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Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of April 21, 2104 Vision Meeting Consulting staff from HKGi and representatives of Anoka County met at Wargo Nature Center from 1 to 3pm to discuss the vision for Wargo Nature Center. The purpose of the meeting was to create a vision, goals, strategies, and framework for the center and its programming. Key elements of the discussions are summarized below. ATTENDEES: Greg Ingraham, HKGi Lil Leatham, HKGi Anna Springer, HKGi John VonDeLinde, Anoka County Parks & Recreation Director Cory Hinz, Anoka County Recreation Services Manager Lisa Gilliland, Interpretive Naturalist, Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor, Wargo Nature Center Bob Holtz, Anoka County Naturalist Mary Morris, Interpretive Naturalist Deb Gallup, Interpretive Naturalist SITE ASSESSMENT COMMENTS: • Harriet Alexander in Roseville is another nature center near Wargo. It is smaller, but worth mentioning. • Bob suggested a installing a dam to raise the water level of George Watch Lake. • Timber management plan is still a consideration • A wildflower interpretive trail in the prairie would be good • Connectivity to the YMCA is ideal • Focus should be on getting kids OUTSIDE • Bob: Wargo is the 3rd highest recipient of grant money of all nature centers in MN • There is a current trend for nature centers to host wedding events as a revenue generator. Wargo has had smaller weddings but is limited by size/capacity TRENDS PRESENTATION COMMENTS: • Would be great to incorporate digital technology with signage on trails • There is a need for programming to meet the needs of school curriculum • Trails need to be longer around Wargo -currently the longest loop is 25 minutes, and they should be longer than 30 minutes • Drop in visitors did rise with addition of trail along hwy14 • Potential to keep grounds open from sunrise to sunset -but can't rely on volunteers for staffing as their availability is not always clear • John would like to see a parking lot near the compost site Wargo Nature Center Master Plan — April 21, 2014 Vision Meeting Summary Pa g e 11 A 34 Appendix: Meetings & Outreach