Children need to get back to nature…

Founded in 1980 by Joe Deden, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center was born from a vision kindled during Deden’s research into outdoor education in Germany. Witnessing students forge deep connections with nature through immersive experiences, he returned to Minnesota in 1978 driven to replicate this transformative model.

EARLY YEARS (1978 – 1989)

1978: Joe Deden returns to Minnesota with a vision, dedicating two years to developing the organization’s concept and assembling a Board of Directors.

1980: Incorporated as the “Root River Hardwood Forest Interpretive Center.”

1982: Initiated adult education seminars at Joe Deden’s residence.

1983: Renamed “Southeastern Minnesota Forest Resource Center,” focusing on sustainable land management and securing grants for agricultural research.

BECOMING AN EDUCATION CENTER (1990s)

1990: Construction of the John Schroeder Renewable Resources Building begins, funded by Betty King.

1992: The John Schroeder Renewable Resource Building opens as a day-use nature center. The first Tree Tops High Ropes Course is built.

1996: Acquisition of land for a Residential Environmental Learning Center campus.

EAGLE BLUFF IS BORN (1997 – 2000)

1997: Rebranded as Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, launching the Professional Naturalist training program and residential facilities.

1998: Expanded staff and educational programs.

1999: Construction began on the Discovery Center Classroom Building.

EXPANSION AND INNOVATION (2000s)

2000: Completion of the Discovery Center, centralizing the residential campus and expanding learning opportunities with enhanced facilities, including: an indoor two-story climbing wall, indoor archery range, auditorium for large group presentations, mews area housing live birds of prey, and 12 classrooms.

2003: Introduction of public events like “Dinners on the Bluff” and new educational resources, including the Pioneer Life Cabin.

2005: Environmental initiatives including river monitoring and prairie restoration.

2006: The East Ropes Shabin was constructed. 

2020: The center launches Nature Preschool nature-based early childhood development programming in collaboration with Fillmore County Head Start

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

Today, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center stands as a beacon of environmental education, welcoming 16,000 visitors annually and offering diverse programs for all ages.

Current Programs:

• Outdoor School: Offering over 30 STEM-focused classes to more than 140 schools across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Through inquiry-based learning and hands-on exploration, students learn to think like scientists while engaging directly with the natural world.
• Summer Camps: Fourteen unique camps designed to immerse participants in outdoor adventures while fostering environmental stewardship.
• Environmental Education Fellowship: Training future leaders through an immersive, accredited fellowship program offering graduate credits and interpretive guide certification.
• Nature Preschool: A nature-based early childhood program that nurtures a love for the outdoors, developed in collaboration with Fillmore County Head Start.