Photo by: Jill Beim
Video by: Bruce Ellingson
Since nature never closes because of weather or COVID, if you bundle up, winter exploring at the refuge can be fun. Trailhead parking lots have been plowed; hiking trails have been packed for easier going; snowshoeing options abound; and the Mahnomen Trail has been groomed for classic XC skiing!
The refuge is open 1/2 hour before sunrise till 1/2 hour after sunset every day, and through February 28, all areas are open for foot traffic unless marked closed. The wildlife sanctuary period starts March 1 and continues through August 31. During this time, most of the refuge will be closed to allow wildlife to breed and raise their young without human disturbance. The designated hiking trails will remain open, though, and, once the snow season is over, the Wildlife Drive will also be open for car traffice . For more resources, maps, and general refuge information, check the refuge website. Or shop our nature store for field guides for your adventure.
Volunteer Opportunity
We have an opening for an Assistant Store Manager! Volunteer will lead in coordinating business aspects of the Friends' Eagles Nest nature store.
Volunteer will lead in accounting tasks for the Friends nature store at two locations and online store, including scheduling store volunteers, preparing orders for pickup/delivery and providing monthly reports to the board. Volunteer will be a backup for the store manager..
See the position description for more information. Reach out by email at FriendsofSherburne@gmail.com.
Our new online store is here! You can have your order shipped or pick it up curbside at the Learning Center. Check the merch out at Sherburne Eagles Nest Store – Sherburne Eagle's Nest Store
For daily bird sightings as recorded in eBird, check out https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Sherburne/recent_sightings.html .
For event updates, please consult the following resources:
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Refuge website: fws.gov/refuge/Sherburne/
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This website on the Upcoming Events page
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Friends Facebook page: facebook.com/sherburnerefugefans
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Friends’ Prairie Insider e-newsletter: To subscribe, enter email address as requested at bottom of this page
Sandhill Crane Celebration Fundraiser Success!
TIt’s time to celebrate! We’ve reached our fundraising goal for the Sandhill Celebration. Thank you to all who donated. Your support will support the refuge with education for children in nature’s classroom, upgraded visitor facilities/ information and both online and in-person future events. Stay connected to the refuge and keep in touch!
Check out all the fun and GIVE NOW at Give.classy.org/SandhillCelebration
Video by: Bruce Ellingson/USFWS

Photo by: Bruce Ellingson
See the Upcoming Events Page for information on postponed or cancelled activities.
Click here for Refuge COVID-19 info.
"On any given visit, nature surprises and delights me."
- Dean Kleinhans, volunteer
Sign up for Prairie Insider - Friends' e-newsletter!
Photo by: Bruce Ellingson