Minnesota lawmakers fund outdoor education grants in bipartisan effort

Minnesota legislators this year put more than $800,000 in grant money to fund outdoor learning experiences for students in grades 4 through 12. 

Signed into law earlier this month by Gov. Tim Walz, the money will be available to the state’s five accredited outdoor schools. It can be used to fund overnight outdoor learning experiences for students. 

The schools include Deep Portage Learning Center in Hackensack, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland.

The increased aid reflects Minnesota’s values, said Pete Smerud, executive director of Wolf Ridge.

“It really is a commitment by the people of Minnesota to help continue the outdoor ethic for which Minnesotans are quite renowned,” Smerud said, adding that he hopes legislators will expand access in coming years. 

The funding, which will be administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, received a swell of bipartisan support. 

“This bill, this legislation is about two things that Minnesota cares desperately about: our children and the outdoors. In the midst of all this partisanship this is two subjects that both sides completely agree on,” Smerud said. 

DFL and GOP lawmakers sponsored the initiative. 

“This is a good example of what happens when we set politics aside and focus on what’s right for kids,” Rep. Roger Skraba, R-Ely, a chief author of the bill, said in a statement. “Whether you live in Greater Minnesota or the metro area, the outdoors is part of our heritage. Every child should have the chance to learn in it.”

Minnesota joins states such as Oregon, Washington and Maine in passing legislation aimed at funding outdoor learning opportunities for students.