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Turtle Mountain Outdoor Learning Center

We are an environmental learning center conveniently located on the US/Canadian border at Lake Metigoshe State Park in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota.

Our mission is to provide concept-oriented environmental education to adults, students and community members of all ages.  The TMOLC holds high goals that develop an awareness, understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and future use of the natural resources. 

Program offerings encompass the fields of environmental education, natural history and outdoor recreation.  The program itself, group size and age will determine the length of the program.  Most programs are about an hour in length.  Canoeing, one of our most requested program, usually requires 2 hours.

The TMOLC’s schedule fills up quickly – so the best way to start planning a visit is to choose dates that fit into your schedule and call us to reserve a date and time as well as programming rates.  From there we will ask for a contact person’s name and number and work with you to plan your visit.

Contact:
TMOLC Coordinator
Turtle Mountain Outdoor Learning Center
#2 Lake Metigoshe State Park
Bottineau, ND  58318

Phone: (701)263-4514
Fax: (701)263-4648

Program Offerings:

Pioneer Life-Students will step back in time and experience the ingenuity and hard work of early Americans through hands-on activities that may include butter making, candle making, tinkering and various pioneer games.

Total Team-Increase your groups’ abilities in communications, teamwork and group interaction in a fun, non-competitive setting through some great activities and demonstrations.

Beaver Ecology-Students will be taken on an investigative hike to an active beaver habitat, which may include a lodge, dam, canal, scent marking or tree cuttings.  On the hike, students will learn how the many adaptations of the beaver help them in their survival.  This program will lead to a greater appreciation of its place in and the relationship with the environment.

Birding Ecology-Through many hands-on activities, participants will learn to recognize the various adaptations and anatomy that distinguish between multiple species of birds.  Learn how the anatomy of the beaks and feet are clues as to what a bird eats, where a bird lives and what its niche is in the environment.  We may see how many you can recognize by call and sight…you’ll be surprised at what you already know!

Ecology Games-Students will gain an understanding of basic ecological concepts by participating in fun, fast-paced and creative outdoor activities that emphasize concepts including predator-prey, web of life, limiting factors and human responsibility.

Freshwater Ecology-Aquatic systems contain a wide variety of species and each is dependent on others for this survival.  Humans are also dependent on water and we need to utilize our water supply responsibly.  In this program, we will learn by getting jumping in and getting dirty!  Participants will be exploring wetlands using provided waders and dip nets.  We will also be collecting aquatic organisms and using magnifiers, small aquariums and identification books to better understand why water is important to all life forms. 

Please keep in mind this class is very hands-on so wear old clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.  Many find it convenient to bring a change of clothes for after the class.

Night Hike-This activity is designed to let participants feel more comfortable in the outdoor world at night and help them discover the excitement of the natural world under the cover of darkness.  No flashlights are used for the program, but are allowed to be brought with in case they are needed.

Treemendous-In this class, students will explore the different species of trees found in the Turtle Mountains as well as some characteristics pertaining to them.  We’ll also learn to identify leaf shapes and arrangements.

Turtle Mountain Hike-Humans and other animals rely on all five senses for their survival, although humans rely mostly on sight while most animals rely more on hearing and smell.  In this adventure, we’ll discuss what we can see, hear, smell, touch and perhaps taste while out on the trail.  We’ll also go over ecological principles that are present along the way.

Wild about Wildlife-In this program, students will learn what part wildlife has in the environment, what is needed for survival and discover some interesting characteristics and behaviors.  Participants will be introduced as to how to go about identifying tracks and be able to take plaster tracks home with them.

Canoeing- Students will start by learning the parts and their function for the canoe and paddle.  Next, they will learn basic paddling strokes on land so they will know how to maneuver a canoe.  Water safety is the next topic that will be discussed before canoe assignments and before everyone enters the water.  Water safety is a priority for the activity and will be practiced throughout the duration of the program.  No exceptions.  Finally, participants are assigned to canoes and are taken out on a guided canoe adventure on School Section Lake. 

Participation in the canoeing activity does require signing a waiver.  Minors are allowed to participate assuming there are proper parent/guardian signatures.  All equipment including life jackets, paddles and canoes is provided for this program.  This program is a longer program so please plan roughly 2 hours for the activity.  Bringing sunscreen and water is recommended.  Canoes are also available for rent.

Orienteering-Students will discuss what maps are, what information can be found on them and participate in activities that require the use of map skills.  Students will also learn the parts of a compass, how to take a bearing and have an opportunity to test what they’ve learned on a compass course.

Outdoor Living Skills-In this program, participants learn how to work with Nature, not against it.  Develop essential survival skills such as knot tying, basic food gathering, map reading, compass skills, first aid concepts, finding safe water sources and what to carry and/or utilize while spending time in the wilderness.  Also, realize what a positive mental attitude means to survival.

Winter Ecology-Students will discover how different plants and animals get ready and cope with winter as well as many interrelationships.  They will learn how to identify some trees and plants in the winter.  In this activity, participants will also explore how and where animals find food and shelter from weather and predators.  Also discover the physiology and adaptations plants and animals have that enable them to survive the winter environment.  Finally, students identify snow physics.

Cross Country Skiing-This activity is a great chance for people to explore the winter season and stay warm at the same time!  Students will be given some basic instruction concerning care of equipment, turning, stopping, gliding as well as the proper way to fall!  Once everyone feels comfortable with their new ability, the class will explore the groomed ski trails located at the park.  All equipments including skis, ski shoes and poles are supplied for this program.  Equipment is also available for rent.

Snowshoeing-Strap on a pair of snowshoes to experience and enjoy the Turtle Mountains in winter.  Snowshoeing is designed to let students learn about winter’s natural environment by walking the snow covered trails throughout the park.  In this class, they will learn about the history of snowshoeing, different types of snowshoes, how to walk with them, winter safety, proper clothing & equipment and some places to go.  Students will have the opportunity to experience the winter ecosystem.  Snowshoes are available for rent.

Note:   

Programs can be developed to augment classroom learning, assuming proper notice and time is given before arrival.