Friends of Oxbow receive $100K in grant funding to support new Nature Center campaign

(ABC 6 News) – Friends of Oxbow was recently awarded $100K of grant funding by Mayo Clinic to support their fundraising efforts for the New Oxbow Nature Center in Byron.

Friends of Oxbow is a non-profit organization that supports the educational, environmental, and recreational goals of Oxbow Park.

“Friends of Oxbow is pleased and very thankful to receive this grant award and put it towards classroom technology, biome exhibits and zoo animals in the new center. The new nature center will serve as a hub for the community and will be able to extend the park’s programs, activities, and education impact beyond what it is currently able to offer,” said Seanne P. Buckwalter, President, Friends of Oxbow.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is a no fee park that was founded in 1969 and is one of Olmsted County’s premier parks. Established in the early 80s, Friends of Oxbow has been the primary engine that has driven the parks success. This advocacy group has donated well over $750,000 to Oxbow, and members serve a critical role as both advisors and advocates for the facility.

Oxbow Nature Center’s expansive new Exhibit Hall will showcase the geology, flora, and fauna of southeastern Minnesota. Live animal displays, educational exhibits with prompted activities, and areas for exploratory play will excite minds of all ages and offer hours of discoveries. A wildlife viewing area and resource library will offer a relaxing place to spend time.

Friends of Oxbow believes this grant will have significant impact on the community. The new nature center at Oxbow Park will connect even more people to the outdoors and better provide programming that showcases the region’s natural resources, including Zollman’s Zoo’s 30+ species of native animals.

Since May of 2021, Friends of Oxbow has been working hard to reach a fundraising of goal of $1,000,000. Please consider contributing to Friends of Oxbow’s Capital campaign that will continue through the month of November.

For more information visit FriendsofOxbow.org, or email friendsofoxbow@gmail.com