Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel on a beginning bird walk at the Old Cedar Avenue bridge. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about using and choosing binoculars and field guides for bird watching, and about locations to search for birds at the refuge and other locations around the Twin Cities. Then join us as we head out on a casual walk to see what refuge birds we can find. Birders of all ages are welcome on this walk.

Date and Time: Saturday, July 15, 8:00 – 10:30 AM
Location: Old Cedar Ave – 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425

Registration is required for this program. To register for this program please visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. Then go to their events page and choose the program you’re interested in registering for. Note these programs are capped at 25 participants.

Activity Level: Easy-active, we will walk slowly and make frequent stops.

Meet Us: Meet near the Old Cedar Avenue 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: A portable restroom is available at the Old Cedar Avenue pavilion. This walk takes place on mostly flat ground on paved trails, wooden boardwalks, and natural surface paths. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may not be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Very few benches or rest areas exist along the route, though the parking lot is a short distance away and provides a shaded seating area.

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 these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.