Minnesota Valley NWR Distance Learning Resources

Materials for Outdoor Learning at Home or at School

Check out these distance learning activity packets for outdoor exploration at home, at the refuge or a neighborhood park. Videos and other resources are provided to enhance the outdoor learning experience or prepare students for their visit to the wildlife refuge.

Birding Basics Distance Learning Packet (grades 2-6)
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Birding Basics Distance Learning Packet (grades 2-6)

Learn how to identify birds and how to watch for birds in you neighborhood with this packet and additional resources. Use a bird field guide to help you identify birds in your neighborhood and try solving the mysteries in the detective activity. Good luck gumshoe!

Activity...
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Forests are More than Trees Distance Learning Packet (grades K-2)
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Forests are More than Trees Distance Learning Packet (grades K-2)

This packet includes directions for making leaf rubbings, creating a tree picture with twigs, writing an adopt-a-tree journal and a forest scavenger hunt.  Pair it with the Rapids Lake Forest Loop Trail Map for a fun adventure on the refuge or complete all the activities at home....

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Intro to Insects Distance Learning Packet (grades K-2)
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Intro to Insects Distance Learning Packet (grades K-2)

Explore the world of insects around you with this learning packet. Learn about the parts of an insect and dive into the life cycle of monarch butterflies. Then make a bug jar or even a bug net to capture and observe wild insects. 

Activity packet and video links for Intro...
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Nature Through the Seasons Distance Learning Packet (grades K-2)
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Nature Through the Seasons Distance Learning Packet (grades K-2)

This packet includes directions for making a nature journal, writing poetry, measuring wind speed, identifying clouds and a spring phenology scavenger hunt. Pair it with the Rapids Lake Forest Loop Trail Map for a fun adventure on the refuge or complete all the activities at home.  ...

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Pond Insect Investigation Distance Learning Packet (grades 2-3)
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Pond Insect Investigation Distance Learning Packet (grades 2-3)
Pond Insect Investigation- for grades 2-3 

Use this learning packet to discover life in a local pond. Look closely at the creatures you find and record them in your nature journal. Also included is a pond life scavenger hunt. Don't forget shoes that can get muddy, have fun exploring! You...

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Pond Science Distance Learning Packet (grades 4-6)
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Pond Science Distance Learning Packet (grades 4-6)

This packet explores the ecology of wetlands and what the smallest creatures can tell us about the health of the wetland ecosystem. Try the pond study Scoop It Up! activity at your local pond or at our Bass Ponds Trailhead in Bloomington, MN to see what lives in the water. Enjoy the scavenger...

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Wetland Connections Distance Learning Packet (grades 3-5)
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Wetland Connections Distance Learning Packet (grades 3-5)

This packet includes activities to learn how wetlands filter rain water and hold flood waters and how creatures are connected in the wetland habitat through food chains. Want to visit a wetland, try our Bass Ponds Trailhead in Bloomington, MN.

Activity packet and video links for...
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Young Angler Distance Learning Packet (grades 4-8)
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Young Angler Distance Learning Packet (grades 4-8)

This packet provides resources to help you get started fishing. Learn to assemble your pole and tie your hook on the line, then watch the virtual fishing trip for tips on how to have a successful day at the water. Don’t forget to pack snacks, wear your sunscreen and have a good time, young...

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Minnesota River in foreground with brown marsh grasses covered in fog in background.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a thriving urban refuge where nature connects people, communities and wildlife. Where diverse communities are welcomed through meaningful connections, educational opportunities and recreational experiences, while conserving wildlife habitat in the...
National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington,MN
Carver,MN
Panoramic view of Pauley Waterfowl Production Area, Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District. Wispy clouds are present in the blue sky over the prairie, containing green grasses. White and yellow flowers are present in the foreground.
Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District
Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District, established in 1988, is a 14-county district located in the transition zone between northern tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest. It manages more than 10,000 acres of grassland and wetland habitat for the benefit of wetland and grassland...
National Wildlife Refuge
Bloomington,MN
Carver,MN