Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. For these spring walks, the birds observed will change as the season unfolds. Expect waterfowl on the March and April walks, followed by sparrows and warblers on the walks in May. We will get to know the birds that migrate through the refuge each spring and those that stay to nest on the refuge. Bring along your binoculars, favorite field guide and dress appropriately for the weather.

Date & Time: Saturday, March 21 St from 8:00-10:30 a.m.

Location: Bass Ponds – 2501 86th St. E, Bloomington, 55425 MN

Registration Information: Registration required on SignUp.com. Which is available on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges Website. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. This program is capped at 25 participants.

Activity Level: Easy-active, but with a short but steep downhill walk from the parking lot. We will walk slowly and make frequent stops.

Meet Us: Meet at the upper Bass Ponds trailhead near the parking lot. Please consider carpooling with others in your party due to limited parking.

What to Bring: If you have them, bring along binoculars and a favorite field guide. This program is held entirely outdoors, please dress appropriately for the weather. A cancellation notice will be sent via email to registered participants in the event of severe weather.

Accessibility: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short but steep downhill walk from the parking lot. This walk takes place on mostly flat ground on a paved service road, wooden boardwalks, and natural surface paths. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are no benches or rest areas along the route. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call or email the refuge for accommodations: 952-854-5900 or minnesotavalley@fws.gov.

Program Leader: This program is led by Volunteer Naturalist Craig Mandel. Craig has been leading bird walks on the refuge for more than two decades. For questions about these walks, please contact Craig at 952-240-7647.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, closed captioning or other accommodation needs to MinnesotaValley@fws.gov by close of business two weeks before the date you wish to attend.