Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and its partners are committed to helping students connect with nature through hands-on experiences, wildlife observation and outdoor exploration.
Sherburne Refuge offers free, guided nature education programs for schools, youth groups, scouts, homeschool groups and other educational organizations by request. For more information or program requests, contact sherburne@fws.gov.
Educators are encouraged to lead their own outdoor learning experiences using refuge trails, facilities and resources. Refuge staff have developed standards-based lessons for elementary-aged students and may be able to provide educational materials such as bug nets and other teaching equipment. The Oak Savanna Learning Center may be reserved for free use by educational groups. For more information about available resources or reservation requests, contact sherburne@fws.gov.
Hours
Self-led: Daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Guided: Weekdays from 8 am - 4 pm.
Locations
Daily: Oak Savanna Learning Center Trails and Amphitheater, Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive and hiking trails, Mahnomen Trail and Blue Hill Trail.
Weekdays: Oak Savanna Learning Center Classrooms (by request).
Know Before You Go
- Please let refuge staff know about your education program in advance, including the date, time and planned location, even if your visit is self-led. This helps us coordinate trail and Amphitheater use and avoid scheduling conflicts with other groups.
- No collection of wildflowers, animals, artifacts or stones is permitted.
- From March 1 through August 31, please observe all posted signs and remain within 100 feet of designated trails and the Wildlife Drive to help protect breeding wildlife and nesting areas.
- Please refer to the full list of refuge rules and policies before visiting.
