
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- Intro to Hiking: Long Meadow LakeRefuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center , Bloomington, MN
Event Description: Want to enjoy an evening of free summer hiking but don't know where to start? Well, look no further - the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has got you covered. Meet us at the Bloomington Visitor Center for a stroll along our Long Meadow Lake trail. With floodplain forests and marsh abound, a guided hike with refuge staff is the perfect excuse to start your hiking journey.
No experience necessary! You bring good hiking shoes and a water bottle - we'll cover the rest. This hike will be at a medium to slow pace with breaks built in. Registration is optional.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).
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 program is a staff led, easy-medium, outdoors activity and will cover between 1-1.5 miles of trail. We will walk at a slow to medium pace and will be taking frequent breaks throughout the program.
Meet us: Meet us at 5:30PM in front of the Bloomington Visitor Center main doors.
Address: 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425What to bring: We recommend that you bring a pair of good, close toed shoes for walking, bug spray, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
Accessibility: Restrooms and water fountains are located inside the visitor center. Handicap parking and dropoff available.
Long Meadow Lake trail is accessed via sloped trails, but itself is mostly flat and is natural surface. 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 no benches in the trail area. Trailheads are a 0.1-0.2 mile distance from the parking lot.
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.