Prairie Wetlands Learning Center

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

This unique facility provides hands-on education to 5th grade math, science and social studies students in Fergus Falls. The purpose of this project is to allow the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center (PWLC) to expand their environmental education programs. Through a partnership with the Fergus Falls School District, students in the 5th grade spend ½ of their school day learning on the prairie wetlands site. Teachers and students venture outdoors, using the natural environment as their classroom. A successful program created the demand for four additional classrooms which support the primary classroom – the Prairie Wetlands. Shultz + Associates was commissioned to design the project, and used their knowledge of Green Design to create a building that responds to the surrounding environment, including natural ventilation, daylighting and sustainable materials. A greenhouse anchors the addition and serves to educate students and refurbish the surrounding natural prairie. The expansion provides expanded labs, meeting spaces and classrooms to support the Wetlands Learning Center.  The project received the ND AIA Honor award.

Completion Date:  2011