Swans
Help Feed the Swans!
CapitalGrip.com is a new crowd funding company in Monticello and they are doing a project in conjunction with Jim Lawrence to get the communities help in feeding the Swans. Check out this link for more information on how you can help to feed the swans! http://www.capitalgrip.com/project/detail/1
Swan Cam
New at Swan Park this year is a “Swan Cam.” The swan cam gives people all over the world the opportunity to go online and view the swans straight from their computers.
Thank you to the following businesses for helping make the swan camera possible; Xcel Energy, FiberNet Monticello, Wright Hennepin Electric, Wes Olson Electric, Kaltec Technology, Monticello Parks Department, and Doug’s Computer Service.
2012 -2013 Viewing Season
April 1, 2013
We spoke with Jim Lawrence today, and the swans have left for the spring and summer months. They left on Easter (Mach 31st, 2013). We look forward to their return this upcoming fall.
Feeding time is every day at 10:30am. If you stop into the park during feeding time Jim Lawrence is there to help educate you on these beautiful birds.
Swan Park
The Park is seldom used in the summer months, but becomes the home to over 2,000 Trumpeter Swans in the winter months from Mid December- March. Swans can continue to be viewed as the winter weather continues. As the warm weather approaches, the swans return to Minnesota lakes as they begin to thaw. (Therefore, swan viewing season can fluctuate year to year based on the weather.)
Sheila Lawrence "The Swan Lady"
This past April 2011, Shiela Lawrence known as “The Swan Lady,” passed away. Sheila and her husband Jim have been feeding swans began feeding over 25 years ago. Because of their selfless acts of kindness to these birds, the Monticello Community has benefited more than anyone realizes. Jim Lawrence will continue to feed the Trumpeter Swans this winter. We need your help in continuing to fund this wonderful Monticello attraction.
A special thank you Jim and Sheila Lawrence for bringing this attraction to Monticello and for all the time and money you’ve spent feeding the swans. Thank you also to the Monticello's Parks Department for your diligence and assistance in keeping up the park throughout the year.
Donate to Help Feed the Swans
The funding for purchase and delivery of corn to feed the waterfowl viewed at Swan Park for the past 25 years was paid in its entirety by Sheila Lawrence with the generous help of a few of her close friends and countless Swan Park visitors. Contrary to what you may believe no financial support is provided by any municipal or state agencies. Since Sheila’s passing a foundation had been created to continue her legacy and to promote and grow this Monticello winter treasure. If you would like to help continue the growth of this flock of Trumpeter Swans you may do so my making a donation to the Swan City Heritage Foundation. (A 501(C)(3) Non-profit status is pending.) Send your payments to;
Swan City Heritage Foundation C/O Monticello Chamber
PO Box 192
Monticello, MN 55362.
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The Chamber reminds photographers and viewers that the swans are very shy. They recognize the park as a place where strangers are present, but see it as a safety zone. However, they are easily spooked when someone leaves the confines ( the deck) of the park itself to venture on neighborhood properties or down to the riverbank itself for viewing or photography which is NOT allowed. Jim Lawrence- who feeds the swans is the only 'safe' person that the swans recognize. THANK YOU for observing the privacy of these beautiful birds. We consider it an honor to have them on our riverfront and we want to respect both the volunteer efforts of the Monticello resident as well as the trumpeter swans. |
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Directions to Monticello's Swan Park on Mississippi Drive
From St. Cloud: Take the 2nd Monticello Exit (#194) off of I-94 East, which brings you to County Road 18. Take a right onto County Road 18.
From Minneapolis: Take the first Monticello Exit (#194) off I-94, which brings you to Country Road 18. Take a right onto County Road 18.
Continue straight ahead, through the stop light (the road turns in County Rd 39E) you will take the second left onto the street Mississippi Drive. Follow the residential housing until you see a little sliver of a park located on the right hand side near the end of Mississippi Drive. This is where you may view the swans in a park-like setting. If you have any questions call the Chamber Office 763-295-2700.
REMINDER: Please do not trespass in anyone's yard. You may view the swans by walking down a small asphalt pathway and to the viewing deck overlooking the river bank. Mississippi Drive ends in a cul-de-sac, so please utilize this to turn around. You may also get back into your vehicle and head east further down the river and view from alongside County Road 39 East. Reminder: There are opportunities for photography at every glance. Please do not trespass into anyone's yard.
Click Here to view a Video of the Swan Lady From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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The Monticello Chamber is only a phone call away if you plan to visit the Monticello area and see for yourself one of nature’s wonderful gifts. Tour groups are asked to call ahead so we can have someone meet you at the park and answer any of your questions about our community and swans. Phone: 763-295-2700 |
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Other Information
Click here to Read
The Trumpeter Swan Society
The Trumpeter Swan Society
Love Canada Geese
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Monticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry | P.O. Box 192, Monticello, MN 55362 | ph: (763) 295-2700 | fax: (763) 295-2705 | info@monticellocci.com
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