Mission Statement
- To support and advocate for the maintenance and preservation of the Maplewood Nature Center and Preserves
- To help maintain and support community environmental health
- To support environmental education
- To increase awareness of nature
- To provide a means for community citizens to connect with nature
History
The Friends of Maplewood Nature was formally formed in 2007 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). For the benefit of the community, Friends of Maplewood Nature complements tax dollars spent on management of these natural areas and the Nature Center’s educational programs. Anyone can be a member. You do not have to live in Maplewood to be a member and donations are welcome!!
Maplewood Nature Center (MNC) was created in 1979 because citizens recognized the need for green space within a busy community. Since the beginning, MNC has provided environmental programs to educate school children and the public.
In 1993, the Center expanded its mission when the citizens of Maplewood overwhelmingly voted for a five-million-dollar referendum to purchase open spaces identified by the Open Space Committee. The Neighborhood Preserve system now has 14 sites.
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Board of Directors
President: John Zakelj
Vice President: Rachel Van Heel
Treasurer: Kathy Janis
Secretary: Eloise Maki
Director: Rick Arnebeck
Director: Gary Hipple
Director: Dick Miller
Director: Dana Sterner
Director: Karen Wachal
City of Maplewood Liaisons: Audra Robbins, Shann Finwall, Neal Breneman, Katelyn Bergstrom
What do our Directors do:
We support Maplewood Nature Center and the City’s 14 designated preserves by helping to promote and protect these natural areas and educate people about the outdoors.
As one director expressed it, we’re passionate about our environmental and educational mission and happy to do what we can to ensure the future of the parks that we treasure.
Our hands-on, all-volunteer nature enthusiasts bring many skills from occupations such as teacher, office specialist, lawyer, writer, pediatric physical therapist, musician, grant-writer, project manager. Our lives are filled with kayaking, wildlife watching, hiking, gardening, treasured pets, children’s ski coaching, cross country skiing, camping, photography, sewing, woodworking, reading and other activities.
Interested in a volunteer Friends of Maplewood Nature Board position? To learn more, fill out the FMN Board Application below or attend one of the Board meetings. If you have any questions please email maplewoodnature@gmail.com.
Friends of Maplewood Nature 