The Hardenbergh Foundation awarded the Conservancy a $100,000 grant toward the $605,000 cost of signage and trail lighting in Swede Hollow park!
The Conservancy is honored and grateful to again receive support from Hardenbergh, which was a major contributor to the revitalization of Rice Park. We are also honored to partner with Lower Phalen Creek Project and the amazing Maggie Lorenz, who is taking the lead on the cultural interpretive signage for the park. The story of Swede Hollow Park is the story of St. Paul itself. It is a critical natural habitat for endangered species like the native Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and an important migratory flyway. Archeological items have been found in the park indicating that the site had served as a village site for Dakota people. In the 1860s the area became an immigrant enclave for Swedes, Irish, Poles, Italians and Mexicans until the City forced out its residents and burned down the housing stock in 1956. Learn more about and see the park master plan here. Many Saint Paul families can trace their roots to this verdant and vital park.