In 2003, outdoor education and recreation staff from Bemidji State University, Concordia Language Villages, Independent School District #31, and Schoolcraft Learning Community met to discuss common needs for their organizations. They recognized that all four organizations, like many others in the community, had outdoor activities and facilities to offer, but few people in the community utilizing them. Considering the importance of the outdoors in the area’s heritage, health and success, the group decided to see if there was some way they could bring the area’s outdoor education and recreation entities together to improve their offerings and attract users. The original concept of the collaborative is to help local groups strengthen and expand the opportunities for adventure programming and environmental learning for adults, youth and children in this community. This strategic plan more clearly defines a vision and structure for the organization.
The historical, cultural and environmental characteristics of the Bemidji area present a wide variety of outdoor education opportunities. Many residents, visitors and students explore the region in an informal, self-directed manner, while others never discover the beauty and diversity of the area. While many potential user groups could take advantage of these areas, (to the economic and educational benefit of the Bemidji area), their under-use arises from several obstacles:
- Potential users are unaware of programs offered
- Potential users may not be active participants in these entities (e.g. not a student at BSU)
- Potential users do not know how to utilize the facilities
- There is little, if any programming coordination among the administrators of these natural areas
Direct outreach to Bemidji area teachers and students, Schoolcraft Learning Community teachers and students, community organizations, Bemidji State University student groups and academic classes is non-existent or disjointed.
By overcoming these obstacles The Turtle River Outdoor Institute will facilitate tourism in Northwest Minnesota, increase interest in our natural resources and allow more of our own residents to take greater advantage of our natural heritage.
