Audubon Center of the North Woods K-12 Programs

Welcome!

We want to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Audubon Center of the North Woods (ACNW) - a residential environmental learning center in east central Minnesota - and the outstanding educational programs we offer for K-12 students.

It is our philosophy that the most important step we can take to protect the health and well-being of the earth and our kids, as a society, is to reconnect children with nature. Through immersion in the wild outdoors, we teach them about the environment and the interconnectiveness of all things in order to promote environmental awareness, compassion, leadership and an ethic of care for the earth.

Inside this brochure you will find an overview of ACNW and a myriad of information about our location, facilities, environmental learning program, classes, scholarship opportunities and fund-raising program. We hope you take the time to read this through and consider providing your students with the valuable life-changing experience offered at our Center.

If you would like a more in-depth look at ACNW and what we can offer to your school and students, check out the video or the Trip Planner on the K-12 page of our website at www.audubon-center.org. Call or email us for more information or to schedule a visit to your school where we can present the information in person and answer any questions you, your staff or students’ parents may have.

Leaving no child inside,

Audubon Center of the North Woods staff

54165 Audubon Dr., PO Box 530Sandstone, MN 55072

Phone: 888-404-7743 , Fax: 320-245-5272Email: [email protected]

www.audubon-center.org

1www.audubon-center.org

Our Mission:To instill a connection

and commitment to the environment

in people of all communities through experiential learning.

Our Vision:A healthy planet

where all people live in balance with the Earth.

Our location can’t be beat!Conveniently located 5 miles from I-35, we

are only about 90 miles from the Twin Cities

and St. Cloud, and about 70 miles from

Duluth and Brainerd — the perfect “overnight

field-trip” distance from anywhere.

Our high quality environmental and

outdoor educational programs, along with our

optimal location, makes us not only the best

choice for experiential learning, but also for

lower travel time and costs — something we

can all appreciate!

ACNW is a fully accredited, non-profit Residential Environmental Learning Center (RELC) established in 1968. We are open year-round for 1–5 day residential K-12 visits and have been offering school environmental programs since 1972. Our caring and knowledgeable education staff includes a Program Director, Education Coordinator, Wildlife Coordinator, Adventure Coordinator and Intern Coordinator, as well as professional naturalists and interns from the U.S. and around the world.

To see learners experiencing our site firsthand, visit our YouTube page (youtube.com/AudubonCenter) to view a 7-minute video where visiting students and teachers tell you themselves what makes a trip to ACNW such a special learning experience.

We strive to be the best, not the biggest, RELC in Minnesota, and we provide a more diverse and personal learning experience for the thousands of K-12 students who come to our Center from across the state.

Highlights of our K-12 school program include:

l 50+ grade-specific, informative, interactive, and FUN classes led by professional staff

l All classes aligned with MN Academic State Standards

l Full array of adventure programming, including high and low ropes, climbing wall, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing

lConvenient ‘close to home’ location in east central Minnesota saves travel time and money

l Terrific food and modern dorm facilities that can accommodate 162+ people

l Non-releasable birds of prey, corvids, mammals, reptiles and amphibians available for education and viewing

l A variety of educational evening programs

The Audubon Center of the North Woods Experience

where all people live in balance with the Earth.

are only about 90 miles

-minute video where visiting students and teachers tell you themselves what makes a trip to ACNW such a special themselves what makes a trip to ACNW such a special

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Our Property The 535-acre ACNW sanctuary, on the east shore of Grindstone Lake, is a mix of old-growth white and red pines and second-growth mixed hardwood forest. Birch stands and sugar maple forests are just part of the natural abundance and variety. Old farm fields have been restored to wetlands. Pine plantations and

a restored prairie offer contrasts to the natural areas. Marsh and old beaver pond waters are teeming with life. Over 54 species of woody plants and 225 species of birds have been identified here.

ACNW’s programming utilizes the historic farm buildings of the Schwyzer era as well as modern facilities. Schwyzer Lodge is nestled among old growth pines on the shore of

Grindstone Lake while the barn and remaining farm buildings now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex

at ACNW is on the National Register of Historic Places). Lowry Lodge was added in 1983 to give us more lodging and classroom space. In 1998, the Center dedicated the Crosby Dormitory and Blandin Dining Hall.

Our Learning EnvironmentACNW has traditional classrooms in Crosby, Lowry and Schwyzer lodges. Our emphasis, though, is on getting outdoors to maximize learning opportunities. We have also created a number of unique study areas and dispersed classrooms designed to facilitate learning atmospheres for specific themes:

l Maple syruping shackl Bird banding stationl Observation towerl High ropes/zip line l Low ropes coursel Yurtl Wildlife barnl Indoor Climbing wall l Group initiatives coursel Wetlands cabin and bird blind

ACNW Location and Facilities

now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex

farm fields have been restored to wetlands. Pine plantations and a restored prairie offer contrasts to the natural areas. Marsh

and old beaver pond waters are teeming with life. Over 54 species of woody plants and 225 species of birds have been identified here.

ACNW’s programming utilizes the historic farm buildings of the Schwyzer era as well as modern facilities. Schwyzer Lodge is nestled among old growth pines on the shore of

Grindstone Lake while the barn and remaining farm buildings now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex

farm fields have been restored to wetlands. Pine plantations and a restored prairie offer contrasts to the natural areas. Marsh

and old beaver pond waters are teeming with life. Over 54 species of woody plants and 225 species of birds have been identified here.

ACNW’s programming utilizes the historic farm buildings of the Schwyzer era as well as modern facilities. Schwyzer

Grindstone Lake while the barn and remaining farm buildings now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex

at ACNW is on the National Register of Historic Places). Lowry now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex

at ACNW is on the National Register of Historic Places). Lowry

created a number of unique study areas and dispersed created a number of unique study areas and dispersed

“The Audubon Center ROCKS!”

6th grader, John Ireland school

now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex at ACNW is on the National Register of Historic Places). Lowry Lodge was added in 1983 to give us more lodging and classroom space. In 1998, the Center dedicated the Crosby Dormitory and Blandin Dining Hall.

now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex now serve as some of our classrooms. (The entire historic complex

Our Property The 535-acre ACNW sanctuary, on the east shore of Grindstone Lake, is a mix of old-growth white and red pines and second-growth mixed hardwood forest. Birch stands and sugar maple forests are just part of the natural abundance and variety. Old farm fields have been restored to wetlands. Pine plantations and farm fields have been restored to wetlands. Pine plantations and

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Location, Location, Location!!ACNW is conveniently located in east central Minnesota about halfway between the Twin Cities and Duluth. Just 5 miles from I-35, we are about 90 miles from the Twin Cities and St. Cloud, and about 70 miles from Duluth and Brainerd — far enough away to be an adventure but close enough to save substantial travel time and cost! Not to mention reducing your carbon footprint by using less gas and generating fewer emissions.

Lodging at ACNWThere are two lodging areas on the ACNW campus. Buildings in both complexes overlook beautiful Grindstone Lake:

l Crosby Lodge, with 112 beds, is adjacent to the Blandin Dining Hall / office building. Each room sleeps up to 8 people, featuring solid wood bunks and private bathroom facilities. Two rooms are wheelchair accessible.

l Our original complex, consisting of historic Schwyzer Lodge and Lowry Lodge (with adjoining Bremer classroom) houses up to 50 people in combination; ideal for small groups or combined with Crosby Lodge to accommodate larger groups.

Dining at ACNWBlandin Dining Hall seats 200+ people. We offer delicious scratch-made meals and snacks, with a focus on natural ingredients and local foods when feasible, served cafeteria-style, and with a variety of choicesas well as fruit, salad and bread. Our kitchen staff is adept at accommodating special dietary needs.

The learning experience extends to mealtimes with a focus on the impact of various agricultural practices on the environment. To encourage everyone to prevent food waste, ACNW has a food waste reduction program. Food waste (ort) is collected in a compost bucket and then weighed and charted at the end of each meal. It’s a successful approach to get kids and adults thinking about food waste and its effect on the environment.then weighed and charted at the end of each meal. It’s a successful approach to then weighed and charted at the end of each meal. It’s a successful approach to

Not to mention reducing your carbon footprint by using less gas and generating fewer emissions.

close enough to save substantial travel time and cost! Not to mention reducing your carbon footprint by Not to mention reducing your carbon footprint by using less gas and generating fewer emissions.

ACNW is a proud leader in renewable energy. We have implemented a variety of renewable energy sources including a geothermal heat pump system, solar arrays solar hot water and air heat panels, and a wind generator.

“The food here is the best we’ve ever had at an RELC.” Highlands Elementary Teacher

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Quality Environmental EducationMany of our classes are aligned with MN State Academic Standards. A large selection of classes are offered for four broad age ranges. Within those ranges, each class is customized for the specific grade level(s) of your group. Choose a thematic experience to your students or choose classes from a variety of themes to give your students a diverse learning experience.

Size MattersWe are proud to be one the smallest RELCs in Minnesota because we know the advantages that come with working on a smaller scale including providing a more intimate learning experience, maintaining low student to instructor ratio, having better adaptability and more diversity. Our ideal learning group/class size is 15–18 students. For example, if you have 60 students, you’ll want to divide them into four learning groups and choose classes for each group in each time slot.

Standard or Custom RELC VisitsWhether visiting for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, our standard RELC package rate includes lodging, meals and classes each full morning and afternoon of your visit. We try to ensure that all your learning groups take the same classes. If you prefer to provide your own programming for part of the time or desire more programs than our standard rates offer, we are happy to provide you with a quote for your customized stay.

Day Programs and Field TripsIn addition to regular residential (overnight) visits to ACNW, we also offer day programs and field trip opportunities. Our 1-day RELC package includes classes of your choice all morning and afternoon, with lunch in-between. We also offer any of our programs and classes on an ‘a la carte’ basis. For example, maple syrup season in March is an ideal time to visit for a day program on the maple syruping process.

ACNW Trip Options and Classes

“The staff did a great job of modeling good behavior and

of acknowledging individuals as well as the group.”

Crossroads teacher

Standard or Custom RELC Visits

In addition to regular residential (overnight) visits to ACNW, we

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A glimpse of just some of the many classes we offer...

Ecology/Environment- Dirt, Rocks & Worms- Energy for Life- Energy Mix & Match- Forest Ecology- Maple Syruping- Predator/Prey Relationships- Stream Superheroes

Culture/History- Ojibwa Hike- Porcupine Quillwork- Twines & Shells

Wildlife- A Bug’s Life- Animal Signs- Animal Habitats- Birds & Bird Banding- Creepy Crawly Creatures- Freezing Our Feathers Off- Lake Layers & Fish Functions- Leave it to Beaver- Migration- Minnesota Mammals- Wolves of the North Woods

Adventure/ Teambuilding- Archery- Climbing Wall- Skywalk Ropes Course- Low Ropes Course- Group Initiatives- Canoeing- Snowshoeing & Skiing- Survivor: North Woods

Evening Class Options- Birds of Prey (with our live raptors!)- Nature Jeopardy- Nature Scavenger Hunt- Land Use Hearing- Wolf Ecology- Astronomy

Evening ProgramsYou may also add evening programs to enhance your

students’ experience at ACNW. Each program is designed for full group

participation and lasts about an hour. There are programs

led by ACNW staff as well as programs led by your

teachers for which we can provide lesson plans.

Special Classes:History and the Environment

is a special program available September through April.

It combines the residential environmental learning

experience with a visit to the North West Company Fur Post, operated by the

Minnesota Historical Society. A reconstruction

of an 1804 trading post, its interpretive program focuses

on fur trade era history and Ojibwa ways of life.

For a complete listing of classes and descriptions, download our ‘Trip Planner’ at www.audubon-center.org under Educational Programs: K12 Schools

“Great opportunity for kids to experience the ‘great outdoors’ in a safe, nurturing environment.

The program encourages team-building and fosters an awareness

of the world around us.”Crossroads teacher

“I didn’t know what to expect. I was blown away! It was a terrific

experience. I would definitely recommend to others.”

Chaperone, Poplar Bridge Elementary

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We understand how budget cuts and our current economic times can make trips outside of school difficult to afford.

To help make this wonderful learning opportunity available to everyone, we are constantly exploring options to help make the Audubon Center RELC experience affordable and accessible to all schools and all students.

If your school can’t come to us, consider booking one or several of our wildlife outreach programs at your school, program or event.

Outreach Programs - we can come to you!

The Audubon Center of the North Woods also offers a variety of outreach programs that will come to your school, program or event – whether it be just a single program for one classroom or a day-long or multi-day event for your entire school.

Birds of PreyWe offer wide variety of raptor programs for all ages and bring two or three of our non-releasable birds of prey, depending on the type of program selected.

Reptiles & AmphibiansThis program instills an appreciation of reptiles and amphibians, dispels common myths and fears, and explore factors contributing to the decline of amphibian and reptile populations. Live reptiles are part of this presentation.

AquaticsDuring this program, students will get gigantic views of live aquatic insects on the ‘big screen’ through LCD microscope projection and learn about the different adaptations that aquatic insects have.

Naturalist-in-ResidenceFor schools that are lucky enough to have their own natural area (forest, pond, and prairie) or have access to one near their school, ACNW naturalists will work with interested teachers in designing custom programs that take students outside. School staff are encouraged to join us to gain ideas on how to incorporate the outdoors into their everyday curriculum.

event for your entire school.

raptor programs for all ages

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GrantsThe grant application process, an often overlooked potential source for funding, can be time-consuming. Try to enlist the help of involved parents, volunteer or student groups in seeking out and applying for potential grants to help cover part or all of the cost of an environmental education field trip.

Here are several sources provided as starting point:DonorsChoose – teachers post projects and field trips they need funding for, and donors can browse to find projects they support.

Target Field Trip Grants Program – helps students in all 50 states go on educational and memorable learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Jeffers Foundation Partnership Grant – seeks to partner with schools that want to provide unique and meaningful experiences for elementary students in established principles of environmental education and stewardship.

For a lengthy list of grant and loan resources for Minnesota visit www.nextstep.state.mn.us

Other links to check out are: www.legacy.leg.mn/opportunities-funding www.epa.gov/Region5/enved/grants.html

Funding for Your School’s Visit

“I learned to push myself and not give up.”

5th grader, Woodland Elementary Student

“I learned to push “I learned to push “I learned to push

seeking out and applying for potential grants to involved parents, volunteer or student groups in seeking out and applying for potential grants to

Funding for Your School’s Visit

involved parents, volunteer or student groups in seeking out and applying for potential grants to

Funding for Your School’s Visit

FundraisingWe encourage you to try

creative ideas to raise funds. See the next page for more

information about the unique fundraising program that we

offer. Other ideas include bake sales, carnivals, spaghetti

dinners, and car washes, as well as soliciting contributions from local businesses, parent/

teacher associations, and service organizations.

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ACNW Fundraising Program & Discounts

Our fundraising program is designed to help students raise part or all of the cost of their ACNW environmental learning experience. By offering products that are unique and different than other fundraisers, it is easier for students to generate sales and more quickly reach your fundraising goals.

The products listed below are offered to you at our cost – we take no fee or percentage – which translates into a much larger profit-margin for your school. For fundraising purposes, our items can be sold for between 40-100% markup, which makes our program very effective in raising the necessary funds.

ACNW Fundraising items:

Pure Maple syrup — Produced right here at ACNW every spring. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. Nothing compares to REAL maple syrup! Offered in 4 oz. and 8 oz. bottles.

Organic Coffees — Organic, shade-grown fair-trade coffee from European Roasterie. Several varieties are offered in 12 oz packages – ground or whole beans. These are superb coffees that are grown and processed using ecologically and socially responsible methods.

ACNW Raptor Notecards — The educational raptors we have here at ACNW have been immortalized in these beautiful hand drawn 3X5 notecards - blank on the inside with their natural and personal history. on the back. Packs of 5.

Notecards are sold in sets of six cards featuring all of the education raptors at the Audubon Center with their natural history and personal history. Proceeds go to support the Audubon Center wildlife program

Educational Raptor Notecard Order Form

Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: _____ # of sets of cards ($5 each) = $ total cost

Please enclose a check for the amount of cards plus $2.00 for shipping.

Send order form plus a check made out to ACNW to:

Audubon Center of the North Woods ATTN: Jeff Tyson P.O. Box 530 Sandstone, MN 55072

Audubon Center of the North Woods ● PO Box 530, Sandstone, MN 55072 ● 888-404-7743 or 320-245-2648 [email protected] www.audubon-center.org

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We make it easy...... to win support for your trip to ACNWWe understand that sometimes it takes a little convincing to gain support for a new program like an RELC experience or to ‘break tradition’ by trying a different RELC.

To help get your colleagues and students’ parents on-board with a trip to ACNW, you can show the overview videos on our website (home and K12 pages), request a DVD be mailed to you or schedule a visit from one of our staff to make a presentation at your school.

... to book and plan your trip to ACNWOnce you’ve decided you’d like to provide your student with a wonderful RELC experience here at ACNW, we make it easy to plan the trip

Our ‘Trip Planner’ and ‘Classes & Curriculum’ (available on our website at www.audubon-center.org under ‘Educational Programs: K12 Schools’) contain all the details, information and materials you need to plan your trip, choose your classes, make your room assignments, etc.

If you’d like to tour the Audubon Center of the North Woods prior to bringing your students, we’d love to have you come for a visit! Just give us a call at 888-404-7743 or email [email protected] to schedule your tour.

Receive Graduate Credits for Bringing

Your Students to ACNW!

We understand that it takes extra time, effort

and dedication to provide your students with our

RELC experience, so we offer a way for you

to get two master’s credits for making it

happen. The credits can go toward earning a

10-credit master’s level Environmental Education

certificate from Hamline University in St. Paul.

To receive credits, you need to write a report

about your visit including:

- How did you work out the logistics of the trip for your school and your students?

- What kind of environmental education

did you provide in the classroom before your visit?

- After the visit, how did you apply what you learned

back in the classroom?

Call or email for details:888-404-7743

[email protected]

you apply what you learned

[email protected]@audubon-center.org

o schedule your tour.o schedule your tour.

“This was the most fun I ever had in a class.”5th grader, Poplar Bridge