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
12
Flower Photography Photo Hike with Don Tredinnick
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, USEarly June is a wonderful time to get out and see what flowers are blooming.
Join us for a photo hike as we explore the trails around the Old Cedar Ave bridge looking for flowers. Don Tredinnick of Frozen Hiker Photography will discuss compositional approaches to getting interesting images that can used year-round for floral photography.
This intermediate program is intended for those looking to further their camera photography skills. No registration required.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 06, 2026 from 10am-12:30pm
Location: Meet us at the trailhead at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
Registration Information: There is no registration.
Activity Level: This program is outdoors. Less than one mile of distance is covered, with slow movement and plenty of stops to take photos. This program is led by Don Treddinnick of Frozen Hiker Photography. There will be plenty of time to ask questions both during the lecture as well as during the photoshoot.
What to Bring: Appropriate clothing for the weather. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a lens or lenses that provide a range of focal lengths between 24 and 105mm. Macro lenses, extension tubes, close-up filters, and tripods are optional.
Accessibility: Accessibility at Old Cedar Avenue:
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) or snowy (winter). 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.
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.
4 attendees
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, USJoin 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.
Date and Time: Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the trailhead at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
Registration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants, register here: 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. 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
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) or snowy (winter). 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.
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.
2 attendees
Birdability: Guided Birdwatching for People with Mobility Challenges
Refuge Headquarters and Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN, USJoin us as we enjoy spring birdwatching at the feeder, adjacent fields, and nearby overlook!
This outing is appropriate for birders with a range of mobility challenges including birders who use wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, as well as those who walk slowly, but all birders are welcome. We expect to see many species of bird at close range. All birders from beginner to experienced are welcome.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mark Paller (palle001@umn.edu). More information about Birdability® at https://www.birdability.org or contact Mark Paller.
Hosted by the Land of Lakes Bird Alliance (formerly the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis); co-sponsored by Birdability
Date and Time: Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 11am-12:30pm
Location: Meet us at the birdfeeders behind the Bloomington Visitor Center. No need to enter the building. Program to be moved indoors in case of weather.
3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Registration Information: Registration required. Capped at 20 participants, register here: Guided Birdwatching for People with Mobility Challenges
Activity Level: Program is outdoors. Program to be moved indoors in case of rain. First 45 minutes of program is stationary and a 2nd optional 45 minutes is a 1/4 to 1/2 mile walk. The walk is slow pace, taking breaks as needed. Low level of activity for entirety of program.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing to be outdoors. There are a few benches near the bird feeder, so you may also wish to bring your own folding stool or chair. Binoculars and shade provided.
Accessibility: Accessibility at Bloomington Visitor Center:
Restrooms and water fountains are located inside the visitor center. Handicap parking and dropoff 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.
The path is paved and has curb cuts from the parking lot. The path is wide, flat and there are no slopes. The bird feeder is just 400 feet from the handicap parking spaces. Disability parking spaces are available and accessible portable toilets are located nearby.
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.
1 attendee
Intro to Hiking: Bass Ponds
Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN, USSee the sights, hear the birds, and feel the breeze this summer on a guided hike with refuge staff and volunteers! We'll introduce 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.
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 16th from 5:30-7pm
Location: Meet us at 5:30pm at Bass Ponds.
2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Registration Information: Registration optional here: 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 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, suncreen, bug spray, and a full water bottle are recommended.
Accessibility: Accessibility at Bass Ponds:
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.
3 attendees
Past events
833
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Organizers
Minnesota Valley Refuge F. is a Super Organizer
