About the McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center
The Environmental Learning Center includes McColl Pond and 10 acres of woodlands, marshes and restored prairie - oak savanna. The "Big Woods" remnant and oak savanna offer a glimpse of pre-settlement conditions. Natural and paved trails wind through this area and the adjacent Savage Community Park. An outdoor classroom provides space for area school children to gather for presentations related to the ELC. Construction of the McColl Pond ELC facility is scheduled for 2008. Watch for upcoming announcements!
The
McColl Pond ELC has been developed for your recreational and educational enjoyment. The vision for this ELC was conceived on the concepts of good land use ethics and environmental stewardship. The City of Savage strongly promotes and supports these concepts.
Features and activities
- 10 acres of woodlands, marshes and restored prairie
- McColl Pond
- Walking and biking trails
- Outdoor classroom
- Fishing pier
Programming
Winter programming includes bird habitats, dog sled rides, full moon hikes, showshoeing and winter tree identification.
Spring programming includes the annual Arbor Day Tree Sale, Arbor Day celebration, and backyard birdscaping.
Summer programming includes Critter Camp, Nature Camp, outdoor photography, Pioneer Camp, Planting a Prairie Garden, tree identification, tree and shrub care, and landscaping for wildlife.
Programs can be tailored to meet the needs of teachers, students and small groups. If you are interested in having our staff provide and energetic, hands on program for your group, or would like more information on the ELC and our seasonal programming, call 952-882-2678 or 952-224-3400.
DNR's Fishing in the Neighborhood (FIN) program
The Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) Program provides fishing opportunities for residents and visitors in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Through FiN, the DNR works with the City of Savage and other communities to make safe settings in residential areas where families can enjoy a day in the park and good fishing. As a part of the FiN program, McColl Pond is seasonally stocked with fish. Other FiN initiatives include the installation of fishing piers and platforms, restoration of shoreline habitat and sponsorship of aquatic education to create quality fishing opportunities.
History
Development of the McColl Pond ELC began in the summer of 1997. Site grading and seeding were the first steps in restoring the site. Native prairie and wildflower seeds were carefully chosen to recreate what this site looked like prior to European settlement. Around this time, the Mdewakanton Dakota people settled in much of Scott County, hunting and gathering food in and around McColl Pond.
The prairie planted here gives visitors a glimpse of one of the three major biomes that meet in Minnesota. Northern confierous forest dominated northeastern Minnesota, tall grass prairie occupied the south and west, and eastern deciduous forest covered a broad band between the two.
These vegetation types were distributed on the landscape according to climate, soil and landform patterns. Natural disturbances such as fire, drought, windstorm and insect outbreaks modified the vegetation on a local and regional scale. Of these, fire was the most important distrubance agent.
Public support
The City of Savage wishes to thank those in the community who have generously donated toward the establishment of the Environmental Learning Center.
If you would like to provide financial support for McColl Pond ELC or are interested in volunteer opportunities, please call 952-882-2678 for more information.
Donate to the project
Contributions are needed to help make this project happen. If yo would like to donate, print out this
donation form. Fill it out and send it with a check to Savage City Hall, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage MN 55378. Thank you!
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