Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

08/19/2026

The Superior Hiking Trail isn't just a path through the North Woods—it's a classroom, a community, and a place where people connect more deeply with nature.

In Episode 6 of Blazing Trail, former Wolf Ridge Executive Director Pete Smerud shares how the partnership between Wolf Ridge and the Superior Hiking Trail has inspired generations of children and adults to discover the ecology of Minnesota's North Shore and Lake Superior, and why the missions of our organizations are so closely connected.

If you've ever hiked the trail, learned at Wolf Ridge, or simply love the North Shore, this episode is worth a listen.

🎧Listen here: https://wtip.org/archives/blazing-trail-ep-6-trail-helpers/

In Episode Six of Blazing Trail, we meet Chaz Gallet, medical advisor for the Superior Hiking Trail who also helps manage the hiker logbook program. We also talk to Donna Siska, a trail helper who assists hikers with unexpected situations on the trail, such as broken water filters, supply drops and....

08/12/2026

🍂This fall, find your people.

Join a community of curious explorers, lifelong learners, and nature lovers on Minnesota's North Shore.

Whether you're seeking quiet reflection through our Fall Equinox Yoga Retreat or hands-on discovery at our Retreat for Naturalists, you'll leave with new perspectives, meaningful connections, and memories shaped in the the North Woods.

Space is limited: https://bit.ly/4zijkh0

Find your fall at Wolf Ridge. 🧭 September 25 - 27, 2026

08/05/2026

Join us on Monday, August 24th at LTD Brewing in Hopkins for Give Back Monday! 20% of proceeds from 2 to 10pm go towards outdoor education at Wolf Ridge.

07/21/2026

The past week has brought unprecedented conditions to northern Minnesota. Wildfires burning across the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, combined with heavy smoke, hazardous air quality, and extreme heat, have affected communities, organizations, and public lands across the region.

Our thoughts right now are, first and foremost, with the people, businesses, and organizations most directly and immediately affected: those who have been evacuated, those fighting the fires, and our neighbors and partners in the Boundary Waters and Gunflint Trail communities whose lives and livelihoods have been upended.

Wolf Ridge has felt these impacts too. From canceled trips into the Boundary Waters and program adjustments to air quality concerns on our campus in Finland, MN. But we’ve also seen the power of the greater Wolf Ridge community coming together. Folks have been checking in, asking how they can help, contributing, and supporting us from afar.

As we navigate the ripple effects of this event and the continued uncertainty about what the coming weeks will bring, it's this community that keeps Wolf Ridge strong and able to continue serving youth and families.

Thank you for standing with us, and with all of northern Minnesota.

06/27/2026

Some moments shape not just an organization—but generations to come.

We're grateful to the Minnesota Star Tribune for highlighting Wolf Ridge's partnership with The Nature Conservancy to permanently protect 928 acres of forests, streams, and wildlife habitat through a conservation easement.

This isn't simply about preserving land. It's about safeguarding a place where curiosity is sparked, resilience is built, and countless young people discover a lifelong connection to the natural world.

As Wolf Ridge enters a new chapter under Executive Director Vanessa Mendillo Riegler, we're inspired by what lies ahead.

"Protecting this landscape is ultimately about protecting possibility. Every student who stands beneath these trees, explores these streams, or looks across Lake Superior has the opportunity to discover something meaningful about the natural world—and about themselves. This conservation easement ensures that those transformative experiences will continue for generations. I'm honored to join the Wolf Ridge community at such a hopeful moment and to help carry this vision forward." — Vanessa Mendillo Riegler

Read the full Minnesota Star Tribune story: https://bit.ly/4xNw3XY

06/23/2026

Summer programming is in full swing at Wolf Ridge this week, and there truly is something for every age and stage of learning!

🐦 Our Ornithology Field Camp is welcoming students in grades 9–12 for an immersive week of advanced birding techniques, field research, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connections with nature and fellow campers.

🔥 Campers in grades 2–7 are diving into our Leap Into Camp sessions, enjoying outdoor exploration, games, campfires, and opportunities to build new friendships while creating unforgettable summer memories.

🌿 Adults are joining us for a Naturalist Retreat, exploring the forests, cliffs, wetlands, and shores of Lake Superior through guided experiences, evening presentations, and shared discovery with fellow nature enthusiasts.

🐤 Our Beginning Bird Banding Workshop participants are gaining hands-on experience in the art and science of bird banding, learning safe bird handling techniques, data collection methods, and conservation practices while contributing to meaningful research.

🍎 Educators from across the state are also gathering for our Teacher Training Workshop, where they are immersing themselves in the practices of a naturalist through watershed studies, bird banding, nature journaling, outdoor pedagogy, and experiential learning designed to inspire the next generation of outdoor learners.

🎉 And we're capping off an incredible week with our Annual Open House! Join us for a FREE day of outdoor fun and exploration. Families can enjoy rock climbing, adventure ropes courses, canoeing on Wolf Lake, hiking the trails, and more. Picnic areas will be available, no advance registration is required, and all ages are welcome. It's the perfect opportunity to experience Wolf Ridge, connect with nature, and discover all that the North Woods has to offer!

From youth campers to lifelong learners, Wolf Ridge is buzzing with curiosity, discovery, and adventure this week. We are grateful to welcome such an incredible community of learners to the North Woods and hope to see many of you at our Open House!

Limited spots still available for summer programming: https://wolf-ridge.org/events/

06/22/2026

Thank you for making the 715-mile round trip each year. That's a lot of miles over the years that Blue Earth has been attending Outdoor School at Wolf Ridge!🚌

06/16/2026

Join us for Wolf Ridge's annual FREE Open House!

Spend the day exploring everything Wolf Ridge has to offer. Try the ropes course, climb the indoor rock wall, canoe on Wolf Lake, visit the organic farm, explore miles of trails, and enjoy a day outdoors with family and friends.

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

No advance registration required.

Whether you've visited Wolf Ridge before or are discovering us for the first time, this is a great opportunity to experience our campus, meet staff, and enjoy outdoor adventure for all ages.

We hope to see you there!

06/04/2026

Protecting the Land That Teaches 🌲

We’re proud to share that 928 acres of Wolf Ridge's landscape are now permanently protected through a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota

What makes this moment especially meaningful is that the land is protected forever while still being used as our outdoor classroom.

That means students will continue to hike these trails, study these streams, explore these forests, and learn in the same landscapes that have shaped generations of Wolf Ridge learners.

This is conservation and connection working together.

The land is protected, and the learning continues.

Learn More: https://wolf-ridge.org/protecting-wolf-ridge-forever/

05/26/2026

There's still time to register for the Timber Framing Workshop at Wolf Ridge Farm!

Learn the timeless craft of building with wooden posts and beams using traditional mortise & tenon joinery — no nails or metal fasteners required.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll:
🔨 Learn essential timber framing skills
🪚 Use hand & power tools
🏗 Help raise a completed timber frame
🌲 Build a structure that will support Wolf Ridge Farm

Lodging + meals included on-site at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center.

Led by experienced timber framer Jenna Pollard, this is a rare opportunity to gain practical skills, connect with others, and build something meaningful.

Spots are limited — register before it’s full!
https://wolf-ridge.org/event/timber-frame-workshop/