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Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of July 15, 2014 Peer Review Meeting Consulting staff from HKGi and representatives of Anoka County met with a group of selected peers in the area of environmental education/recreation/interpretation to discuss Wargo Nature Center's existing conditions, programs, desires and opportunities for the future. The purpose of the meeting was to test and refine the draft, goals, recommendations, and physical improvements, and gather additional informed input, ideas and strategies for programs, marketing, activities, and facilities at the Wargo Nature Center. The meeting was held at Wargo and included a brief walking tour of the Nature Center. ATTENDEES: Lil Leatham, HKGi Anna Springer, HKGi Cory Hinz, Anoka County Recreation Services Manager Lisa Gilliland, Interpretive Naturalist, Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor, Wargo Nature Center Dan Spock, MN History Center Vicky Wachtler, Naturalist, Eastman Nature Center, Three Rivers Park District Katie Pata, Dakota County Naturalist, MN Naturalist Association Sandy Tanckt, MN Landscape Arboretum Mark Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center St. Louis Park CHANGES TO DRAFT MASTER PLAN: • Add main entrance to nature play area off main entrance path • Add turf area on the current meadow(reed canary grass area) and bring nature closer to the building • Include current plans to improve dock • Trailhead somewhere within the property? COMMENTS ON DRAFT MASTER PLAN: Physical improvements: • Bring vegetation/nature in closer proximity to the building • replace the 'sterile' turf lawn with naturalized plantings (no current opportunity for birding/wildlife observation from the building). Create views into the surrounding woods, as well. Get invasive species under control (Reed Canary Grass, Burdock, etc). • Tree houses are great additions-eg Landscape Arboretum had a successful exhibit. • Changes need to reflect the overall intent of the center • Essential experiences-whats the bread and butter? -for Dakota County it's trails. Make better connections to the nearby trail system to draw people in week after week. • Need to improve the view to the building Wargo Nature Center Master Plan —July 15, 2014 Peer Reveiw Meeting Summary Pa g e 11 A 44 Appendix: Meetings & Outreach