s as much about the language we use to describe our world as it is an exhortation to observe it more closely.

"THE NATURE OF THINGS" NEWSLETTER “The Nature of Things” is published two times per year. This content keeps you up to date on Dodge Nature Center opportunities and provides nature knowledge from our top-notch environmental educators. Written permission required for duplication or use of newsletter material. © Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center

SUMMER CAMP 101 > YOU’RE GOING TO BE OUTSIDE AND LIKELY TO GET

WET AND/OR DIRTY. DRESS FOR ADVENTURE AND THE WEATHER.

> BOOTS ARE GREAT AND OLD SHOES ARE AWESOME!

PACK AN EXTRA PAIR OF SOCKS AND SHOES TO CHANGE INTO LATER.

> INSECT REPELLENT AND SUNSCREEN, PUT THEM

ON BEFORE YOU COME AND HAVE SOME IN YOUR BACKPACK.

> YOU MAY BE PICKING UP A DIRTY CAMPER. HAVE AN OLD TOWEL IN THE CAR, JUST IN CASE.

> PACK 2 SNACKS AND A LUNCH. DON'T FORGET A WATER BOTTLE. HYDRATION IS KEY.

> HEADS UP - DODGE HAS 3 ENTRANCES. DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP IS AT MAIN ENTRANCE 1. 365 MARIE AVE. W IN WEST ST. PAUL

6 SPRING/SUMMER 2018

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2017 Shan Knox Volunteer Award: Sharon Grose Dodge Nature Center lucked out in October of 2008, when Sharon Grose walked through the office door and filled out a volunteer application. Eleven years later she would be recognized as the Nature Center's 2017 Volunteer of the Year! Sharon does it all. She supports our special events including: Rock the Barn, Halloween Extravaganza, Frosty Fun, Pancake Breakfast and Earth Day. She furthered her interests in nature and natural history by becoming a Teacher/Naturalist. As part of a treasured group of volunteers, Sharon assists in teaching environmental education for student field trips. Sharon also helps with public programs that engage audiences of all ages, from young children through adults. From the beginning, she has been by our side for many nature programs: Woolly Bears, Summer Concerts, and O.W.L.S. (Outwardly, Wiser, Livelier Seniors).

Teaching is not where her commitment ends. You can also find Sharon surrounded by greenery in the gardens. As a garden volunteer she extracts weeds, plants flowers, and waters a butterfly /hummingbird garden, in addition to other garden projects that may come up. A single thank you is not enough to show our appreciation. So...thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, Sharon!

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Apply to volunteer with an application on our website. Visit our volunteer page to find details and to access online sign up. Online sign up will open in the season that aligns with the event. A volunteer application is required before signing up. If you have questions contact Kim Bauer, Volunteer Coordinator by email kbauer@dodgenaturecenter.org or call 651.789.5211.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST For: Youth 16+, Adults Time Commitment: 7:15-11:00 AM Saturday, March 3 Volunteer departure may be earlier depending on need. Location: Garlough Environmental Magnet School in West St. Paul

Support the sweetest event of the year as an assistant at Dodge’s Pancake Breakfast. Help serve food to guests or work behind the scenes dishwashing in the kitchen. Volunteering at a feast means you won’t go home hungry!

EARTH DAY For: Adults, Families, Groups Time Commitment: 5:30-8 PM Tuesday, April 24 Location: Main Property in West St. Paul, Farm Entrance 3

Come with the whole family or come with a buddy to give Mother Nature an eco-boost. A variety of projects including tree planting, litter pick-up, invasive species removal, and garden clean-up. Enjoy a bite to eat as a thank you for contributing to the environment.

ROCK THE BARN For: Youth 16+, Adults Time Commitment: Saturday, May 19 Choose your shift or stay for both: 2:30-5 PM / 5-7:15 PM Location: Main Property in West St. Paul, Farm Entrance 3

Welcome the green season by getting involved at Dodge’s Rock the Barn Farm Festival. Enjoy an atmosphere of live music, funny animals and fresh air. With a number of farm activities and games you will be sure to find a role that fits your style.

NEW FACES IN THE DODGE COMMUNITY

NATURALIST FELLOWSHIP 2018 Claire Madden, Caitlin Strikwerda,

Olivia Martin, Kayla Damiano

KELLY MCGAUGHEY

JONESDevelopment Assistant

JUDY MORANPreschool Teacher, Spruce Room

ALICIA FRANKEPreschool Teacher, Willow Room

ALEX SCHLUENDER

Preschool Teacher, Willow Room

APRIL GREIBROKPreschool Teacher, Oak Room

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Gini McCain has been a neighbor to Dodge Nature Center for over 20 years when she and her husband John moved into a house that borders the Dodge's property. Although she grew up near Dodge, she had not made a visit until she moved right next door. She grew fond of Dodge’s trails, animals and people. Gini now describes Dodge as “the ideal place to be.” She enjoys walking the trails, visiting the animals, hearing whoops of laughter from the kids enjoying their outing, and taking captivating photos of wildlife on her excursions.

When she was ready to create her will, she started to think about what has had the most impact on her life. Dodge was one of three organizations that came to mind as she thought about her legacy.

"The outdoors, Dodge, is really important to me. I always find magical things there. There is always something new to discover.” says Gini.

She feels that Dodge is important and knew she wanted to make a statement through her will.

“Dodge is a treasure that cannot be lost.”

Gini’s bequest to Dodge makes her a member of our Egret Society. It recognizes and thanks donors who have made an extraordinary commitment to Dodge with their planned gift. Gifts like Gini's ensure Dodge Nature Center is enjoyed by many generations to come. You can provide for loved ones while still making a legacy gift to Dodge. To learn more about planned giving opportunities and the Egret Society, please contact Rachel Hughes at 651.789.5218 or rhughes@dodgenaturecenter.org.

YOUR GIFT CAN MAKE A STATEMENT by Rachel Hughes, Development Director

DONOR THANK YOU BREAKFAST Donors, Egret Society members, and those considering a planned gift , are invited to join Dodge for our annual donor thank you event:

DONOR THANK YOU BREAKFAST Thursday, May 17

Registration at 7:45 AM; Breakfast and program begin at 8 AM

Location: Dodge Nature Center, Farm Education Entrance 3

1701 Charlton St. in West. St. Paul, MN 55118

Breakfast will be held in the red education building located next to the animal barn.

For more details or to RSVP, contact Kelly McGaughey Jones by calling 651.789.5201 or email kjones@dodgenaturecenter.org.

APPRECIATED STOCK MAKES A GREAT DONATION

Do you have appreciated stock? This can be a great way to support Dodge while possibly avoiding capital gains taxes. It’s easy to transfer shares directly to our brokerage account:UBS Financial Services | DTC# 0221 | Account# LO24454 (please note the second digit is the letter O)If you are making a transfer, please let us know the number and type of shares you are donating by contacting Rachel Hughes at rhughes@dodgenaturecenter.org or 651.789.5218. This will ensure we know the donation is from you. Please consult your tax advisor to learn more about the tax advantages of appreciated stock gifts.

Photo Credit: Gini McCain

Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center365 Marie Avenue WestWest St. Paul, MN 55118

DODGE NATURE CENTER IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, OFFERINGS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY DONATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM COMPANIES. YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE AT DODGENATURECENTER.ORG TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.

DODGENATURECENTER.ORG LAYOUT BY

OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIESSUMMER EVENINGS 7-8:30 PM

Come for an evening blend of nature and music. Bring your family, a friend, or a date. Concerts are free and donations are appreciated.

FRIDAY, JUNE 15 GRAHAM BRAMBLETT Country Music Straight Out of Nashville

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 CAPITAL CITY BRASS QUINTE Repertoire of Classical Music

FRIDAY, JULY 13 THE EDDIES ON THE RIVER BALLADS Harmony through A Cappella

THURSDAY, AUG. 23 MIXED PRECIPITATION Picnic Operetta

COMING EVENTSPANCAKE BREAKFAST 8-10:30 AM SATURDAY, MARCH 3 Location: Garlough Environmental Magnet School in West St. Paul Join friends from the community to enjoy pancakes topped with Dodge's pure maple syrup. Learn about the process of maple sap collection and syrup production with a naturalist-led hike. Dodge Nature Center is a non-profit organization and relies on support from the community to meet mission. $5 donation per person appreciated.

EARTH DAY EVENT GIVE BACK TO NATURE 5:30-8 PM TUESDAY, APRIL 24 Location: Farm Education Entrance 3, 1701 Charlton St. in West St. Paul Join Dodge staff for a spring clean-up event. Begin the evening with dinner and then head outdoors to complete a variety of projects throughout the grounds. Volunteer opportunities may include invasive species removal, garden clean-up, litter pick-up and tree planting. You must pre-register to attend this event so we know how many volunteers to feed.

ROCK THE BARN 3-7 PM SATURDAY, MAY 19 Location: Farm Education Entrance 3, 1701 Charlton St. in West St. Paul Round up the entire family for Dodge’s annual farm and music festival. Visit the barn where you will meet live animals up close. Your child will have the chance to experience a ‘day in the life’ by taking part in farm chores and old fashion games. Everyone will enjoy the atmosphere’s live music, mixed with opportunities for face painting, ice cream, and raffle prizes. Proceeds support Dodge Nature Preschool scholarships. Admission: $8 per person, $30 per family Free for children ages two and under. Early Bird Deal: $6 per person, $25 per family if you pre-register online before noon on May 17.

SPRING/SUMMER 2018