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Innovative Leadership in Environmental Education

Since 1971, Wolf Ridge has provided life long learning experiences to about 505,000 children, families, and adults from all walks of life. Each year 15,000 school children, teachers and parent chaperones spend 3-5 days at the Wolf Ridge campus. An additional 3,000 families, elders, and summer youth students attend during the summer months. We have a long history of returning customers; some folks have been coming to Wolf Ridge for 30 years! Our customers are mainly from Minnesota, but we also host people from Wisconsin, North Dakota, Texas, Canada and other places from around the U.S. and the world.

Our Mission

Wolf Ridge’s mission is to develop a citizenry that has the knowledge, skills, commitment, and motivation to work together for a quality environment.
What We Do

We are an accredited residential environmental school that immerses persons of all ages in hands-on, direct experiences in nature. Wolf Ridge promotes the values of personal growth; conservation and stewardship; social understanding, respect and cooperation; and life-long learning. Wolf Ridge programs focus on environmental sciences, natural resources, human culture and history, personal growth, team-building and outdoor recreation.

We Meet Our Mission By:

  • Fostering awareness, curiosity and sensitivity to the natural world
  • Providing lifelong learning experiences in nature
  • Developing social understanding, respect and cooperation
  • Modeling values, behaviors and technologies, which lead to a sustainable lifestyle
  • Promoting the concepts of conservation and stewardship
Programs

We offer eight program areas for participants of all ages. Our programs are accredited by the North Central Association and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation.

  • K-12 Schools (200 schools, 15,000 students and teachers annually)
  • Graduate Naturalist Training With Masters Certificate
  • Student Teaching in partnership with a number of colleges
  • Apprentice Naturalist Program
  • Summer Youth Camps and Wilderness Trips
  • Family weekend, weeks, and canoe trips
  • Intergenerational Elderhostels for grandparents and their grandchildren
  • "Wings Above the Ridge" live raptor program
  • Conference and Workshop facilities

Land and Facilities
  • 2000 acres on the Sawtooth Mountains ridgetop
  • Baptism River, Sawmill Creek, Wolf and Raven Lakes
  • Mixed forest types including maple, birch, spruce, fir, and aspen
  • 18 miles of walking and skiing trails
  • 8 scenic overlooks
  • 5 education buildings with 20 classrooms
  • 2 auditoriums, seating 350 and 100 people
  • 2 dormitories with 380 beds
  • Dining hall seats 350
  • 2 high ropes courses
  • 2 rock climbing walls
Finances
  • Private, non-profit 501(c)(3)
  • Revenue sources: Of our total revenue, about 88% is from program fees, 5% from store sales, 7% grants and donations
  • Annual budget approximately 2.3 million dollars
  • Largest rural employer in Lake County
  • Staff of 60

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