Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center

09/03/2026

What!? Only 1 week away!?

Get your tickets now: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

Save the Date - ✨ Prairie Stars is almost here! ✨

Thursday, September 10
5:30pm - 8:30pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating environmental education, community, and the natural beauty of Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.

Reconnect with friends, enjoy a delicious dinner, live music, and an inspiring evening that supports hands-on learning for all ages.

Reserve your seat today—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Follow the link here: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

08/19/2026

✨Save the Date:
Thursday, September 10
5:30pm - 8:30pm

We’re putting the finishing touches on another memorable Prairie Stars, and we hope you’ll join us! It’ll be a great chance to reconnect with friends, enjoy a beautiful evening at the PWELC pavilion, support environmental education and celebrate our community.

Dinner: Chicken Kyiv with rosemary red potatoes, vegetable blend, salad and bread. A vegetarian roasted stuffed red pepper entree will be available. Dessert is fruit pie served with coffee.

Live Music: Lilly Waters Jazzy Jubilee

Florals: Rustic Design Flower Farm, with a little help from nature preschoolers

Auctioneer Mark Ziemer returns to help lead this year’s fundraising paddle raise

Get your tickets here: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

08/12/2026

Save the Date - ✨ Prairie Stars is almost here! ✨

Thursday, September 10
5:30pm - 8:30pm

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating environmental education, community, and the natural beauty of Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.

Reconnect with friends, enjoy a delicious dinner, live music, and an inspiring evening that supports hands-on learning for all ages.

Reserve your seat today—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Follow the link here: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

07/10/2026

Join us for a half day of paddling and fun on the Mill Ponds! The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD) and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (PWELC) are once again partnering to get people out on the Crow River in New London. Participants will meet at the New London Boat Access at 9:00 a.m., paddle up through the Mill Ponds, and return by noon. We will provide canoes, life jackets and river knowledge for the paddle! Afterward, everyone is welcome to join us for lunch at Goat Ridge Brewing Co. (lunch not included).

Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: New London Boat Access
Cost: $10 per person or $25 family maximum (all participants must be registered so that we bring the proper amount of equipment)
Ages: All (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

07/09/2026

Join us tomorrow, July 10th from 8:30-11:30am to spend a morning at Prairie Woods helping to plant native prairie plants and bring back the wildflowers at Prairie Woods! These prairies will become outdoor classrooms and wildlife havens for years to come. By lending a hand, you’ll help create thriving prairies for generations.

Meet at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in the parking lot just past the main building by the maintenance building.

06/24/2026

Thank you for visiting us!! We had a blast and we miss sweet Eddy❤️

06/10/2026

Campers had a fantastic week at Wild for Wildlife Camp identifying critters that live in the ponds, searching for insects in the prairie, and discovering signs of mammals in the woods! In between activities, campers played games, made crafts, and climbed the indoor wall!

We still have spots open!

🌱 Nature Explorers (Grades 1–3) | July 7–9
🌍 Nature’s Elements (Grades 3–5) | July 13–16
💧 Wonders of Water (Grades 3–5) | July 27–30

Each camp is packed with outdoor adventures, hands-on exploration, and tons of fun!

To register, go to the event calendar on the website in our bio!

05/21/2026

Summer is approaching and we are still accepting registration for new summer day camps at Prairie Woods! Each week features a different theme with fun activities, games, adventures, and exploration! Visit the event calendar on the website in our bio to learn more and sign up.

05/05/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible teachers who make our nature preschool so special.

Through every season, in all kinds of weather, our teachers show up with dedication and care. They guide children as they explore the woods, splash in puddles, climb, build, wonder, and grow. They turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences and help foster confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Their work isn’t always easy—muddy boots, cold mornings, and busy days—but they meet it all with patience, joy, and a true passion for what they do.

We are so grateful for the love, energy, and heart they pour into each day. Thank you for nurturing not just learning, but curiosity, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day to our amazing team!

04/18/2026

We are getting set up for a fun afternoon of activities at our annual Earth Day Celebration from 12-4pm! Don't let the cold and wind scare you away! There will be plenty of indoor activities including:

-Hemker Zoo Live Animal Presentations
-Exhibits and activities with Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District, North Fork Crow River Watershed District, Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District, Purple Martin Project, DREAM Academy, and more
-Seed Bombs and Pinecone Bird Feeder Stations
-Project WET Games
-Free Books for the first 100 visitors to the Minnesota Farm Bureau station, thanks to the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture
-Indoor Climbing Wall

If you are looking for a chance to get outdoors, attend one of the pond study, purple martin, or mammals classes, visit the Nature Play Area, or check out the Touch A Truck exhibit with Waste Management!

We hope to see you out at Prairie Woods soon!