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All Minnesota students deserve equitable access to outdoor experiences where they can learn, play, and grow.
Outdoor School for All was established in June 2025 when Governor Tim Walz signed the legislation into law, creating a statewide grant program to expand access to overnight outdoor education for students in grades 4–12.
This initiative supports accredited overnight environmental learning centers in delivering multi-day, immersive experiences that integrate:
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Environmental and natural science learning
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Outdoor recreation and skill-building
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Cultural and place-based education
Minnesota joins states like Oregon, Washington, and Maine in advancing a statewide Outdoor School for All model.
The program is also supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, recognizing the positive impact of outdoor learning on youth mental health and overall well-being.
Outdoor School for All Minnesota consists of 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.
Grant Information & Public Disclosure
Project Title: Outdoor School
Grant Award Amount: $123,256.80
Project Duration: Through June 30, 2028
Grantee Leadership Contact:
Lindsay Bjorklund
218-682-2325
Program Management Contacts:
Lindsay Bjorklund
218-682-2325
Sophie Bishop
218-682-2325
This project is funded by the State of Minnesota and administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. All services and programming supported through this grant acknowledge the State of Minnesota as the sponsoring agency.
