Minnesota museum completes 37-year effort to protect 300 acres

A conservation effort that began when a Minnesota science museum opened its river research station in 1989 has taken nearly four decades to reach its final stage. According to the Science Museum of Minnesota, it has permanently protected the last 130 acres around its St. Croix Watershed Research Station. The newly protected properties include forests, oak savanna, freshwater springs and land along the St. Croix River. Together with earlier conservation work, the latest agreements bring more than 300 acres connected to the research station under permanent protection, completing a goal that has been in the works since the station was established.It started with the research station in 1989The St. Croix Watershed Research Station was established in 1989 near Marine on St. Croix. Its work focuses on the St. Croix River and the wider watershed, including the environmental changes affecting the area.