Who We Are...
Welcome to the web site of the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. The Friends is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that exists solely to support the work of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is a residential environmental education facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center was developed to enhance and promote the understanding and conservation of the prairie pothole region, primarily through support of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.
More About Us...
In the early 1970s, local conservationists first envisioned an environmental learning center for the Prairie Pothole Region, this one specifically in the northwest region of Minnesota. The Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center was established in 1989 to lead the way in transforming that vision to reality.
Over 325 acres of native and restored prairie and 28 wetlands can be found at the Center. With nearly four miles of foot trails, there are ample opportunities for environmental education, wildlife observation, and relaxation.
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers a variety of environmental education programs to learners of all ages, as well as interpretive programs and walks throughout the year. In addition, the Center hosts teacher workshops and training sessions for wildlife professionals year-round. Special events provide opportunities to celebrate the cultural and natural history of the prairie, discover the secrets of successful waterfowling, and investigate the wonders of wetlands.
What We Do
Promote conservation and understanding of the prairie pothole region
Support activities of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
Creatively generate funds and foster volunteer involvement at the PWLC
Solicit community, regional, statewide and Federal support.
Specific Accomplishments
In addition to playing a key role in obtaining funding and support for construction of the Center, the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center have:
Obtained grant funding for design and production of an orientation video for visitors to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center;
Obtained a grant for the design and installation of interpretive exhibits for the Learning Center;
Obtained a three-year grant for the construction of nearly four miles of handicapped accessible nature trails;
Obtained a grant for the installation of a weather station at the Learning Center;
Obtained a grant to support and promote the volunteer program at the Learning Center;
Obtained a grant to develop and maintain an interactive kiosk to teach visitors and private landowners about restoration and management of native prairies;
Volunteered hundreds of hours in support of Learning Center programs, projects, and events;
Hold an Annual Fundraising Event which has assisted in purchasing, Snowshoes, Skis, SLR Cameras, and funding for the Yellow Bus Fund which assists with student transportation needs.
Continued to successfully operate a gift shop at the Learning Center to generate revenue for special programs; and
Contributed annually to the college intern program at the Learning Center.
History of the Friends
In the early 1970s local conservationists first envisioned an environmental learning center for the prairie pothole region. The Friends group was established in 1989 to lead the way in transforming that vision to reality. They solicited local support and with the assistance of Minnesota Legislative Representation, secured $3 million for the construction of the Center. Land was purchased by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club and the City of Fergus Falls, and in 1998, the Friends celebrated the opening of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.