Why We Changed Our Name: From Prairie Ecology Bus Center to Wild Compass Environmental Education

After many years serving the region as Prairie Ecology Bus Center, we’re thrilled to introduce our new name: Wild Compass Environmental Education.

This change is more than a fresh coat of paint — it’s a reflection of who we’ve become and where we’re headed.

Why the Change?
When we launched in 1990, the “Ecology Bus” was a groundbreaking mobile classroom that brought nature education directly to schools and communities. Over the years, our work has expanded far beyond the bus. Today, we offer year-round field trips, school programs, camps, outreach events, and partnerships across a broad region of Southwest Minnesota.

As our programs and reach have grown, we realized our name needed to grow with us. We wanted something that speaks to the heart of what we do — guiding people of all ages to explore, understand, and connect with the natural world.

Why Wild Compass?
“Wild Compass” reflects both direction and discovery.

What’s New — and What’s Not
Along with our new name, we’ve updated our logo, visual identity, and website to better reflect our vibrant, modern approach to education. But the heart of our organization remains unchanged.

Our mission is still to nurture a passion for nature with hands-on environmental education.

Our team, values, and dedication to the communities we serve remain exactly the same.

Looking Ahead
This rebrand marks a new chapter — one that honors our roots while embracing the future. We’re excited to continue this journey with a name that clearly reflects our purpose and passion.

Thank you for growing with us.
We can’t wait for what’s next — and we’re glad you’re along for the adventure.