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Contact & Location

Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center

12718 10th Street NE
Spicer, MN 56288
(320) 354-5894

prairiewoods@prairiewoodselc.org

Trail Map

prairiewoodselc

PWELC - center for outdoor education located near Spicer MN. We provide hands-on learning, as well as beautiful facilities for meetings.

Kids deserve the chance to learn in nature. 🌳 You Kids deserve the chance to learn in nature. 🌳

Your Give to the Max gift keeps outdoor learning alive for 20,000+ people each year at Prairie Woods, West Central Minnesota’s only dedicated environmental learning center.
Every dollar helps keep trails open, habitats healthy, and outdoor classrooms thriving.

đź’› Give today: https://give.mn/2i0ntf
Prairie Woods lit up with a spectacular aurora bor Prairie Woods lit up with a spectacular aurora borealis display this week! The northern lights are caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field. 

This colorful light show happens when atmospheric particles release all that extra energy from the Sun. Greens in the photos come from oxygen lower in the atmosphere, while reds come from oxygen higher up. Did you notice the blues and purples? These colors are produced by excited nitrogen!

Share your aurora experiences with us in the comments!
Trails Closed Temporarily Due to the Special Limi Trails Closed Temporarily

Due to the Special Limited Deer Hunt, PWELC Trails will be closed Friday, November 14th - Sunday, November 16th, 2025. 

Trails will reopen on Monday.

#prairiewoodsenvironmentallearningcenter#pwelc#deerhunt
🍂 Only 2 Days Left for Our Fall Fundraiser! 🍂 Ther 🍂 Only 2 Days Left for Our Fall Fundraiser! 🍂
There are just two more days to support Prairie Woods Nature School! Please get your orders in by Sunday night (Nov. 9th).
Support nature-based learning in our community by purchasing some Prairie Woods gear — we have shirts, sweaters, and hats in all sizes! All funds go toward our growing school and programs.
Thank you for helping us nurture a love of nature and learning! 🌿
👉 Order here: https://www.customink.com/fundraising/prairiewoodsnatureschoolfallfundraiser
Hi friends! We had such a fun night at Halloween Hi friends!

We had such a fun night at Halloween Haunt! The trails were full of giggles, costumes, and families enjoying a perfect fall evening. The creatures of the enchanted trail came out to greet everyone — the woolly bear caterpillar, loon, bat, and beaver were big hits!

Inside, there was plenty of cookie decorating, games, crafts, cocoa, and popcorn.

Here are a few photos we couldn’t resist sharing — from superheroes scaling the climbing wall to little turtles and princesses exploring the woods.

It was one of those nights that makes you so grateful for this community and all the ways people come together here at PWELC.

#HalloweenHaunt #PWELC #FallFun #Community #NatureCenterMagic #FamilyAdventure
A Prairie in Progress, and a Community in Action A Prairie in Progress, and a Community in Action

Over 40 volunteers came together at Prairie Woods this past weekend to plant 1,000 prairie violet plugs — small plants with a big purpose.

Longtime PWELC supporters and new friends worked side by side. Toddlers knelt beside grandparents, showing that caring for the land starts early — with small hands learning from those who’ve tended it for years.

There was laughter, muddy hands, and a shared sense of purpose. Strangers became teammates, stories were swapped, and everyone left with quiet pride knowing they were part of something bigger.

These violets hold special meaning — they’re essential for the regal fritillary butterfly, a rare and beautiful species that depends on them to survive.

Thanks to Pheasants Forever, whose grant made this possible, we’ve taken a major step toward restoring native prairie right here at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.

And this is just the beginning.
Later this winter, we’ll plant more native seed and continue nurturing this prairie as it grows into something extraordinary — a living classroom, a haven for wildlife, and a place where people and nature thrive together.

#PrairieWoods #PrairieRestoration #CommunityInAction #NativePlants #RegalFritillary #PollinatorHabitat #PheasantsForever #EnvironmentalEducation #VolunteerDay #NatureConnection
Highlights from the 2025 YES Fall Summit We were Highlights from the 2025 YES Fall Summit

We were thrilled to host over 100 middle and high school students at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center for a full day of hands-on environmental learning!

Workshops included team building, carbon footprint calculations, macroinvertebrate exploration, and prairie restoration — all focused on inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.

A huge thank you to our supporters, LP Building Solutions and Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, for making this event possible!

#YESProgram #EnvironmentalEducation #YouthLeadership #PWELC #PrairieRestoration #Sustainability #HandsOnLearning #CommunityImpact
Today on the Prairie Three volunteers gathered a Today on the Prairie

Three volunteers gathered a large box of native treasures — dotted and rough blazingstar, with a mix of showy goldenrod, purple and white prairie clover, wild onion, and a smattering of other wildflowers. 

These seeds will help enrich the new seeding area on the old grass conversion site — and our amazing volunteers will likely help spread them TOMORROW when we plant the prairie violets!

Volunteer Day: TOMORROW, Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 12:30–4:00 PM
Meet at: PWELC gravel parking lot (past the main building, near maintenance)

Come join us and help the prairie bloom again!

#PrairieRestoration #NativePlants #PWELC #VolunteerDay #WildflowerSeeds #CommunityConservation #GetOutside
Halloween Haunt is today from 4:30-7:30pm! Come ou Halloween Haunt is today from 4:30-7:30pm! Come out to Prairie Woods to play Halloween games, meet the creatures on the Enchanted Trail, and climb the indoor wall! Cookie decorating will be guaranteed for those who register in advance. You can do so through the website in our bio!
Today on the Prairie! Our amazing volunteers coll Today on the Prairie!

Our amazing volunteers collected a beautiful mix of native seeds — including sideoats gramma, prairie dropseed, and a smattering of forbs — helping preserve and restore this vital ecosystem. 

Want to get your hands dirty (in the best way)? Join the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center volunteer team! Next up: help us plant 1,000 prairie violet plugs 

Volunteer Day: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 12:30–4:00 PM
Meet at: PWELC gravel parking lot (past the main building, near maintenance)

Come grow the prairie with us — every plug counts!

#PrairieRestoration #VolunteerDay #NativePlants #PWELC #CommunityConservation #PrairieViolets #GetOutside
Come to the best Halloween Party of the year on Oc Come to the best Halloween Party of the year on October 23rd from 4:30-7:30! Put on your best costume to come out and talk with the creatures of the Enchanted Trail, play Halloween games, decorate a cookie, climb the indoor wall and more! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $10/per child. Registration can be found through the website in our bio.
Today on the Prairie A beautiful monarch butterfl Today on the Prairie

A beautiful monarch butterfly was spotted fluttering through the prairie at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center — a reminder of the vibrant life these restored habitats support. 

You can help make more moments like this possible!
Join us this Saturday to help restore the prairie by planting 1,000 prairie violet plugs — essential host plants for the regal fritillary butterfly, another rare and beautiful prairie species.

PWELC Volunteer Day
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
12:30–4:00pm
Meet at the PWELC gravel parking lot (past the main building, near maintenance)

Let’s plant hope, one violet at a time.

#PrairieWoods #PrairieRestoration #MonarchButterfly #RegalFritillary #PollinatorHabitat #VolunteerDay #PlantNative #ConservationInAction #CommunityConservation #GetOutside #PheasantsForever
Something exciting is blooming at Prairie Woods! T Something exciting is blooming at Prairie Woods! This fall, we’re turning former grasslands into thriving native prairie — and we need your help planting 1,000 prairie violet plugs

These little violets are more than pretty — they’re vital. They’re the host plant for the regal fritillary butterfly, a rare prairie species that depends on them to survive

PWELC Volunteer Day
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
12:30–4:00pm
Meet at the PWELC gravel parking lot (past the main building, near maintenance)

No experience needed — just bring gloves, a water bottle, and your love for the outdoors. Tools, plants, and good company provided!

Let’s grow the future together

#PrairieRestoration #NativePlants #VolunteerDay #PrairieWoods #RegalFritillary #PollinatorHabitat #ConservationInAction #GetOutside #PlantNative #PheasantsForever #CommunityConservation
Help Restore the Prairie, One Violet at a Time! B Help Restore the Prairie, One Violet at a Time!

Big things are happening at Prairie Woods! This fall, we’re restoring former grasslands into thriving native prairie — and we need your help to plant 1,000 prairie violet plugs.

These violets aren’t just beautiful — they’re essential. They’re the host plant for the regal fritillary butterfly, a rare prairie species that depends on them to survive.

Join us for PWELC Volunteer Day:
- Saturday, October 25, 2025
- 12:30–4:00pm
- Meet at the PWELC gravel parking lot (past the main building, near maintenance)

No experience needed — just bring gloves, a water bottle, and your love for nature. Tools, plants, and good company provided! 

Let’s plant the future together 
#PrairieRestoration #NativePlants #VolunteerDay #PrairieWoods #RegalFritillary #ConservationInAction #PollinatorHabitat #GetOutside #PlantNative #PheasantsForever #CommunityConservation
Tonight’s the night! We’re so excited to welcome Tonight’s the night! 

We’re so excited to welcome you to Prairie Stars this evening!
- Pavilion at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
- 5:30 – 8:30 PM

Look forward to:
- A beautiful prairie setting
- Great food & pie
-  Live music
- The new education tent
- Powerful stories + impact

Didn’t grab a ticket? There may still be room — check here: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

#PrairieStarsTonight #SeeYouThere #NatureCelebration #PWELC #prairiewoodsenvironmentallearningcenter
Only ONE week to go until Prairie Stars 2025! Don Only ONE week to go until Prairie Stars 2025!

Don’t wait — tickets are going fast and we’d love to see YOU there. Come enjoy food, music, the education tent, and an inspiring evening with people who care about nature just like you do.

Pavilion at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
Thursday, September 4
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Final Call: https://prairiewoodselc.org/.../music-under-the-prairie.../

#CountdownToPrairieStars #GetYourTickets #PWELC #PrairieStars2025
Whether you’re bringing friends, co-workers, famil Whether you’re bringing friends, co-workers, family — or coming solo — you’re welcome at Prairie Stars!

- Sponsor a table
- Bring a group
- Or grab a single seat

Every ticket supports a shared mission: getting more people connected to the natural world.

Pavilion at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
Thursday, September 4
5:30 - 8:30 PM

Choose Your Seat: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

#CommunityEvent #EveryoneWelcome #PrairieStars2025 #prairiewoodsenvironmentallearningcenter #PWELC
This year, instead of bidding silently — you’ll ha This year, instead of bidding silently — you’ll have a chance to raise your paddle and support the programs, spaces, and stories that make PWELC so special. 

Hear directly from board members about where your generosity will go — and how it will impact thousands of students and visitors.

Pavilion at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
Thursday, September 4
5:30 - 8:30 PM

Join Us: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

#RaiseYourPaddle #ImpactThroughNature #PrairieStars2025 #prairiewoodsenvironmentallearningcenter #PWELC
What’s better than good music in good company unde What’s better than good music in good company under the prairie sky?

We’ll have live music filling the Pavilion all evening long. Come soak it in with friends and fellow supporters of outdoor education.

Pavilion at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
Thursday, September 4
5:30 - 8:30 PM

Grab your tickets now: https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

#PrairieNights #LiveMusic #PWELC #PrairieStars2025 #prairiewoodsenvironmentallearningcenter
Hi from the four newest members of the PWELC Board Hi from the four newest members of the PWELC Board — and your honorary hosts for Prairie Stars 2025!

We’re excited to welcome you to an evening that brings together everything we love: nature, learning, and community. 

Let’s celebrate and support something lasting.

RSVP today:https://prairiewoodselc.org/event/music-under-the-prairie-stars/

#PWELCBoard #HostWithHeart #PrairieStars2025 #prairiewoodsenvironmentallearningcenter #PWELC
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12718 10th Street NE
Spicer, Minnesota 56288
320-354-5894

prairiewoods@prairiewoodselc.org

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