Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Phone: 952-854-5900 |
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"In the end, we conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught." |
Have you discovered the joys of teaching in the outdoors? Are you looking for an outdoor classroom that offers standard-based curriculum and diverse habitats to enhance your classroom learning? We offer three fieldtrip options described below.
Summer Education Programming
Join Refuge staff for a summer of exploration on the National Wildlife Refuge. Programs are offered throughout the summer
at Bloomington and Rapids Lake Visitor Centers. Please view the flyer for more information and to register.
Refuge Partner Schools*
The Refuge Partner Schools Program is an approach that provides teachers and students with multidisciplinary,
standard-based curriculum that includes hands-on, real-life experiences with plants and wildlife, as well
as recreational opportunities to immerse students in nature throughout the seasons. Participating schools
visit the refuge at least 3 times each school year for ranger-led lessons and activities. While the
Program reaches a wide audience of students, the emphasis is on diverse, inner-city youth and typically
involves the entire student body from kindergarten through grade 5.
*Refuge Partner Schools are eligible for busing assistance through the Blue Goose Bus Fund, managed by the Refuge Friends, Inc.
Refuge Partner Teachers*
The Refuge Partner Teacher Program is open to any teacher interested in using the refuge as
his or her own personal outdoor classroom! Refuge Partner Teachers receive FREE training, fieldtrip
planning support, and multidisciplinary, standard-based refuge curriculum. Attend one Refuge Orientation Workshop for each season to register.
Refuge Partner Teachers are eligible for busing assistance through the Blue Goose Bus Fund, managed by the Refuge Friends, Inc.
Self-Led Groups
Self-led groups such as YMCA, school groups, summer camps, or scouts are welcome to visit and explore the refuge. Each self-led
group has the freedom to develop their own programs to suit individual needs or use one developed by refuge staff. We encourage
you to call at least 1-week before you plan to visit the refuge to avoid conflicts with other education programs. For more
information please see the linked flyer, Self-Led Groups.
The Bloomington Visitor Center and Rapids Lake Education and Visitors Center have explorer backpacks for FREE. Backpacks vary in content at each center to coordinate with the habitat and wildlife found on that particular area of the Refuge. In addition, both visitors centers have scavenger hunts and wildlife sign checklists.
Educators not enrolled in one of the refuge programs that are looking for naturalist-led programming we suggest checking the SEEK website for a list of area nature and science centers that provide guided school group fieldtrips.
Internships
Fall and spring semester internships are focused on environmental education programming. Summer
internships also include interpretation projects and other duties. For additional information contact
Beth Ullenberg at (952) 858-0712 or beth_ullenberg@fws.gov
or go to the Internships page.
Become a Junior Refuge Manager! Earn a badge and certificate while you learn neat things about the plants and birds and bugs and other critters around you! Teachers, Homeschoolers, parents download the activity booklet or pick one up at the Bloomington Visitor Center. Fill the booklet out - and when you finish, you'll be a Junior Refuge Manager!
