Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center prepares to welcome more students through new state-funded initiative
LANESBORO, MN – June 23, 2025 – With the signing of the Outdoor School for All Minnesota Act into law, students across the state will have greater access to transformative outdoor learning experiences—and Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is ready to help lead the way.
The new bipartisan law, passed as part of the 2025 Environment Omnibus Bill and signed by Governor Tim Walz, establishes a statewide grant program to expand access to overnight outdoor education for students in grades 4 through 12. The law provides $848,000 over the biennium to support programming at Minnesota’s five accredited residential environmental learning centers, including Eagle Bluff.
In addition to this state investment, Eagle Bluff will also distribute a portion of $3.9 million in funding from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, constitutionally dedicated to preserving the state’s natural resources and recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
These combined funding sources will make it possible for eligible Minnesota schools to have up to 100% of their trip costs covered, including:
- Program fees for multi-day and overnight trips
- Transportation assistance
- Lead teacher stipends
“This legislation removes a major barrier for schools that want to provide their students with meaningful outdoor experiences,” said Colleen Foehrenbacher, Executive Director at Eagle Bluff. “We know these multi-day trips change lives—students return home more confident, curious, and connected to the natural world. Now, more kids than ever will get that chance.”
Financial aid distribution will be based on need, with priority given to schools with a high percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch. Schools interested in funding assistance must complete a financial aid assessment. While funding amounts may vary over the next three years, the goal is to equitably support schools and expand access across the state.
Schools interested in booking a trip or applying for funding should contact Eagle Bluff directly at www.eaglebluffmn.org/outdoor-school. For more information about Outdoor School for All, visit www.outdoorschoolforallmn.org.
Media Contact
Laura M. Ahmed
Director of Marketing and Communications
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Cell: (507) 884-9577
Share:
About Outdoor School For All Minnesota
Outdoor School For All Minnesota is a coalition of the state’s five accredited, overnight Outdoor Schools, Deep Portage Learning Center (Hackensack), Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center (Lanesboro), Long Lake Conservation Center (Palisade), Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center (Sandstone), and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (Finland).
About Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Lanesboro, Minnesota. The center welcomes over 16,000 visitors annually and provides transformative outdoor learning experiences for youth, families, and adults, with a mission to empower people to care for the earth and each other. Programs include residential outdoor education field trips via Outdoor School, summer camps, nature preschool, public events, and more. Learn more at www.eaglebluffmn.org.
