Outreach
2026-2027 Information
Bring hands-on outdoor education to your classroom at no cost! These engaging programs are available to K–12 schools with no program fee and no mileage charge, making it easier than ever to provide students with memorable, interactive learning experiences.
Students can explore Minnesota’s wildlife, natural resources, history, and outdoor recreation through a variety of classroom and outdoor programs led by our experienced environmental education staff. Programs are designed to inspire curiosity, encourage teamwork, and connect students with the natural world through hands-on activities and active participation.
Each program has unique requirements for class size, location, season, and length. Contact us to learn more about individual programs and find the best fit for your students. (Call us at 320.245.2648 or email schools@ospreywilds.org)
These free programs are made possible through funding from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Outreach Class List
Animal Signs are clues that paint a picture; a moment in an animal's day. Discover the basics and sign-reading and investigate clues to solve a variety of animal sign mysteries.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - Classroom, Gymnasium, Field, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students or 30 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Over the last thousand years, the purpose of Archery and the equipment has gradually changed and been modernized for hunting and sport. Experience the ancient art of atlatl throwing, and then sharpen your skills at the archery range.
Class Length - 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 120 minutes
Location - Gymnasium or Field
Group Size - 15 Students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
We invite you to explore Ojibwe culture with us through our Mazinigwaasowin class (Ojibwe for s/he embroiders or beads something). We will investigate natural resources that have been used in traditional embroidery, such as porcupine quills, as well as how the Ojibwe impacted world trade in the region through the fur trade and their beading. You will then get the chance to make and keep your own embroidered craft using seed beads!
Class Length - 60 minutes or 90 minutes
Location - Classroom
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Just like human engineers build bridges or skyscrapers, beavers build with trees and create floods to change their environment and create their homes. Engineer your own beaver dam and lodge in this class and explore the physical adaptations of these ingenious mammals.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - Classroom, Field, School Forest, Nearby Park, Water Access (Required)
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Spring, or Summer
All birds have some basic features in common, but it is their unique design and features that allows them to survive in every habitat on earth. Hike as you learn about bird characteristics, biology, and simple field identification techniques.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - Classroom, Gymnasium, Field, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
There is a magical world of under-water life right in front of us! How we care for our lakes, rivers and streams. has a huge impact on that life. Collect and identify macro-invertebrates (insects) in order to better understand the importance of water quality in this engaging, discovery-based class.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - Water Access
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Spring, or Summer
Take a journey through time to the year 1894 to discover more about a local historical event, the Hinckley Fire. Our educators will explain what caused this tragedy and how people tried to survive such devastation.
Class Length - 60 minutes
Location - Classroom or Gymnasium
Group Size - 15 students, 30 students, or Large Group
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Ojibwe culture and traditions are a rich part of Minnesota’s history. Through exploration, stories, and sensory experiences, students will learn about traditional Ojibwe practices and valuable uses of native Minnesota trees.
Class Length - 45 minutes or 60 minutes
Location - Classroom, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Let our staff of educators take you on a hike where you'll learn about a wide array of topics. This hike can cover topics such as:
• Wildlife
• Forestry
• Ecology
• Fisheries
• Water Resources
• History
• Biomes
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - School Forest or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
For thousands of years, spring warmth has resulted in a sweet treat from the sap of maple trees. Identify and tap a tree, collect sap, & taste delicious pure maple syrup!
Class Length - 45 minutes or 60 minutes
Location - School Forest
Group Size - 15 students or 30 students
Season - Spring
What does it mean to really see an object in nature? Train your eye to notice things differently as you write and share your observations of the natural world. Let out your inner poet as you explore your environment.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - Classroom, Field, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students or 30 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Become herpetologists in this hands-on class! Experience the creepy, crawly, and often misunderstood world of reptiles and amphibians, then go on a “hunt” for frogs, toads and salamanders and try to spot or catch them where they live.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - Classroom, Gymnasium, Field, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Spring, or Summer
Different cultures have responded in different ways to the necessity of traveling in deep snow. Experience the rich history of this 5,000-year-old North American activity through quiet, snow-covered forests.
Class Length - 45 minutes or 60 minutes
Location - Field, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Winter
You can survive three weeks without food, three days without water, three hours without heat, but the first key to survival happens within the first three seconds. Build a shelter and a fire with a team, and recognize that teamwork is also an important factor in survival.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - School Forest or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students or 30 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring Summer
Solve problems and overcome obstacles as a team by striving for improved caring, communication, and cooperation.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 120 minutes
Location - Classroom, Gymnasium, Field, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Native wildlife plays an important role in our ecosystems and daily life. Meet our live animal ambassadors up close to discover more about Minnesota's native wildlife and how they fit into our local environmental through a guided hike.
Class Length - 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes
Location - Classroom, Gymnasium, School Forest, or Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students, 30 students, or Large Group
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Wolves are the North Woods' premier predator, yet they live a fine line between life and death; their survival is determined by their abilities and behaviors. Learn about wolf pack structure, behavior and adaptations using scientific tools and methods, such as radio telemetry.
Class Length - 45 minutes or 60 minutes
Location - Classroom, Gymnasium (Required), Field (Required), Nearby Park
Group Size - 15 students or 30 students
Season - Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer
Choose by Season
Most of our programs are available year-round and can be enjoyed in every season. A few programs are seasonal due to natural conditions—for example, water-based activities may not be available when temperatures are below freezing.
Many of our programs can also be adapted for either indoor or outdoor settings. No matter the weather, our staff will come prepared to provide a safe, engaging, and enjoyable experience for your group.
| Archery |
| Survivor |
| Total Team |
| Beaded Embroidery |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Osprey Wild Card Hike |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Creek Creatures |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Hinckley Fire |
| Archery |
| Survivor |
| Total Team |
| Beaded Embroidery |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Osprey Wild Card Hike |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Creek Creatures |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Hinckley Fire |
| Archery |
| Survivor |
| Snowshoeing |
| Total Team |
| Beaded Embroidery |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Osprey Wild Card Hike |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Hinckley Fire |
| Archery |
| Survivor |
| Total Team |
| Beaded Embroidery |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Maple Syruping |
| Osprey Wild Card Hike |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Creek Creatures |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Hinckley Fire |
Choose by Class Size
The ideal class size for most of our programs is 15 or fewer students. Many of our programs can also be adapted for groups of 30 or more. If you have any questions or concerns about class sizes or the programs you’re interested in, please let us know. We’d be happy to discuss your needs and explore the options that will work best for your group.
| Archery |
| Survivor |
| Snowshoeing |
| Total Team |
| Beaded Embroidery |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Maple Syruping |
| Osprey Wild Card Hike |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Creek Creatures |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Hinckley Fire |
| Survivor |
| Nature Journaling |
| Maple Syruping |
| Animal Signs |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Hinckley Fire |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Hinckley Fire |
Choose by Class Location
Most of our programs can be offered in a variety of locations, while a few require a specific type of space to ensure the best experience. If you’re unsure whether your space is a good fit, we’re happy to help. Just let us know what you have available, and we’ll work with you to recommend the programs that are best suited to your location.
| Total Team |
| Beaded Embroidery |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology (Water Access Required) |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods (Gymnasium or Field Required) |
| Hinckley Fire |
| Archery |
| Total Team |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Hinckley Fire |
| Archery |
| Snowshoeing |
| Total Team |
| Nature Journaling |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology (Water Access Required) |
| Wolves of the Northwoods |
| Survivor |
| Snowshoeing |
| Total Team |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Maple Syruping |
| Osprey Wild Card Hike |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology (Water Access Required) |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Survivor |
| Snowshoeing |
| Total Team |
| Nature Journaling |
| Ojibwe Forests |
| Osprey Wild Card Hike |
| Animal Signs |
| Bird Basics and Beyond |
| Reptiles and Amphibians Revealed |
| Beaverology (Water Access Required) |
| Wildlife Meet and Greet |
| Wolves of the Northwoods (Gymnasium or Field Required) |
| Creek Creatures |
| Beaverology |
Legislative- Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources
Funding for K-12 Scholarships was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
