Upcoming Events
Click Here for Refuge COVID-19 Info. Many events will be postponed or cancelled.
Whether it's a sandhill crane tour, moonlight ski, wildflower tour, or a kids photography workshop there's something for everyone at the refuge.
Refuge sponsored events can be found on the Refuge Event Calendar. All events hosted by the refuge are FREE and open to the public!
In addition to supporting refuge events, Friends of Sherburne hosts a variety of our own events. The following are the annual events that we organize and host. Save the dates!
Friends' History
In 2018 the Friends organization celebrated its 25th anniversary!
Since our founding in 1993, the Friends have been working to develop an appreciation for and the conservation of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.
From our early days of supporting Environmental Education Days and providing visitor enhancements on Wildlife Drive to the opening of the Oak Savanna Learning Center, we’ve remained focused on providing nature education for youth and adults.
1965
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is established through vision of local sportsmen.
1993
Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is founded.
1998
Environmental Education Days student curriculum (developed at the Refuge) attracts national attention.
1999
Friends fund educational signage, observation decks and informational kiosks on the Wildlife Drive.
The quest for a learning center begins.
2013
After years of advocacy, a learning center is green-lighted by the USFWS.
2014
2016
Ground is broken for the Oak Savanna Learning Center.
Friends achieve the fundraising goal to furnish the learning center and the opening of the Oak Savanna Learning Center is celebrated by all.
2017
Over 2,100 student visitors and nearly 6,000 total visitors pass through the doors of the Oak Savanna Learning Center.
Saturday September 25, 2021
10:00am - 2:00pm
Wildlife Festival Postponed ..but...
Refuge Roads will be open
Due to Federal FWS policy regarding COVID, the Wildlife Festival has been cancelled this year. Like last year, many of the normally closed roads will be open from 8am to 3pm on Saturday September 25. You're on your own to explore places you'd have to hike to (or would be closed even to foot traffic!) See this map for a guide to "Open Roads" that day.
Thursday January 13, 2021
6:30 PM
Friends of Sherburne
Annual Meeting
All members are invited to the annual remote (Zoom) meeting where the Friends[ group and Refuge staff discuss 2020 accomplishments and 2021 plans and budget.
See "At the Refuge" for the Annual Report.
Image by Bruce Ellingson
Photo by: Randy Baum