If you’re interested in seeing where The Nature Conservancy got its start in Minnesota, then Malmberg Prairie near Crookston in northwest Minnesota is a good place to visit. A spring or summer walk at this 80-acre virgin prairie might turn up a rare orchid or a short-eared owl. It will certainly give you the chance to experience the sights and sounds of a small remnant of the vast sea of grass that once covered Minnesota’s Red River Valley.

Back in the car, it’s a short trip down the road to see how far the Conservancy has come in the past 50 years. A walk at the 35,000-acre Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge will give you an up close and personal look at Minnesota’s newest wildlife refuge, established in 2004. The refuge was formed around the Conservancy’s 24,000-acre Glacial Ridge property, which is the largest prairie and wetland restoration in the United States.

From protecting prairie remnants to conserving and restoring large forest and prairie landscapes, we’ve come a long way since 1958 in conserving Minnesota’s lands and waters for people and nature.

As the challenges to conserving our precious natural resources have grown over the years—rising land prices, new and more aggressive invasive species, climate change and the quickening pace of development—so have we. While land acquisition continues to be an important tool, Minnesota has been and will continue to be a leader in pioneering conservation strategies and building partnerships that allow us to conserve large landscapes like Glacial Ridge, vast expanses of our magnificent Northwoods and fresh water systems from the Mississippi to Lake Superior.

The secret to our success today is the same as it was back in 1958—you. From donors and partners to members, staff and volunteers, it is people who love the land and water and want to see it protected for future generations that have made all the difference. We’re inspired by your generosity, your dedication and your trust, all of which make our work possible.

To commemorate our golden anniversary, we are planning a series of special events in 2008. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of conservation success and launch our ambitious plan to conserve even more of Minnesota’s spectacular lands, waters and wildlife.

Peggy Ladner
State Director

Photo: Susie Island Preserve © Brian Winter/The Nature Conservancy

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