Stewardship Series: Multi-Trailhead Cleanup (Wilkie and Bloomington Ferry)

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.