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2 a funding proposal so it could be resumed in the spring. With the addition of the recycled nature trailer from Tamarack Park the possibility of operating more services throughout the year became a reality. Current programs include nature crafts, films, guided tours, and classes. Nature Center birthday parties are even possible. For the modest sum of $1.50 per child or a minimum of $15, Nature center staff will lead the birthday partiers a guided tour, lead craft activities, etc. In cooperation with the Minnesota Humanities Commission a 5 part series, "Life along the Mississippi" fittingly focuses on floodplains and rivers. It is the largest program to date at the nature center. It focuses on early area residents, both native Americans and the farmers who replaced them. The August program is free and open to the public. Those interested in any of the Center programs may call 292-7400 for brochures. Crosby Lake Park is located in the floodplain of the Mississippi on the former site of Thomas Crosby's farm. Crosby, an immigrant from England, settled his land in 1855 and farmed there for over 30 years. Others continued the truck farming operation until the early 1960's when the St. Paul Port Authority purchased the property. They turned it over to the City for park usage where it is maintained in its natural condition. American Heritage Trust The American Heritage Trust bill, legislation designed to provide stable and improved funding levels for the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Historic Preservation Fund (BPF) is facing a substantial threat in the US Congress. The LWCF was created in 1964 to purchase land with natural, scenic ana' recreational significance. A few years later HPF was created to acquire historically important resources. Although funds are automatically authorized each year, they are subject to congressional apl)ropriation. Although funding levels were adequate during the 1970's, since 1980 appropriations levels have declined substantially. Land and Water funds, for example, fell from peak funding of $805 Million to less than $200 Million. Historic Preservation Funding has met a similar fate. As the cost of acquiring lands increases, the funds available have declined. Numerous environmentally sensitive areas remain privately owned and are constantly threatened by urban development and economic exploitation. The American Heritage Trustbill wouldestablish self-perpetuating trust accounts for both the Land & Water and Historic funds. The interest-bearing accounts, primarily funded by revenues paid by oil companies for drilling on the outer continental shelf, would insure a return to the pre 1980 funding levels. States and localities would be the big winners with this legislation, receiving at least 50 percent of the annual funding which would be dispersed with dollar for dollar matching grants. Minnesota's congressional delegation is split in support of the bill. To date Con- gressmen Tim Penny, Vin Weber, Bruce Vento, Jerry Sikorski, and Senator Dave Durenberger have indicated they intend to vote for the bill. Bill Frenzel opposes the bill and Arlan Stangeland, James Oberstar and Rudy Boschwitz have not established a position. If you wish to support this bill, write to Representatives regarding HR 876 to Congressman , House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20510. Write to Senators regarding S 270 Senator , Senate of the United States, Washington, D.0 20510. 'exerpted from The Amerfeon Hiking Society, Park Notes is published quarterly by the Friends of St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks. Editors are Peggy Lynch and Jeanne Weigum. For additional information call (612) 698-4543.