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Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan <br /> Summary of April 21, 2104 Vision Meeting <br /> Consulting staff from HKGi and representatives of Anoka County met at Wargo Nature Center from 1 to <br /> 3pm to discuss the vision for Wargo Nature Center. The purpose of the meeting was to create a vision, <br /> goals,strategies,and framework for the center and its programming. Key elements of the discussions <br /> are summarized below. <br /> ATTENDEES: <br /> Greg Ingraham, HKGi <br /> Lit Leatham, HKG1 <br /> Anna Springer, HKGi <br /> John VonDeLinde,Anoka County Parks& Recreation Director <br /> Cory Hinz,Anoka County Recreation Services Manager <br /> Lisa Gilliland, Interpretive Naturalist,Wargo Nature Center <br /> Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor,Wargo Nature Center <br /> Bob Holtz,Anoka County Naturalist <br /> Mary Morris, Interpretive Naturalist <br /> Deb Gallup, Interpretive Naturalist <br /> SITE ASSESSMENT COMMENTS: <br /> • Harriet Alexander in Roseville is another nature center near Wargo. It is smaller, but worth <br /> mentioning. <br /> • Bob suggested a installing a dam to raise the water level of George Watch Lake. <br /> Timber management plan is still a consideration <br /> • A wildflower interpretive trail in the prairie would be good <br /> • Connectivity to the YMCA is ideal <br /> • Focus should be on getting kids OUTSIDE <br /> • Bob:Wargo is the 3rd highest recipient of grant money of all nature centers in MN <br /> • There is a current trend for nature centers to host wedding events as a revenue generator. <br /> Wargo has had smaller weddings but is limited by size/capacity <br /> TRENDS PRESENTATION COMMENTS: <br /> • Would be great to incorporate digital technology with signage on trails <br /> • There is a need for programming to meet the needs of school curriculum <br /> • Trails need to be longer around Wargo-currently the longest loop is 25 minutes,and they should <br /> be longer than 30 minutes <br /> ■ Drop in visitors did rise with addition of trail along hwy14 <br /> • Potential to keep grounds open from sunrise to sunset-but can't rely on volunteers for staffing <br /> as their availability is not always clear <br /> • John would like to see a parking lot near the compost site <br /> Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—April 21, 2014 Vision Meeting Summary 1 <br />