Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center Phone: 952-854-5900 |
Please note that all public interpretive programs are led by trained volunteers and are subject to change or cancellation.
Programs
NatureWise - Forest Exploration NatureWise is a public workshop series presented by the staff of the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center. The workshops are topic-related and hands-on to help you better understand our natural world, in a national wildlife refuge setting. They are free and open to anyone, ages 16 or older, but participants MUST pre-register. Space is limited. For workshop locations and to register call 952-361-4503. More information is available on the Workshops page >> |
June
Birding Walk
Date: Wednesday, June 3
Time: 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Chaska Unit, Ball Fields Parking Lot
Ages 7 to adult (under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
Walk refuge trails to search for birds and other wildlife as night comes to the refuge. Dress for the weather, bring water and bug spray.
Bring your birding gear. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan.
Led by Refuge Volunteer Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley.
Dragons and Damsels
Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Visit the Refuge to learn more about dragonflies and their kin. You can also test your skill with an insect net, as this program is
designed for hands-on learning of these unique insects. For more information, contact Refuge Ranger Barry Jones, 952-361-4503 or
barry_jones@fws.gov.
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Louisville Swamp Unit, Main Parking Lot
There are over 110 species of birds nesting on the refuge! Observe these during an early summer birding trek. With luck we will
see a wide variety of nesting birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome, bring any birding gear you may have.
Led by Refuge Volunteer Naturalist Craig Mandel.
Birding Walk
Date: Saturday, June 13
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Louisville Swamp Unit, Main Parking Lot
Ages 7 to adult (under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
Walk refuge trails to search for birds and other wildlife as night comes to the refuge. Dress for the weather, bring water and bug spray.
Bring your birding gear. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan.
Led by Refuge Volunteer Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Birding Walk
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Unit, North Hunter Parking Lot
Ages 7 to adult (under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
Walk refuge trails to search for birds and other wildlife as night comes to the refuge. Dress for the weather, bring water and bug spray.
Bring your birding gear. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan.
Led by Refuge Volunteer Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center
There are over 110 species of birds nesting on the refuge! Observe these during an early summer birding trek. With luck we will see a
wide variety of nesting birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome, bring any birding gear you may have.
Led by Refuge Volunteer Naturalist Craig Mandel.
Landscapes & Sunsets ~ Evening Photo Hike at the Refuge
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Black Dog Unit, Cliff Fen Park
Come along as we take a short hike and stake out a nice spot to watch the sun set on beautiful Black Dog Lake along the Minnesota River.
We'll take the short hike in, and talk about some photographic approaches to capturing landscapes and sunsets while we set up tripods and make a place
for ourselves on the viewing platform to take in the nature. All abilities and camera styles are welcome. Bring your camera and a flashlight,
along with a tripod if you have one. If not, I'll try to make some available or provide options. Wear boots or sturdy shoes, dress for the weather,
bring your own water, and consider bringing some bug repellent. Children are welcome, especially if they are big enough to carry my tripod.
See you there! Red skies at night, photographer's delight!
Led by Volunteer Master Naturalist Tim Boyle.
For more information, call Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at 952-854-5900. Please note that different programs take place at different locations on the refuge. Please visit the Refuge Lands page on the web site for directions to each area. Click on the Refuge Land on the map to see the specific directions.
July
Birding Walk
Date: Wednesday, July 8
Time: 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Bloomington Visitor Center
Ages 7 to adult (under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
Walk refuge trails to search for birds and other wildlife as night comes to the refuge. Dress for the weather, bring water and bug spray.
Bring your birding gear. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan.
Led by Refuge Volunteer Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center Trailhead
Observe nesting birds and early fall migrants during a mid-summer birding trek on the refuge. Over 200 species of birds have been
seen on the refuge; with any luck we will see many of these nesting, raising young, or migrating south. Birders of all skill levels are welcome,
bring any birding gear you may have.
Led by Refuge Volunteer Naturalist Craig Mandel.
What Lies Beneath? Pond Exploration
Date: Tuesday, July 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Long Meadow Lake Unit, Bass Ponds Trailhead
Come and explore the watery world of life beneath the pond surface. Take a turn at dip-netting to capture pond creatures,
and use hand lenses and microscopes to study dragonfly nymphs, water striders, crayfish, and many tiny swimmers that call the
pond their home. Suitable for families with children ages 5 and up.
Led by Volunteer Master Naturalist Marcia Lewis.
Rapids Lake Trail Trek
Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 9:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Get ready for a hike! Join a ranger for a 3.5 mile hike on the new Rapids Lake Trail. Registration is required. Participants
should wear sturdy footwear and prepare for possible muddy conditions. The trail is mostly level, but hikers must be in good
condition. To register, or for more information, contact Refuge Ranger Barry Jones, 952-361-4503 or
barry_jones@fws.gov
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue
Observe nesting birds and early fall migrants during a mid-summer birding trek on the refuge. Over 200 species of birds have
been seen on the refuge; with any luck we will see many of these nesting, raising young, or migrating south. Birders of all skill
levels are welcome, bring any birding gear you may have.
Craig Mandel, Refuge Volunteer Naturalist
For more information, call Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at 952-854-5900. Please note that different programs take place at different locations on the refuge. Please visit the Refuge Lands page on the web site for directions to each area. Click on the Refuge Land on the map to see the specific directions.
August
Birding Walk
Date: Wednesday, August 5
Time: 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue
Ages 7 to adult (under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
Walk refuge trails to search for birds and other wildlife as night comes to the refuge. Dress for the weather, bring water and bug spray.
Bring your birding gear. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan.
Refuge Volunteer Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
What Lies Beneath? Pond Exploration
Date: Saturday, August 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Bass Ponds
Come and explore the watery world of life beneath the pond surface. Take a turn at dip-netting to capture pond creatures, and use
hand lenses and microscopes to study dragonfly nymphs, water striders, crayfish, and many tiny swimmers that call the pond their home.
Suitable for families with children ages 5 and up.
Led by Volunteer Master Naturalist Marcia Lewis
Birding Walk
Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Louisville Swamp
Ages 7 to adult (under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
Walk refuge trails to search for birds and other wildlife as night comes to the refuge. Dress for the weather, bring water and
bug spray. Bring your birding gear. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan.
Refuge Volunteer Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Chaska Unit, South trailhead
Observe resident birds and early fall migrants during a late-summer birding trek on the refuge. Over 200 species of birds
have been seen on the refuge; with any luck we will see many of these preparing for their southern migration. Birders of all
skill levels are welcome, bring any birding gear you may have.
Craig Mandel, Refuge Volunteer Naturalist
Evening Photo Hike at the Refuge
Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Louisville Swamp
The 2,600 acre Louisville Swamp Unit has a unique mix of old fields, prairie remnants, oak savanna, floodplain forest, and stone farmsteads. We'll take
an evening photo hike along a small part of the thirteen miles of beautiful trails that cross through Louisville Swamp area, and talk about the nature
we experience and how you can use your digital camera to more effectively capture it's beauty. We'll go over a few camera basics as a group, then as
we hike, we'll share some tips and tricks more closely "focused" on nature photography. Please join us. Bring your digital camera, fresh batteries,
and your creativity. Wear boots or sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, bring your own water, and consider bringing some bug repellent.
All abilities and camera styles are welcome. We'll meet in the main parking lot and plan our hike from there.
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center Trailhead
Observe resident birds and early fall migrants during a late-summer birding trek on the refuge. Over 200 species of birds have been
seen on the refuge; with any luck we will see many of these preparing for their southern migration. Birders of all skill levels are welcome,
bring any birding gear you may have.
Craig Mandel, Refuge Volunteer Naturalist
For more information, call Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge at 952-854-5900. Please note that different programs take place at different locations on the refuge. Please visit the Refuge Lands page on the web site for directions to each area. Click on the Refuge Land on the map to see the specific directions.
Art Gallery Exhibit Schedule
For information on the art gallery, please contact the refuge at minnesotavalley@fws.gov, 952-854-5900.”
