Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Bird Banding Drop-In
2025-06-04 07:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-11 07:00 - 11:00, 2025-06-25 07:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-02 07:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-16 07:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-23 07:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-30 07:00 - 11:00, 2026-06-03 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) and 6 more dates | Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, 55603
Registration not required for this event.

Since 1993, Wolf Ridge has been a site for a long-term international study to learn about the lives and health of migratory songbird populations. Visitors can observe these beautiful birds up-close and learn about the banding process and bird research.
Meet at the Forest Ecology Building on any one of seven summer mornings.
Free and open to all ages. Banding will be canceled on rainy days.

Weekends at Wolf Ridge: Saw-whet Owl Banding
2025-09-26 15:00 - 2025-09-28 15:00
Spend a glorious fall weekend on the North Shore of Minnesota gaining hands-on experience and learning from experts in their field.
Workshops take place on the Wolf Ridge campus and surrounding areas, with lodging and meals provided. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just a curious learner, the experience is designed for lifelong learners who have a passion for the natural world. Participants select a single workshop for the weekend but will have an opportunity to connect with other workshop groups during meals and evening programming.
Register for this Workshop
Lodging Information
Dining Information
Directions to Wolf Ridge
Workshop: Saw-whet Owl Banding
Hands-on/ activity-oriented introduction to fall raptor banding focusing on owls migrating down the Lake Superior corridor. The emphasis will be on Northern Saw-whet owls, however, we will spend time talking about other species (i.e. Long-eared, Boreal, and Great Grey owls) that use this corridor. Workshop participants will receive fundamental and focused instruction on how to capture, handle, age, and process owls. Time will also be spent talking about other owl monitoring techniques used in Minnesota.
Instructor: Peter Harris
Peter Harris has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Minnesota. He began working at Wolf Ridge at the original Isabella location. in 1983, and remained on staff for 40 years until his recent retirement in 2023. He was the Scientific Project Coordinator at Wolf Ridge, and worked closely with multitudes of scientific research organizations such as the Institute for Bird Populations to host bird banding classes for teens and adults. Peter has a master banding license and has been banding birds for 30+ years, specializing in banding passerines and small raptors. He has been integral in the development of field scientific research at Wolf Ridge, starting the MAPS banding station, which is now the 2nd longest running station in the country. Peter was also closely involved in the reintroduction of Peregrine falcons to the North Shore.
Note: In the case of rain alternative programming will be offered.
Weekend Workshop Schedule
Friday, Sep 26, 2025

3:00 – 4:45 pm — Registration and check-in at the Wolf Ridge office
4:00 – 4:45 pm — Tour of the Margaret A. Cargill (MAC) Lodge
5:15 pm — Dinner
6:00 – 6:30 pm — Orientation in MAC Lodge Weesner Commons
7:00 – 9:00 pm — 1st learning session
10 pm — Quiet time

Saturday, Sep 27, 2025

7:30 am — Breakfast
8:30-10:00 am — Continental breakfast for Owl Workshop
8:30-11:30 am — 2nd learning session
12:15 pm — Lunch and bag lunch
1:00 -2:00 pm – Naturalist program
1:30 – 4:30 pm — 3rd learning session
5:15 pm — Dinner
6:30 – 7:15 pm — Evening presentation
7:30 – 9:30 pm — Social hour & campfire
10:00 pm — Quiet time

Sunday, Sep 28, 2025

7:30 am — Breakfast
8:30-10:00 am — Continental breakfast for Owl workshop
*check out of rooms by 10:00 am
8:30-11:30 am —4th learning session
12:15 pm — Lunch & check-out
12:30 – Owl workshop ends
12:30-1:30 pm — Optional: Use of designed rooms to shower before leaving
1:00-2:00 pm – Naturalist program

On Friday afternoon before registration or on Sunday afternoon you’re welcome to hike our trails and enjoy the fall colors.
Packing List
You should plan to venture out in rain or shine and the instructors may follow up with more information on specific details about your workshop if applicable. You can expect nighttime temperatures to range from 25°F to 50°F and daytime temperatures up to 65°F. Please be prepared so you can feel comfortable if it is cool or rainy. Most of the walking you will do is on nice graveled trails, but some trails are rugged. Photography will be a common thread throughout the weekend so we encourage you to bring a camera. If you do not own a digital camera, we can loan you one for the weekend.

Rain suit with pants and hood
Walking or hiking shoes
Warm jacket
Sweater or fleece
Warm hat
Light shirts
Light pants
Wool Socks (recommended for hiking)
Soap, shampoo, other toiletries
Personal water bottle
Sunscreen, sun hat

Optional Items:

Knee-high rubber boots
Non-aerosol insect repellent
Camera
Sunglasses
Alarm clock
Small backpack for day use
Snacks (space available in group refrigerator)

Wolf Ridge will provide linens, blankets, towels, and a pillow.

Summer Half Week Teacher Training Workshop
2026-06-22 11:30 - 2026-06-24 13:00, 2026-07-20 11:30 - 2026-07-22 13:00
Can’t stay the whole week?
Join us for the first half (Monday–Wednesday) to experience a taste of what the Teacher Training Institute has to offer!
Spend a week with the Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute and fully immerse yourself in the practices of a naturalist. Throughout this hands-on retreat, you might study watersheds, take part in bird banding, explore the shores of Lake Superior, and so much more!
You’ll dive into nature journaling while learning foundational outdoor pedagogy techniques that will transform how you think about and approach outdoor learning. No prior experience is needed—this workshop is perfect for both newcomers and educators already incorporating outdoor learning into their teaching.
Bring the whole family!
Wolf Ridge offers daytime outdoor activities for youth (accompanied by an adult) and can also recommend nearby destinations for your own winter adventures. On Saturday evening, participants are invited to take on Wolf Ridge’s outdoor adventure ropes course—because when it comes to winter fun, the more snow, the better! Please call 218-353-7414 after you register if you plan to bring additional family members. Additional fees will apply.
Learn More
Sample Schedule
Register Now
Sample Workshop Topics and Themes
Basics of outdoor learning: how to get started
Naturalist Practices: practices to help our students explore the natural world
Nature Journaling: from starting out to new ideas
Outdoor Pedagogy: engage as a student in an outdoor class and reflect on pedagogy techniques
Phenology: what it is and how to incorporate it all year long
Outdoor investigations: basics of conducting an investigation and collecting and interpreting data
Improv and Community Building: learn improv skills and team games
Citizen Science: learn about ways your students can engage with citizen science projects
Don’t see what you are looking for? Contact scheduling@wolf-ridge.org to co-create the program that best meets your needs.

Summer Full Week Teacher Training Workshop
2026-06-22 11:30 - 2026-06-26 13:00, 2026-07-20 11:30 - 2026-07-24 13:00
Summer Full Week Workshop
Spend a week with the Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute and fully immerse yourself in the practices of a naturalist. Throughout this hands-on retreat, you might study watersheds, take part in bird banding, explore the shores of Lake Superior, and so much more!
You’ll dive into nature journaling while learning foundational outdoor pedagogy techniques that will transform how you think about and approach outdoor learning. No prior experience is needed—this workshop is perfect for both newcomers and educators already incorporating outdoor learning into their teaching.
Bring the whole family!
Wolf Ridge offers daytime outdoor activities for youth (accompanied by an adult) and can also recommend nearby destinations for your own winter adventures. On Saturday evening, participants are invited to take on Wolf Ridge’s outdoor adventure ropes course—because when it comes to winter fun, the more snow, the better! Please call 218-353-7414 after you register if you plan to bring family members. Additional fees will apply.
Learn More
Sample Schedule
Register Now
Sample Workshop Topics and Themes
Basics of outdoor learning: how to get started
Naturalist Practices: practices to help our students explore the natural world
Nature Journaling: from starting out to new ideas
Outdoor Pedagogy: engage as a student in an outdoor class and reflect on pedagogy techniques
Phenology: what it is and how to incorporate it all year long
Outdoor investigations: basics of conducting an investigation and collecting and interpreting data
Improv and Community Building: learn improv skills and team games
Citizen Science: learn about ways your students can engage with citizen science projects
Don’t see what you are looking for? Contact scheduling@wolf-ridge.org to co-create the program that best meets your needs.

Beginning Bird Banding Workshop
2026-06-25 - 2026-07-02
Discover the Art and Science of Bird Banding: A Seven-Day Course for Adults
Open to participants ages 18 and older, this immersive, seven-day introductory course at Wolf Ridge in Finland, MN, is designed to equip both amateur birders and professional biologists with the essential skills for contributing to bird conservation and research through banding programs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or deepen a passion for birding, this hands-on experience provides a rare opportunity to connect with nature and advance your knowledge.
Participants will stay at the scenic Wolf Ridge campus, where lodging and meals are provided—allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Hands-On Training Includes:

Safe operation of mist-nets and gentle bird extraction techniques
Proper bird-handling skills
In-hand aging and sexing of birds
Accurately recording data using the MAPS protocol and forms

Lectures and Discussions Will Explore:

Ethical considerations in bird banding
Avian life histories, energetics, molting patterns, and plumage variation
The permitting process for bird banding
How banding contributes to avian research and long-term monitoring

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a biologist seeking new skills, this course will deepen your understanding of avian species while contributing to important conservation efforts.

Advanced Bird Banding Workshop
2026-07-06 - 2026-07-10
Refine your bird banding expertise and deepen your understanding of molt strategies, feather morphology, and plumage identification in this intensive advanced workshop. Designed for experienced banders, this class offers individualized instruction that builds on your existing skills, with a curriculum tailored to your current level and goals.
Course Requirements: This workshop requires previous bird banding experience. Before attending, participants should be comfortable with:

Handling and setting up mist-nets
Extracting birds safely from mist-nets
Aging birds, specifically distinguishing hatch-year from after-hatch-year birds

What You’ll Learn:

Enhanced Mist Net Techniques: Improve your speed and safety during bird extractions to optimize both accuracy and bird welfare.
Advanced Bird-Handling Skills: Master bird-handling techniques, including proper grips and methods to minimize stress on birds during the banding process.
Precision in Aging and Sexing: Hone your in-hand aging and sexing abilities, focusing on fine details such as skulling, scoring, and identifying molt limits.

Afternoon Lectures & Discussions:

Avian Life Histories & Energetics: Learn how birds’ life cycles and energy needs influence their behavior and physical characteristics.
Detailed Study of Molts & Plumages: Delve into the complexities of molt cycles and plumage changes, and how these factors can aid in identification.
Banding’s Role in Research & Monitoring: Explore how banding contributes to ornithological research, population monitoring, and conservation efforts.

Stay on the beautiful Wolf Ridge campus, where lodging and hearty meals are provided to ensure a comfortable and immersive learning experience. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and observations from their own banding work, allowing for personalized guidance from instructor Danielle Kaschube. For more information, visit the Institute for Bird Populations website or contact the instructor directly.
Take this opportunity to expand your bird banding skills in a supportive, focused environment, and join a community of fellow banders dedicated to the study and conservation of birds.

Ornithology Field Camp
2026-07-12 - 2026-07-17
Sign up for Ornithology Field Camp
Summer Camp Website
Students entering grades 9 -12
Experience the exciting world of bird banding!
If your high-schooler has a strong interest in birds and bird research, this camp is the perfect opportunity to expand their field ornithology skills. Designed for campers with prior experience—whether through Wolf Ridge’s Introduction to Field Ornithology Camp or other bird-related activities—this program offers hands-on, advanced learning in the fascinating world of ornithology.
Throughout the week, campers will gain valuable field experience, learning to safely remove passerines from mist nets, age and sex birds, and use color and PIT tags to study bird behavior. They may even get the rare opportunity to observe the banding of ruby-throated hummingbirds and peregrine falcons if conditions allow! An exciting outing to a boreal forest will give them the chance to see neotropical migrants in their stunning breeding plumage, deepening their connection to the study of bird life.
In addition to these specialized experiences, campers will enjoy traditional camp fun like rock climbing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. This camp is perfect for young bird enthusiasts looking to develop real-world skills while connecting with nature and like-minded peers.
