Founded in 1967, the Thomas Irvine Dodge Nature Center was one of the first nature centers in the state of Minnesota and a pioneer in environmental education. Dodge is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide exceptional experiences in nature through environmental education. The nature center operates on 460+ acres of nature preserve across four properties: the Main Property and Marie Property in West St. Paul, the Lilly Property in Mendota Heights, and the Shepard Farm Property in Cottage Grove. Dodge provides environmental and agricultural experiences for thousands of people of all ages every year through school and public programs, camps, community events, and a nature-based preschool. Dodge's four properties feature miles of hiking trails, restored prairies, woodlands, wetlands, abundant local wildlife, and flourishing native habitat. Highlights include community gardens, a working model farm, raptor mews, and a bee apiary. Trails are open to everyone at no cost across all four properties—sunrise to sunset, every day of the year.