Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Winter Weekends: Intro to Winter Explorations Workshop
2025-02-14 - 2025-02-17 | Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, 55603
Sign up for Intro to Winter Explorations Workshop
For adults 18+
Experience the beauty and tranquility of the North Shore’s winter landscape while learning the timeless arts of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
This workshop, led by a seasoned Wolf Ridge Naturalist, will immerse you in the history and traditions of these classic winter activities as you explore the forests, trails, and scenic vistas of Wolf Ridge.
What You’ll Experience:

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Discover the origins of these ancient methods of snow travel, then strap on your snowshoes or skis to explore the winter wonderland. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-timer, this workshop offers valuable tips on technique and form.
Naturalist Practices: Embrace the art of slowing down and observing the natural world. Learn how to attune your senses to the subtle beauty of winter as you notice tracks, animal signs, and other clues that reveal the forest’s hidden inhabitants.
Scenic Excursions: Traverse Wolf Ridge’s picturesque trails, with potential excursions to Caribou Falls and Superior National Forest, where you’ll experience breathtaking winter landscapes and discover what animals call this space home.

All equipment is provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own snowshoes or skis. This workshop offers an invigorating way to connect with nature, explore winter’s wonders, and gain new skills in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Weekends at Wolf Ridge: Geology & Agates
2025-09-26 15:00 - 2025-09-28 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Spend a glorious fall weekend on the North Shore of Minnesota gaining hands-on experience and learning from experts in their field.
Dive into a hands-on, activity-oriented exploration of the fascinating geology of the Lake Superior region. In this engaging workshop, you’ll discover the geological forces that shaped the area, with a special focus on the theories behind the formation of Lake Superior agates — Minnesota’s stunning state gemstone.
Gain valuable tips and techniques for successfully hunting for these beautiful treasures, from recognizing their unique characteristics to understanding the best places to search. Then put your new knowledge into practice during an exciting agate hunting field trip in the scenic Finland area, where you’ll have the opportunity to search for your own Lake Superior agates in the wild.
Perfect for rockhounds, geology enthusiasts, or anyone eager to experience the natural beauty and hidden gems of the North Shore!
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
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.

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.
