By Ralph Dickerson
Editor
The Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-17 supporting Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center submitting a $1 million grant to the state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund administered by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources for projects on its Phase I improvement plan for the park. These Phase I projects include: new natural surface hiking trails and accessible routes, a wetlands boardwalk with ADA accessibility, a new canoe and kayak dock and launch with ADA accessibility, the reconstruction of the existing yurt, and the creation of an ADA accessible yurt and a new drinking water station at the pavilion.
“I’m here today to request a letter of support for a state grant application for Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center,” said Prairie Woods Executive Director Jennifer Swenson. “…Prairie Woods, as you know, currently serves more than 20,000 visitors every year, including school groups from across the state, and many of those travel from up to 75 miles annually to visit Prairie Woods and bring their students.”
Commissioner Duane Anderson asked Swenson if the grant required a match. She said it required a 25% match, and Anderson asked where Prairie Woods intended to get the money for the match.
“Prairie Woods has some funds that we are dedicating towards a match, plus other grants that are pending,” said Swenson.
She then broke down the funding sources. She said some came from donations to Prairie Woods, and other funds came from an account in Prairie Woods’ name with the Willmar Area Community Foundation.
“Lots of donations that we’ve received over the years have been (put) together for opportunities like this,” said Swenson.
As part of her presentation to the board, Swenson explained some of the Phase I projects proposed with this grant application.
Swenson said the floating dock at the canoe/kayak area served the park well for many years, but lacks ADA accessibility. Even so, around 1,400 people per year use the dock.
“It can be difficult for visitors,” explained Swenson.
Swenson said the yurt, a large canvas structure, serves outdoor groups year round, and also serves as an overnight space in addition.
“In the winter time we use it as a warming house for the programming,” said Swenson. “It’s right along Kettle Lake, so groups will warm up in the yurt and then do a few rounds of cross country skiing.”
Prairie Woods intends to replace the current yurt with a new one, and then construct a companion ADA compliant structure.
Swenson said Prairie Woods offers a variety of natural habitats that makes the park unique. She said the park contains native prairie wetlands, woodland and undeveloped shoreline on Lake Florida. In addition, the park includes a glacial ridge and a narrow land bridge by Lake Florida Slough.
“These are rare places where visitors can come and actually experience all those different variety (sic) in one contained landscape,” said Swenson.
If Prairie Woods receives the grant, Swenson said the park does not expect construction on the Phase I projects to start until sometime in 2028. The park needs to finish the final design and secure the proper permits first.
