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
|
Enjoy a fall day during MEA! Special activities will take place on Thursday, October 15 at the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center! Bring your lunch and enjoy a day of programs just for kids and their families. You can also check out an adventure pack or a pair of binoculars and hike the trails on a crisp October day. We hope to see you there! |
September
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, September 5
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Wilkie Unit
Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the fall migration of birds. With a variety of habitats at
the different units, you will want to explore them all. During this walk we will search for migrating birds, especially warblers.
Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the fall migration of birds. With a variety of habitats
at the different units, you will want to explore them all. During this walk we will search for migrating birds such as warblers.
Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Nature WISE Workshop
Insect Inspiration
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
The area is literally crawling with insects, spiders and other jointed-leg critters. Learn the major insect groups before heading out on a
collecting adventure. Learn how to catch, preserve, label and store specimens.
Registration is required.
Contact Suzanne Trapp at 952.361.4502 or suzanne_trapp@fws.gov.
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the fall migration of birds. With a variety of habitats at the different units,
you will want to explore them all. During this walk we will search for migrating birds such as warblers. Birders of all skill levels are welcome.
Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Birding Walk
Date: Sunday, September 27
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Ages 7 to adult (under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult)
Walk refuge trails to search for migrating birds as the day 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.
Volunteer Refuge Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
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.
October
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the fall migration of birds. With a variety of habitats at the different units,
you will want to explore them all. During this walk we will search for migrating birds, especially waterfowl. Birders of all skill levels are welcome.
Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Fabulous Fall Leaves
Date: Sunday, October 4
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Curious why and how leaves change color? Would you like to learn how to catch and keep the beautiful colors of fall? Wear your hiking shoes
and bring something light colored to "print" on such as a t-shirt, bag, or bandana.
Registration is required.
Contact Suzanne Trapp at 952.361.4502 or suzanne_trapp@fws.
What Do Animals Do in Winter?
Date: Thursday, October 15
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center
ESPECIALLY FOR PRESCHOOLERS AND THEIR FAMILIES!
Learn more about the many ways animals spend the long Minnesota winter. Read a book, play a game, complete a craft, meet a familiar winter resident,
and discover some cold-weather secrets!
Beth Girard, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
What Do Amphibians and Reptiles Do all Winter?
Date: Thursday, October 15th
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Amphibians and reptiles have several different strategies for surviving Minnesota’s harsh winters. We will meet some of these animals and take a look
at the science behind their survival methods!
Beth Girard, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Signs of Fall Scavenger Hunt
Date: Thursday, October 15
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Fall is the season of change as plants, animals and insects prepare for the harsh winter to come. Join us for a hike collecting signs that fall is on its
way. Preserve your collection into a branch weaving or origami journal.
Registration is required.
Contact Suzanne Trapp at 952.361.4502 or suzanne_trapp@fws.gov.
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the fall migration of birds. With a variety of habitats at the different units,
you will want to explore them all. During this walk we will search for migrating birds, especially waterfowl. Birders of all skill levels are welcome.
Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge 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.
November
Talking Turkey
Date: Saturday, November 21
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
Did you know that the Wild Turkey was almost selected as our National Symbol? Come and discover what makes our favorite November bird so special.
Bring a "pie" pumpkin if you would like to make a turkey centerpiece for your Thanksgiving Day table.
Registration is required.
Contact Suzanne Trapp at 952.361.4502 or suzanne_trapp@fws.gov.
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, November 21
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Wilkie Unit
Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the fall migration of birds. With a variety of habitats at the different units,
you will want to explore them all. During this walk we will search for migrating waterfowl. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on this walk.
Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge 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.”
