Perseverance
A Conversation with Patricia Isaak
Back row (left to right): Vernon Isaak,
Patricia Isaak, Irene Ibsen, Jack Glasgow.
Front row: Malora Carlson (deceased),
Joey Carlson (deceased).
Not pictured: Carrie Kennedy.
Photo by Minnehaha Oaks Association.
The story of the "Oaks Folks" is a compelling and rich one. This group of very effective grassroots organizers has been working diligently for over 15 years to save one acre of old-growth oaks. These trees are located on the frontage road south of Highway 7 in Hopkins between Knollwood Mall and Highway 169. In the beginning, when the founding president, Larry McNeff, contacted conservation groups for help, he was told that one acre was too small for them to be involved. Yet, a full acre of green space in a metropolitan area was deemed important by community members and they made a commitment to save it.
Patricia Isaak is the current president of the Minnehaha Oaks Association and she agreed to share some of their tactical successes. Patricia's family has always planted and gifted trees. As a native of Burlington, Iowa, she enjoyed the wonderful park system that covered over one hundred acres of the west bank of the Mississippi River. Trees and passive open space have always been a very important part of their lives.
Forming a Neighborhood Association
The campaign began in December 1990 when homeowners on Hiawatha Avenue were invited to meet with the proposed developer of townhouses. The majority of the neighbors felt strongly that the acre of old-growth trees should remain as a buffer between the adjacent 360 apartment units and the avenue in a congested area of businesses and highways. More housing was not the best solution for the community.
Immediately, the homeowners began meeting as a neighborhood group. For almost two years they worked with city officials, appraisers, engineers, attorneys, and more. As a result, the City of Hopkins offered to purchase the land from the developer. The citizens group signed a voluntary assessment agreement to reimburse the city. Four volunteers agreed to put their homes up as collateral. They formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called the Minnehaha Oaks Association with the help of an attorney in order to fundraise and repay the loan to the city.
“Our small group has
truly made a difference.”
Fundraising
Pat has become an experienced publicist and fundraising chair. She effectively used the community newspapers, website, and radio to continually keep the community apprised of their struggle. To make the forest visible to the community, the City of Hopkins agreed to tie yellow ribbons up in the canopy, so that they would be visible to passersby. One of the most effective stories was written by Peg Meier of the Star Tribune in September 1994, dubbing the group the "Oaks Folks." People were inspired by what a small group of citizens could accomplish by working with the city and the developer to save the forest. Letters and contributions poured in day by day. Donations totaling over $105,000 came from 22 states and from over 150 Minnesota cities. One hundred percent of the contributions went into the payment fund. Member dues, member contributions, and proceeds from a recycling aluminum project paid for association expenses. On September 1, 2004, the last payment was made. The trees were saved!
Commitment, Perseverance, and Motivation
When asked about what contributed to their success, Pat stated, "As I think back over the 15 years of saving the forest area, I think of the words 'commitment,' 'perseverance,' 'motivation,' and know that one of the main reasons we succeeded was knowing that so many people believed in us and our project. Then I think of 'communication' and how important it is to keep people informed, first in your own grassroots group, and then the community at large, and all of the supporters and contributors. Seeing the trees and hearing that others appreciate our efforts keep me motivated. I think our small group has truly made a difference."
Welcome to Hiawatha Oaks.
Photo by Joshua Houdek.
A Consistent Message
Their strength in working with media was to designate one spokesperson for the group. All media inquiries were referred to that spokesperson, and that person in turn worked closely with other group leaders to have a consistent message. Media will be a vital part of any campaign. Pat's advice is to keep media informed of all needs, events, and accomplishments, and to acknowledge and thank the media for coverage. The Oaks Folks have a very impressive list of awards and coverage over the years including being featured in the book Voices for the Land by the Minnesota Historical Press.
Permanent Protection
The Oaks Folks' final goal was to permanently preserve this green space. The City of Hopkins wrote a resolution to state that this acre will remain as a passive open space and will not be developed. The resolution was approved on December 6, 2005. The Oaks Folks have done their best to preserve this area for now and the future. Their last piece of advice is: "Do not assume anything."
Current members (2005) of the Oaks Folks include:
John Glasgow (Treasurer)
Irene Ibsen
Ken Ibsen
Patricia Isaak (President)
Vernon Isaak (Secretary)
Carrie Kennedy
For more information, contact:
Patricia Isaak
President and Newsletter Editor
952-935-5639
www.oaksfolks.org