LAURENTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

The Laurentian Environmental Center (LEC), located in the scenic Northwoods near Britt, Minnesota, serves as a specialized residential facility dedicated to immersive outdoor education. Operated by the Mounds View Public Schools, the center provides students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that focus on ecology, natural history, and environmental stewardship. By moving the classroom into the forest, lakes, and wetlands of the Superior National Forest region, the LEC aims to foster a deeper connection between students and the natural world while building community and teamwork skills.

Beyond its academic curriculum, the center is well-regarded for its ability to provide a transformative social experience for students. Through activities such as canoeing, wildlife tracking, and night hikes, children are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, develop independence, and gain a sense of personal responsibility. The LEC is a highly valued resource for schools across the region, offering a unique setting where traditional school subjects are synthesized with physical activity and outdoor exploration, leaving students with a greater appreciation for environmental conservation and collaborative living.