Staff
Dave Pederson,Executive Director (e-mail dave)
In the early 1970s I left Kandiyohi County to pursue education, adventure and employment. Along the way I completed undergraduate work at Augsburg College and graduate work at Mankato State University in Minnesota and embarked on a twenty-five year (plus) career in experiential education. It has been profoundly rewarding for me to have returned "home" to help develop Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center after stints in Northwestern Ontario, Michigan, Northern Minnesota, Alaska and Vermont.
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center is a very special place for me. Within the boundaries of Prairie Woods is land homesteaded by my great grandparents who emigrated here in the late 1800s from Sweden. I am deeply rooted in this place through family history and through an eight year association with Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. In June of 2003 I assumed the duties of Executive Director. Previously, I had served Prairie Woods as the founding Director of the Challenge Course and Adventure Co-op. I am committed to having Prairie Woods be a place where people of diverse interests and cultures can learn to live well with each other and the environment. I hope that you can join us soon for a learning adventure at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.
Deb Anderson, Challenge Course Coordinator (e-mail deb)
Deb coordinates and facilitates programs on Prairie Woods'extensive challenge course, including indoor and outdoor climbing walls, circuit courses, flying squirrel and giant ladders. Every day is a new initiative game!
In addition to keeping our visitors safe while they are 40 feet in the air, Deb also stays busy on her family's farm and enjoys spending time with her husband and three so
Kory Klebe, Environmental Education and Shooting Sports Coordinator (email kory)
Kory coordinates the environmental education and shooting sports programs at Prairie Woods. Kory started his environmental education career in 1998 and has worked programs in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Northern Ireland before coming to PWELC in 2010.
Wether it is catching macro invertebrates with school kids on the wetland walkway, tracking animals through the praries with boyscouts or working the sporting clay range Kory enjoys getting people outdoors to learn about the world they live in.
Ann Phillips, Office Manager
Ann has worked for Prairie Woods since 2004 and manages all the office business, bookkeeping needs, and says that her toughest job is trying to keep all the Prairie Woods staff in line. She also takes care of all builidng rentals such as meeting, retreats, weddings, baby showers, groom's dinners, birthday parties and any other special events.
While not at Prairie Woods Ann enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends and family, singing in the church chior and playing with her grandbaby, Nolan.
Teri Wermerskirchen, Time Travel Program Facilitator
Teri travels with ease between present day and 1888, where she brings groups of kids to help a Swedish immigrant family prepare for a new arrival. With a sincere love of youth and the outdoors, Teri also facilitates Challenge Course and environmental education programs at Prairie Woods.
Paul Hellenschmidt, Building and Grounds Steward
Paul brings a wealth of experience to Prairie Woods (as well as the occasional loaf of his artisan bread). Paul hit the ground running in July of 2010 and has been very busy with maintaining and improving our buildings, grounds, and equipment. Paul has a strong background in woodworking, construction, maintenance, and repair. He aslo has a degree in forestry and is a skilled carver.
Board Members
Governing Board
Ron Erpelding, President
Joel Schmidt, Treasurer
Mary Merlin-Pelkey, Secretary
Jeff Danielson
Allison and Luke Geiger
Dr. Robert Kaiser
Jim Tetzloff
Justin and Sara Bos
Scott Cooper
Michael O'Brien
Dennis Peterson
Richard Falk
Board of Trustees
Harlan Madsen
Steve Hage
Bill Johnson
Dr. Steve Martinka
Dr. Jim and Colleen Michels
Brad Michelson
Dennis and Ruthanne Neeser
Karen Schneider
Denise Smith
Dr. Roger and Kay Strand
Dr. Jim and Marilynn Tiede
Paul and Sandra Vollan
Bob Haines
John and Mary Lindstrom
Bob and Pauline Halverson
