Change is the heartbeat of progress, and today, we at the Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) stand at the threshold of a remarkable transformation. With gratitude and anticipation, we are excited to announce the acquisition of a beautiful and cherished farm and nature campus in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. This 20-acre property was gifted to us by the Prairie Oaks Institute at Robert Creek and has a long line of conservation stewards and caretakers. We are honored to continue this legacy of land stewardship and embrace this location as an embodiment of our conservation mission.
As stewards of conservation, education, and community, the Monarch Joint Venture recognizes the immense responsibility entrusted to us. The legacy of Prairie Oaks Institute, founded by the Schmidt-Devine family, serves as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of collective vision and dedication. With this transition, we're focusing on practical steps to maximize the impact of Prairie Oaks to advance MJV’s mission. From educational initiatives to scientific research and community engagement, we're committed to leveraging this property for the betterment of pollinator conservation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have nurtured Prairie Oaks over the years. To show our appreciation and offer an opportunity to meet our team, the MJV will host an open house celebration at the Prairie Oaks campus on Saturday, June 22, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Details will be posted soon on the new Prairie Oaks webpage.
To stay connected with our progress and support our mission, we invite you to sign up for our newsletter and consider donating to our dedicated Prairie Oaks fund. With your help, we can ensure that Prairie Oaks continues to thrive as a haven for monarchs, pollinators, and all who seek solace in nature's embrace.
To read the announcement from the Prairie Oaks Institute, click here.
About the Monarch Joint Venture
The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is a nonprofit convening federal and state agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and academic programs to conserve monarch butterflies and pollinators since 2008. Through a diverse network of collaborators, the MJV implements science-based conservation actions outlined in the Monarch Conservation Implementation Framework. The MJV leads in convening and connecting stakeholders, conservation planning and implementation, technical tool development and expertise, and diverse stakeholder engagement. To achieve ambitious monarch and habitat goals, the MJV engages a wide range of stakeholders, fostering commitment and action.