Residential environmental learning and conference center

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(observations from our on-site NOAA climate station)

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps

K-12 School Programs

Official Best Environmental Education in Minnesota 2009

Click here to learn more about a
VERY EXCITING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
for schools not
currently attending an RELC!

Teachers:
Please visit our
TEACHER RESOURCES
page to find all you need to plan
your school's adventure!

We strive to provide the best environmental experiences for the thousands
of K-12 students who come to our center from across the state. Our highest
quality environmental education programs along with our optimal location,
makes us not only the best choice for environmental programming, but
lowers your travel costs - something we can all appreciate!

Our location can't be beat! Conveniently located six miles from Interstate 35, only about 90 miles from the Twin Cities, St Cloud, Duluth, and Brainerd, the Audubon Center is the perfect "overnight field-trip" distance from anywhere.

Save time on travel, save money on gas and mileage, and spend more time learning, giving your students an experience they'll always remember!

The Audubon Center sponsors and accommodates the unique learning structure of charter schools. For more details about our charter school program and sponsorship possibilities, please visit our Audubon Charter School homepage.

Click here for Montessori School Resources

NEW! Have our EcoRV travel to your school with great programs on renewable energy, birds of prey, reptiles and amphibians. Click here for more details on the EcoRV, or our outreach programs or call or email for a brochure with pricing and details.

The Audubon Experience

The Audubon Center is accredited by the North Central Association and offers residential environmental education experiences to schools. Our dormitories and dining room complex can accommodate up to 150 people.

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

ACNW combines a diverse sanctuary, 30 years of experience, and a staff that includes the K-12 Programs Coordinator, a Wildlife Coordinator, Adventure Coordinator, and professional naturalists and interns from the U.S. and around the world.

“The staff did a great job of modeling good behavior and of acknowledging individuals as well as the group.”
Teacher, Crossroads

Some highlights of our program:

Terrific food
Full array of adventure programming
Modern dorm facilities with bathrooms in each room
Our wildlife barn has rehabilitation animals for viewing and for programs
Evening programs included in every package
Dedicated and fun staff
Central Minnesota location
OVERALL THE BEST ENVIORNMENTAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU CAN GET!

“Great opportunity for kids to experience the ‘great outdoors’ in a safe, nurturing environment. Program encourages team-building and fosters an awareness of the world around us.”
Teacher, Crossroads

Our 535 acre site includes a variety of wetlands, forests and prairies. Staff uses the outdoors as the primary classroom and students are outside for the majority of classes. In addition to the great outdoors, we feature a variety of indoor areas including a wildlife classroom, wetlands cabin, science and international classrooms and a yurt. All of these are utilized to enhance the outdoor learning experience. Some other facility highlights include:

Maple syruping shack
Bird banding station
Wetlands boardwalk and bird blind
Ojibwe tipi and wigwam for cultural studies
Adventure ropes (high and low), climbing wall and group initiatives course
Wildlife barn

Aquatics
Students investigating aquatic insects

Wigwam
Students in front of Wigwam

"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.

Working as a team with
initiative games
Taking the "High Ropes Challenge"

Spring 2007 Teaching Staff

"Staff related well with kids--liked the fact that they were direct, laid out rules, expectations followed through, shared life experiences and knowledge in a friendly way. "
-Parent from Poplar Bridge Elementary

For detailed information on everything you need to know about how to set up your school's Audubon Experience please view our Trip Planner on the Teacher's Resource page.

"I learned to push myself and not give up"
5th grader. Woodland Elementary Student

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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.

GPS coordinates: (46.117186384284004, -92.99793720245361) (Driving Directions)
Toll-free: 1-888-404-7743; Phone: (320)245-2648; Fax: (320)245-5272
audubon1@audubon-center.org
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