Upcoming Events

Whether it's a sandhill crane tour, moonlight ski, wildflower tour, or a kids photography workshop there's something for everyone at the refuge.

See the Refuge Calendar for more detail on Refuge-hosted events. FREE and open to the public! NOTE: some events such as the Spring Celebration and Bird Wlaks have been cancelled due to recent staffing changes.

In addition to supporting refuge events, Friends of Sherburne hosts a variety of our own events.

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.

Wild Wonders: Birds of the Refuge

Saturday August 23, 2025
11am-1p,m

Explore your wild wonders at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge! Stop by anytime during this free, family-friendly program to learn about the birds that live at and migrate through the refuge. This program will be located at the Amphitheater near the Oak Savanna Learning Center. Plan to park in the Oak Savanna Learning Center parking lot and walk less than a tenth of a mile behind the building to the Amphitheater.

This program is held entirely outdoors. Any cancellation notice will be communicated on the Friends Facebook Page and the refuge website.

More info: at this link: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge | Events | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Oak Savanna Learning Center

16797 289th Ave NW Zimmerman,55398 MN

Photo: Brian Tennessen

Bird Walks

Saturday August 30, 2025
8am-10am

Blue Hill Trail

Saturday September 6, 2025
8am-10am

Mahnomen Trail

Saturday September 20, 2025
8am-10am

Blue Hill Trail

Join us for a birdwatching walk to observe a variety of migrating and local songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to this free program. Binoculars are available to borrow. Expect an easy, slow walk with frequent stops on a natural surfaced trail.

More info: at this link: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge | Events | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Photo: John Casey

Wildflower Walks

Saturday August 23, 2025
10am-11:30am

More info: at this link: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge | Events | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Oak Savanna Learning Center

16797 289th Ave NW Zimmerman,55398 MN

Photo: Mark Nicholson

Wildlife Festival

Saturday September 27, 2025
10am-2pm (tentativve)

Oak Savanna Learning Center

16797 289th Ave NW Zimmerman,55398 MN

Our annual Wildlife Festival will be on the last Saturday of September. Exhibits and activites for all ages and food triucks as well. Normally closed refuge roads will also be open from 8am to 2pm - a rare treat!

More info: Wildlife Festival | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Please consider volunteering a few hours ahead and after those hours for setup and cleanup.

Annual Crane Migration

Usually begins Mid-October

The annual migration of Greater Sandhill Cranes can be easily experianced at the refuge. It normally starts in mid-October and lasts until the refuge ponds freeze over.

A downladable PDF brochure describing where to go and how to watch can be viewed here.

A hint: the parking lot on County Road 70 labeled "For AM and PM viewing" is at GPS coordinates 45.537715800488506, -93.77017334103515. Let Google Maps guide you there.

Friends of Sherburne Annual Meeting

Thursday January 16 2025 6:30 PM

Golden-winged Warbler at Sherburne NWR by Ron Taube

All members are invited to the annual hybrid (in-person and Zoom) meeting where the Friends group and Refuge staff discuss 2024 accomplishments and 2025 plans and budget. The meeting will start with a brief social time at 6:30pm and convene at 6:45pm.

Agends: