Who is Living Earth Center?
Living Earth Center is a Mankato nonprofit founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. For 30 years we've run community gardens and taught people of all ages to grow food and care for the land. We also manage the Blue Earth County Community Farm and work with Homestead Apartments on their community garden. Each year we donate more than 3,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food shelves.

Why did you buy the Pohl Road property?
Our community garden on Good Counsel Hill needs a new home because the Hill has been sold. We were looking for a place that could meet the community's growing needs and keep the land green and open, and Katy and Dave Wortel shared that hope for their property. The sale closed on October 21, 2026.

Will the land be developed?
No. We bought the property so it would stay protected land for growing food, learning and enjoying nature. We have no plans to subdivide it or build housing. In the future, we hope to expand the barn so it can become a place for educational workshops and community gatherings. This won't drastically change the property's overall footprint: green space will remain green.

What will change, and when?
Not much right away. During the first year, our work will focus on getting the soil and the historic barn ready. In the years after that, you'll see more gardeners and growers on the property, along with youth education classes and occasional events at the barn. Changes will come gradually, and through every phase we'll remain respectful of our neighbors. We'll let you know before any major work starts.

Will there be more traffic on Pohl Road?
During the first year, very little, since we'll mainly be preparing the soil and the barn. After that, there will be more visitors, mostly gardeners, growers and small groups. When the property is annexed into the City, we'll be required to complete a traffic study, which will help guide parking and access. We'll also welcome neighbors' input on traffic and safety.

Will there be large events or noise?
Our work is mostly quiet: gardening, youth education classes, volunteer workdays and nature walks. After the first year, there could be occasional events at the barn. We'll always be respectful of our neighbors and thoughtful about hours, noise and lighting, and we want to hear from you if anything ever bothers you.

Will the property be open to the public?
Not yet. The property isn't open for visits or public use right now, and we ask that people respect it as private property. As our work on the property grows, we plan to welcome the community through programs, volunteer days and, eventually, walking trails.

What happens to the woods, prairie and wetlands?
We'll protect them. Caring for this land is the reason we bought it, and its woodland, prairie and wetlands are a big part of what makes it special.

Does this affect zoning, or will the property be annexed into the City?
The property is currently in Mankato Township. We've met with Township and City officials to make sure our plans follow local rules, and we'll keep working with both. When the property is annexed into the City, we'll need to provide a traffic study as part of that process. Annexation also goes through the usual public process, where neighbors can take part.

How can neighbors share ideas or concerns?
We want to hear from you, and we hope you'll help shape what this place becomes. We will be hosting a question and answer session with local neighbors at the end of November.  If you live in the neighborhood, and have not received information about the upcoming session, please contact our Executive Director, whose contact information is listed below.
(If you do not live in the neighborhood, we will be hosting listening and information sessions for the general public at later dates, sign up for our e-newsletter, or follow us on social media for updates on when sessions are scheduled.)

How will you keep neighbors updated?
We'll post updates here on our Grow for the Future website. Before any major work begins, we'll let nearby neighbors know what's coming and when. We're always available to answer additional questions, so please reach out anytime.

Can I get involved?
Yes. Starting in spring 2027, we'll offer regular volunteer hours on the site. Neighbors are also welcome at our garden programs and classes.

Who can I contact?
Laura Marsala Peterson, Executive Director lpeterson@livingearthcentermn.org 507-389-4272