- Birdwatching Trek @ Blooomington Visitor Center *Register on SignUp.com*3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN
Description: Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that nest on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of nesting birds. Some of the species we may see include Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, Wood Duck, Willow Flycatcher and Yellow Warbler. Contact Craig with questions at 952-240-7647.
Registration: Registration required on linktr.ee/mnvalley. Select the program to be taken to the sign up. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. This program is capped at 25 participants.
Activity Level: Easy-active, we will walk slowly and make frequent stops.
Meet Us: Meet at the Bloomington Visitor Center. Enter through the main doors.
What to Bring: If you have them, bring along binoculars and a favorite field guide. Limited number of binoculars available for use during the event. This program is held entirely outdoors, please dress appropriately for the weather. A cancellation notice will be sent via email to registered participants in the event of severe weather.
Accessibility: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short but steep downhill walk from the parking lot. This walk takes place on mostly flat ground on a paved service road, wooden boardwalks, and natural surface paths. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are no benches or rest areas along the route. 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 or email the refuge for accommodations: 952-854-5900 or minnesotavalley@fws.gov.
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.
- Beginner Hiking Series: Summer Solstice Hike2501 E 86th St, Bloomington, MN
Description: With Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge covering over 14,000 acres, there are more than 45 miles of trails to discover! Join us on our beginner hiker series as we explore the trails together. No prior experience needed and no special equipment required.
Registration: 10 walk in spots available and 15 spots open for voluntary registration through linktr.ee/mnvalley. Select the program to be taken to the sign up.
Activity Level: Medium-active, we will walk a good walking pace and make some stops.
Meet Us: Meet at the upper Bass Ponds trailhead near the parking lot. Please consider carpooling with others in your party due to limited parking.
What to Bring: Good walking shoes, water, and bug spray/sunscreen if you have it. Monitor weather forecast and be prepared for the temperature and precipitation. A cancellation notice will be sent via email to registered participants in the event of severe weather. If you are not registered, please monitor our website, SignUp, or MeetUp page.
Accessibility: This walk takes place on slightly sloped ground on natural surface paths. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. We will walk about 1.5 miles
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.
- Nature Novice: Introduction to Archery *Registration Required on SignUp.com*9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN
Description: Take your first shot at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge! With safety as our priority, our instructors will help you with the basics of archery and learn a quick overview of the skills required to hit a bullseye. We will be using a Stick-It archery set with arrow disc tips that stick to the target. Families are welcome with kids ages 8 and up. No previous experience needed!
Registration Required: 16 spots open, register through linktr.ee/mnvalley. Select the program to be taken to the sign up.
Activity Level: Moderate-intensity, some upper body strength will be used.
Meet Us: Meet Us at Old Cedar Avenue by the pavilion.
What to bring: Clothing and shoes you can move around in easily.Accessibility: Restrooms and water fountains at the Old Cedar Avenue pavilion, reachable by paved sidewalk.
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.