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- Stewardship Series: Multi-Trailhead Cleanup (Wilkie and Bloomington Ferry)Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Wilkie Unit, Shakopee, MN
You've heard the phrase "Leave it better than you found it", right? Well, the refuge is taking it to a whole new level this summer. As part of a Stewardship Series, cleanups will be taking place at trailheads throughout the refuge. Come over to the Wilkie or Bloomington Ferry trailheads to kick us off with an evening of trash pick up in the parking lots and on the connecting trail.
No experience is necessary and will we be providing all of the proper supplies. Please have closed toed shoes, long pants, a water bottle, and bug spray.
This is a drop-in program with optional registration to receive updates on cancelations. A volunteer form will need to be signed upon arrival. Clean-ups will take place at Bloomington Ferry Trailhead and Wilkie Trailhead.
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/VrtXavP
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: Easy-medium active. There will be standing, walking, and bending down to pick up trash.
Meet Us: Meet us at the Wilkie Unit Trailhead (7701 County Road 101 E, Shakopee, MN 55379)
OR
Meet us at the Bloomington Ferry Trailhead (11255 Bloomington Ferry Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438)What To Bring: Close toed shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, long pants, and a water bottle.
Accessibility:
Wilkie: There are no restrooms or water located at this trailhead. The Minnesota Valley State Trail is a paved flat route. 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. There are no benches or rest areas along the route. The trailhead is <0.1 miles from the parking area.Bloomington Ferry: There are no restrooms or water fountains at this location. There are no dedicated handicap parking spots. Bloomington Ferry and River Bottoms trails are natural surface, mostly flat, with entries to trails moderately sloped. Minnesota Valley State Trail is handicap accessible, paved and mostly flat, with access via a pedestrian bridge. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are no benches in the area. Kiosk is a <0.1 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.
- Intro to Hiking: WilkieMinnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Wilkie Unit, Shakopee, 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 Wilkie Unit Trailhead for a stroll along our Blue Lake trail. Surrounded by waterfowl and the Blue Lake, a guided hike with refuge staff is the perfect excuse to start your hiking journey.
No experience necessary! We'll help you learn the basics of hiking and enjoying the outdoors. 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 the Wilkie Unit Trailhead.
7701 County Road 101 E, Shakopee, MN 55379What to bring: We recommend that you bring a pair of good, close toed shoes for walking, bug spray, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
Accessibility: There are no restrooms or water located at this trailhead. The Minnesota Valley State Trail is a paved flat route, and the Blue Lake Trail is natural surface and mostly flat. 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. There are no benches or rest areas along the route. The trailhead is <0.1 miles from the parking area.
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.
- Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue *Register on signup.com*9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 pavilion at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a <0.1 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.
- 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.
