TSE’s Work Ahead has partnered with the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center in Sunfish Lake Park, Lake Elmo, to provide accessible experiences that help people with disabilities learn about and engage with nature. This relationship was a highlight of the nature center’s Annual Fundraiser, with TSE representatives sharing the impact of the visits.
“For many of the people we support, this is one of the few chances they get to consistently be out in the community and experience something new,” said Meghan Haefs, TSE’s Work Ahead Enrichment Lead. Every month, participant groups go to the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center to learn about local plants, animals, and the environment, providing inclusive, hands-on outdoor education and connecting people of all abilities to nature.
A regular at the center, Haefs knows the impact of the resources at the nature center. Participants enjoy creating nature art, tracking bald eagle nests, exploring monarch butterfly life cycles, learning about wolves and black bears, and prairie ecosystems. “We wanted participants to experience nature in a hands-on and meaningful way, not just observe it from the sidelines,” shared Verity Davis, Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center’s Programs Manager.
Since the partnership started in fall 2025, the program has grown from 3 participant groups per month to 7. “After the first visit, they came back talking about it for the rest of the day. Pretty quickly, everyone else wanted to go too,” shared Haefs. These visits are offered at no cost to participants, ensuring access for everyone interested.
According to Davis, the center is just as excited for the Work Ahead groups.“Community partnerships are a huge part of our mission, and the relationship with TSE became a great example of that.” “One of the most rewarding parts of this program has been building relationships with the TSE groups and seeing their excitement every time they walk through the door.” These visits offer meaningful community experiences that foster independence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging outside of daily programs, and often end with participants asking, “When do I get to go again?”
TSE representatives were pleased to speak at the nature center’s fundraiser, raising awareness of TSE’s mission and the partnership. TSE Events Coordinator Carlos Diaz attended, saying, “The fundraiser became more than just an event; it was an opportunity to share TSE’s story and show the impact community partnerships can have…Being there in person allowed us to connect with community members, talk about Work Ahead, and explain the importance of programs like this for the people we support.”
