Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November, 2008. The Legacy Amendment supports outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, as well as arts, history and cultural heritage. As a Legacy fund beneficiary from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has been able to provide educational experiences for ages 1-100.

An overview of each of our Legacy funded projects is in the tabs above and more details can be found by clicking on each project’s associated link. Our thanks to Minnesotans across the state who make these projects possible.

For more information about any of these projects, please contact Michelle Furrer, Como Campus Director, at michelle.furrer@stpaul.gov

About the Legacy Amendment

The Legacy Amendment is a constitutional amendment adopted by Minnesota voters in November 2008. It raised the state sales tax by 3/8 of 1% for a period of 25 years and dedicated the earned revenue to clean water, parks, outdoor habitat, and arts and cultural heritage.

A website was also created by the Minnesota Legislature to help citizens monitor how funds from the Legacy Amendment are being used. On the Minnesota’s Legacy: watch the progress you can see how funds are being invested across the state.

Music Under Glass

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Visitor Center offer unique venues to showcase local musicals and lecturers. These series would also offer the venue in times outside of the standard public hours and introduces the arts to a new audience.

Music Under Glass will offer three bi-weekly cycles:
· January – March 2012
· June – July 2012
· January – March 2013

Click here for more information

Theatrical Show Presentation

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory will work with local artisans and performers to develop, design and produce a live theatrical performance that will help visitors make a stronger connection to the animals, plants and gardens to foster appreciation, conservation and preservation.

Nature’s Engineers

Join Como Park Zoo and Conservatory as we explore science and nature through the eyes of engineers. The program selections provide something for everyone.

During “Mini Movers,” our youngest learners will discover how animals stay safe in nature by swimming, hopping, flying, and stomping. This 30 – 45 minute program includes an interactive story, creative movement and animal visitors that are sure to delight! Mini Movers is appropriate for children up to five years of age and can accommodate up to 30 learners.

We take learning to the next level with our school-aged “Early Engineers” program. Although there is the option for leaders to book an introductory program, which is a single session, we recommend getting the full benefits of the program and booking the three class series. Early Engineers begins with an exploration of how scientists look to nature to help solve problems. Each program is inquiry-based, and allows children the experience of building projects using animals as their models for design. Not only will children be inspired when they meet animals with amazing adaptations, they will be thrilled with the opportunity to think like real scientists and design like real engineers. Early Engineers classes last approximately 75 minutes and are appropriate for groups up to 30 students.

For adult audiences, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory will provide “Natural Wonders.” This interactive slide show presentation will highlight the science of biomimicry. Amazing technological advances have been made in all areas of science. Many of these advancements have been inspired by plants and animals. Participants will learn more about how nature is helping scientists clean up oil spills, reduce energy consumption, and make advancements in aviation just to name a few. The Natural Wonders lecture is approximately 45 – 60 minutes in length and appropriate for groups up to 100. Power point projection is utilized and requires appropriate viewing space.

The Nature’s Engineers programs have been generously funded by the Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant and developed by the Education Department at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Programs are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a limited number of programs. Be sure to take advantage of these wonderful programs designed to inspire us to not only learn about nature, but to learn from nature.

Lil’ Explorer Thursdays

A new, free program 10-Noon each Thursday through April. Perfect for the 1-3 year old to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!

Click here for more information

Special Exhibits

Como will design, develop and produce a variety of opportunities in seasonal exhibits, including year two of “Roots, Shoots and Fruits: The Incredible Edible Garden”. In addition, special exhibits in the Gallery will feature photography as well as build partnerships to feature exhibitions on topics such as bears, wolves, and mushrooms.