Who Are the Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center?

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.

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 over 2,000 hours in 2003 in support of Learning Center programs, projects, and events;

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.