This dream will unfold gradually and thoughtfully, shaped by the people who care about it most. We do not have all the answers—and that is intentional. The best version of this space will grow from community wisdom, need, and collaboration. We envision a Phased funding plan that allows the Living Earth Center to move with intentionality. What we do know is this: communities that invest in shared spaces, local food systems, and meaningful connection are communities better prepared to face whatever comes.

This dream will unfold gradually and thoughtfully, shaped by the people who care about it most. We do not have all the answers, and that is intentional. The best version of this space will grow from community wisdom, need, and collaboration. What we do know is this: communities that invest in shared spaces, local food systems, and meaningful connection are better prepared to face whatever comes.

Phase 1: Seed Phase

Secure the Property and Stabilize Existing Structures

Living Earth Center has closed on the Pohl Road property! Phase 1 covers buying the property and the immediate work needed to protect the site and prepare it for the future. Thanks to the generosity of our early supporters, LEC has raised, been pledged, or received in-kind gifts of more than $2.4 million. Phase 1 is fully funded, and the surplus is going to Phase 2.

Item	Amount
Property Purchase (includes appraised price, closing costs, appraisal, survey, environmental studies, and legal fees)	$1,853,600
Barn Roof & Septic System	$75,000
First-Year Operating Expenses	$20,000
Campaign and Consulting Costs	$155,100
Total	$2,103,70
Status	Fully Funded ✓

 

Phase 2: Sprout Phase

Transition Growing Operations and Office Space While Expanding Programs

Phase 2 focuses on moving LEC's growing operations and offices to Pohl Road and laying the groundwork for long-term growth. This includes preparing the land for growing, preserving the historic barn, completing annexation into the City of Mankato, and turning the farmhouse into accessible office and meeting space.

Item	Amount
Growing Onsite (landscaping, fencing, irrigation, equipment, restrooms, lighting, and part-time staffing)	$122,875
Barn Preservation (foundation repair, structural engineering, and electrical updates)*	$422,000
City of Mankato Annexation (assessments, annexation fee, sewer connection, parking, traffic study, stormwater, wetland reporting, and civil engineering)	$371,200
Farmhouse to Office (ADA updates, new furnace, asbestos abatement, furnishings, and technology)*	$270,000
Campaign and Consulting Costs	$165,600
Total	$1,351,675

*Costs marked with an asterisk are estimates and may change depending on building material costs at the time of construction.

Phase 3: Bloom Phase

Transform LEC into a Vibrant, Year-Round Community Destination

Our final phase is still taking root. We will shape it together with our staff, volunteers, gardeners, Emerging Growers, community partners, and neighbors, and the vision and its costs will change with the voices and needs of the community it serves. Based on what our partners have told us so far, we picture a space that includes:

• A restored and expanded historic barn for events, workshops, and conferences
• A commercial kitchen for educational workshops, events, and public use
• Public walking trails through prairie, woodland, and wetlands
• Expanded community gardens and a free food forest
• Indoor and outdoor learning spaces
• A children's garden and nature play area
• A farm stand featuring locally grown produce
• Deep-winter greenhouses and year-round growing spaces
• Innovative sustainability projects, including rainwater catchment and composting systems