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"I personally feel that some of the lessons will stick with the kids for the rest of their lives."

--Parent

"We have only been back a week, and we are already making plans for next year."

--Principal, April 1975

Historical Highlights
1963 Aitkin County accepts donation of 200 acres of land from the St. Louis Park Kiwanis Club (then the Southwest Minneapolis Kiwanis Club).
1965 LLCC becomes Minnesota's original residential environmental learning center as the Conservation Leadership School (CLS) summer camp begins: 108 boys attend the first year. 
1967 Girls attend CLS for the first time.
1970 With a lead grant from the Blandin Foundation, construction begins on the east wing of the Marcum House (formerly the "Lodge").
1972 LLCC initiates the Long Lake Experience (the school year program). Earle Brown Elementary is first to attend with 73 sixth-graders.
1981 LLCC is accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as a Special Function School. The Long Lake Conservation Foundation is chartered.
1984 Minnesota State Legislature awards $160,000 to Marcum House Project.
1986 The Marcum House dormitory is dedicated.
1989 25 years of operation results in a total of nearly 80,000 students, summer campers, teachers and adults.
1992 LLCC's 100,000th student visits.
1997 LLCC completes 25 years of the Long Lake Experience. Construction begins on the new Dining Hall.
1998 The new Dining Hall is dedicated. Construction begins on the new dormitory.
1999 The North Star Lodge dormitory opens.
2000 LLCC celebrates its 35th birthday and 25 years under the leadership of Bob Schwaderer, Executive Director.
2001 Earle Brown Elementary is the first to celebrate a 30 year anniversary for school-year visits.
2002 LLCC's 125,000th student visits.
2003 Bob Schwaderer, Executive Director for nearly 29 years, retires. Todd Roggenkamp becomes Executive Director.
40 year anniversary of the Conservation Leadership School
2005 School House project completed in August. LLCC celebrates 40th year of providing environmental education.
2006 Forkhorn Camps added to the Summer Program in cooperation with Minnesota Deer Hunters Assn.
Acquired Eagle's Nest from DNR for display in NSL.
2007 Marcum House Lodge Remodeled increasing the bed capacity at LLCC to 229.
Additional Forkhorn Camps added.
2008 LLCC's 45th Anniversary of providing environmental education.
Long Lake Conservation Center
28952 438th Lane
Palisade, Minnesota 56469
1-800-450-5522

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