Service projects provide an opportunity to take what we know in our minds and hearts and put it into action. Very close to the conference hotel is the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, a former rail yard adjacent to the Mississippi River. With dramatic bluffs, caves, and underground springs all in view of the St. Paul skyline, the sanctuary opened to the public in 2005. Come discover how local community members are working to reclaim a community asset and how a community’s appearance contributes to the quality of life and growth of that community. While outside in the crisp fall air, you’ll learn about the history and ecology of this unique location. We’ll be weeding, performing site maintenance, and other work to advance  the transformation of an abandoned post-industrial dumping site into an oasis of nature in the city. Participants will get copies of the Dunn Foundation’s ViewFinders Too teacher's guide, and materials from Earth Force and Eco-Education. Participants also will be eligible to apply to the Dunn Foundation for mini-grants to design and implement community service learning projects with students. A grant from the Dunn Foundation partially funds this project. Buses to the site will be provided. Project will take place rain or shine so jackets and proper footwear are advised.

Thursday, October 12, 2:00–3:45 p.m.

Friday, October 13, 8:00–9:30 a.m. AND
10:00–11:30 a.m.

Saturday, October 14,  3:00–5:00 p.m.

Buses will be available to take you to and from the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel to the Nature Sanctuary. (Check the registration desk for the bus loading location.) After arriving, you'll be given a site orientation and more details about the history and restoration efforts, including the involvement of the East-side Youth Conservation Corps.