Students in Action

a person and person standing next to a tent

a group of people sitting around a campfire

RPLS 325 Program in Outdoor Settings course does an annual campout each year.


Students fishing

Caylee Meier promoted August National fishing Month during her Practicum experience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Wisconsin.


Student with owl in winter

Sierra Hietala is holding a Barred Owl during her Practicum with Carpenter nature Center in Hastings.

Reinboldt.Jacob receiving recognition USACE.jpg

Jacob Reinboldt spent his summer with the United States Army Corps of Engineers at Blackhawk Park in DeSoto, WI. The location on the Mississippi River makes it a popular place for fishing and boating. Jacob was able to navigate a rare experience and his actions earned him a coveted Commander’s Coin.

Group of Recreation, Parks and Leisure students

Group of RPLS students in a classroom

Group of RPLS students

Group of of RPLS students in classroom

Eight RPLS students, Maria Spanier, Vinny Haugen, Tori Slawick, Emily Medcalf, Savannah Kundert, Ethan Tracy, Hannah Mathews, and Tylar Larson along with faculty members Kristi Montandon and Brooke Burk attended the Legislative Action Day with the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission. As part of this day, they worked with the Commission to discuss important projects and funding needed for parks and trails in our state. Of greatest concern was the support of Legacy Funds for parks and trails in greater Minnesota (those outside the metro and DNR). As part of these efforts, they met with DNR Commissioner Strommen, Representative Ruud, and Senator Ferentz.

Large group of RPLS students outside with kayaks in the foreground

RPLS 325 Programming in Outdoor Settings Course took a kayak trip down the Blue Earth river with Bent River Outfitters.

Group of RPLS students outside in winter

Students in RPLS 475 Public Land Use Policies removed invasive species from Minneopa State Park for a service-learning project.

RPLS students with kids doing an activity on an outdoor track

RPLS students leading activity with a kids on an outdoor track

Students in the RPLS program assist with the Camp Maverick summer program.

RPLS students kayaking

Students in RPLS 479 in collaboration with Minnesota River School, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources to provide students from Mankato East High School with an opportunity to go out canoeing on Lake Elysian and Le Sueur River.

Large group of RPLS students outdoors in winter

Students in PRLS 475 Public Land Use Policies, with the Conservation Corps and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, followed up to burn the invasive for a bonfire and snowshoe hike with the public.