About Emerge and The Urban Prairie

History

This website started as an Excel spreadsheet compiled during hours of searching for resources for my own first birth. I was surprised that there wasn't one place to find all of the resources that I needed to start a family. That spreadsheet became the foundation of what is now more than a thousand locally owned resources in the database. As my children grew, my needs changed, and I expanded the directory beyond birthing and infant care to include resources and activities for toddlers, plus general resources for families who want to live sustainably. Many parents dream of raising their children out in the countryside, but for various reasons are here living in an urban area. So we try to bring the prairie to our children as best as we can. This is how I came to the phrase "Urban Prairie". I hope to help you find the prairie that has been woven through our community.

Birthing & Baby Resources

The goal of The Directory is to empower families in their birthing experience and to provide a link to the vast number of resources available to new parents in those precious early newborn days and beyond. Once your baby is mobile, there are many activities around the Twin Cities that focus on movement, rhythm, and the outdoors. I have tried to find as many as I can, and have highlighted Yoga classes as I have seen that the breathing learned in Yoga is so helpful for children as they experience the frustration of not being in control of their environment.

Green, Organic, Sustainable

Anything that we put in or on our bodies should be free from chemicals and manufactured ingredients. From foods, to skin care, clothing and drycleaning, there are dozens of locally-owned businesses that can keep your environment healthy.

Cabin Fever

I have a hard time being stuck indoors at home during the winter so I have created a broad list of indoor activities. They aren't all green or sustainable, and some aren't even locally owned, but desperate times, such as minus ten degree temperatures, call for desperate measures. My favorite category is "Cafes with Toys".

Beauty and Artistry

Finally, as I treasure all things beautiful, I have also created a place to find local artisans who focus on the visual needs of families, from photographers to bedroom mural artists, belly artists, talented florists and more.

      - Wendy Louise Nag, Founder

About Wendy

Wendy Louise Nag lives in South Minneapolis and is a mother of three. She holds a Master of Science degree in Technology Management from the University of St. Thomas. She holds a B.A. in Business and Humanities, and is preparing her application for a Ph.D. in International Development. Wendy has strategized online presence for organizations ranging from mom-and-pop shops to the World Health Organization. She is hoping to use her technical knowledge to help fellow moms navigate through their busy days, and promote the small local business community that she cherishes.

Contact Information

Wendy Louise Nag, Founder

Emerge -- Minneapolis St. Paul
Private Residence
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 612.385.9502
E-mail: wendy_louise@emerge-msp.com

Tax ID: 26-2721032