Refuge News

Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife sanctuary is in effect from March 1st to August 31st annually and was established in an effort to limit and lessen the stressors for wildlife parents. During this six-month time frame, recreation is allowed only in designated areas and those include the Oak Savanna Learning Center, Mahnomen and Blue Hill trails, Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive, fishing access points and the designated canoe route. Service roads, including Brande Rd, and the interior of the refuge are off-limits to the public while wildlife sanctuary is in effect.

The Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive is still closed to vehicles for the season.   You may still explore it by foot, ski, or snowshoe. The Wildlife Drive will reopen to vehicles in spring when conditions permit.

 

The Eagle's Nest Nature Store is closed for the season. It will reopen in March. On-line orders are still accepted for pickup.

 

Activities for 2026 (including Snowshoeing) are now being planned.​

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Refuge Headquarters is normally open to the public Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 4 pm.  It will be closed Wednesday December 24, Thursday December 25, Wednesday December 31 and Thursday January 1.

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Enjoy our winter newsletter in one of two PDF versions:  Full Spreads or Single Pages.
 

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

• October Newsletter in PDF form

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