About us
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
2
Intro to Hiking: Black Dog
600 Black Dog Rd, Burnsville, MN 55337, 600 Black Dog Rd, Burnsville, MN, USEvent Description:
See the sights, hear the birds, and feel the cooler weather this fall on a guided hike with refuge staff and volunteers! We'll introuduce you to trails on the refuge and teach you some insider tips for hiking.
This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900
Registration Information:
Registration optional here: https://signup.com/go/gPPrWjW
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 outdoor activity. We hope to reach 2-2.5 miles in 1.5 hours. This will be guided by refuge staff and volunteers. Frequent breaks will occur.
What to Bring:
Please wear appropriate clothing as this program is fully outdoors. Close-toed shoes, pants, and a full water bottle are recommended.
Accessibility at Black Dog Unit (Minnesota Riverfront Park):
A portable restroom is available at this site. There are no water fountains available. There is dedicated handicap parking. Trail is flat and paved and maintained year-round. Paths are usually suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are benches along the route. Trailhead is located <0.1 miles from the parking lot.
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.
8 attendees
Intro to Hiking: Jonathan Carver Parkway North Hunter Lot
MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge North Hunter Lot Trail, Jonathan Carver Parkway, Carver County, MN, USEvent Description:
See the sights, hear the birds, and feel the cooler weather this fall on a guided hike with refuge staff and volunteers! We'll introuduce you to trails on the refuge and teach you some insider tips for hiking.
This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900
Registration Information:
Registration optional here: https://signup.com/go/gPPrWjW
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 outdoor activity. We hope to reach 2-2.5 miles in 1.5 hours. This will be guided by refuge staff and volunteers. Frequent breaks will occur.
What to Bring:
Please wear appropriate clothing as this program is fully outdoors. Close-toed shoes, pants, and a full water bottle are recommended.
Accessibility at North Hunter Lot:
Restrooms are located in the parking lot. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat and surrounded by tall grass. Trails are not paved after snow events. 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. This trail is looped (about 2 miles in total).
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.
3 attendees
Past events
852
