The City of Richfield’s Wood Lake Nature Center is a 150-acre
natural area dedicated to environmental education, wildlife observation, and
outdoor recreation. Three miles of trails and boardwalks wind through the park.
The trails are either blacktop or crushed limestone and most are wheelchair
accessible during summer months. To preserve the natural habitat, no pets,
bikes or rollerblades are allowed.
In 2004, Wood Lake Naturalists provided programming to 17,660
people. That represents 24,560 hours of program time. Approximately
72,000 visitors a year visit Wood Lake for the trails and overall nature
experience.
The Interpretive Center offers visitors a chance to learn more
about plants, animals and the environment. Staff naturalists are available to
answer questions during building hours. For more information about nature center
classes, programs or facilities, please call 612-861-9365.
Three miles of trails and boardwalks wind through Wood
Lake's different habitats.
- Cattail marsh
- Mixed lowland forest
- Restored prairie
Wood Lake's trails and boardwalks guide visitors to many of Wood
Lake's facilities:
- 4000 + square-foot interpretive building
- Wildlife observation shelter and docks
- Large picnic area
- 100-seat outdoor amphitheater
To maintain the park and support its plant and animal life,
please observe the following guidelines:
- Stay on the trail
- Observe park signs
- No picking of plants
- No pets
- No bikes
Wood Lake provides three free environmental education field trips
for all Richfield students. The Nature Center is open seven days a
week, year-round to provide nature programming for families, scouts,
day-care centers, non-Richfield schools and others.
Mission Statement
Wood Lake's mission is to provide the public with high-quality
experiences in recreation and environmental education programs, act
as a teacher/naturalist training facility and provide a high
quality, diverse freshwater marsh-oriented nature facility for those
programs and for use by individuals and groups seeking unprogrammed
natural experiences.
History
Wood Lake was once a recreational lake, surrounded by homes, but
much of its water drained in the 1950's. In 1969, the Richfield
City Council approved the conversion of Wood Lake into a nature
center.
The City of Richfield has supported Wood Lake Nature Center for
over 30 years. Wood Lake - dedicated as the first municipal nature
center in 1971 - was one of the first nature centers built in the
Twin Cities.
In 1991, Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) was formed as an advocacy
and fundraising group.
