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!
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.
Wildlife Festival
Saturday September 30, 10am-2pm
Our annual Wildlife Festival is happening September 30 . Exhibits and activites for all ages and food triucks as well. Normally closed refuge roads will also be open during that time - a rare treat!
Please consider volunteering a few hours ahead and after those hours for setup and cleanup.
More info in this PDF.
Friends of Sherburne
Annual Meeting
Thursday January 11, 2024 (tentative)
6:30 PM
All members are invited to the annual hybrid (in-person and Zoom) meeting where the Friends group and Refuge staff discuss 2023 accomplishments and 2024 plans and budget. The meeting will start with a brief social time at 6:30pm and convene at 6:45pm.
In-Person Meeting
Oak Savanna Learning Center
16797 289th Ave NW Zimmerman,55398 MN
Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2843006080?pwd=MEhJd1JNaWdrMTdqWVRMQXVmaWs2QT09
Call in only: 1 (408) 638 0968
Meeting ID: 284 300 6080
Participant number, press #
Passcode: 816213
Minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting (to be approved)
2023 Annual and Refuge Reports Reports
2023 Budget
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Golden-winged Warbler by Ron Taube
Photo by: Randy Baum