This is part of a series highlighting MCN members across the state, featuring a vast array of nonprofit focus areas, and celebrating the myriad ways nonprofits enrich lives.
MCN member Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center leads with the belief that children need to get back into nature. Located in the hills of Lanesboro, Minnesota, Eagle Bluff offers outdoor learning for children and adults, with programs like Outdoor School, Nature Preschool, and even Adult Summer Camp! We talked with Executive Director Colleen Foehrenbacher about the importance of getting out into nature, and what’s coming down the pike for Eagle Bluff this year.
Why do you think it’s important for people, especially young people, to learn and engage in nature? What skills are they learning?
Engaging with nature is essential for young people because it helps them develop skills and experiences they often can’t get in a classroom or online. Time outdoors builds curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking as students explore ecosystems, track wildlife, or participate in hands-on activities. It also fosters teamwork, communication, and leadership, since many outdoor experiences require collaboration and trust.
Being in nature supports resilience, patience, and adaptability, skills that are valuable both academically and personally. Students also gain a deeper sense of environmental stewardship and connection to the world around them, which encourages responsible decision-making. Beyond skills, outdoor experiences promote mental and physical health, helping young people manage stress and stay active.
Ultimately, learning about the outdoors equips students with knowledge, confidence, and social-emotional tools that last a lifetime.
Can you describe the Outdoor School for All initiative?
Eagle Bluff has been a longtime leader in expanding access to high-quality outdoor education, and our role in “Outdoor School for All” reflects that commitment. The initiative began as a coalition of Minnesota’s five accredited residential outdoor learning centers working to make overnight outdoor school accessible to every student, regardless of cost.
Eagle Bluff helped advocate for legislation that would provide state funding to cover program fees, transportation, and teacher stipends. The effort paid off when “Outdoor School for All” was signed into law in June 2025, making Minnesota one of the few states with this grant program.
What’s something that you wish people knew about Eagle Bluff?
One thing we wish more people knew about Eagle Bluff is our Nature Preschool, which we run in partnership with Head Start, making it the only program of its kind in the country. This preschool gives children, ages 3–5, the chance to explore, play, and learn in an outdoor-rich environment every day. It’s designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop social and emotional skills through hands-on experiences in nature. Even at this early age, children are learning to observe, ask questions, and solve problems while connecting with the natural world around them. Partnering with Head Start ensures that children from all backgrounds have access to this unique learning experience. Nature Preschool also introduces families to the joys and benefits of outdoor learning, creating a foundation for lifelong environmental stewardship.
What challenges are Eagle Bluff facing in 2026? And what gives you hope?
One of the biggest challenges Eagle Bluff is facing is the current school climate in parts of Minnesota. Right now, many schools, particularly in the Twin Cities metro area, which accounts for 42% of the schools we serve, are offering remote learning or limiting field trips. As a result, five schools have already postponed their trips to Eagle Bluff, and we anticipate that some may ultimately need to cancel. This is creating significant constraints on our budget and adds uncertainty as we plan programming for the year.
Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful because schools and families continue to recognize the value of immersive experiences in the outdoors for students’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Knowing that our mission is deeply needed gives us confidence that Eagle Bluff will continue to adapt, serve students, and thrive even in a turbulent year.
You can learn more about Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center here.