By Jessica Vance
1973 was a remarkable year. Pink Floyd released The Dark Side of the Moon, the Watergate scandal was unfolding — and in New London–Spicer, Minnesota, an elementary teacher named Ron Sundheim was leading his first group of students to the Environmental Learning Center in Isabella, MN.
Last week — 52 years later — Ron returned once again to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, helping facilitate another outdoor school experience for students from his community.
Though he retired from teaching over a decade ago, Ron’s dedication to environmental education has never waned. He continues to volunteer and guide students through the forests, lakes, and trails of Wolf Ridge, inspiring curiosity and respect for the natural world. Each evening, he still leads night hikes to the top of Marshall Mountain, sharing stories, starlight, and the quiet awe of nature.
Ron’s 52 consecutive years of attendance at Wolf Ridge is a record unmatched — and a legacy that spans generations. His lifelong commitment has fostered a deep outdoor ethic in countless New London–Spicer students, reminding us all of the lasting impact one passionate educator can have.
🌲 Thank you, Ron, for your decades of dedication, your love of teaching, and for inspiring generations to explore, care for, and connect with the world around them.