What we’re about
This Meetup group provides free events and activities centered around the Big 6 wildlife-dependent recreational uses for visitors of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is composed of 14,000 acres that stretch 70 miles along the Minnesota River from Fort Snelling in Bloomington to Henderson and includes a 10,000-acre, 14-county Wetland Management District. Since its founding in 1976 by motivated residents, all activities and events at the Refuge have remained free and open to everyone. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is one of 14 National Priority Urban Refuges within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With more than 46 miles of trails and two visitor centers, the Refuge is unique in its urban setting that is tucked within the shadows of the Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, as well as within walking distance of the metro area's light rail system. The Refuge provides its 3.5 million neighbors in the Twin Cities, as well as visitors from around the world, with opportunities to connect with nature, participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities, and improve habitat for resident and migrating wildlife. Plan your visit to Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge by visiting https://www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/.
This group is sponsored by Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends, a mostly volunteer group supporting the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge through volunteering, fundraising and advocacy. To more, sign up for our newsletter and become a member at our website, https://www.mnvalleyrefugefriends.org/.
Photo of Old Cedar Avenue bridge by Mike Richards. Used with permission.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, la ciudad de Bloomington, Indigenous Roots, Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends y Huellas Latinas presentan Latino Nature Fest (formalmente conocido como Latino Conservation Week o LCW), un evento donde celebramos las culturas de la comunidad Latina y la naturaleza que nos conecta a todos. Ven a disfrutar un día de música, arte y comida. ¡Todos son bienvenidos a este evento GRATUITO!
Visite www.fws.gov/event/latino-nature-fest
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the City of Bloomington, Indigenous Roots, Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends and Huellas Latinas presents Latino Nature Fest (formerly Latino Conservation Week or LCW) an event to celebrate the cultures that make up Latino community and the nature that connects us all. Join us for a day of music, art, and food. Everyone is welcome at this FREE event!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Birdwatching Trek @ Bass Ponds *Register on SignUp.com*2501 E 86th St, Bloomington, MN
Description: Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that nest on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of nesting birds. Some of the species we may see include Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Willow Flycatcher and Yellow Warbler. Contact Craig with questions at 952-240-7647.
Registration: Registration required on linktr.ee/mnvalley. Select the program to be taken to the sign up. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. This program is capped at 25 participants.
Activity Level: Easy-active, we will walk slowly and make frequent stops.
Meet Us: Meet at the upper Bass Ponds trailhead near the parking lot. Please consider carpooling with others in your party due to limited parking.What to Bring: If you have them, bring along binoculars and a favorite field guide. Limited number of binoculars available for use during the event. This program is held entirely outdoors, please dress appropriately for the weather. A cancellation notice will be sent via email to registered participants in the event of severe weather.
Accessibility: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short but steep downhill walk from the parking lot. This walk takes place on mostly flat ground on a paved service road, wooden boardwalks, and natural surface paths. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are no benches or rest areas along the route. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call or email the refuge for accommodations: 952-854-5900 or minnesotavalley@fws.gov.
Accommodation Message: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.
