A survey of students Barnard conducted over the last two years showed a 98.5 percent interest in programs such as rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, a much higher number than the 70 percent he expected.

“I want people to take more ownership of public lands and view public land as our own,” Barnard said. Barnard wanted Winona State to have a reputation for producing the best outdoor professionals. “We should be leaders,” he said.

He said activities like  paddling and rock climbing are practiced by people of all ages and are a good way to exercise while having fun. Barnard also emphasized a culture of safety and inclusion in the programs.

Approximately forty people attended each session the first week.

Laura Grant, a sophomore at Winona State, said of her experience at Tuesday’s climb, “I got to a certain point, and wanted to stop, but the instructors talked me through my fear and got me to the top.”

Barnard pushes students to get past their fears because as he said, “It’s the worst feeling to go home and know you didn’t put it all out there.”

Winona community member Caylan Larson joined the Winona State students Tuesday. Larson has been climbing for eight years and was introduced to the sport by one of his professors at the University of North Dakota. Larson noted the lack of rock climbing opportunities in the area however, and is glad the university is giving students an opportunity to participate in such a unique activity.

Students who went paddling on Thursday were able to get a glimpse at some wildlife that inhabits the Mississippi’s Blackbird Slough. Turtles, kingfishers and herons were some of the many animals the students saw, along with a bald eagle that swooped above the treetops.

Located in the WELL Resource Center in the Integrated Wellness Complex, the OERC is a resource for students interested in getting involved in outdoor activities in the area and allows students the opportunity at an affordable price. Equipment such as canoes, kayaks, tents, backpacks and snowshoes can all be rented for overnight and day trips for a small fee. Guided overnight trips are offered throughout the year; information can be found on the Activity Board in the WELL.

Along with the rental center, the OERC offers certification in Wilderness Medicine, Leave No Trace, and Professional Climbing Instructor courses. For more information, students and community members can visit the OERC’s Facebook page or www.winona.edu/outdoor.

Contact Abby at [email protected]