Wolf Ridge and The Nature Conservancy protect 928 North Shore acres in Minnesota

Minneapolis — Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and The Nature Conservancy have announced a conservation easement that will permanently protect 928 acres of forest, lakes and streams along Minnesota’s North Shore.

The protected land has high-quality freshwater resources, including the Baptism River, Sawmill Creek and Johnson Lake – all flowing to Lake Superior and supporting aquatic habitat and the health of the Great Lakes.

The property spans forests, wetlands, cliffs and streams that provide habitat for multiple species of wildlife. Nearly half of the protected acres are recognized by the state of Minnesota as high biodiversity, with rare plants, mammals and birds, along with some older, undisturbed forest.

“This place is special not just because of its forests and clean water, but because of how many people have experienced it,” said Rich Biske, TNC’s director of land protection in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. “By protecting this land, we’re safeguarding habitat and making sure kids can keep coming here to explore, learn and build a connection to nature.”

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Founded in 1971, Wolf Ridge has welcomed thousands of students and visitors each year for hands-on outdoor learning. This conservation effort protects a world-class setting for future generations and supports Wolf Ridge’s long-standing work to restore native and climate-resilient habitats.

“As steward of nearly 2,000 acres of some of the most beautiful land in Minnesota, this commitment ensures the ecological protection of the land where our students are immersed in environmental learning forever,” said Pete Smerud, executive director of Wolf Ridge. “Wolf Ridge’s classroom is the outdoors, and it is simply a spectacular place to learn.”

The conservation easement limits development, protects sensitive areas like shorelines and wetlands, and guides long-term forest management. Funds from the easement will support an endowment to strengthen Wolf Ridge’s long-term sustainability and educational mission.

Funding for the project comes from Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, which was created under the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment and approved by Minnesota voters in 2008.

“Projects like this show what’s possible when Minnesota invests in conservation,” said Jim Manolis, TNC’s director of forest strategy and stewardship, who attended the center as a child and started his career in conservation at Wolf Ridge as an intern in 1987. “This is exactly what the Legacy Amendment was designed to do – deliver lasting benefits for both people and nature.”

“Every student who comes to Wolf Ridge will learn on land protected in perpetuity,” Smerud added. “As they pass the Legacy sign on the trail and enter the conserved land, they will be introduced to the importance of conservation and stewardship for future generations.”