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Prairie Science Class, Prairie Wetlands Learning Center,
Fergus Falls Wetland Management District
| The Prairie Science Class explores the prairie, recording information about plants and animals. Photo: USFWS |
The landscape of the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is dotted with thousands of small wetlands, or "prairie potholes," created by glaciers. Prior to settlement, this area was a paradise for waterfowl, prairie chickens, whooping cranes, bison, wolves and other prairie wildlife. Agricultural changes to the landscape included the loss of most native prairie and the drainage of over 50 percent of the small wetlands. The area remains a critical waterfowl production and migration area – the highest nesting density in Minnesota is recorded here.
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center's (PWLC) mission is to provide environmental education opportunities for students, private landowners and the general public, and to foster stewardship by demonstrating methods for protection, enhancement and restoration of the prairie pothole ecosystem.
The PWLC includes 325 acres of native and restored prairie, 28 wetlands and 4.5 miles of trails. The Visitor Center houses a 2500 square foot exhibit area, the Bluestem Store, classrooms and a dining hall/multi-purpose meeting room. The dormitory provides accommodations for up to 70 students to extend their learning over several days. The Center provides both day and residential environmental education and interpretation of the prairie pothole region for learners of all ages.
Learn more about this program >>
Prairie Wetlands Stewards contact:
Kenneth A. Garrahan, Director
Prairie Wetlands Learning Center
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
602 State Highway 210 East
Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537-4217
218.736.0938
218.736.0941 (fax)
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