Bird Watching Trek

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......More

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.Date and Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 8am-10:30am Location: Meet us at the Upper Trailhead at Bass Ponds. 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. The link for the registration Signup page is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges Website. And is located under the Refuge events page. The program is capped at 25 participants. 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. 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: 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 [email protected].

Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

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......More

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. Date and Time: Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 8am -10:30am Location: Meet us at the pavilion at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. The link for the registration Signup page is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges Website. And is located under the Refuge events page. The program is capped at 25 participants. 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. 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: 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

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

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......More

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. Date and Time: Monday, August 25, 2025 from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at the trailhead at the Louisville Swamp North Trailhead (Main Parking Area). 3801 145th St West, Shakopee, MN 55379 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. The link for the registration Signup page is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges Website. And is located under the Refuge events page. The program is capped at 25 participants. 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. 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: Accessibility at Louisville Swamp North Trailhead (Main Parking Area): Restrooms are located at the parking lot. There are no water fountains or dedicated handicap parking. Trail is nature surface and mostly flat, with a slight slope to reach the Mazomani trail. 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 no benches in the trail area. Trailhead is a

Louisville Swamp Unit – Main Trailhead, 3801 145th Street West, Shakopee, MN, 55379, United States

MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group

Call or email the organizer for meeting places and other details.

MN

Bird Walk

Join us for a birdwatching walk to observe a variety of migrating and local songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to this free program. Binoculars are available to borrow. Expect an easy, slow walk with frequent stops on a na......More

Join us for a birdwatching walk to observe a variety of migrating and local songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to this free program. Binoculars are available to borrow. Expect an easy, slow walk with frequent stops on a natural surfaced trail. This program will meet and end at the Mahnomen Trailhead. This program is held entirely outdoors, please dress appropriately for the weather. Any cancellation notice will be communicated on the Friends Facebook Page and the refuge website. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for accommodation to Refuge Headquarters: 763‐389‐3323, [email protected], or TTY 800‐877‐8339 at least two weeks before the event. Event date and timeSep 6, 2025 8:00 am – Sep 6, 2025 10:00 am (CDT)Event location nameMahnomen TrailAddress45.49736987807288, -93.68486546508409Zimmerman,55398MN

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge – Mahnomen Trailhead, 45.49736987807288, -93.68486546508409

Bird Watching Trek

Registration for this field trip will become active in mid August. Birdwatching Trek: Rapids Lake Visitor Center 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 r......More

Registration for this field trip will become active in mid August. Birdwatching Trek: Rapids Lake Visitor Center 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 a wide variety of fall migrants. Which could include Warblers, Sparrows and Waterfowl. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Meet at 15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315 Registration Information: Registration is required for this program and is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. To register, go to the events page and click on the program date you would like to register for and click on the SignUp link. 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 near the parking lot for the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. Please consider carpooling with others in your party due to limited parking. What to Bring: If you have them, bring along binoculars and a favorite field guide. 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: A restroom is available at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. There is a parking lot near the Visitor Center near where we will be meeting. Program Leader: This program is led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig Mandel. Craig has been leading bird walks on the refuge for more than two decades. For questions about these walks, please contact Craig at 952-240-7647. 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 [email protected].

Rapids Lake Visitor Center, 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver, MN, 55315, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Registration for this field trip will be available in mid August. 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 a wide variety of fall migra......More

Registration for this field trip will be available in mid August. 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 a wide variety of fall migrants. Which could include Warblers, Sparrows and Waterfowl. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Registration Information: Registration is required for this program and is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. To register, go to the events page and click on the program date you would like to register for and click on the SignUp link. 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 near the Upper Bass Ponds Trailhead parking lot. Please consider carpooling with others in your party due to limited parking. What to Bring: If you have them, bring along binoculars and a favorite field guide. 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: A portable restroom is available, near the lower parking area. There is a steep hill, that we will walk down to the lower parking lot. Once there the walk takes place on mostly flat ground on paved trails, wooden boardwalks, and natural surface paths. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Very few benches or rest areas exist along the route. For access to the lower parking lot, please contact the Refuge Visitor Center at 952-854-5900. Program Leader: This program is led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig Mandel. Craig has been leading bird walks on the refuge for more than two decades. For questions about these walks, please contact Craig at 952-240-7647. 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 [email protected].

Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Crow Wing County Birding Days

September 10, 11: Crow Wing County Birding Days7:00 am. Join us for a two day visit to Crow Wing County. We’ll be searching lakes and wetlands for Waterfowl and Shorebirds. And we will spend time in some of the local parks and Crow Wing State park for migrant Warblers......More

September 10, 11: Crow Wing County Birding Days7:00 am. Join us for a two day visit to Crow Wing County. We’ll be searching lakes and wetlands for Waterfowl and Shorebirds. And we will spend time in some of the local parks and Crow Wing State park for migrant Warblers and other migrating songbirds. Please contact Craig to register for this field trip: 952-240-7647.Cost: $35/non-MRVAC members $25/MRVAC members

Baymont by Wyndham Baxter/Brainerd Area, 7208 Fairview Road, Baxter, MN, 56425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Registration for this field trip will become available in mid August. 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 a wide variety of fall m......More

Registration for this field trip will become available in mid August. 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 a wide variety of fall migrants. Which could include Warblers, Sparrows and Waterfowl. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Date and Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 8am -10:30am Location: Meet us at the pavilion at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. The link for the registration Signup page is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges Website. And is located under the Refuge events page. The program is capped at 25 participants. 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. 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: 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

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Registration for this field trip will become available in mid August. 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 a wide variety of fall m......More

Registration for this field trip will become available in mid August. 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 a wide variety of fall migrants. Which could include Warblers, Sparrows and Waterfowl. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Date and Time: Monday, September 15, 2025, from 8am -10:30am Location: Meet us at the pavilion at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com. The link for the registration Signup page is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges Website. And is located under the Refuge events page. The program is capped at 25 participants. 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. 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: 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

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States