Adult Learners
Anyone can take classes at Wolf Ridge.
Maybe you’re a nature enthusiast, resource professional, teacher, or wilderness trip leader. We offer a variety of experiences throughout the year for people to expand their knowledge of the natural world.
Not every course below is offered every year. Visit our events calendar for all upcoming events, dates, registration information, and availability.
IBP Beginning Bird Banding
Wolf Ridge hosts the Institute for Bird Population’s Beginning and Advanced courses for seasoned and new banders. The seven-day introductory class provides both amateur birders and professional biologists with the skills necessary to participate in monitoring and research programs.
IBP Advanced Bird Banding
Wolf Ridge hosts the Institute for Bird Population’s Beginning and Advanced courses for seasoned and new banders. The five-day advanced class is designed for experienced banders who wish to improve their sexing and ageing skills using the American Birds by Peter Pyle.
Women's Intro to Timber Framing Workshop
Women make up less than 5% of US carpenters by trade. The purpose of this course is to provide a supportive learning environment for women to work with their hands, using traditional and modern tools to learn the craft of timber frame building. The women who take this class may use these skills to pursue personal building projects, or continue to develop their skills in pursuit of a career working with wood.
Drop-In Bird Banding
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. Participants can observe and sometimes participate in the banding process. 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.
Leave No Trace Master Educator Course
This is the highest level of education training in the LNT series. One of the few master classes offered in the Midwest, coursework focuses on how to teach others about ethical camping and outdoor recreation practices. Graduates are certified to teach LNT Awareness Workshops and Trainer Courses. A great opportunity for outdoor professionals, scout leaders, and anyone interested in teaching outdoor ethics. Not currently offered.
Fabulous Fall Geek-Out
Spend a glorious fall weekend in the company of fellow nature geeks! Past workshops have included wildlife photography, agate finding, Saw-whet owl banding, storing the fall harvest, and more. Expect a weekend of laughter, learning, and beauty.