Download photo of Bret Amundson ice-climbing
GRANITE FALLS, Minn. — Coming up on "Prairie Sportsman", Host Bret Amundson is ice climbing in Sandstone and Minneapolis preschoolers are learning outdoors year-round. “Climbing on Ice” airs on Pioneer PBS Sunday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Hard Water Sports owner Tony Vavricka teaches Bret how to climb an ice wall at Robinson Park in Sandstone. The city and volunteers turned an old stone quarry into an all-season climbing destination, managed with irrigation during the winter months. The "Prairie Sportsman" crew also visits the Sandstone Ice Climbing Festival, sponsored by the Minnesota Climbers Association. The annual event draws enthusiasts from around the country
Next, the Minneapolis Nature Preschool offers outdoor learning experiences year-round. Director Alyson Quinn led the program’s founding in 2017, after she had twins and discovered there were no nature-based preschools in Minneapolis. Alyson reached out to Bryn Mawr Elementary School, which has a forest that serves as the preschool’s host site. Teachers help students manage changing weather conditions, with the right protective gear, while they lead educational adventures outdoors.
About Prairie Sportsman
"Prairie Sportsman" an Emmy-awarded series that celebrates our love of the outdoors to hunt, fish and recreate, while promoting environmental stewardship. Prairie Sportsman’s team includes Cindy Dorn, producer/writer; Bret Amundson, host/editor; and Dylan Curfman, editor/videographer. The 2022 season is made possible by funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, SafeBasements of Minnesota, Live Wide Open, Western Minnesota Prairie Waters and members of Pioneer PBS.
About Pioneer PBS
Established in 1966, Pioneer PBS is an award-winning, viewer-supported television station dedicated to sharing local stories of the region with the world. For more information visit www.pioneer.org.
