Key Points

• Marathon Petroleum's St. Paul Park refinery has partnered with Dodge Nature Center's Shepard Farm since its inception, contributing volunteer hours, skilled labor and financial support.

• Employee volunteers have helped complete major infrastructure, habitat and accessibility projects while Marathon grants continue to support environmental education and future environmental educators.
• Dodge leaders say the refinery's longtime partnership has helped expand educational opportunities and strengthen connections between people and nature.

In June, Dodge Nature Center recognized Marathon Petroleum's longtime partnership with the organization by unveiling a plaque at Shepard Farm’s new pavilion, sponsored by the St. Paul Park refinery.

The recognition reflects years of employee volunteerism, skilled trades expertise and financial support that have helped advance Dodge Nature Center's mission of connecting people with nature through improvements and expanded programming at Shepard Farm.

Located just a few miles from the refinery in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Shepard Farm has become one of the most visible examples of Marathon's longstanding partnership with Dodge Nature Center. Since 2018, Marathon has invested more than $400,000 in the organization, supporting environmental education and the continued growth of Shepard Farm and its programs.

"Watching Shepard Farm continue to grow because of our employees' dedication is incredibly rewarding," said Joe Kuphal, Supply Chain Refining Operations Director at Marathon Petroleum and a member of the Dodge Nature Center Board of Directors. "Working alongside Dodge Nature Center gives us the opportunity to apply our skills in ways that leave a lasting impact for local families, students and future generations."

"Every project they're a part of helps create experiences that will benefit families, students and the community for years to come."

That expertise has become an important part of Dodge Nature Center's continued growth.

"The skilled staff Marathon brings from their plant, like electricians and excavators, have been extremely helpful," said Sean Gokey, Buildings and Grounds Director at Dodge Nature Center. "Their skills, knowledge and resources have saved Dodge a significant amount of time and money, which can be redirected to our educational work."

Marathon's partnership extends beyond volunteer projects. Company grants have helped fund environmental education programming at Shepard Farm while continuing to support Dodge Nature Center's Naturalist Fellowship program, which prepares the next generation of environmental educators through yearlong, hands-on training.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see the passion our St. Paul Park team brings to Dodge Nature Center and its many community programs," said Eric Bohnert, Vice President of Refining at the St. Paul Park refinery. "Every project helps create experiences that will benefit families, students and the community for years to come."

The fellowship program, which celebrates its 15th year in 2027, reaches more than 55,000 learners annually through field trips, after-school programs, seasonal camps and community events. Dodge Nature Center says Marathon's longstanding support has helped make that impact possible.

"At Dodge, our mission comes to life through the strength of our community," said Missi Arens, Executive Director of Dodge Nature Center. "We're grateful for the many roles Marathon plays in helping us connect more people to nature. Their support truly moves our mission forward every day."