Learning from the Land. Sharing Its Story.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."
Psalm 19:1 (ESV)

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Welcome

Welcome to the Prairie Life Learning Initiative Foundation.

At the Prairie Life Learning Initiative Foundation, we believe God has been teaching lessons through His creation since the beginning of time.

We love people. We love wildlife. We love the land.

We believe some of life's most meaningful lessons are discovered when generations learn side by side.

Our mission is to bring all three together through education, stewardship, and a shared appreciation for God's creation.

Whether you're exploring the prairie for the first time, learning a forgotten homesteading skill, watching an orphaned wild animal recover, or standing beneath a sky filled with more stars than you've ever seen, we hope you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the Creator and the incredible world He has entrusted to us.

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How Would You Like to Explore?

There are many ways to become part of our story. Choose the adventure that's right for you.

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🌾 Attend a Public Workshop

Experience hands-on learning through wildlife, agriculture, history, homesteading, practical life skills, and the natural beauty of the Great Plains.

Depending on the season, your adventure may even include some of the darkest night skies in the country.

Workshop dates will be posted here as they become available.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Bring Your Family or Group

Whether it's your own family, homeschool co-op, classroom, church, scout troop, or another organization, we'll help create a private learning experience built around your interests.

Each visit is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage discovery, and create meaningful memories together.

Contact Lindsey to learn about available dates, activities, and scheduling.

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📚 Learn From Anywhere

Become a member of the Prairie Learning Library and enjoy unlimited access to our growing collection of educational downloads.

From wildlife fact sheets and printable activities to nature studies, practical life skills, coloring pages, and homeschool resources, there's always something new to discover.

Perfect for homeschool families, teachers, grandparents, and curious learners of every age.

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📖 Continue the Adventure

Take the experience home with our growing collection of children's books, coloring books, activity books, and educational resources.

Simply search "Lindsey Cortese" on Amazon to explore the collection.

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🦨 Help Wildlife Heal

Your generosity provides food, housing, medical care, and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned native wildlife while helping us expand educational opportunities for families.

Every gift helps care for wildlife, create educational opportunities, and inspire the next generation of stewards.

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Why We Exist

The Prairie Life Learning Initiative Foundation exists to help people of all ages discover the lessons found in nature, agriculture, wildlife, history, and the Great Plains—whether they visit us in person or learn alongside us from home.

We believe the strongest communities are built when people connect with the land, care for wildlife, and learn together.

Our hope is to preserve yesterday's knowledge while inspiring tomorrow's stewards.

We believe many of the skills, traditions, and values that helped previous generations thrive are just as valuable today, and we're passionate about preserving them for future generations.

Yesterday's knowledge still has a place in tomorrow's world.

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Wildlife Rehabilitation & Prairie Ambassadors

Wildlife rehabilitation is an important part of our mission. Every animal that comes through our doors provides an opportunity to teach compassion, conservation, and responsible stewardship while giving native wildlife the best possible chance to return to the wild.

We're also proud to introduce Idgie and Ruth, our beloved Prairie Ambassadors.

These curious little skunks help visitors discover one of North America's most misunderstood animals while encouraging respect, appreciation, and a deeper understanding of wildlife.

While rehabilitation patients come and go as they recover, Idgie and Ruth remain to help us continue sharing the story of wildlife through education and hands-on experiences.

As the Foundation grows, additional Prairie Ambassadors may become part of our educational programs.

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Meet the People Behind the Mission

The Prairie Life Learning Initiative Foundation is led by a team of individuals who share a deep love for people, wildlife, education, and the heritage of the Great Plains. Together, we are committed to preserving valuable knowledge, inspiring lifelong learning, and creating meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the land, with wildlife, and with one another.

Lindsey Cortese

President & Executive Director

Arron Cortese

Vice President & Operations Director

Jennifer Adee

Secretary & Compliance Officer

Talisha Valdez

Educational Oversight Director

Jarod Allen

Agricultural & Ranch Education Advisor

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Until We Meet…

Whether you're joining us for a workshop, following the journey of a rehabilitating wild animal, exploring one of our books, or learning from home through the Prairie Learning Library, we're honored to share this journey with you.

Thank you for visiting the Prairie Life Learning Initiative Foundation.

We hope you'll come explore with us, learn alongside us, and discover the remarkable stories waiting to be found across the Great Plains.

Learning from the Land. Sharing Its Story.

Preserving yesterday's knowledge to equip tomorrow's generations.

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With gratitude,

The Prairie Life Learning Initiative Foundation