Open minds to new discoveries
Create lifelong memories
Transform lives

What is Wolf Ridge?

Founded in 1971, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center was the first environmental learning center in the nation to be accredited as a K-12 school and is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in environmental education.

Each year, more than 15,000 children, teachers and parent chaperones travel to our 2,000-acre campus from more than 185 schools in communities across Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. We serve an additional 3,000 people annually through our broad spectrum of environmental and outdoor learning programs for children, families, seniors and college students.

What we do

Wolf Ridge is a place where minds open to the joy and wonder of discovery of our natural world. We seek to stimulate a love and understanding of nature by involving children and adults in direct observation of and participation on the outdoors and promote self-awareness and leadership development in the process. Our mission

Activities and classes at Wolf Ridge are nearly all outdoors, typically three hours in length. Fifty-seven different classes or activities are available, although many are seasonally dependent. Class subjects include environmental science, cultural history, contemporary environmental issues, personal growth, team building and outdoor recreation.

Campus

In environmental education, the outdoors is the classroom – and ours is spectacular. Located on a ridge overlooking Lake Superior, Wolf Ridge’s 2000 acre campus is bordered by the Baptism River and features creeks, two lakes, two high peaks, 18-miles of trail and a mixed forest of maple, birch ad spruce. Wildlife is abundant and includes pine marten, eagles, moose, black bear, whitetail deer, fox, wolves, beaver, peregrine falcons and loons. Facilities include three classroom buildings, two dormitories, a dining hall, a raptor aviary, a library, two auditoriums, two rock-climbing walls, two outdoor ropes courses and an administration building.

Board, Staff, Volunteers

Wolf Ridge has a board of trustees of 16 members, including classroom teachers, university professors, corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, doctors, lawyers and architects. We employ 35 full time staff, 20 graduate student naturalists, 7 part-time staff and a seasonal staff of about 20. Volunteers help with projects varying from bird banding to office work.

Finances and Budget

We are a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Revenue sources include: about 88% is from program user fees, 5% from store sales, and 7% grants and donations. Because program fees do not completely achieve the income needed for operation, Wolf Ridge relies on a membership program as well as annual donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to provide the high quality environmental education. Our annual budget is approximately $2.5 million dollars. With a staff of about 60, we are the largest rural employer in Lake County. See 501(c)3 letter. See tax exempt certificate.