Dear Friend of Pilot Knob/Oheyawahi,
We are filled with wonder at the accomplishments since the Pilot Knob Preservation Association was formed six years ago:
–a proposal for building 157 townhomes on the hill was defeated;
–the 25 acre development site is now open to the public and owned by the City of Mendota Heights;
–the ten-year site restoration to an oak savannah ecosystem is underway with thousands of flowers in bloom, eleven oaks and 2,000 acorns planted;
–two interpretive signs tell the story, in Dakota and English, of the unique history and sacred significance of Pilot Knob/Oheyawahi;
–an overlook that recognizes the seven council fires of Dakota people will soon be installed by the City of Mendota Heights and Great River Greening.
When Chief Lookinghorse was last on Pilot Knob, he and Chris Leith gave the hill a new name: Wotakuye Paha, the hill of all the relatives. Please join the relatives in celebration and thanksgiving for the remarkable events that you have contributed to.
Sincerely,
Gail Lewellan and Linda Brown
I took my grandson to see the view of the Minnesota River Valley. He is 12. The view is…well, you have to see it to know why this is such a sacred place.
My grandson was very impressed … and its hard to impress a 12-year old these days 🙂
Ann Essling