2026 CMHS Annual Meeting & Cullen Nature Preserve Presentation

From Vision to Reality: The Story of the Cullen Nature Preserve

Ann Cullen Smith's Legacy, Ecological Restoration, and the Future of a Minnetonka Treasure

Join the City of Minnetonka Historical Society (CMHS) on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 for our Annual Meeting and an engaging evening exploring one of Minnetonka's most remarkable natural treasures. The evening begins with CMHS's Annual Meeting (6:00–6:30 p.m.), where we'll share highlights from the past year, provide updates on the Society's work and accomplishments, and introduce our current Board of Directors. Whether you're a longtime member or recently joined CMHS, it's a great opportunity to learn more about the organization!

Following the meeting (6:30–7:30 p.m.), Jerrold Gershone returns after captivating last year's audience with the story of Minnetonka resident Ann Cullen Smith and her lasting legacy of stewardship, which led to the creation of the Cullen Nature Preserve. This year, he's joined by award-winning author and nationally recognized speaker Heather Holm.

Jerrold will begin with a brief recap of Ann Cullen Smith's life, vision, and the Preserve's history. Heather will then explore how that vision is being brought to life through the collaborative efforts of the Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve and the City of Minnetonka. Learn about the exciting ecological restoration underway, including the restoration of a rare oak savanna ecosystem and the extensive scientific research taking place at the Preserve. Bird diversity has already doubled in just a few years, reflecting the site's remarkable ecological recovery. Although the Preserve is not yet open to the public, that day is drawing closer. The City and the Friends have developed a Master Plan that outlines how visitors will experience the Preserve through thoughtfully designed trails, interpretive features, and gathering spaces. See how Ann Cullen Smith's vision is becoming a reality and how the Cullen Nature Preserve is emerging as a model for conservation, restoration, research, and public engagement.

Following the presentation, enjoy a 15-minute audience Q&A (7:30–7:45 p.m.), then stay for refreshments and conversation during a casual mingle (7:45–8:00 p.m.). Meet fellow CMHS members, connect with Board members, and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages.

Location

Community Room at the Minnetonka Community Center (14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345)

Schedule

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. — CMHS Annual Meeting

• 6:30–7:30 p.m. — Featured Presentation with Jerrold Gershone & Heather Holm

• 7:30–8:00 p.m. — Audience Q&A and mingle with complimentary refreshments

Please Register in Advance

We kindly ask that you register in advance so we can plan for seating and refreshments. Registration takes only about 2 minutes and consists of just a few quick questions. Please click the 'RSVP' button to reserve your spot.

While this is a free event, donations are always welcome to support the volunteer-led work of both the City of Minnetonka Historical Society and the Friends of the Cullen Nature Preserve. Your generosity helps preserve Minnetonka's history and protect remarkable natural landscape like the Cull Nature Preserve.

Presentation Speaker Information

Jerrold describes his journey as, “From Adman to Community Organizer for Nature”. After nearly 40 years, Jerrold and his business partner sold their healthcare marketing firm in 2020. Since then Jerrold has been part of starting two nonprofits: Friends of Cullen Nature Preserve and Friends of Minnetonka Parks. He also co-founded a YouTube Channel: Habitat Makers @habitatmakers about people and groups devoted to ecological restoration. In his spare time Jerrold is also a volunteer stem cell courier.

Heather Holm is a pollinator conservationist and award-winning author of four books which have won multiple book awards including the American Horticultural Society Book Award. Heather’s expertise includes the interactions between native pollinators and native plants, and the natural history and biology of native bees and predatory wasps. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, and many local publications. Heather is also an accomplished photographer and her pollinator photos are frequently featured in print and electronic publications. In her spare time, she is an active community supporter, writing grants, and coordinating and participating in volunteer ecological landscape restoration projects of fire-dependent ecosystems. The latest project is a 13-acre oak savanna restoration that will provide thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, mammals, and passive, nature-based opportunities for people. ​