Who We Are

The Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter (MRVAC) of the National Audubon Society was first organized on March 2, 1967. Our membership area spans the Minnesota River valley from Bloomington to Henderson, just to the south and west of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Our mission is to provide leadership in promoting environmental awareness, education and advocacy action, especially relating to the wildlife and habitats of the Minnesota River Valley.

We offer approximately 65 field trips per year led by expert birders to a variety of locations in the Minnesota River Valley and throughout Minnesota.

One of our main objectives is to teach about the importance of getting outdoors, experiencing nature, and caring for wildlife and the environment.  We also provide funding to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.  To learn more about The Refuge and its history, check out this video: https://youtu.be/uMJibxe86Nc

Chapter meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September through June.  Winter meetings are via Zoom only; summer meetings are virtual on Zoom and at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3815 American Boulevard East in Bloomington.  Meetings are free and open to the public and feature a speaker presenting on a topic involving birding, nature, or conservation.  MRVAC sponsors a welcoming gathering at 7 p.m. gathering a half hour before the meeting at the visitor center.