Working to promote, support, and enhance growth of the Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood Prese Founded in 2007, the Friends of Maplewood Nature is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is t support and advocate for the preservation, maintenance and environmental programming of the Maplewood Nature Center (MNC) and Preserves, to support the health of our regional environment, to increase awareness of nature, and to provide a means for the community to connect with nature. MNC was created in 1979 because citizens recognized the need for green space within a busy community. In 1993, the Center expanded its mission when the citizens of Maplewood overwhelmingly voted for a $5 million referendum to purchase open spaces identified by the Open Space Committee. Funding provided by the Friends complements tax dollars that support the Maplewood Nature Center and Preserves.