Prairie Science Class students use skis to explore the prairie. - USFWS Photo

Prairie Science Class students use skis to explore the prairie. - USFWS Photo

Prairie Science Class students use skis to explore the prairie. - USFWS Photo

Students in the Prairie Science Class at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center will soon be getting around the Center’s grounds much faster, provided Mother Nature cooperates with more snow. The program has received a grant from the Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club Foundation for new cross country skis to be used in their field investigations at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.

The students spend a part of each class day outside – even in the winter – and the new skis will allow them to travel farther and faster to visit all parts of the Center. Dave Ellis and Chip McAllister, Prairie Science Class teachers, spent much of their time last year repairing the old skis.

"This generous donation by the Fish and Game Club Foundation will add a new dimension to the winter ecology studies done by the Prairie Science Class. Skis will allow PSC students to access and study parts of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center that cannot be studied on foot. Additionally, cross-country skiing is wonderful exercise and great fun - two things that make learning exciting!" said Ellis.

Representatives of the Fergus Falls Fish and Game Club Foundation making the presentation included Orrie Leabo, Board of Directors, Paul Fjestad, Vice President, and Mark Johnson, Treasurer. They expressed their support for the program and opportunities that students in the class have to experience and learn about the outdoors.

For more information about the Prairie Science Class or any Prairie Wetlands Learning Center program, please call (218) 736-0938, or visit http://midwest.fws.gov/pwlc