About Wolf Ridge
It All Began with Students Concerned About Their Environment
In 1970, Jack Pichotta, a social studies teacher at Cloquet High School in Minnesota, inspired his students to take action on environmental issues. Together, they organized a week-long event focused on learning about the environment and the impact humans have on it. Held from April 6-10, 1970—just days before the first official Earth Day—this event marked the beginning of a movement dedicated to environmental awareness and education.
Our Mission
“To develop a citizenry that has the knowledge, skills, motivation, and commitment to work together for a quality environment.”
We achieve this 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
What We Offer
At Wolf Ridge, nearly all of our activities and classes take place outdoors, embracing an experiential learning model that engages participants through direct interaction with the natural world. With over 50 different classes, we cover a wide range of subjects including environmental science, cultural history, contemporary environmental issues, personal growth, team building, and outdoor recreation—each typically lasting three hours.
Wolf Ridge is more than just a learning destination; it’s a place where curiosity is sparked and minds are opened to the joy and wonder of nature.
Through hands-on experiences, we foster a deep love and understanding of the natural world, encouraging participants to observe, engage with, and learn from the environment around them. Along the way, we also promote personal growth, self-awareness, and leadership development, ensuring that every participant leaves with a sense of connection to the outdoors and a greater understanding of their role in preserving it.
How We Operate
Wolf Ridge is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a $3+ million annual operating budget. While program user fees and store merchandise sales contribute to our revenue, they do not fully cover operational costs. To ensure the continuation of our high-quality environmental education programs, we rely on the generous support of donors, as well as funding from businesses, corporations, and foundations.
Our organization is guided by a 16-member board of trustees, which includes a diverse range of professionals—from educators and corporate leaders to engineers, non-profit experts, lawyers, and architects. Together, they bring a broad spectrum of experience and knowledge to our mission.
As the eighth-largest employer in Lake County, we are proud to employ 90 full-time and seasonal staff members each year. In addition, we benefit from the valuable contributions of volunteers who assist with various projects, from bird banding to office support, all helping us advance our mission of environmental education.
Partnerships
Wolf Ridge partners with organizations across the country to bring real-world scientific research directly into the hands of students. Through these collaborations, we enrich curricula and provide students with authentic, hands-on learning experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Our Staff
With a dedicated team of 90 full-time and seasonal staff, including seasoned naturalists with decades of expertise, we are committed to delivering exceptional environmental education and immersive outdoor learning experiences. Our team’s passion and knowledge ensure that every visit to Wolf Ridge is both educational and inspiring.