What We Do

The North Lakeland Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich lives and inspire an ethic of care for Wisconsin’s Northwoods, through the facilitation of connections among people, nature, and community. We provide lifelong learning for residents and visitors alike including environmental education programs, monitoring and research projects, drop-in activities and trails.

NLDC is a nature-based education and community center. Our market is regional, appealing to people who live, own second homes, and vacation in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. An expanding market is organized groups interested in nature-recreation opportunities and programs. These include groups such as the Center for Conservation Leadership and WI Land+Water Youth Conservation Camp. The Center differentiates itself by:


  • The diverse, undeveloped land surrounding us, providing an unparalleled teaching environment including lake, river, mixed forest and bog.
  • Broad audiences not limited to specific interests, but that share commonality in their care and connection to our Northwoods environment.
  • A strong, loyal membership base; and positive relationships with community businesses, schools and Towns.


Our Values

Experience the Outdoors - We believe exposure to the outdoors is necessary to the health of people, families and communities.

Broad Definition of Community -  We encourage people to see themselves as part of a community that cares for our Northwoods environment and culture.

Commitment to Sustainability -  We believe that ecological care and economic viability create the foundations for sound decision-making and promoting environmental health.

Power of Partnership -  We engage with profit and non-profit businesses, service organizations, governmental and educational bodies building off each other’s strengths to fulfill our mission.

Lifelong Learning -  We are committed to the use of active learning techniques with ample opportunities for reflection and interaction with diverse audiences and the natural world.

Our Values

Experience the Outdoors - We believe exposure to the outdoors is necessary to the health of people, families and communities.

Broad Definition of Community - We encourage people to see themselves as part of a community that cares for our Northwoods environment and culture.

Commitment to Sustainability - We believe that ecological care and economic viability create the foundations for sound decision-making and promoting environmental health.

Power of Partnership - We engage with profit and non-profit businesses, service organizations, governmental and educational bodies building off each other’s strengths to fulfill our mission.

Lifelong Learning - We are committed to the use of active learning techniques with ample opportunities for reflection and interaction with diverse audiences and the natural world.

Our principles

Facilitate Well-Rounded Opportunities

We believe nature is the ultimate common ground, and should be accessible through diverse realms of experience—cognitive, physical, social and emotional.

Provide A Welcoming Atmosphere

We provide the best possible experience for each visitor by creating an inclusive and friendly atmosphere, and by maintaining safe, clean, and accessible facilities, grounds and trails.

Cooperate and Collaborate

We seek to nurture staff, board and volunteers to strengthen the organization and our collective commitment to the organization. We work with members, communities, partnering organizations, town entities and donors to further our mission.

Gather and Discover

We encourage utilization of the site by thoughtfully planning, staffing and providing the necessary resources for drop-in and unscheduled use.

Act with Integrity

We conduct our work using respect, honesty and open communication. By observing the highest ethical standards, we maintain the trust of members, donors, partners and the community.

Provide Diverse Experiences and Education

We engage people in sharing and exploring their personal and collective connections to the Northwoods environment. Through thoughtfully planned activities and a well-designed site plan, we provide spaces and resources for people to celebrate and socialize, monitor and learn, and to enjoy and experience.

Develop Infrastructure and Site Design with People and Nature in Mind

We foster an appreciation of the natural world and believe it is in the best interest of humanity to enjoy and preserve it. We incorporate care for the natural world and quality of human experience in our design plans; and encourage people to act on their conservation values through volunteer service and financial contributions to move plans into action.

Embrace Change and Challenges

We are poised to face the challenges of a changing organization, to adopt stronger focus and to give up areas of focus that are causing dissipation of energy and resources. We commit to increasing the role of earned revenue in our operations to provide for greater stability into the future, and using our mission as a guide.

Our Story

The North Lakeland Discovery Center began in 1995 when a group of community and school leaders formed a vision to preserve and repurpose the former Youth Conservation Corps Camp at Statehouse Lake in Manitowish Waters. Initially leased for $1 annually, the center was established as a nonprofit in 1998 with a mission to explore and connect people to the area's natural, cultural, and historic resources. Over 25 years, it has grown into a thriving outdoor learning facility with innovative programs, citizen science initiatives, and far-reaching impact, supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, and partnerships. Today, with a permanent easement securing our future, we have completed a $4 million capital campaign that has expanded our year-round facilities and introduced Discovery Hall, a nature center, two classrooms, and welcome center.

Our Story

The North Lakeland Discovery Center began in 1995 when a group of community and school leaders formed a vision to preserve and repurpose the former Youth Conservation Corps Camp at Statehouse Lake in Manitowish Waters. Initially leased for $1 annually, the center was established as a nonprofit in 1998 with a mission to explore and connect people to the area's natural, cultural, and historic resources. Over 25 years, it has grown into a thriving outdoor learning facility with innovative programs, citizen science initiatives, and far-reaching impact, supported by dedicated staff, volunteers, and partnerships. Today, with a permanent easement securing our future, we have completed a $4 million capital campaign that has expanded our year-round facilities and introduced Discovery Hall, a nature center, two classrooms, and welcome center.