Stewardship Series: Multi-Trailhead Cleanup (Old Cedar Avenue and Bass Ponds)

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 Bass Ponds or Old Cedar Avenue trailheads for a morning of trash pick up in the parking lots and on the connecting trail.

No experience is necessary and we will 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 Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead and Bass Ponds 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 Old Cedar Avenue trailhead.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
OR
Meet us at the Bass Ponds Lower Trailhead.
2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425

What To Bring: Close toed shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, long pants, and a water bottle.

Accessibility:
Old Cedar Avenue: Restrooms and water fountains are available. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is also available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are natural 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. 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.

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.

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.