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Ecological Regions
Minnesota is home to three ecosystems - prairie grasslands, deciduous woods and coniferous forests. A general understanding of these ecosystems will help parents introduce children to the natural environment, here in Saint Paul and throughout Minnesota.
Scientific and Natural Areas - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) Program provides a general framework for understanding Minnesota's ecosystems. Although not intended for recreational use, these preserves are ideal for parent-child field investigations.
The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota - The Nature Conservancy works with local organizations to preserve our lands and waters for future generations. There's a great deal of overlap with the SNAs, demonstrating collaboration, and the information provided by the Nature Conservancy is infinitely more readable.
National Wildlife Refuges in Minnesota - Operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Environmental Learning Centers
Unbeknownst to many, the environmental learning centers that provide school programs often offer special events and programs for families and the general public.
Metropolitan Area
Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center - A private, non-profit nature preserve and environmental education facility established in 1981. 12805 St. Croix Trail, Hastings
Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center - Minnesota's first year-round outdoor environmental education facility offers premium quality educational programs through the Science Museum of Minnesota. Located near Marine on St. Croix.
Greater Minnesota
Deep Portage Conservation Reserve Family Weekends - Hackensack, MN
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center Special Programs - Lanesboro, MN
Laurentian Environmental Center Specialty and Weekend Programs - Britt, MN
North House Folk School - Grand Marais, MN
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center Special Events - Fergus Falls, MN
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center - A nonprofit learning center, committed to providing outstanding environmental education and outdoor experiences to people of all ages, Spicer, MN.
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center Family Programs - Finland, MN
Additional Resources
BellLive! - Electronic field trips to some of the unique ecosystems of the Upper Midwest, Bell Museum of Natural History.
Great Lakes Worm Watch - Increasing scientific literacy and public understanding of the role of exotic species in ecosystems change.
Minnesota Report Card on Environmental Literacy - Minnesota and its citizens are facing a number of important environmental issues. To be able to solve these issues, Minnesota needs an environmentally literate citizenry. See how Minnesotan adults responded to this 2001 survey of environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviors.
SEEK - Minnesota's interactive directory of environmental education resources. VERY comprehensive. Many sites/programs for families.
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