The Friends of Wood Lake

Thank you for supporting Wood Lake Nature Center on Give to the Max Day!

The Friends of Wood Lake (FOWL) is the fundraising arm of Wood Lake Nature Center, a 150-acre space dedicated to providing high-quality environmental education, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation in the City of Richfield. Since 1971, we have welcomed visitors to walk the trails, learn about wildlife and conservation in programs, participate in school field trips, and photograph the wildlife and habitats.

The park, nestled between I-35W and Lyndale Avenue, comprises a marsh, lowland forest, and a restored prairie and oak savanna. The rich landscape is home to wildlife including coyotes, white-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, and many bird species ranging from wild turkey and bald eagles to ruby crowned kinglets.  

FOWL plays a vital role in funding projects that go beyond our annual budget, such as additional staffing during the school year, natural resource management projects, special exhibits, equipment, and more.  

In the late winter of 2025, embark on an exciting new chapter with the construction of a brand-new Wood Lake Nature Center facility! This thoughtfully designed space will feature expanded classrooms, new exhibit area, an additional nature playground, and sustainable solar panels and geothermal heating.

Thank you for helping us make Wood Lake a place of inspiration and discovery for generations to come.