Refuge News

Shutdown in Effect

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A federal government shutdown is now in effect. ​

• Refuge lands will remain open to the public, for the normal hiking, viewing and hunting, as long as visitors can safely recreate in those areas.  Outdoor restrooms on the beginning of the Wildlife Drive and on the North side of the Oak Savanna Learning Center will also remain open until funds to clean them run out.

• The Nature Store is closed until further notice. This includes internet sales.

• Most refuge events, including Crane Tours, are not cancelled yet. If the shutdown lingers, the crane tours will be cancelled a few days ahead of each date. 

• Nearly all employee and volunteer activities are cancelled.  There will be no roving naturalists on the Wildlife Drive.

• If you need to report non-emergency issues such as downed trees, dumped trash, or other potentially hazardous conditions, please email sherburne@fws.gov and note that it might not be addressed until after the shutdown.  Emergencies should be reported to 911 as always.

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Sandhill Celebration Fundraiser 

 

As the government shutdown continues, the cranes need your help now more than ever. The cranes rely on protected wetlands managed on the refuge and education programs to teach others about their journey – both of which cannot occur during the government shutdown, with nearly all employee and all volunteer activities cancelled.

 

But you can step in where the government has stepped out. Join the Friends of Sherburne for a virtual celebration for the Sandhill Crane. We are once again hosting an online fundraiser to celebrate the crane craze! When you donate $20 or more, you’ll be showing your support for the cranes and nature education at the refuge. Now through October 31, all donations of $20 or more will receive a free commemorative sandhill crane sticker perfect for a water bottle or laptop. Check it out and give.here.   

No weekly crane counts will be scheduled during the shutdown; stay tuned to the Friends' Facebook page facebook.com/sherburnerefugefans for any public postings of activity. 
 

Consult this PDF brochure for a map to good crane viewing. 

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See Upcoming Events for a schedule of on-site activities.

For event updates, please consult the following resources:

• Refuge website: fws.gov/refuge/Sherburne/

• This website on the Upcoming Events page

• Friends Facebook page: facebook.com/sherburnerefugefans

• Friends’ Prairie Insider E-News: To subscribe, enter email address as requested at bottom of this page. 
  Autumn Newsletter in PDF form.

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