Refuge News

Is Fall Really on Its Way?
 

Meteorological fall began September 1, and many students are back in school or ready to start next week. However, summer still has a grip, as shown in Bruce Ellingson's photo (above) of the American Copper butterfly on a tattered blue aster. 
 

From September 1 until March 1 next year, visitors may explore roads and trails in areas of the refuge that are normally closed during breeding season. So, unless an area is marked closed, you may hike or bike refuge roads or set off cross-country to explore for hunting sites or new places to take photos or observe wildlife.

 

Plan to visit the annual Wildlife Festival, a FREE, family-friendly event that will be held Saturday, September 26, 10 am - 2 pm, at the Oak Savanna Learning Center. Amphitheater programs include bird banding, Minnesota raptors, and Minnesota reptiles and amphibians.

 

Check out the bird sightings along the Wildlife Drive using eBird - either on the app or at the "Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive" hotspot. ​ Check out the annual summer newsletter recently mailed to members at  PDF.

 

The Eagle's Nest Nature Store is open on Thursdays and Saturdays.  On-line orders are also still accepted for pickup.

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.​

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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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For event updates, please consult the following resources:

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

• This website on the Upcoming Events page

• Recent birds seen on the refuge (from eBird) on the Wildlife Drive

• 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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