Tell MN Governor Mark Dayton: Preserve Park Funding

In 1907, a botany teacher named Eloise Butler and three of her colleagues asked that a portion of Minneapolis be set aside as a "wild" garden.

With the city growing rapidly around them, the teachers were concerned about preserving native plant species and wanted to create a place where future Minnesotans could experience and learn about the area's natural beauty.

Their campaign led to the creation of what is now known as the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, the oldest public wildflower garden in the United States.

Activists like Eloise Butler did a favor for generations of Americans by preserving our natural wonders and historical landmarks.

Now it's our turn to return the favor -- public gardens, parks and historical landmarks across Minnesota are in jeopardy.

Fiscal uncertainty is forcing difficult decisions on state lawmakers, and unless the legislature and Governor reach an agreement shortly, we're marching toward a state government shutdown.

One of the items up for debate is the continued adequate funding of Minnesota's state parks. One proposal earlier this year would have meant 1/3 of the state's public parks would face cuts that would limit operating hours and upkeep -- that's just unacceptable.

Too many activists like Eloise Butler worked to preserve our history for us to throw it away.

Take action today and tell Governor Mark Dayton: any budget deal must preserve funding for Minnesota's public gardens, parks and landmarks.

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Netroots Nation is an annual convention of progressive activists working to use technology to influence the public debate and will be held in Minneapolis this June. A group of attendees are planning to spend time volunteering at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, doing our part to help the staff preserve native species in one Minnesota garden. 

In partnership with Change.org, we're also campaigning to preserve adequate funding for Minnesota's public gardens, parks and landmarks.

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