The McColl Pond ELC at Community Park in Savage — a community gathering place modeling a greener way of life.
Our Purpose
The Friends of McColl Pond was formed to promote public awareness and appreciation of the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) at McColl Pond through the creation of environmental, educational, and interpretive programs that benefit citizens of all ages and abilities. We are dedicated to building an independent organization, formed and managed by local citizens. The Friends of McColl Pond is creating tailored, hands-on learning programs for both adults and students to help them better appreciate the natural world around us. We strive to encourage social understanding and heighten respect and cooperation by our citizens for for activities that strengthen our community's relationship with the earth.
• Provide a positive community influence acting as environmental custodians of the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) at McColl Pond to the public at large.
• Act as independent advocates in conjunction with other like-minded conservation organizations to protect the natural resources of our community.
• Coordinate and host community events and educational seminars dedicated to increasing the public awareness of ways in which we can best use our natural resources wisely.
• Strive to influence support for the ELC through joint educational programs with local, regional, and national environmental organizations.
• Continue to develop working relationships with State and Federal resources such as the Minnesota DNR, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Audubon Society.
• Adhere to high ethical standards applicable to private non-profit charitable organizations and strictly follow the reporting guidelines and other specific regulations as required by state and federal law.
Location
Community Park
13550 Dakota Avenue
Savage, MN 55378
(Park is west of County Road 27
and south of County Road 16)
About the ELC
The Environmental Learning Center includes:
• McColl Pond and pier
• 10 acres of woodlands
• Marshes and restored prairie-oak savanna
• Natural and paved trails winding through the area, as well as through adjacent Community Park
The "green" building features 8,264 sq. feet and serves as a model for builders incorporating green features into their residential and commercial projects. The McColl Pond ELC has been developed for your recreational and educational enjoyment. It includes two environmental education (EE) classrooms, a multipurpose room, and an outdoor covered patio.
The EE Classrooms
The McColl Pond ELC provides a classroom setting for the City's existing environmental program with local schools, in addition to being a gathering space for celebrations and meetings. The City of Savage worked with the state of Minnesota to develop environmental education curriculum that meets required state standards in science.
The EE Classrooms are equipped with:
• Microscopes
• Visual aids
• Multimedia learning tools
• Internet portals
• And more!
Sustainable Building Specifications
Utilization of innovative technologies, methods and techniques include the following:
• Permeable soils, native plants, and rain gardens that will filter storm water runoff, minimizing the impact of our lakes and streams.
• Innovative storm water management techniques will reduce pollutants and sediment in our water resources.
• Vegetated roofs will reduce heating and cooling expenses, as well as provide innovative storm water management.
• Post-consumer recycled building materials help reduce landfill waste and reduce resource consumption.
• Passive solar energy and geothermal heating and cooling sources reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Fun Features!
• Walls made from wheat board and seaweed derived glue
• Ceilings made from pressed sawdust and other recycled materials
• Classroom cupboards made from pressed sunflowers
• Classroom counters made from recycled plastic jugs
• Tulikivi Soapstone fireplace from Finland
• State of the art geothermal heating system
LEED Certification:
The ELC facility will be LEED certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This means that the building meets high standards in environmentally-friendly construction.
Contacts
City of Savage City Hall — 952-882-2660
City of Savage Park and Recreation Office — 952-224-3400
