Beautiful Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
IMPORTANT NEWS: Beautiful Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, one of my favorite places on Earth (and where my son Bryan Wood happens to be Executive Director) is asking for support. They need help in their vital work of connecting kids to nature. And grown-ups, too. They are in the midst of their annual Benefit Week, raising funds for scholarships, classes, operations, land stewardship, wildlife ambassadors, and much more. All of these many activities in service of their mission ‘to inspire a connection and commitment to the environment through experiential learning… on a healthy planet where people live in balance with the Earth.’ It’s a good mission. A very good one.
I have been associated with Osprey Wilds since my mid-20’s, when it was the Audubon Center of the North Woods. I’ve led wilderness trips for them and Road Scholar adventures, writing workshops and concerts and sponsored school visits. And it has been an unexpected joy to see Bryan take the reins in recent years and put his heart and soul into it. Along with a bunch of other great people. I love the place. I love the centuries-old pines along the shore of Grindstone Lake. The beautiful and historic Schwytzer Lodge, Windmill Creek, the Big Woods of maples and oaks and the amazing Blacklock Refuge. And mostly I love the profound difference Osprey Wilds makes in the lives of so many kids and adults.
So visit sometime. Take advantage of the lovely trails and special events. Maybe go on a Road Scholar trip with me. And please take a couple minutes and watch the wonderful video (Creating Ripples) linked below in comments. It’ll make you smile. Check out the other link to their fun event at the Urban Growler in St. Paul this Sunday afternoon. They’d love to see you. (If you’re a teacher, you get a free beer!) And if you are able, please consider making a pledge or donation to help support their important work. The kids and critters and trees will thank you. So will I.