Dodge Nature Center

08/29/2026

So, eight egrets land on a branch...(insert joke here).

One of our naturalists photographed this unusual gathering of great egrets on the edge of Dodge's prairie pond.

These birds often roost together during nesting season, typically from April to July, but it's past breeding season. We speculate they're getting ready to migrate south for the winter, or they found a good spot for food. They can be know to accidentally group up when there is a high concentration of prey, including fish, crayfish, and frogs.

Fun fact: a group of egrets can be described as a congregation, skewer, siege, sedge, or wedge!

Not-so-fun fact: the great egret was almost wiped out in the 1800s by hunters after their plumes, which were desired in fashion. Conservationists stepped in and saved this species and they have been flourishing since.

We're especially fond of the great egret, as it's the bird featured in Dodge's logo.

📷 Naturalist Sedona

08/26/2026

Hold a chicken, sling axes, gather around a campfire. Where else can you experience all of this besides Dodge?

Join us for Night for Nature on September 17 and be a kid for the evening! Experience the curiosity, wonder, and hands-on learning that thousands of students do at Dodge every year—with delicious food and a drink in hand.

Throughout the evening, you'll have opportunities to support the programs and experiences that have been connecting kids to nature for nearly 60 years—and will continue doing so for generations to come.

🎟️ Get your tickets for this unique-to-Dodge event: Onecau.se/nfn

08/22/2026

It's monarch tagging season! 🦋

The migration of a monarch butterfly is a fascinating phenomenon and multi-generational journey.

In mid-August when daylight dips below fourteen hours, monarchs will know not to breed but instead start heading south. Using a combination of air currents and thermals, these tiny but mighty butterflies (their wingspan is only 4 inches) will travel over 2,500 miles to the oyamel fir forests in the mountains of Mexico. There, they will rest for the winter.

This is where the multi-generational part of the journey comes into play. In March, the migratory generation of monarchs will begin to breed and lay eggs of the new generation.

This begins their migration north—but it won't be one monarch who makes the journey back. It will take 3–4 successive generations to reach Minnesota again. Monarchs will stop to breed along the way, and their offspring will continue on, somehow knowing where to go despite never having been there themselves.

By tagging monarchs through the Monarch Watch Tagging Program, we're helping scientists collect data on the timing and pace of migration, the mortality rate along the way, and shifts in geographic distribution year over year.

So, if you see a monarch feeding on some blazing star (their favorite plant), wish them well. They are fueling up for a very long trip!

08/21/2026

Are we excited about Night for Nature? Totes.

Join us on September 17 to take home one of these mini Dodge tote bags! They’re the perfect companion for your next adventure at Dodge or beyond. As modeled here by Mick, Sean, and Pete, they are versatile. Although we’re not sure how effective they are as a hat.

🎟 Purchase Night for Nature tickets here: Onecau.se/nfn

08/18/2026

We're hiring! We're looking for three individuals passionate about Dodge's mission to join our team.

Whether you want to care for animals and gardens, maintain essential equipment and spaces, or raise funds that support the nature center, Dodge could be the place for you.

💚 Annual Fund Manager
Work alongside the Development and Communications team to build funding support, maintain database records, and provide excellent donor relations.

🐮 Shepard Farm Manager
Lead farm operations at our 140-acre Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove, including crops, orchard, beekeeping, sugarbush, livestock, and gardens.

🛠 Buildings and Grounds Technician
Help keep our buildings, grounds, vehicles, and equipment in good working order.

Interested? Learn more about these opportunities and apply: DodgeNatureCenter.org/Careers

08/14/2026

This photo of our founder Olivia Irvine Dodge and her son Tom was taken more than 50 years ago, not long after Dodge Nature Center was founded.

While so much has changed since then, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to connecting people with nature through hands-on environmental education.

Today, children still dip into ponds in search of turtles, families wander our trails, and learners of all ages continue to discover wonder in the natural world. As we look ahead to celebrating 60 years of Dodge, we're grateful that this mission is as meaningful today as it was from the very beginning.

A heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsor, UBS, for supporting Night for Nature and investing in Dodge's future.

Join us at Night for Nature on September 17: Onecau.se/nfn

08/12/2026

"Parkour!" - Michael Scott (The Office)

Our resident American toad was caught in the act of a totally sick parkour move in its tank. Or maybe it was planking. (Remember the 2010s?)

American toads are common across Minnesota. Here are a few 🐸 toad-ally 🐸 awesome facts about these amphibians:

• Females can lay up to 20,000 eggs each spring.
• Few animals eat toads because they secrete bufotoxins that make their skin taste bitter. Hognose snakes are a notable exception. These toad specialists have evolved a physiological defense that neutralizes the toxins.
• In winter, toads burrow below the frost line to wait out the cold.
• Yes, toads can have warts. No, you can't get warts from toads.

📷 Naturalist Ashley

08/11/2026

Who's that rustling around in the leaf litter? It's a toad! 🐸

From tadpole to toadlet to toad, follow the fascinating transformation of one of Minnesota's most common amphibians and discover the challenges it faces along the way in this Nature to Go video.

Who's that rustling around in the leaf litter? It's a toad!From t...

08/10/2026

This is exactly why we love what we do. 💚 We’re so glad to be part of these students’ learning experiences.

08/06/2026

For nearly six decades, generous supporters like you have helped Dodge inspire curiosity, foster a love of nature, and connect generations with the outdoors.

Join us at Night for Nature as we celebrate that legacy and invest in the next chapter!

Thursday, September 17
6:00–9:30 p.m.
Outdoors at the Main Property in West St. Paul

• Delicious food and drinks
• Unique-to-Dodge activities
• Exciting live auction
• Opportunities to connect with the Dodge community
and more!

🎟 Purchase tickets: Onecau.se/nfn