The MJV is pleased to share that the Lower Phalen Creek Project has joined the partnership. Lower Phalen Creek Project (LPCP) is a Native-led environmental nonprofit that has serviced the East Side of Saint Paul since 1997. Their mission, engaging people to honor and care for our natural places and the sacred sites and cultural value within them, is borne out in our three programming areas of environmental education, urban conservation and restoration, and cultural connections and healing.
LPCP has led numerous projects on the East Side of St. Paul, including the reclamation and restoration of 27 acres of abandoned wasteland, now Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. The sacred site of Wakáŋ Tipi serves, co-located at the Sanctuary, serves as the core location for much of LPCP’s programming. In addition to their robust environmental education, urban conservation and restoration, and cultural connections and healing programs, LPCP is leading the community effort to daylight Phalen Creek. Phelan Creek empties directly into the Mississippi River, and served as a transportation corridor for the Dakota people. This project would bring the 3+ miles of the creek back to the surface, and provide an opportunity for monarch and pollinator habitat enhancement along it’s banks.
LPCP brings a long history of successful education, restoration, and cultural programs to the MJV partnership. Their success in navigating and implementing complex, multi-stakeholder projects that have great impact in their community will be a wonderful addition to the MJV partnership. The MJV is looking forward to collaborating with LPCP to add a community science program to their already successful programs, continuing to participate in their Pollinator Festival, and providing a direct connection to our network of partners working in the Twin Cities and beyond. To learn more about the Lower Phalen Creek Project, please visit https://www.lowerphalencreek.org/
The Monarch Joint Venture is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and a national partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses and academic programs working together to conserve the monarch butterfly migration. The content in this article does not necessarily reflect the positions of all Monarch Joint Venture partners. Photo courtesy of LPCP.