Ways to Support Our Mission

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Donate | Volunteer | Purchase Items | Join the Tree Project

Donate Today!

Support our mission by contributing a donation or by volunteering. Scroll to learn more.

Your gifts directly support our mission.

Our efforts are dedicated to the restoration of the 1862 historic stone church, maintenance of the 1894 wood church, and conservation of the surrounding oak savanna in Nerstrand, MN. Our supporters make a huge difference on the impact of our mission, so there are no limits to what we can accomplish together.

Consider a recurring monthly donation.

We incur monthly expenses of $276.

Our annual expenses include insurances, portable restroom facilities, electricity, gas, prairie burns, mowing (shared with Cemetery Association), and general maintenance items. Even just $5/month helps.

All contributions options are tax-deductible.

Thank You For Your Support

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Thank You For Your Support 〰️

Volunteer Opportunities

Join a Committee

Our board members, there are twelve of us, are split out into committees that could use volunteers like you to contribute in ways only you know are possible. Learn more about the committees you’re interested in helping and send us an email. Join our mailing list to learn stay up-to-date on our current endeavors.

We really appreciate all the help we can get.

    • Planning, organizing, and attending annual events throughout the year.

    • Reflecting the mission and engaging with the community.

    • Coordinating logistics, collaborating with volunteers, and managing outreach to promote participation.

    • Leading communication with the public to help build awareness, connection and support for Valley Grove.

    • Overseeing the care, maintenance, and restoration of historic churches at Valley Grove.

    • Ensuring preservation goals align with the mission, balancing the need for repairs, upgrades, and accessibility with respect for historical integrity.

    • Evaluate prospective projects, proposed plans, and recommend priorities to the board.

    • Overseeing the stewarding and protecting of the natural landscape of the 52-acre oak savannah and prairie.

    • Guiding the restoration efforts, ecological health, and sustainable practices that honor the environmental significance of the land.

    • Helping to balance the conservation, education, and community access to the precious natural resources surrounding Valley Grove.

    • Ensuring Valley Grove’s financial stability and sustainability.

    • Overseeing budget planning, monitoring expenses, and developing fundraising strategies to support ongoing preservation work and community.

    • Sustaining the mission by securing resources through donations, grants, and partnerships.

  • Sometimes we don’t know what we need until you come along and help us! Send an email to info@valleygrovemn.org and let us know what kind of efforts you’re able to give. If we can support you in supporting us, let us know the ways!

Email Us to Join Along

Items for Sale

Valley Grove Preservation Society:
History & Highlights Booklet

VGPS commissioned Jeffrey Sauve to write a 50 year history of our Society from 1973 to present day. It’s available for purchase at The Rice County Historical Society, The Northfield Historical Society, and at any of our Valley Grove Events.

We would be happy to mail you a copy at $15.00 per print.

Request a Copy

🌳 Join the Tree Project

A living memorial supporting the historic Valley Grove churches and cemetery.

Planting a tree here honors loved ones, celebrates milestones, and helps preserve this sacred prairie landscape for generations to come.

    • Create a lasting tribute: Dedicate a tree in honor or memory of someone special.

    • Preserve nature & history: Support restoration of native oak savanna and prairie.

    • Leave a legacy: Your gift strengthens Valley Grove as a place of peace and beauty.

    • Tax deductible: All donations benefit the nonprofit Valley Grove Preservation Society.

    • Trees Available: 2″–3″ oaks and other natives (6′–9′ tall).

    • Care Provided: Trees are mulched, watered, and replaced if needed in the first years.

    • Cost: $500 per tree (includes planting and care). Larger donations welcomed.

    • Dedication: Each tree can be named and listed in the grove records.

    • 📞 To dedicate a tree, contact Ken Sahlin: 507-649-1227

  • There are seven groves surrounding Valley Grove, each with its own character and story. Your dedication will be visible on the website and all groves are connected by walking paths.

    • A. Bluestem Grove

    • B. Prairie Rose Grove

    • C. Ken’s Grove

    • D. Gold Finch Grove

    • E. Settlers Grove

    • F. Whitetail Grove

    • G. Tyske Grove

    Click on the Images below to read more about each.

Grove Information

  • A. Bluestem Grove

    23 trees
    23 planted
    4 dedicated

    West of Prairie Rose Grove on a smaller ridge that runs in a northwest direction.

  • B. Prairie Rose Grove

    20 trees
    20 planted
    12 dedicated

    West of the cemetery on a ridge that runs towards Rice County Road 30. This grove and Bluestem Grove are most visible to travelers on Cty Rd 30.

  • C. Ken's Grove

    30 trees
    30 planted
    15 dedicated

    On the highest land on the property. Begins at the southwest of the corner of the cemetery and covers most of the hilltop. There is a breathtaking view in all directions.

  • D. Gold Finch Grove

    14 trees
    14 planted
    8 dedicated

    On the southern edge of the land with a beautiful view of Big Woods State Park. There are several large rocks placed in this grove.

  • E. Settlers Grove

    25 trees
    25 planted
    14 dedicated

    Located about 200 yards south of the cemetery. This grove follows a ridge that drops as it goes southeast.

  • F. Whitetail Grove

    22 trees
    22 planted
    5 dedicated

    From the southeast corner of the cemetery and sloping southeast. At almost any time you can see whitetail deer at the lower edge of this grove.

  • G. Tyske Grove

    26 trees
    26 planted
    8 dedicated

    East of the cemetery extending eastward to the DNR land. The terrain is high at the cemetery and slopes down towards the east.

Read Dedications
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