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
March
So You Want to Learn to Snowshoe!
Date: Saturday, March 1
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Place: Visitor Center
You too can move like a Snowshoe Hare across the snow! Learn the basics, don snowshoes, and take a leisurely hike on the trails near the visitor center. Watch and listen for wildlife and learn which animals are active all winter. For ages 5-adult. Snowshoes are available. Call 952-858-0715 to reserve your pair.
Volunteer Master Naturalist Marcia Lewis
Waterfowl ID
Date: Saturday, March 1
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Visitor Center
Join us for a talk on waterfowl identification. We will discuss the key fieldmarks needed to identify Minnesota waterfowl. We will also cover basic tips on how to look for waterfowl on the Refuge and throughout Minnesota. This will be followed by a walk in search of any early migrants. Bring your binoculars and field guide.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Winter Tree Identification
Date: Saturday, March 1
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Unit
There are no leaves and no fruit, but it can still be done! Walk with a ranger and explore the possibilities of becoming a winter tree identification expert. Registration is required for this event. For age 5 and older.
To register or for more information, contact Barry Jones, 952.361.4503 or barry_jones@fws.gov.
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Sunday, March 16
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a walk in search of spring migrants. Many habitats means many species of birds will be found! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Bass Ponds Photo Hike
Date: Sunday, March 23
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Bass Ponds
This informal hike will tour the Bass Ponds on foot, talk about its history and observe the changes that have occurred since the water quality improvement project was completed. Bring your camera and a tripod if you have one, as we will cover the finer points of taking photos off of a tripod, brace, or beanbag. Interesting Minnesota flora & fauna is guaranteed. Children ages 10 and up are welcome.
Tim Boyle, Volunteer Master Naturalist
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a walk in search of spring migrants. Many habitats means many species of birds will be found! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide.
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.
April
Wildlife Walk
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Ages 7 to adult (children must be with an adult).
Search refuge trails for birds and other wildlife as twilight comes to the refuge. Bring your field guide, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan. Besides seeing wildlife, you will also learn how to listen for different animals.
Volunteer Refuge Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, April 5
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a walk in search of spring migrants. Many habitats means many species of birds will be found! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Beginning Bird Watching Workshop
Date: Sunday, April 6
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Visitor Center
Suitable for families with children ages 7+.
Learn how you and your family can experience this popular pastime. Increase your observation skills and learn answers to your questions. You will expand your knowledge of birds in this multi-media class. Information about your local Audubon Chapter and schedules of free local outings will also be provided.
Volunteer Refuge Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a walk in search of spring migrants. Many habitats means many species of birds will be found! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Spring Phenology Photo Hike
Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Place: Wilkie Unit, Hwy. 101 Trailhead
What is phenology? In this case, it means the signs of SPRING! A fun and informative checklist of some local phenological indicators you can look for will be provided. As we hike, we will talk about the best ways to photograph flora & fauna and how to make your own phenological journal or computer database. Examples will be available. Binoculars will also be on hand for your use on the hike. Children ages 10 and up are welcome, although the walk is moderately strenuous.
Bring water, camera, and bug spray. Please leave your pets at home for this one.
Tim Boyle, Volunteer Master Naturalist
Sky Dance
Date: Tuesday, April 15
Time: The dance begins at dusk. Please call for specific times.
Place: Black Dog Preserve (Cliff Fen Park)
American Woodcock choose their dancing sites carefully. Listen and view the birds' unique mating dance as twilight takes hold of the refuge. Reservations are required; please call 952-858-0715 for reservations. There are no cameras or flashlights allowed during this program. Please wear dark, quiet clothing to avoid disruption to the birds.
Sky Dance
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: The dance begins at dusk. Please call for specific times.
Place: Black Dog Preserve (Cliff Fen Park)
American Woodcock choose their dancing sites carefully. Listen and view the birds' unique mating dance as twilight takes hold of the refuge. Reservations are required; please call 952-858-0715 for reservations. There are no cameras or flashlights allowed during this program. Please wear dark, quiet clothing to avoid disruption to the birds.
Sparrow ID
Date: Saturday, April 19
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Visitor Center
Join us for a talk on sparrow identification. We will discuss the key fieldmarks needed to identify the sparrows of Minnesota. We will also cover some basic tips on how to look for sparrows on the Refuge and throughout Minnesota. Finish up with a walk in search of any early migrating sparrows. Bring along your binoculars and field guide.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Sky Dance
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: The dance begins at dusk. Please call for specific times.
Place: Black Dog Preserve (Cliff Fen Park)
American Woodcock choose their dancing sites carefully. Listen and view the birds' unique mating dance as twilight takes hold of the refuge. Reservations are required; please call 952-858-0715 for reservations. There are no cameras or flashlights allowed during this program. Please wear dark, quiet clothing to avoid disruption to the birds.
Sky Dance
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: The dance begins at dusk. Please call for specific times.
Place: Black Dog Preserve (Cliff Fen Park)
American Woodcock choose their dancing sites carefully. Listen and view the birds' unique mating dance as twilight takes hold of the refuge. Reservations are required; please call 952-858-0715 for reservations. There are no cameras or flashlights allowed during this program. Please wear dark, quiet clothing to avoid disruption to the birds.
Spring Bloom Hike
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: Louisville Swamp Unit
Hike with a ranger and explore the forest understory for the many delights that await in the form of spring ephemerals. But that's not all: you will get to learn about other things in bloom - some you may not have otherwise noticed. For age 5 and older. To register or for more information, contact Barry Jones, 952.361.4503 or barry_jones@fws.gov.
Sense of Nature Hike
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Place: Bass Ponds Trailhead
Are you living with your nose to the grindstone, fingers on the keyboard, and cell phone at your ear? Rediscover nature through the five senses. Awaken your senses to the sights, smells, sounds, feel, and taste of nature as spring unfolds in the Refuge. Suitable for all ages.
Led by Volunteer Master Naturalist Marcia Lewis
Eaglet Watching Van Tours
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Place: Meet at the Visitor Center
Presented by the Refuge Friends
Donations of $5 per adult and $3 per child are suggested. Proceeds go to the Refuge Friends for wildlife conservation activities. Our experienced eagle expert will help you spot the eagles and the young ones still in the nest from the comfort of a 4x4 van. You will also hear about the refuge itself and hear a few Native American stories about the eagle.
Reservations are required; please call the Refuge Friends at 952-858-0737.
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.
May
Sky Dance
Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: The dance begins at dusk. Please call for specific times.
Place: Black Dog
American Woodcock choose their dancing sites carefully. Listen and view this birds' unique mating dance as twilight takes hold of the refuge. Reservations are necessary; please call 952-858-0715 for reservations. There are no cameras or flashlights allowed during this program. Please wear dark, quiet clothing to avoid disruption to the birds.
Wildlife Walk
Date: Wednesday, May 7
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Visitor Center
Ages 7 to adult (children must be with an adult).
Search refuge trails for birds and other wildlife as twilight comes to the refuge. Bring your field guide, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan. Besides seeing wildlife, you will also learn how to listen for different animals.
Volunteer Refuge Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Sky Dance
Date: Saturday, May 10
Time: The dance begins at dusk. Please call for specific times.
Place: Black Dog
American Woodcock choose their dancing sites carefully. Listen and view this birds' unique mating dance as twilight takes hold of the refuge. Reservations are necessary; please call 952-858-0715 for reservations. There are no cameras or flashlights allowed during this program. Please wear dark, quiet clothing to avoid disruption to the birds.
Sense of Nature Hike
Date: Saturday, May 10
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Place: Bass Ponds
Are you living with your nose to the grindstone, fingers on the keyboard, and cell phone at your ear? Rediscover nature through the five senses. Awaken your senses to the sights, smells, sounds, feel, and taste of nature as spring unfolds in the Refuge. Suitable for all ages.
Led by Volunteer Master Naturalist Marcia Lewis
Birds! Birds! Birds! The North American Migration Count
Date: Saturday, May 10
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Place: Rapids Lake Unit
A Joint Program between the staffs of Minnesota Valley NWR and Fort Snelling State Park
Learn about bird identification, and help to count birds, in this exciting period of spring migration. More than 50 species of birds can be observed. Both beginners and experts are invited, because all you need are eyes and ears. Walk with rangers from both the refuge and the Minnesota DNR. For age 5 and older. To register or for more information, contact Barry Jones, 952.361.4503 or barry_jones@fws.gov, or Linda Radimecky, 612.725.2724.
Wildlife Walk
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Ages 7 to adult (children must be with an adult).
Search refuge trails for birds and other wildlife as twilight comes to the refuge. Bring your field guide, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan. Besides seeing wildlife, you will also learn how to listen for different animals.
Volunteer Refuge Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a walk in search of spring migrants. Many habitats means many species of birds will be found! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Eaglet Watching Van Tours
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Place: Meet at the Visitor Center
Presented by the Refuge Friends
Donations of $5 per adult and $3 per child are suggested. Proceeds go to the Refuge Friends for wildlife conservation activities. Our experienced eagle expert will help you spot the eagles and the young ones still in the nest from the comfort of a 4x4 van. You will also hear about the refuge itself and hear a few Native American stories about the eagle.
Reservations are required; please call the Refuge Friends at 952-858-0737
Bird Watching Trek
Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Place: Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
Join us for a walk in search of spring migrants. Many habitats means many species of birds will be found! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
Wildflowers of Spring Woodlands
Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Visitor Center
Explore the wide diversity of woodland wildflowers. Watch a video describing what to look for, and then hike through refuge woodlands searching for these colorful harbingers of spring. Appropriate for families.
Please RVSP by calling 952-858-0715. Jim Bukowski, Volunteer Master Naturalist
Wildlife Walk
Date: Wednesday, May 28
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Place: Bass Ponds
Ages 7 to adult (children must be with an adult).
Search refuge trails for birds and other wildlife as twilight comes to the refuge. Bring your field guide, binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We will have a few extra binoculars to loan. Besides seeing wildlife, you will also learn how to listen for different animals.
Volunteer Refuge Naturalists George Skinner and Anne Hanley
Eaglet Watching Van Tours
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Place: Meet at the Visitor Center
Presented by the Refuge Friends
Donations of $5 per adult and $3 per child are suggested. Proceeds go to the Refuge Friends for wildlife conservation activities. Our experienced eagle expert will help you spot the eagles and the young ones still in the nest from the comfort of a 4x4 van. You will also hear about the refuge itself and hear a few Native American stories about the eagle.
Reservations are required; please call the Refuge Friends at 952-858-0737
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
Mary Simon-Casati presents "The Crane and the Lodestone" running from February 20th - April 6th. These paintings are Publishers examples for a book proposal, titled the Crane and the Lodestone: A Picture Book for Grown-Up Women. When I was ten years old, my family lived in the middle of the South Dakota Prairie. A crane tumbled out of the sky and landed in front of me. The bird coughed up, then pranced around the slimy puddle in circles and flew off. Later, I picked thru the puddle and found a stone. I discovered that the stone was a Lodestone or magnet. My dad taught me how to use the magnet and told me it always pointed to true North. Telling the story of the Crane and the Lodestone was the beginning of my journey to an inner landscape of imagination.
Brad Benn's sculpture exhibit opens April 8 and runs through May 18. Brad started in pottery at the Edina Art Center where he recently retired after 15 years as Assistant Director but still teaches pottery classes. His pottery has two foci: decorative fish and functional pots including wine vessels. He has won awards at art fairs and juried shows. He was in "Gone Fishin'" at Outsiders and others and in "Fish & Chips" at Cornucopia in Lanesboro. He has mounted solo shows at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts in Amory Wisconsin and the Eden Prairie and Edina City Halls and is scheduled for one at the MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge. He has been artist in residence at Quadna Mountain Village. Ben enjoys creating molds from real fish, mostly ones that he or his wife have caught, and making clay fish that are easily recognizable by their forms but not their color. He uses various glazes that interest him but don't necessarily mimic nature. The fish are all inscribed with the Greek word for fish, IXΘYS, They have been taking on more dimensions and some have become functional.
"The Nature of Things: A Celebration of America's Wildlife and Wild Places" by Bernadette Gangell opens May 20 and runs through June 29. Bernadette's show will consist mainly of acrylic paintings of North American wildlife. As mankind continues to encroach on the world's places, Bernadette would like her art to be seen as a celebration of the beauty of nature and a visual plea for its preservation. In that spirit, she chooses to use her art to depict what remains rather than what has been lost.
