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.
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!
February 12, 2020
Sherburne Photography Club
6:30 pm social time and 7:00 pm meeting.
Members share a common interest in nature and photography at Sherburne NWR and nearby natural areas. This is a volunteer-led, member-driven club. We’ll discuss our interests, plan field trips, educational programs and more. We meet the second Wednesday of every month at the Oak Savanna Learning Center to share our latest photos and learn and discuss photography techniques. Kids are welcome with adults. No dues required.
Photo by David Halgrimson.
February 22, 2020
Afternoon Snowshoe/Hike
1-4 pm at the Oak Savanna Learning Center (16797 289th Ave NW, Zimmerman.) Snowshoes are provided - event to be cancelled if inadequate snow.
Photo by Mary Carlson.
April 23, 2020
Friends Read - The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
The Friends of Sherburne NWR are excited to invite you to the next Friends Read on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at the Oak Savanna Learning Center from 6:30 - 8 pm. Detailed information in the linked flyer.
We'll be discussing the book, The Hidden Life of Trees . In this international bestseller, forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: living together, communicating, sharing nutrients, and even warning each other of impending dangers. After learning about the complex life of trees, the woods will never be the same again.
The book is a great idea for your holiday gift list. We have copies available for sale at the Eagle's Nest Nature Store at refuge headquarters and at the Oak Savanna Learning Center. Please note that the Learning Center nature store location will be open Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 am - 2pm for holiday shopping.
May 09, 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 Steve Chesney. Binoculars provided.
Photo by Ran Taube
June 13, 2020
Wildflower Tour
10 am - 12 pm meet at the Oak Savanna Learning Center (16797 289th Ave NW, Zimmerman.)
Photo by John Alexander Kay.
May 16, 2020
Spring Celebration & Friends Plant Sale
From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Oak Savanna Learning Center (16797 289th Ave NW
Zimmerman). Photo by Bruce Ellingson.
May 16, 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 Dan Orr. Binoculars provided.
Photo by Pamela Walz.
May 23, 2020
Photography Tour
10 am - 12 pm meet at the Wildlife Drive Welcome Station (the rest stop).
Photo by Jennifer Schmidt.
June 13, 2020
Photography Tour
10 am - 12 pm meet at the Wildlife Drive Welcome Station (the rest stop).
Photo by Lance Matka
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 Pamela Walz.
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.
November 19, 2020
Youth Photo Contest Awards Ceremony
Entries Due October 9. 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.
Photo by: Randy Baum