Pine Needle Basket Making Class
Join in the art of creating a ‘pine needle’ basket. Baskets are coiled with southern long leaf pine needles collected in North Carolina, and sewn with waxed linen thread. Students will complete one small basket in class and will master the basic stitch and skills to make additional baskets on their own. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/224-8335. A participation/material fee will be charged. Class size limit: 10 participants Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013 (in case of inclement weather, back-up day is February 9) Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm Age: Adult Meet in Visitor Center
Winter Snowshoe Hike
Bring the family and enjoy a snowshoe hike across the wintery landscape of Audubon Refuge. This is an opportunity for a physical workout, as well as an opportunity to view white-tailed deer, ring-necked pheasants, bald eagles, and signs of wildlife. Warm up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, while browsing through the exhibit hall after the hike. Wear layered, warm winter clothing and boots – traditional snowshoes are provided for your use. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 110. Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013 (in case of inclement weather, back-up day is February 9) Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Age: 10 to adult Meet in Visitor Center
Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Participate in an educational program that teaches wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to youth. Students in grades K-12 learn about a species of waterfowl and create artwork as an individual project at home, or in their classroom. Participants must submit their entry to Audubon Refuge by March 15. Artwork will be judged later in March, with a banquet honoring all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the spring. To learn more about the Junior Duck Stamp Program or to get contest guidelines and an entry form, visit http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck.
‘DUCKumentary’ & Building Wood Duck Nesting Boxes
Ducks have an uncanny knack for survival, and their exuberant behavior never ceases to entertain. They practice habitual lifestyles that have been essential to their evolutionary success for millions of years. Explore these curious creatures while watching the PBS film: DUCKumentary. Following the film, participants can nail together a wood duck box which can be taken home or donated for installation in wood duck habitat. Free popcorn and beverages will be served during the film. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 110. Date: Sunday, April 14, 2013 Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm Meet in Visitor Center
Cormorant Colony Island – Pontoon Tour
A leisurely pontoon ride around Cormorant Colony Island provides visitors with a great view of the double-crested cormorants that congregate on the island to build nests of sticks and raise their young. Along the way, participants will learn about Refuge history and management, as well as view various birds including gulls, terns, and pelicans. Life jackets and binoculars are provided. Boat tour will be cancelled if winds exceed 15 mph. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 110. Boat tour limit: 18 visitors Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 (in case of inclement weather, back- up day is June 14) Time: 9:00am – 11:00am Age: Any Meet at Boat Ramp located 1 mile in along auto tour route
Duck Nest Island Adventures – Pontoon Tour
Enjoy a pontoon ride to Lake Audubon’s “Pancake Island” for an up-close look at duck nests and young ducklings. Participants will have the opportunity to candle eggs and learn about incubation. Life jackets, binoculars, and field identification guides are provided. Boat tour will be cancelled if winds exceed 15 mph. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to get your feet wet while walking through island grassland. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 110. Boat tour limit: 18 visitors. Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013 (in case of inclement weather, back up day is June 21) Time: 9:00am – 10:30am Age: Any Meet at Boat Ramp located 1 mile in along auto tour route
Wildflower Walk
A casual walk along the nature trail will provide opportunities for viewing and identifying the beautiful summer wildflower blooms – purple coneflower, blanket flower, blazing star, purple prairie clover and more. Approximately 20 species will be identified, with edible and medicinal uses discussed. Following the walk, join in to complete a wildflower nature craft. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 110. Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 Time: 10am – 12:00pm Age: adult/young adult Meet at visitor center.
Blue Goose Day
Spend a family-oriented evening with hands-on opportunities to learn about hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor skills. Youth will have the opportunity to shoot air rifles, bows and arrows, set up for a camping experience, and learn about backyard bird feeding. Following the event, a picnic lunch will be served. All kids receive door prizes and educational materials. No pre-registration required Date: Thursday, July 18, 2013 Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm Age: Any Meet at Visitor Center
Chickadee Nest Box Workshop
Pre-cut lumber is provided for youth to assemble a nesting box for chickadees. Participants learn about chickadees and other types of birds that will utilize the box, proper placement, and maintenance of the box. Great activity for scouts and 4-H groups. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 110. Class Size Limit: 100 participants Date: Thursday, September 19, 2013 Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm Age: 5 and older Meet at Visitor Center
Halloween Adventure
Families are invited for a Refuge Halloween Adventure. Participants will be treated to supper and a Halloween craft, followed by a hayride along the scenic shoreline of Lake Audubon. Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 110 by October 9. Class Size Limit: 60 participants. Date: Saturday, October 12, 2012 Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Meet at Visitor Center
EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PINE NEEDLE BASKET MAKING CLASS
The office and visitor center is located 3 miles north of Coleharbor, ND on U.S. Highway 83 and 1 mile east, and is open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm year round, except Federal holidays. In addition, the visitor center is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am – 4:30pm throughout June, July, and August.
Audubon NWR
3275 11th St. NW
Coleharbor, ND 58531
Phone: 701/442-5474
Email: Audubon@fws.gov
Website: http://www.fws.gov/audubon
Visitor Opportunities
Audubon Refuge Visitor Center – An ideal place to begin your visit - an exhibit hall features displays about wetland and grassland habitat, migratory birds, nocturnal wildlife, John James Audubon, and Refuge history. The visitor center is open from 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday, except Federal holidays, and from 10:00am-4:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays throughout June, July, and August.
Prairie Pond Store – Enhance your visit with wildlife and habitat educational materials or souvenirs of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. The store is managed and operated by Audubon Refuge Partners, Inc., a group of volunteers who assist with refuge programs and activities.
Prairie Hiking Trail - A 1-mile self-guided trail begins on the north side of the visitor center. The trail winds through grasslands and along wetlands, allowing visitors to observe many species of native grasses and wildflowers, birds, and other animals. A wildlife checklist is available for reference.
South Shore Auto Tour Route – The 8-mile gravel tour route begins near the visitor center and winds along the scenic south shoreline of Lake Audubon. Highlights include views of the lake, prairie wetlands, grasslands, and a chance to observe many species of birds, mammals, and plants. Visitors are welcome to leave their vehicle and stroll through the prairie or along the wind-blown shoreline of Lake Audubon. A brochure corresponds with numbered signs along the auto tour route.
Wildlife Observation and Photography Blind – Enjoy peaceful moments observing or photographing waterfowl and shorebirds on a quiet bay of Lake Audubon. A westerly view from the blind offers a glimpse of a beautiful sunset over Lake Audubon.
Outdoor Skill Loaner Programs – Families are invited to borrow equipment to enhance their refuge experience. ‘Lets Go Outside Backpacks’ are available to use along the nature trail or at a wetland – they contain magnifying bug jars, nets for catching insects, field guides for identifying critters, and much more! Snowshoes can be utilized during the winter months to explore areas full of wildlife sign and snow. Equipment can be utilized during office hours.
Volunteering – Consider joining and/or making a donation to the ‘Audubon Refuge Partners, Inc.’ group of volunteers, who assist with providing wildlife-oriented environmental education, interpretation, and recreational experiences for people.
Hunting - Deer hunting and a late season upland bird (pheasant, grouse, and partridge) hunt are held on the refuge. A brochure that details special regulations is available.
Ice Fishing - Ice fishing is permitted when ice covers the water. A brochure that details special regulations is available.
The office and visitor center is located 3 miles north of Coleharbor, ND on Highway 83 and 1 mile east.
Audubon NWR
3275 11th St. NW
Coleharbor, ND 58531
Phone: 701/442-5474
Email: Audubon@fws.gov
Website: http://www.fws.gov/audubon
Fax: 701/442-5546
