Environmental Education

Preserving western Wisconsin's natural character goes beyond land conservation - it includes teaching all generations to care for their natural world.

West Wisconsin Land Trust's Education Program offers free, guided outdoor education year-round. Participants age 5 and up will learn a variety of skills and facts about the natural world. Programs take place throughout western Wisconsin, on properties protected by West Wisconsin Land Trust, or on public properties in the region.

Programs are designed for families, however they can also be customized for community groups (scouts, 4-H, etc.), seeking instruction on specific topics. Please click here for a list of all available courses.

“Very educational and entertaining. Age appropriate and interactive. Great sense of humor and extensive knowledge! FUN! Would highly recommend for future programs about wildlife and conservation!” – Laura, Cub Scout Pack 47

“Thanks a bunch for sharing your time, knowledge and enthusiasm with our group. Personally, my children have been repeating the 'Eyes in front, meant to hunt…' poem to anyone who will listen.” – Kris, Family Learning Center

Class Listing

Join us for a free outdoor adventure! Children (age 5+) will enjoy exercising outdoors during these fun, hands-on educational experiences. Families will enjoy spending time together, learning about the world around them, and meeting others in their communities.

See below for a list of upcoming classes and descriptions. For more information, or to register for a class, contact West Wisconsin Land Trust's Education Director at 715-235-8850 or bdingwall@wwlt.org.

All programs are offered free of charge and are limited to 20 total participants. Programs are developed at the 5th grade level, but they can be enjoyed by ages 5 and up. We ask that all children be accompanied by adults. Programs will run in all weather except severe situations, so please dress appropriately.

For questions and to reserve your spot, contact Bill Dingwall, Director of Education, at 715-235-8850 or bdingwall@wwlt.org.

Programs Open to the Public:

Menomin Meanderings
March 8
10:00 a.m. - 12:00
Menomin Park, Menomonie

We'll take a stroll through the woods and prairie of Menomin Park while it's still mosquito-free. Along the way we'll take a look at the pine forest, keep a sharp eye out for lowland birds, and venture out into prairie in search of subnivian space. If there's snow, bring your snowshoes or borrow ours!

Our Feathered Friends
April 12
7:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Maiden Rock Bluff SNA
Maiden Rock, Pepin County

Join us for a morning stroll atop the Mississippi flyway in search of migratory birds. We'll bring the binoculars and books, and look to Mother Nature to bring the birds. With a little luck, we'll be able to see the site's peregrine falcons flying above us!

Hudson Community Earth Day
April 20
YMCA - Camp St. Croix
Hudson, St. Croix County

Content to be determined; check back for more details.

Eau Claire Earth Day
April 26

WWLT will have an information booth and staff on hand to answer questions about land conservation.

Spring Games Night
May 6
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Menomin Park, Menomonie

Are your Freeze Tag skills rusty? Looking for new ways to explore your surroundings? Summer outdoor fun is just around the corner. Are you ready? We'll spend the evening playing at least 5 varieties of tag, doing scavenger hunts, and exploring like kids at heart. Bring your energy, and share it with everyone else!

Books and Bugs
June 18, time TBD
Hammond Community Library, St. Croix Co.

To kick off the Hammond Community Library's summer theme of Books and Bugs, WWLT will do a program covering insect basics. Activities will include telling telling an exciting story, charades, and a bit of observation all geared for ages 4-8. Contact the Hammond Community LIbrary @ (715) 796-2281 to let them know you're coming!

If you would like to schedule a private education program, please contact Bill Dingwall, Education Director, at bdingwall@wwlt.org or 715-235-8850.