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  • About AELC
  • Membership
  • Learn
  • Recreation
    • Birding
    • Camping
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Geocaching
    • Hiking
    • Horse Riding
    • Hunting
    • Kayaking
    • Snowmobiling
    • Snowshoeing
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Hours of Operation
    • Calendar
    • Maps
  • Support AELC
  • More
    • Home
    • About AELC
    • Membership
    • Learn
    • Recreation
      • Birding
      • Camping
      • Cross-Country Skiing
      • Geocaching
      • Hiking
      • Horse Riding
      • Hunting
      • Kayaking
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
    • Plan Your Visit
      • Hours of Operation
      • Calendar
      • Maps
    • Support AELC
  • Home
  • About AELC
  • Membership
  • Learn
  • Recreation
    • Birding
    • Camping
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Geocaching
    • Hiking
    • Horse Riding
    • Hunting
    • Kayaking
    • Snowmobiling
    • Snowshoeing
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Hours of Operation
    • Calendar
    • Maps
  • Support AELC

About AELC

Mission: To foster a greater awareness of the interrelationships between humans and nature.

  

The Agassiz Environmental Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to providing high quality environmental education programs and premier recreation experiences utilizing the diverse and unique ecosystems of the scenic Fertile Sand Hills.

  

In pursuit of our mission we:

  • Provide hands-on, engaging education programs for all ages
  • Emphasize protection of the rare ecosystems found at the Fertile Sand Hills
  • Provide a space for mental and physical wellness through a variety of recreational opportunities

Staff and Board of Directors

Lisa Liden - Office Manager

Lisa Liden - Office Manager

Lisa Liden - Office Manager

fertile@gvtel.com

Wayne Goeken

Lisa Liden - Office Manager

Lisa Liden - Office Manager

Executive Director

Craig Engelstad

Lisa Liden - Office Manager

Craig Engelstad

Chairperson

Donna Spaeth

Lisa Liden - Office Manager

Craig Engelstad

Education Director  

Stacy Erickson

Laura Gullickson

Stacy Erickson

Vice Chairperson

Daniel Wilkens

Laura Gullickson

Stacy Erickson

Treasurer

Laura Gullickson

Laura Gullickson

Laura Gullickson

Secretary

Annalee Jones

Laura Gullickson

Laura Gullickson

Director

Kirsten Fagerlund

Kirsten Fagerlund

Kirsten Fagerlund

Director

Laura Bell

Kirsten Fagerlund

Kirsten Fagerlund

Director

Wendell Johnson

Kirsten Fagerlund

Wendell Johnson

Director

Board of Directors Service Opportunity

Interested in serving on our board? Please fill out the interest survey below. Thank you!!!

Interest Survey

AELC and the Fertile Sand Hills

Geology, Ecology and History

Agassiz Environmental Learning Center is a 640-acre natural area nestled in the heart of the Glacial Lake Agassiz beach ridges. This site has the most extensive sand dune complex of any of the tributary rivers in the Red River Basin. The Fertile Sand Hills offer spectacular overlooks and rolling landscapes unusual to the Red River Valley. The site uniquely has several biomes within its 640 acre boundary, setting it apart as one of the most diverse landscapes in the state. 


Bur oak savanna, dry sand prairie, oak/aspen woods, sand dunes plus the Sand Hill River flowing through the site and its riverine forest provide unique natural recreation experiences.  The site is open to the public year-round. Over 12 miles of scenic recreational trails allow visitors to enjoy the many natural wonders of this special place. A Nature Center building is located on-site which provides space for community events, environmental education classes, recreation and education equipment storage, and restrooms. Additionally, campers staying at a 5-site campground near the Nature Center use the center's bathrooms and showers.

Parts of the Sand Hill River remain open all winter, enhancing wildlife and bird observations. The site is used by residents and visitors of all ages, whether using the recreation trails or attending education programs at the Nature Center. School groups use the site for environmental education experiences with individuals, groups, and families enjoying both community programs and recreation opportunities. 

Learn More!

Learn more about the...


  • Geology of the Sand Hills


  • Ecosystems of the Sand Hills


  • Sand Hill River


  • History of AELC

Newsletters and Documents

View current and archived newsletters and documents.

Documents

Contact Us

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Phone: 218-945-3129

Email us at: agassizelcfertile@gmail.com 

Visit Us

Agassiz Environmental Learning Center

400 Summit Avenue SW Fertile, MN 56540

Postal Address: PO Box 388, Fertile, MN 56540 Phone: 218-945-3129 Email us at: agassizelcfertile@gmail.com

Support AELC

There are multiple ways you can support AELC and its mission.

Support AELC

Copyright © 2023 Agassiz Environmental Learning Center - All Rights Reserved.

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