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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Birdwatching Trek: Rapids Lake *Register at signup.com*15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN
Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).
Date and Time: Sunday, September 07, 2025 from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the main entrance at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center.
15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315Registration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants, register here through Signup.com.
Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk.Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well.
Accessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center:
Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center.
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
- Birdwatching Trek: Bass Ponds *Register on signup.com*Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds, Bloomington, MN
Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).
Registration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants, register here: https://signup.com/go/rLmKfrK
Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk.Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way.
Meet us: Meet us at the Upper Trailhead at Bass Ponds.
2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425What to bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well.
Accessibility: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. 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 (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers.
Accommodation: 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.
- Intermediate Hiking Series: Bass PondsMinnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bass Ponds, Bloomington, MN
Believe it or not, the fall is often the perfect time of year to hike! With a chill breeze, bird migration, and gorgeous colors, our Intro to Hiking program makes for a prime excuse to get outside and enjoy the autumn season!
With the guidance of refuge staff and volunteers, you will be walking about 2 miles on a trail in the refuge system. This program is for all ages and more information on the trails can be found in the Accessibility section. Registration is optional.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).
Date and Time: Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 5:30-7pm
Location: Meet us at the upper trailhead kiosk at Bass Ponds.
2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425Registration Information: Registration optional through Signup.com
Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!
Activity Level: This is an easy to moderate active program. We will be walking a total of 2 miles and will be taking routine breaks. For more information on elevation and trail pavement type, please see the Accessibility section.
What to Bring: We recommend wearing close-toed shoes, long pants, and weather appropriate layers. Please bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a full water bottle.
Accessibility: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. 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 (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers.
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.
- Bat Night: Bat chat and walkRefuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center , Bloomington, MN
Want to decode the secret world of bats? Join a bat‑acoustic survey led by an endangered‑species bat biologist! We can't hear bats echolocating, but we can record their calls and use software to determine what species are making those calls. We will use bat acoustic detectors to record bat calls and see in real time what bats are flying around us and using the area. Bring all your batty questions and a headlamp if you have one! No experience needed; everyone is welcome.
This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services)
Location: Meet us in the auditorium at the Bloomington Visitor Center.
3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425Registration Information: There is no registration. This is a drop-in event.
Activity Level: The first portion of the program will be spent indoors going over bat species details and then we will go on a short walk on paved grounds using sonar devices. The pace of the walk is slow and easy. The program will be led by two staff.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. Bug spray is recommended and a headlamp if you have one
Accessibility: Accessibility at Bloomington Visitor Center:
Restrooms and water fountains are located inside the visitor center. Handicap parking and drop-off available. Visitor center is flat aggregate or carpeted flooring with ramps to access all areas. There are benches and rest areas around the visitor center. Trailheads are a 0.1-0.2-mile distance from the parking lot.
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.
