Partnerships

Partnerships & Citizen Science Projects at Wolf Ridge

At Wolf Ridge, we actively collaborate with a wide range of partners across the country to bring authentic scientific research directly into the hands of students. Through these partnerships, we integrate real-world data and citizen science projects into our curriculum, providing students with hands-on opportunities to engage in meaningful environmental research. These collaborations help inspire a deeper understanding of science, fostering curiosity and empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.

Students Eagerly Acquiring Knowledge (SEAK)

Founded in 2009, Wolf Ridge’s SEAK program was designed to provide equitable access to environmental education for high school students from urban communities.

Over the course of three years, SEAK students engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for success in Environmental Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (E-STEM). The program includes weekly meetings, field experiences, weekend retreats, and an immersive three-week summer session. These experiences not only deepen students’ environmental knowledge but also build critical skills for future academic and career success.

SEAK Partners Include:

Midwest Peregrine Society Partnership

Since 1987, Wolf Ridge has proudly partnered with the Midwest Peregrine Society (MPS) to help reintroduce and monitor the Peregrine Falcon population along the North Shore.

Historically, Peregrine Falcons thrived in the Wolf Ridge area, but their population was devastated by the widespread use of DDT in the 1950s and 60s. Through our collaboration with MPS, we have been part of the critical effort to restore this species. Wolf Ridge Naturalists have played an integral role in banding and monitoring the recovered population, and our campus has served as a release site for young falcons, giving them a chance to thrive in the wild once again.

Institute for Bird Populations Partnership

For nearly 30 years, Wolf Ridge has been actively monitoring the health of bird populations as part of the nationwide Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) project, led by the Institute for Bird Populations.

At Wolf Ridge, we emphasize the vital connection between habitat and bird biodiversity, incorporating this knowledge into our educational programs, including the Birds Class and Forest Ecology. Each spring, we invite the public to join us in the hands-on process of bird banding, contributing to valuable data that supports conservation efforts. Check our calendar for upcoming opportunities to get involved!

UMD Natural Resources Research Institute Partnership

Wolf Ridge collaborates with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) on breeding bird research in the North Shore Highlands. Our one-mile transect survey plot, located on Wolf Ridge property, serves as a key site for monitoring bird populations and tracking shifts in species distribution. This rich and diverse landscape provides valuable data that directly informs our Birds class, which remains one of the most popular ecology classes at Wolf Ridge. Through this partnership, we deepen our understanding of bird habitats and contribute to important conservation efforts in the region.

Academic Partnerships

Antioch University New England
Our collaboration with Antioch University New England offers a graduate-level Certificate in Environmental Education and Sustainability. This certificate is awarded to our cohort of graduate naturalists each school year, equipping them with the expertise to lead dynamic environmental education programs and make a lasting impact on their communities.

University of Minnesota Duluth & Northland College
In partnership with UMD and Northland College, we support undergraduate training programs designed to produce licensed classroom teachers who are not only educators but also professional naturalists and experiential learners. These programs empower future teachers to integrate outdoor education and environmental stewardship into their classrooms.

Undergraduate Field-Based Learning Programs
Wolf Ridge partners with several higher education institutions to offer field-based learning programs and internships focused on organic farming and wildlife interpretation. These summer internships provide students with hands-on experience in environmental education, while also offering real-world career pathways in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

National Weather Service & Minnesota Office of Climatology

Wolf Ridge proudly serves as a certified National Weather Service Cooperative Monitoring Station, maintaining one of Minnesota’s most extensive snow data records, spanning over 30 years. This rich historical data is invaluable for tracking climate trends and understanding weather patterns in the region.

Every morning at 7:00 am, Wolf Ridge naturalists conduct detailed observations, recording snow depth, cloud type and cover, precipitation levels, and other weather metrics. This hands-on process not only supports accurate reporting but also serves as a living example of citizen science in action.

The data collected from our weather station is seamlessly integrated into our weather classes, providing students with real-world experience in meteorological science and fostering a deeper understanding of climate and environmental dynamics.

National Atmospheric Deposition Program & Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Since 1984, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center has partnered with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to contribute to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). As one of only eight monitoring sites in Minnesota, Wolf Ridge plays a crucial role in providing valuable data on air quality and acid rain—essential for understanding and addressing environmental challenges.

Every Tuesday, Wolf Ridge staff collect rain or snow samples from a station near our Stream Study Building. These samples are sent for analysis, contributing to a national database that monitors atmospheric deposition trends and their impact on ecosystems. This ongoing research not only enhances scientific understanding but also serves as a cornerstone of our environmental education programming.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

Wolf Ridge collaborates with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on a range of environmental monitoring and research projects. These include the ongoing monthly monitoring of Wolf Lake, a distinctive high-altitude lake on the North Shore, which provides critical data about water quality and ecosystem health.

In addition, air quality studies are conducted in partnership with the MPCA, enhancing our understanding of regional environmental conditions. The data collected informs several of our educational programs, such as Acid Rain, Climate Change, Lake and Stream Ecology, and Weather classes. These collaborations ensure our students engage with real-world scientific data while learning about the environmental challenges impacting our region.