Nature center plans develop in Inver Grove Heights

Tucked into the woods of Inver Grove Heights, there's a chain of pristine lakes with natural shoreline, home to all manner of wildlife, from fox and deer to bald eagles and wild turkeys.

Now there's a movement afoot to protect the land as a nature center.

Local legislators have introduced a bill seeking an unspecified amount of state bond money for what would eventually be a 250-acre Darvan Acres Nature Center.

"With the prospect of a bonding bill potentially moving forward this year and then traditionally moving forward next year, we just wanted to start the discussion," said Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights. "It is one of the most spectacular plots of land you will ever encounter anywhere in Minnesota."

More than half of the land is owned by the Grannis family. The Darvan Acres moniker is a combination of Darlene and Vance Grannis Jr.'s first names.

Vance Grannis Jr., whose family founded the oldest law firm in Dakota County, was the first mayor of Inver Grove Heights. Outside of his law practice, he has spent years tending to birds and other animals on the family farm.

"The property is a unique place that offers tremendous opportunity to increase people's awareness, understanding and appreciation for our natural world," Vance Grannis Jr. said. "The nature center will be developed on the property to establish an environmental interpretive center for young and old."

"It's kind of a sanctuary right in the middle of the [Twin] Cities," Metzen said. "We saw wild turkeys all over the place. We saw deer."

Metzen said state bonding is just one avenue being pursued as the project percolates. He would also like to bring the project to the attention of the committee that divvies out proceeds from the voter-approved Legacy Amendment.

"Most of the money so far has been going to outstate stuff," Metzen said. "If we find a jewel within the Cities here like this one, I think it's pretty important that the committee locate some local projects, too."

Dakota County has also taken notice and made about $1 million available for a conservation easement to protect the land, through the local Farmland and Natural Areas Program and state grants.

Al Singer, the county's land conservation manager, said the details of the nature center are still evolving, but the Grannis family is passionate about creating a place where future generations can learn about the outdoors. Over the years, Singer said, the family has worked with many groups on bird rehabilitation, grassland restoration and outdoor classroom instruction for students at Inver Hills Community College.