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 sons.
Ryan Block, Sporting Programs Facilitator (email ryan)
Ryan coordinates and facilitates programs on at the Westby Educational Shooting Sports Range and archery programs. An experienced outdoorsman, Ryan also leads Challenge Course and Environmental Education programs at Prairie Woods.
Anne Dybsetter, Environmental Education Coordinator (email anne)
My time is spent overseeing & developing curriculum, planning programs, marketing, and, of course, running around outside with groups of kids. I have worked in environmental education since 2000, and believe deeply that quality of life depends on a healthy environment. When we have free time, Jeff and I hike, read, sing, and do art. Meanwhile, our son keeps us hopping.
Ann Phillips, Office Manager
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.
Jeffrey Vetsch, Building and Grounds Steward and YES! Co-coordinator
Jeff wears many hats at Prairie Woods, most often supervising the maintenance of more than half a dozen buildings, several miles of road, numerous trails, diverse education facilities, and 500 acres. He also facilitates groups on the Challenge Course and teaches birding and EcoVoyageur classes. Jeff and his wife Anne spend plenty of time introducing their young son to the joys of nature.
Board Members
Governing Board
Ron Erpelding, President
Cindy Westby, Vice President
Joel Schmidt, Treasurer
Mary Merlin-Pelkey, Secretary
Jeff Danielson
Allison and Luke Geiger
Dr. Robert Kaiser
Harlan Madsen
Jim Tetzloff
Ben Thoma
Board of Trustees
Betty Croonquist
Richard Falk
Steve Hage
Bill Johnson
Dr. Steve Martinka
Dr. Jim and Colleen Michels
Brad Michelson
Doug Mossberg
Dennis and Ruthanne Neeser
Karen Schneider
Denise Smith
Dr. Roger and Kay Strand
Dr. Jim and Marilynn Tiede
Paul and Sandra Vollan
