Laurentian Environmental Center is a public residential educational facility that combines science, environmental education, leadership training, and outdoor skills recreation programs. It is accredited by The Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. It is owned and operated by Mounds View Public Schools for use by people from throughout Minnesota and the Midwest.

Education programs are hands-on, discovery-oriented and aligned with Minnesota state graduation standards. Qualified and caring LEC staff lead instruction through an inquiry method of teaching and learning. Each of the program staff holds a degree in one or more of the following areas: biology, natural resources management, outdoor recreation and education, educational psychology, environmental studies, or education.