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!
August 12, 2020
Sherburne Photography Club
The July meeting will likely be a Zoom event at 7:00 pm..
Photo by David Halgrimson.
August 22, 2020
Bird Tour - Mahnomen Trail
Join us at the Mahnomen Trail parking lot for a family-friendly bird hike . Meet at 8:00 am and we'll try to finish around 10:00. Led by volunteer Milt Blomberg. Binoculars provided.
Photo by John Alexander Kay
August 29, 2020
Bird Tour - Blue Hill Trail
Join us at the Blue Hill Trail parking lot for a family-friendly bird hike. Meet at 8:00 am and we'll try to finish around 10:00. Led by volunteer Craig Mandel. Binolculars provided.
Photo by Pamela Walz.
September 12, 2020
Wildflower Tour
10 am - 12 pm meet at the Oak Savanna Learning Center (16797 289th Ave NW, Zimmerman.)
Photo by John Alexander Kay.
September 26, 2020
2020 Wildlife Festival
10 am - 3 pm at the Oak Savanna Learning Center (16797 289th Ave NW Zimmerman.) Photo by Bruce Ellingson.
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
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.
January 14, 2021
Save the Date - Annual Meeting
All members are invited to the annual meeting where we discuss the accomplishments and plans for both the refuge as a whole and the Friends.
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.
Photo by: Randy Baum