Saturday, May 11

Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

For the third year in a row, we will be presenting a program on flower photography. We will begin in the classroom with a presentation on flower photography that will help you get some of those "wow" photos. Some of the topics to be covered include:
- five types of flower photography
- challenges
- tips and tricks
- suggested locations
After the class we will go out and photograph some of the spring flowers. Bring your camera and water, and dress for the weather (and the ticks)!
Led by Don Tredinnick, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist  

“Wild America: Tender Times”
Sunday, May 12
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join us on Sunday afternoons for 60-90 minutes of films featuring our favorite wildlife and their unique behaviors, habitat needs, and special adaptations. You will also discover how a variety of community partners work together to protect natural resources and manage habitat for wildlife. Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, May 13
Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

The refuge is alive with the sound of birds singing in the middle of May. We will hike along the wetlands and through forested areas looking for Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, various marsh birds, and maybe even a Scarlet Tanager! Birders of all skill levels are welcome on this walk. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress for the weather.
Led by Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Tuesday, May 14
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The refuge is alive with the sound of birds singing in the middle of May. We will hike along the river and through forested areas looking for Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, various river birds, and any other interesting birds we can find. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on this walk. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress for the weather.
Led by Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Saturday, May 18
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Discover how to make a difference - and a future - for human and wildlife habitat through literature. We will discuss a variety of books highlighting conservation and ecology, activity and program planning, special events, and skill development that all nurture a land ethic. Learn how to use the Refuge’s Resource Center to explore literature resources and make meaningful connections with the natural world. Two CEU’s available.
Led by Judy Geck, Park Ranger
 

“Predators and Prey”
Sunday, May 19
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join us on Sunday afternoons for 60-90 minutes of films featuring our favorite wildlife and their unique behaviors, habitat needs, and special adaptations. You will also discover how a variety of community partners work together to protect natural resources and manage habitat for wildlife. Recommended for all ages.

Monday, May 20
Cliff Fen Park Trailhead
7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

The wet meadow habitat of the Black Dog Unit is different from the river bottoms or the upland prairie, and the bird life is different as well. Bell’s Vireo, Willow Flycatcher, and American Woodcock are some of the species we will search for. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on this walk. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress for the weather.
Led by Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

"Bees: Tales from the Hive"
Sunday, May 26
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join us on Sunday afternoons for 60-90 minutes of films featuring our favorite wildlife and their unique behaviors, habitat needs, and special adaptations. You will also discover how a variety of community partners work together to protect natural resources and manage habitat for wildlife. Recommended for all ages. 

Saturday, June 1
Louisville Swamp
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Hike the western portion of the Refuge and meet the birds that nest there. Flycatchers, Warblers, and Eagles are a few of the species you may see on this hike. Bring your binoculars, water, bug spray, and dress for the weather.
George Skinner and Anne Hanley, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists 

Hike the Mazomani Trail
Saturday, June 1
Louisville Swamp
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Celebrate the season by improving your powers of observation and your health. We’ll hike the 4.5 mile Mazomani Trail, weaving in and out of oak savannas, marshes, rock formations, hardwood and floodplain forests, exploring some of Minnesota Valley’s best habitat. Bring a snack and water bottle. Sturdy shoes and insect repellant are recommended. Binoculars provided. 

Watching Wildlife: A Skills Workshop (Series Session 2)
Saturday, June 1
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Can you find amazing habitat in the middle of the Metro? Can you read the story of wildlife signs? Do you know how to attract wildlife to your own backyard? We’ll show you how! Join us for this special wildlife skills workshop for the whole family. Activities and fun planned for family members of all ages.  This workshop is part of a series - to see all scheduled programs, click here.  To register, click here.

Sunday, June 2
Cliff Fen Trailhead
7:00 am-10:00 am

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. With a variety of habitats at the different units, you will want to explore them all. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Bell's Vireo, Willow Flycatcher, Prothonotary and Blue-winged Warblers and lots of different sparrows. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Sunday, June 2
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Animals and plants look completely different when viewed through a microscope! Come along for a fun adventure gathering and view the “invisible” parts of nature. Best for families with school-age children.
Debbie Koenigs, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

"Frogs: The Thin Green Line"
Sunday, June 2
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 pm

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Tuesday, June 4
Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. With a variety of habitats at the different units, you will want to explore them all. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Sora, Rails, Bald Eagles, and other water-dependent birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Saturday, June 8
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Hike the western portion of the Refuge and meet the birds that nest there. Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, and many species of warblers are a few of the birds you may see on this hike. Bring your binoculars, water, bug spray, and dress for the weather.
George Skinner and Anne Hanley, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists 

Saturday, June 8
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Discover how easy and FUN it is to explore the outdoors. Naturalists from the Jeffers Foundation and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge will provide the ideas, the equipment, and a little bit of “training”. Each family new to this series will receive their own set of Go Outdoors! activity cards, journals, a water bottle, and the publication: A Parent’s Guide to Nature Play by Ken Finch. All ages welcome! 

Saturday, June 8
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

If you’re wondering why mosquito bites itch, horsefly bites hurt, and blackfly bites bleed, here’s a look at the specialized mouthparts of biting insects. Discover how, when, and where insects use their eating utensils and learn how to avoid becoming the next main course.
Judy Geck, Park Ranger 

"Anatomy of a Trout Stream"
Sunday, June 9
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 pm

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, June 10
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
9:00 am-11:00 am

Are you interested in getting some exercise outside of the gym this summer? Join other like-minded individuals and hike your local refuge trails with a Refuge Ranger while they make wildlife observations, collect nature phenology data and do light trail maintenance. We will hike the Rapids Lake Trail one direction (3.5 miles) and then shuttle back to the center. Pets on leash are welcome. Please bring along a water bottle and a snack. Insect repellant and hiking shoes are recommended. Trail descriptions are available here.  Please note: Participants must be at least 14 years of age to hike unaccompanied by an adult.
Register by clicking here. 
Suzanne Trapp, Park Ranger
 

Thursday, June 13
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Confused by all the Science? Not sure how to talk to your students about the issue? Lack the time to develop your own curriculum? Want to avoid gloom and doom scenarios? Looking for ways your students can become part of the solution? If you answered YES to any of these questions, this workshop is for YOU! (5.5 CEU Credits offered) Register here.  

Saturday, June 15
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Discover how to make a difference--and a future--for human and wildlife habitat through literature. We will discuss a variety of books highlighting conservation and ecology, activity and program planning, special events, and skill development-all nurturing a land ethic. Learn how to use the MN Valley Resource Center to explore literature resources and make meaningful connections with the natural world. Two CEU’s available. FREE!
Judy Geck, Park Ranger 

"Common Dragonflies and Damselflies of Eastern North America"
Sunday, June 16
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, June 17
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. We will look for prairie birds, such as meadowlarks, and floodplain forest birds, such as Prothonotary Warblers. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress appropriately for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Wednesday, June 19
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Discover a number of ways to collect, observe and keep insects right in your own classroom. Learn how to identify common insect families, as well as cool “insect trivia” you can share with your students. Jump start your own virtual classroom collection in this session. No insects will be harmed during this session. (Three CEU Credits offered)
Register for the workshop here. 

Saturday, June 22
Bass Ponds Unit
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Timing should be perfect to allow us to capture some interesting images of the full moon, and the sunset as the moonrise and sunset overlap by 20 minutes. This should make for some amazing lighting. The Bass Ponds provide a great location for catching the moonrise. We will begin with some tips for shooting the full moon, hike the area around the bass ponds and then be in position for the full.
Bring:
• DSLR with either a telephoto or zoom lens, or a point and shoot camera with a sunset setting
• Tripod
• Flashlight
• Sturdy footwear for hiking the trails
• Insect repellant
• Water
Don Tredinnick, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

“Yellowstone’s Burning Question”
Sunday, June 23
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, June 24
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Are you interested in getting some exercise outside of the gym this summer? Join other like-minded individuals and hike your local refuge trails with a Refuge Ranger while they make wildlife observations, collect nature phenology data and do light trail maintenance. We will hike the Long Meadow Lake Trail. This trail is 7 miles round trip.  Pets on leash are welcome. Please bring along a water bottle and a snack. Insect repellant and hiking shoes recommended. Trail descriptions are online here.  Please note: Participants must be at least 14 years of age to hike unaccompanied by an adult. Register here.  
Suzanne Trapp, Park Ranger
 

“Over the Hedge”
Sunday, June 30
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Saturday, July 6
Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Bird watching is a hobby enjoyed by millions of Americans, and you can learn how to enjoy it as well from a professional birder. You will learn how to find birds in their different habitats and will learn how to use a field guide and look for identifying features of birds such as eye rings, wing bars, and other distinctive markings. Summer is an exciting time to study the resident birds. Dress for the weather and bring along your binoculars. There will be extra binoculars to loan if you don't have any.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Watching Wildlife: A Skills Workshop (Series Session 3)
Saturday, June 6
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Can you find amazing habitat in the middle of the Metro? Can you read the story of wildlife signs? Do you know how to attract wildlife to your own backyard? We’ll show you how! Join us for this special wildlife skills workshop for the whole family. Activities and fun planned for family members of all ages.  This workshop is part of a series - to see all scheduled programs, click here.  To register, click here.

Refuge Ramble: Prairie Insects
Sunday, July 7
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Catch hopping, crawling, and flying insects with a net! We will track down some interesting insects that live in the prairie and learn about their lives. Best for families with school-age children.
Debbie Koenigs, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

“A Murder of Crows”
Sunday, July 7
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, July 8
Chaska Unit, Carver Riverside Park Trailhead
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. We will look for water-dependent birds at Chaska Lake and floodplain forest birds along the edge of the Minnesota River. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and  favorite field guide, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Saturday, July 13
Louisville Swamp Unit
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Hike the western portion of the Refuge and meet the birds that nest there. Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, and many species of warblers are a few of the birds you may see on this hike. Bring your binoculars, water, and bug spray, and dress for the weather.
George Skinner and Anne Hanley, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists 

Saturday, July 13
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Discover how to make a difference--and a future--for human and wildlife habitat through literature. We will discuss a variety of books highlighting conservation and ecology, activity and program planning, special events, and skill development-all nurturing a land ethic. Learn how to use the MN Valley Resource Center to explore literature resources and make meaningful connections with the natural world. Two CEU’s available. FREE!
Judy Geck, Park Ranger 

“When Nature is at Your Doorstep” and “Living with White-tailed Deer”
Sunday, July 14
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Bird Watching Trek
Monday, July 15
Wilkie Unit
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist
 

Monday, July 15
Louisville Swamp Unit
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Are you interested in getting some exercise outside of the gym this summer? Join other like-minded individuals and hike your local refuge trails with a Refuge Ranger while they make wildlife observations, collect nature phenology data and do light trail maintenance. The Mazomani Trail is a 5 mile loop. Hike past the historic Jabs Farm and Ehmiller home site and climb the glacial boulder (if you like) as we hike one of the largest and most diverse areas of the refuge. Pets on leash are welcome. Please bring along a water bottle and a snack. Insect repellant and hiking shoes recommended. Trail descriptions are online here. Please note: Participants must be at least 14 years of age to hike unaccompanied by an adult. Register here. 
Suzanne Trapp, Park Ranger 

Wednesday, July 17
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Teach your students how to solve a wildlife mystery! Create your own nature detective track scene to use in the classroom and watch their stories come alive! Take your skills outside and track wildlife at the refuge – then try it in your schoolyard! (Three CEU Credits offered) Register for the workshop here.  

Saturday, July 20
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Hike the western portion of the Refuge and meet the birds that nest there. Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, and many species of warblers are a few of the birds you may see on this hike. Bring your binoculars, water, and bug spray, and dress for the weather.
George Skinner and Anne Hanley, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists 

“Lord of the Ants”
Sunday, July 21
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

“Beavers”
Sunday, July 28
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, July 29
Wilkie Unit
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Are you interested in getting some exercise outside of the gym this summer? Join other like-minded individuals and hike your local refuge trails with a Refuge Ranger while they make wildlife observations, collect nature phenology data and do light trail maintenance. We will bike along the State Corridor Trail from Shakopee to Bloomington. This is a flat paved trail with a total length of 4 miles.  Pets on leash are welcome. Please bring along a water bottle and a snack. Insect repellant and hiking shoes recommended. Trail descriptions are online here. Please note: Participants must be at least 14 years of age to hike unaccompanied by an adult. Register here. 
Suzanne Trapp, Park Ranger 

Watching Wildlife: A Skills Workshop (Series Session 4)
Saturday, August 3
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Can you find amazing habitat in the middle of the Metro? Can you read the story of wildlife signs? Do you know how to attract wildlife to your own backyard? We’ll show you how! Join us for this special wildlife skills workshop for the whole family. Activities and fun planned for family members of all ages. This workshop is part of a series - to see all scheduled programs, click here. To register, click here. 

Sunday, August 4
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bird watching is an exciting activity that your whole family can enjoy while spending time outdoors and getting exercise! Learn how to focus your binoculars, how to use a field guide, and meet five of the refuge’s common birds.
Debbie Koenigs, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

“Wild Dogs”
Sunday, August 4
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Saturday, August 10
Louisville Swamp Unit
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Hike the western portion of the Refuge and meet the birds that nest there. Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, and many species of warblers are a few of the birds you may see on this hike. Bring your binoculars, water, and bug spray, and dress for the weather.
George Skinner and Anne Hanley, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists 

“The Endangered Species Act, Saving Endangered Species, and Eagle Rising: The National Eagle Repository”
Sunday, August 11
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, August 12
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Are you interested in getting some exercise outside of the gym this summer? Join other like-minded individuals and hike your local refuge trails with a Refuge Ranger while they make wildlife observations, collect nature phenology data and do light trail maintenance.
We will hike the Rapids Lake Trail one direction (3.5 miles) and then take a shuttle back to the center. Pets on leash are welcome. Please bring along a water bottle and a snack. Insect repellant and hiking shoes recommended. Trail descriptions are online here. Please note: Participants must be at least 14 years of age to hike unaccompanied by an adult. Register here. 
Suzanne Trapp, Park Ranger

Thursday, August 15
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $35.00 for curriculum books payable upon attendance to the Refuge Friends Inc. (Free to Refuge Partner Teachers and teachers from Partner Schools)

Receive your own copy of the national Project WILD and Project WILD Minnesota curricula. Sample hands-on, standard-based activities designed for the classroom. Discover a wealth of FREE teaching materials and resources available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the MN Department of Natural Resources. (6.5 CEU credits). To register, contact Suzanne Trapp via phone (952-361-4502) or e-mail by Thursday, August 8th. 

Saturday, August 17
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Hike the western portion of the Refuge and meet the birds that nest there. Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, and many species of warblers are a few of the birds you may see on this hike. Bring your binoculars, water, and bug spray, and dress for the weather.
George Skinner and Anne Hanley, Volunteer Refuge Naturalists 

Saturday, August 17
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Discover how to make a difference--and a future--for human and wildlife habitat through literature. We will discuss a variety of books highlighting conservation and ecology, activity and program planning, special events, and skill development-all nurturing a land ethic. Learn how to use the MN Valley Resource Center to explore literature resources and make meaningful connections with the natural world. Two CEU’s available. FREE!
Judy Geck, Park Ranger 

“River Revival”
Sunday, August 18
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, August 19
Old Cedar Avenue Trailhead
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. With a variety of habitats at the different units, you will want to explore them all. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Sora, Rails, Bald Eagles, and other water-dependent birds. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Thursday, August 22
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Bring a branch from each tree in your schoolyard or neighboring park and create a tree key to use year after year with your specific grade level. A number of options from simple leaf match to more complicated keys will be demonstrated. Tree keys are great tools to teach tree identification, as well as comparing/contrasting items! (Three CEU Credits offered). Register for the workshop here. 

Saturday, August 24
Lyndale Avenue Trailhead
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Join us for a morning photo hike in the western portion of the Long Meadow Lake Unit. We will be looking for signs of wildlife, dragonflies, and wildflowers. This will be a great opportunity to take some interesting macro shots. We will start early to take advantage of the early light and the morning dew.
Please bring:
• DSLR with either a macro lens, close-up filters, or extension tubes, or a point and shoot camera with a macro setting
• Tripod
• Sturdy footwear for hiking the trails
• Insect repellant
• Water
Don Tredinnick, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Saturday, August 24
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. We will look for prairie birds, such as meadowlarks, and floodplain forest birds, such as Prothonotary Warblers. Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide and dress appropriately for the weather.
Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist 

Sunday, August 25

Bloomington Ferry Unit

7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join us for a bird walk on one of the many refuge units and learn about the birds that breed at the Refuge. We will look for floodplain forest birds, such as Prothonotary Warblers and river birds, such as mergansers and kingfishers.  Birders of all skill levels are welcome.  Bring along your binoculars and favorite field guide, and dress appropriately for the weather. 

Craig Mandel, Volunteer Refuge Naturalist

“The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies”
Sunday, August 25
Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3:00 p.m.

Come inside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy a comfortable 60-90 minutes of films featuring some of our refuge favorites. There’s something for everyone with weekly themes, prize-winning documentaries, and great footage. Films may be checked out from the Minnesota Valley Resource Center for FREE! Recommended for all ages. 

Monday, August 26
Chaska Unit, Carver Riverside Park Trailhead
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Are you interested in getting some exercise outside of the gym this summer? Join other like-minded individuals and hike your local refuge trails with a Refuge Ranger while they make wildlife observations, collect nature phenology data and do light trail maintenance. We will hike the Chaska Lake Trail. It is 3 miles round trip. This is a popular bird watching location. Bring your binoculars if you have a pair. Pets on leash are welcome. Please bring along a water bottle and a snack. Insect repellant and hiking shoes recommended. Trail descriptions are online here. Please note: Participants must be at least 14 years of age to hike unaccompanied by an adult. Register here. 
Suzanne Trapp, Park Ranger