Dodge Nature Center – West St. Paul Reader

ISD 197 School Board meeting on April 6, 2026.

ISD 197 School Board Recap: April 6, 2026

At the end of a school board meeting packed with updates and progress across the ISD 197, the superintendent raised the issue of a potential levy to help address an ongoing funding gap.

Missi Arens, the new executive director of Dodge Nature Center.

New Dodge Nature Center Leader Embraces Environmental Education

New Executive Director Missi Arens focuses on preservation and education, emphasizing shared responsibility: “It’s just important for everyone to say, ‘How can I help?'”

Then & Now: Charlton Tunnel

A look back at the construction of the Charlton Street tunnel in 2015, which completed the River-to-River Greenway Trail.

"Dodge Nature Center, Early Spring" by Andrew Carr

View of Dodge Nature Center Postcard

Our latest postcard just went out to members featuring Dodge Nature Center. We commissioned local artist Andrew Carr to create the scene.

Dodge Nature Preschool Celebrates 25 Years

Dodge Nature Preschool will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the Rock the Barn farm and music festival on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Father and son otter sledding at Winter Fun Fest in West St. Paul.

Winter Fun Fest in Photos

Hundreds of people came out for the Winter Fun Fest at Dodge Nature Center this weekend. See our photos of the winter wonderland.

Dodge Nature Center barn in 1982 and 2025.

Then & Now: Dodge Nature Center Barn

Here’s a look at the barn at the Dodge Nature Center in 1982 and in 2025.

Winter Fun Fest Returns for 2025

Winter Fun Fest, a free, outdoor community event, returns to Dodge Nature Center on February 15 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Historic photo of Dixie Slope courtesy of the Dakota County Historical Society.

Olivia Dodge Mansion Demolished

The 115-year-old mansion on Delaware Avenue in West St. Paul was torn down and will remain empty land. “I call it ‘reverse development,'” said Thomas Dodge.

Exploring Wildlife and Family Bonds in Children’s Book From West St. Paul Author

Grandpa Loved Wild Things by Melissa Rousu explores nature and family bonds. The story is based on Rousu’s grandfather, Bill Drazkowski, a nature photographer and raptor rehabilitator.