By Jessica Vance
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center has been recommended for funding from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) to launch a bold, statewide initiative: Outdoor Learning Professional Development for Educators and Administrators.
Pending legislative approval, the project will begin in 2026, providing scholarship funding and professional development to help educators and administrators across Minnesota integrate outdoor learning into all subjects—and helping more than 18,000 students connect with the natural world.
The Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute
At the center of this initiative is the Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute, focused on building the capacity and network of Minnesota’s teachers and administrators.
Through immersive workshops, collaboration, and ongoing support, the Institute equips educators with the skills and confidence to lead outdoor learning in their own schools and districts—helping to grow a strong statewide community of outdoor learning champions.
“This project is about empowering teachers and school leaders to use Minnesota’s greatest asset—its natural environment—as a classroom.”
— Peter Smerud, Executive Director, Wolf Ridge
Impact and Reach
- Equip educators and administrators with the tools and training to integrate outdoor learning across all subjects.
- Strengthen instruction in critical environmental topics such as climate resiliency, water systems, and native species.
- Build long-term capacity for sustainable outdoor learning in schools and districts statewide.
- Reach more than 18,000 students over three years.
Get Involved
This is a transformative step for education in Minnesota—and you can be part of it.
👉 Learn more and register for upcoming Teacher Training Institute workshops:
https://wolf-ridge.org/programs/educators/institute/
NSTA Conference in Minneapolis
We’re excited to announce that Wolf Ridge will be presenting at the upcoming NSTA Conference in Minneapolis! This is a great opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, and learn more about how the Teacher Training Institute can support outdoor learning in your school or district.
