Finding Faith ... in the beautiful autumn prairie

I often over some of our prairie public lands because I enjoy the woods so much, but recently I got the chance to hang out with Siri's 5th grade class at the Fergus Falls Prairie Learning Wetlands Center.

While a little chilly, what a terrific day to see the world through a 10-year-old's eyes!

If you get the chance to check this place out, go!

The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center includes 330 acres of native and restored prairie, 28 wetlands and 3.5 miles of trails. A paved 1/8-mile trail and floating bridge is accessible for visitors with disabilities. The Visitor Center houses an exhibit area, the Bluestem Store, four classrooms, dining hall, kitchen, and a greenhouse. The Center provides both day and residential environmental education and interpretation of the prairie pothole region for learners of all ages.

According to the site's website, the district was established in 1962, and the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center was created in 1998. It remains a critical waterfowl production and migration area, with the highest nesting destiny in Minnesota being recorded here.

Built through a cooperative effort between the city of Fergus Falls, Minn., the state of Minnesota and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the center promotes wetland and prairie stewardship, and provides day and residential environmental education programs for students and interpretive programs for the general public.

Two things were reinforced for me on Monday: 1.) Time spent outside is never wasted, and 2.) Less work, more play!