Birdwatching Trek: Bass Ponds

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Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required.

Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.

Date and Time: Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 8-10:30am

Location: Meet us at upper trailhead at Bass Ponds.

2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425

Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com, which is available on the Minnesota Valley NWR’s website. Capped at 25 participants.

Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk.

Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way.

What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well.

Accessibility: Accessibility at Bass Ponds:

Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. 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 (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers.

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.

Event date and time
Jan 17, 2026 8:00 am – Jan 17, 2026 10:30 am (CST)
Event location name
Bass Ponds
Address
2501 86th St E
Bloomington,
55425
MN