Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), an accredited nonprofit environmental center that specializes in education programs for K-12 school groups, has been hard at work to bring a new outdoor learning center to fruition.
According to TFT Executive Director Cheryl Todea, the new structure on campus is expected to be completed in May 2026, and will allow staff an extended classroom space to conduct outdoor learning sessions. Beyond providing extra space for TFT classes, the outdoor learning center also will be available for rent as a public gathering space for groups, meetings, weddings and more.
First announced early last summer, Todea is excited for what it will mean for TFT staff and students, as well as the general public once it’s operational. Beyond just extending classroom spaces, the center also will allow for more groups in action at one time, as well as create smoother transitions with other outdoor classes.
“If it’s nice out, our educators won’t necessarily have to come into the classroom which, as you know with school settings, can interrupt things,” Todea said. “If they’re out collecting information or exploring campus, they (educators) can say, ‘hey let’s gather at the tables here,’ rather than going back inside. It’ll have a whiteboard, a projector and screens, so it has similar things as the classroom, it’s just going to be outside.”
Todea said the outdoor learning center is very versatile and will be able to serve lots of different purposes.
TFT has already seen interest in groups renting the space for next summer when it becomes available, adding that it is already booked for its first wedding — her own in early summer 2026.
People can opt to utilize the covered structure solely as a meeting space, but also can take advantage of the full-service dining hall that is on-site at TFT for bigger events where food would be served.
“We have a kitchen space so plans are customizable,” she explained. “They can cater their own food in, but otherwise we can provide food. We are full service.”
In addition, the space can also act as a back-up archery range, which Todea noted is actually what dictated the 30-foot by 60-foot size. Students currently practice archery outdoors, but that can cause delays when the weather isn’t cooperating.
“We can have a covered space for archery if it’s storming or raining,” she said.
With the arrival of cold temperatures and snow the last few weeks, work has slowed significantly on the project, but great strides have been made this year in getting the structure built and the big pieces in place. It rests on a concrete slab and all the beams, rafters and other integral parts have been installed. It also will be wired to include overhead lighting.
“It has a roof and shingles, and a functioning fireplace. It still needs tongue and groove (paneling), closet doors, siding and masonry work. So there is still plenty to do this spring,” Todea said.
As a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on community support, TFT opted to return that support and do as much of the construction using local resources as possible. In turn, numerous businesses have donated their time, services and resources — too many to thank right now— but Todea said a full thank-you list will be printed in the News-Review once the project wraps up.
“It’s been really neat to see the community come together,” she said.
This project was made possible through the visionary support of the John and Melissa Besse Foundation, whose major gift served as the cornerstone for the project. In recognition of their tremendous generosity, the new structure will bear their name.
But with plenty still to be done, Todea said the fundraising will continue until the project is complete.
As of last week, Todea said there have been more than 30 donors who have contributed more than $240,000 in cash toward the project, as well as an additional $25,000 in in-kind goods and services.
“We have about $10,000 more to go. Our goal is to get $250,000 in cash that will cover the final projects to happen in the spring,” she said.
TFT is still welcoming donations and sponsorships to help bring the John and Melissa Besse Outdoor Classroom to life.
“Whether you’re a business, family, foundation, or individual who believes in outdoor education and community connection, your support makes a lasting impact,” Todea said.
To make a donation or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit treesfortomorrow.com/outdoor-classroom/, call TFT at 715- 479-6456, or email ctodea@treesfortomorrow.com.
Special projects like the new outdoor learning center can sometimes overshadow the fundraising that must be done to cover the basic operating costs of running a nonprofit.
With facilities that include dormitories, a full-service dining hall, and classrooms, TFT annually serves 14,000 youth and adults with the mission to promote sustainable management of its natural resources through transformative educational experiences.
In order to support that mission, the TFT4All annual campaign will continue through the end of the year, giving people a chance to make their tax-deductible contributions before Dec. 31. This year-end campaign push consists of unrestricted funds that can be used for a multitude of purposes, including scholarships for attending K-12 schools in the Midwest.
TFT’s original goal was $85,000, which was met thanks to overwhelming community support and a generous $40,000 match that helped launch the campaign in October.
“Our community showed extraordinary generosity,” Todea said. “The $40K match set the tone for the entire campaign, and donors stepped up even as many faced challenges of their own this year. Their commitment to getting kids outdoors is truly inspiring.”
With the original goal exceeded, TFT has now established a new stretch goal of $200,000 to meet rising demand for SOLE (School Outdoor Learning Experiences) and ensure more area schools can participate in hands-on environmental education in 2026.
TFT4All directly supports schools — particularly those in rural or financially constrained districts — that need assistance to participate in SOLE.
Funds from the campaign provide scholarships for local schools to reduce program fees; transportation support that allows TFT educators to bring students safely to field sites; outdoor classroom supplies, field equipment, and learning materials; curriculum development and educator support; and programming that builds leadership, environmental awareness, and confidence.
Donations to support the TFT4All campaign can be made online at treesfortomorrow.com/make-an-impact/, by texting TFT4All to 50155; mailed to Trees For Tomorrow, PO Box 609, Eagle River, WI 54521; and by phone at 715-479-6456 with your credit card information or satisfy minimum distributions through your investment accounts (e.g., Donor Advised Fund).
Every gift helps ensure that outdoor learning remains accessible for all. The TFT4All campaign runs through Dec. 31.
To fund SOLE and other important initiatives, Todea said a portion of TFT’s support comes from corporate sponsorships, but in recent years that avenue of funding has required much more work. But as that window has closed a little bit, another has opened in the form of individual support. Todea credits part of that new revenue stream to TFT’s long history. “Individual support definitely has increased,” she said, noting that individuals are recognizing the value of environmental education, also the value of TFT and its legacy that began in 1944. “That’s more than 80 years, and that means something to a lot of people.”
She noted there has certainly been an increase in the last five years of people being more giving; people including TFT in their wills as well as leaving legacy gifts such as retirement and IRA distributions.
“I think people are really just trying to have a lasting effect, and it’s been really impactful to see that change,” she said.
To get more information on legacy gifts, contact Todea directly by email or phone at the contacts listed above.
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