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.
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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.
Wildflower Walk
Jun 7, 2025 11:00 am - 12:30 pm (CDT)
Join us for a walk to see the beauty of the colors and textures of native wildflowers and grasses that decorate the landscape. Nature enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are welcome to this free program. Expect an easy, slow walk with frequent stops on an accessible, crushed granite surface trail. This program will meet and end at the Oak Savanna Learning Center.
This program is held entirely outdoors, please dress appropriately for the weather. Any cancellation notice will be communicated on the Friends Facebook Page and the refuge website.
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Image: Prairie Lupine by Travis Bonovsky
Jun 14, 2025 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (CDT)
Explore your wild wonders at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge! Stop by anytime during this free, family-friendly program to explore common pollinators, their frequented wildflowers and why they are important. This program will be located at the Amphitheater near the Oak Savanna Learning Center.
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Image: Kathy Perkins
Wildflower Walk
Jun 21, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (CDT)
Join us for a walk to see the beauty of the colors and textures of native wildflowers and grasses that decorate the landscape. Nature enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are welcome to this free program. Expect an easy, slow walk with frequent stops on an accessible, crushed granite surface trail. This program will meet and end at the Oak Savanna Learning Center.
This program is held entirely outdoors, please dress appropriately for the weather. Any cancellation notice will be communicated on the Friends Facebook Page and the refuge website.
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Image: Prairie Lupine by Travis Bonovsky
Wild Wonders: Bald Eagles
Jun 29, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:o0 pm (CDT)
Explore your wild wonders at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge! Stop by anytime during this free, family-friendly program to learn about the national bird of the United States and their conservation success story. This program will be located at the Bur Oak Welcome Station on the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive.
This program is held entirely outdoors. Any cancellation notice will be communicated on the Friends Facebook Page and the refuge website.
Wild Wonders: Mammals of the Refuge
July 19, 2025 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (CDT)
Explore your wild wonders at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge! Stop by anytime during this free, family-friendly program to learn about the mammals that live at 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.
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Image: Mary Carlson
Friends of Sherburne Annual Meeting
Thursday January 16 2025 6:30 PM
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.
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​Agends:
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Introductions
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2024 Friends Accomplishments,
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What's Coming in 2025
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Vote to Approve 2025 Budget
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Refuge Update
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Election of Board Members
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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
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Refuge Staff Presentation (PDF)
To Be Approved Minutes of 2025 Annual Meeting (PDF)
Approved Minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting (PDF)
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Golden-winged Warbler by Ron Taube
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.
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A downladable PDF brochure describing where to go and how to watch can be viewed here.
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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.
Wildlife Festival
Saturday September 28, 2024
10am-2pm
Oak Savanna Learning Center
16797 289th Ave NW Zimmerman,55398 MN
Our annual Wildlife Festival will be on the last Saturday of September 2024 . 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.
Photo by: Randy Baum