Wild Compass Environmental Education

At Wild Compass, we believe that every person—child or adult—deserves the opportunity to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world. For over three decades, we’ve been inspiring curiosity, fostering environmental stewardship, and providing hands-on learning experiences for learners across 16 counties in southern Minnesota.

Our Mission

Our mission is to nurture a passion for nature with hands-on environmental education. We strive to ignite wonder and deepen understanding of the natural world through immersive, science-based environmental education programs. We empower children and adults alike to ask questions, make discoveries, and build meaningful connections with nature, helping them grow into thoughtful, informed, and engaged stewards of the environment. Southwest Minnesota is home to a diverse environment rich in natural resource history which guides the variety of programs offered. 

Our Core Values:

• Inspiring Connections with Nature/the Environment
• Respecting and Caring for the Natural World
• Sharing our Passion/Understanding
• Embracing Growth and Adaptability
• Committing to Integrity and Accuracy

What We Do

Wild Compass offers a wide variety of programs designed to meet learners of all ages where they are in their journey of discovery:

• Nature School: Combining what was formerly known as Nature Buddies and Homeschool programs, Nature School allows preschoolers and homeschool students to explore seasonal changes, conduct experiments, and create art inspired by the natural world.

• After School Programs: Free and grant-funded programs for grades 3–6 that engage students in monthly themed explorations.

• School’s Out Day Camps & Summer Programs: Full and half-day camps that provide hands-on science, outdoor exploration, and creative activities for children of all ages.

• Field Trips & Assembly Programs: Engaging, curriculum-linked experiences brought directly to schools or hosted at local natural spaces, designed to spark curiosity and complement classroom learning.

• Community Outreach: Wild Compass participates in county fairs, festivals, and special events, offering hands-on, informational activities that connect families and the broader community to environmental learning.

Our Approach

At Wild Compass, we combine experiential learning with environmental science to create engaging and meaningful experiences. Learners don’t just learn about nature, they interact with it, observe it, and investigate it. Our programs are designed to foster curiosity, build confidence, and encourage critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Why It Matters

In a world where many people, especially children, are increasingly disconnected from the outdoors, Wild Compass provides the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to connect with the natural world. Our programs help learners develop a sense of place, a love for learning, and a lifelong commitment to caring for the environment.

Join Us

Whether as a donor, volunteer, participant, or parent, there are many ways to support Wild Compass. Every gift, every shared moment in nature, and every opportunity to explore strengthens our mission and expands the reach of our programs. Together, we can nurture curiosity, build knowledge, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.