Nestled deep within the pristine wilderness of Ely, Minnesota, lies the Coe College Wilderness Field Station, a haven for nature enthusiasts and a hub for immersive learning. Alongside recreational activities like canoeing and camping, students choose different paths to explore topics of interest. Some elect to take these courses towards their majors, completing research with Beloit College professors. Others apply for special funding that supports students of any major who apply for this opportunity.

Pablo Toral, political science and environmental studies professor, has taught at the Wilderness Field Station, managed by Coe College, for many summers. Pablo explains that the Wilderness Field Station has a unique framework with two missions: wilderness education and applied field research. “It is a place where students learn about and adapt to nature, and each course is designed to introduce students to applied field research methods,” he says.

From navigating a difficult portage to addressing difficult topics, discomfort leads to personal, professional, and academic growth while helping some identify the next career path they didn’t even know they wanted. Through reflection and goal setting, Beloit College students develop skills much needed in today’s world.

Beloit College students prepare to canoe to camp.

This summer, 12 Beloit College students are taking courses at the Coe College Wilderness Field Station, many of them supported by the Beloit College Common Grant. At Beloit College, students have access to funding to make summer experiences possible. Through a competitive application process, students propose experiences, submit a budget, and identify how the summer experience will advance their education at Beloit College and beyond. Through generous grants and donations, Beloit College is able to support many students each summer. The Brookby Foundation has for several summers supported sustainability education by generously funding Beloit College students to attend the Wilderness Field Station.

Veronica Kaluta and Maggie Mudd successfully set up camp.

During Beloit College’s off-campus experiences, learning is never limited to only academic knowledge. Students identify how to take responsibility and depend on each other. New tight-knit Beloiter communities, like those found on campus, soon form. While brewing your favorite coffee shop beverage over a campfire, you’ll realize that like most experiences at Beloit College, you always pick up an unexpected talent on the way!

 

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Read past stories about the Boundary Waters trips!

Into the Wilderness

Canoeing in the Boundary Waters

The Stories We Tell

Exploring environmental justice in the wild