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 2020 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!
September 02, 2020
Off the Beaten Path - Recorded Program
Looking for some places on the refuge to explore that are off the beaten path? We’ve got you covered. Look at this map for some hidden gems.
September 1st to February 28th foot travel is allowed throughout the refuge excluding the closed areas! Bicycles are welcome on service roads but please keep them on the road and off designated hiking trails.
When visiting these areas be careful to not block the gates! For more information on the areas highlighted on the map watch this recorded program: https://bit.ly/2EWwp96
September 26, 2020
CANCELLED - 2020 Wildlife Festival
To be replaced by one or more virtual events. Stay tuned. Photo by Bruce Ellingson.
September 26, 2020
Live Animal Presentation - Osprey Wilds
1:00 pm - Details TBD
Image by Mary Carlson
October 09, 2020
2020 Youth Photo Contest Entries Due
Any student from kindergarten through grade 12 may enter the 6th Annual Refuge Youth Photography Contest. Kids can submit one photo, taken on the refuge (during daylight hours and in an area open to the public), and be eligible to win prizes. Photos are due on October 9 with winners announced at a special awards ceremony on November 18. Click here to go to the Just for Kids page on the refuge website to find links to
(1) a contest flyer with more details
(2) a photo release form,
(3) tips and tricks for young photographers.
Good luck, kids!
Photo: Diana Doherty
October 17, 2020
Live Bat Program - North Lakeland Discovery Center
1:00 pm - Details TBD
November 18, 2020
Youth Photo Contest Awards Ceremony
Entries Due October 9.
Click here to go to the Just for Kids page on the refuge website to find links to
(1) a contest flyer with more details
(2) a photo release form,
(3) tips and tricks for young photographers.
Photo by Jana Harrer.
Time to Celebrate!
In 2018 the Friends organization is celebrating 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.
