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Jennifer Swenson, Executive Director (jennifer.s@prairiewoodselc.org)
I am thrilled to have this opportunity to lead PWELC into a new chapter. The PWELC vision of "learning to live well with self, others, and the environment" appeals to my personal and professional commitment to manage my mind and think intentionally, accept and hold space for others, and respect and appreciate our environment. I'm eager to share my focus and strategies to further elevate the conecpt of Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, moving forward to the next level with dedicated staff, Governing Board and Board of Trustees.
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Kory Klebe, Environmental Education and Shooting Sports Coordinator (kory.k@prairiewoodselc.org)
I coordinate the environmental education and shooting sports programs here at Prairie Woods. I started my environmental education career in 1998 and have worked programs in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Northern Ireland before coming to PWELC in 2010.
If it is:
Catching macro invertebrates with school kids on the wetland walkway.
Tracking animals through the prairies with boy scouts.
Working the sporting clay range.
Captaining our 34 foot Canoe.
I enjoy getting people outdoors to learn about the world they live in. |
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Cameron Kalkbrenner, Challenge Course Coordinator (cameron.k@prairiewoodselc.org)
I began my journey with Prairie Woods ELC as an intern in 2013. Since then, I have worked as a program facilitator and a maintenance and grounds steward. I am excited to continue working with the PWELC team as the Challenge Course Coordinator.
I was originally drawn to PWELC for the chance to share my enthusiasm for nature with young minds. Though I still enjoy teaching about our native environments, I have found that the lessons the challenge course can teach are just as important. I look forward to teaching young and old alike about the importance of challenging ourselves in the pursuit of personal growth. |
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Mari Klebe, Office Manager/Time Travel Program Leader (prairiewoods@prairiewoodselc.org)
I joined the full time Prairie Woods team in Nov. 2013, after volunteering and being a part-time staff member the prior three years. I wear many hats at Prairie Woods as office manager, “as needed” challenge course and environmental education instructor, as well as time travel program leader.
I gained my “many hat” experience through working for outdoor education centers in Hudson, WI and Battle Creek, MI.
Growing up in Door County, WI is what built my love of the outdoors and a good Midwest winter.
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Kalley Pratt, YES! Director (kalley@yesmn.org)
I grew up in a rural area just ten minutes west of Prairie Woods ELC. My passion for the outdoors really blossomed during my college years when I was studying Fine Arts and Graphic Design in the Twin Cities. I would often escape to the North Shore for weekends just to be still in the presence of trees, rocks, waters, and silence. As I manage my busy schedule and work towards a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, I continue to rely on the beauty of nature to always put my soul at ease. My husband and I enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding; we try to live a sustainable and environmental friendly life. I am so excited to be part of the YES! program and to have the opportunity to work with students across Minnesota as they study environmental and ecological solutions. I am eager to see YES! continue to grow in helping Minnesota achieve their climate action framework of becoming carbon-neutral, resilient and equitable. |
Board Members/Governing Board
Scott Glup, Chairperson
John Clementson, Vice Chair
David Nester, Treasurer
Claudia Thompson, Secretary
Sharon Oleson
Steve Leitch
Dr. Robert Kaiser
Dennis Peterson
Ron Halvorson
Roger Imdieke, Kandiyohi County Commissioner
Dale Anderson, Kandiyohi County Commissioner
Board of Trustees
Gordon & Lois Bos
Joel and Cathy Halbritter
John and Mary Lindstrom
Dr. Steve Martinka
Brad Michelson
Denise Smith
Steve Linder
Paul and Sandra Vollan
LeRoy Dahlke
Bob and Pauline Halvorson
Dr. Roger Strand
Kathy & Rick Gauger
Joel Schmidt
Ron Erpelding
Jeff Danielson
Steve and Shelly Erickson
Colleen Thompson-Michels
Kelly Michels
Karen Schneider
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