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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.

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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.