Minnesota River Valley - Audubon Chapter

MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings
2026-05-11 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks.
We will meet at 5:30pm. The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-05-10 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
May 10 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDT
Free
Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 10, 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. 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.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 9, 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. 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.

Wilkin County Birding Days
2026-05-05 06:15 - 2026-05-06 14:00 | Baymont by Wyndham Wahpeton, 1800 Two Ten Drive, Wahpeton, ND, 58075, United States
Wilkin County Birding Days
May 5, 6, 2026 – 6:15 a.m. start
Craig Mandel — 952-240-7647
Cost: $25 for MRVAC members, $35 for non-members
Join us for a two day visit to Wilkin County. We’ll be some Prairie SNA, for grassland birds and we will check some wetlands for waterfowl and shorebirds. We will also spend time in some wooded areas in and around the town of Breckenridge in search of migrant Warblers and other migrating songbirds. Please contact Craig to register for this trip.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-05-03 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails, which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Sunday, May 3, 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. 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.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
May 2 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CST
Free
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
Join refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing and
documenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails,
which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include
Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos
and American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Salt Lake Weekend
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-03 | MN
Salt Lake Weekend
May 1 – 3, 2026
Information about this event is available on the Minnesota Ornithologist Unions website.
The registration link should be available there soon.
But there are links for lodging and other information on the event available there.

Bird Walks with Bob - Bass Ponds on April 25, 2026
2026-04-25 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
We will meet at 8:00am at Bass Ponds Trailhead in Bloomington.
Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring water, binoculars, and birding apps or guides. Call or text Bob 651-775-7982 if you have questions. Inclement weather may affect this event.

Hastings Bird Festival
2026-04-25 07:00 - 17:00 | Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, Minnesota, 55033
Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival
and
Youth Birding Competition
For registration information on the festival, visit the Carpenter Nature Centers website. Then go to their annual events page and click on the earth day birding festival link.

MRVAC Chapter Meeting, April 23, 2026 (In Person and Zoom)
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | MVNWR – Bloomington Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington, 55425, United States
Heather Holm, “What’s the Buzz with Native Bees?”
Social/snack time starts at 7pm. Program begins at 7:30pm.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-04-19 08:00 - 10:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
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
.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Bird Watching Trek
2026-04-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
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, April 18th 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.

Nine Mile Creek Birding Trip
2026-04-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Nine Mile Creek Trailhead, 1826 W 106th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55431
Nine Mile Creek Birding Trip
April 18, 2026
8:00 am
Rob Daves
612-710-2626
We’ll be looking for early migrants and visiting a prairie remnant to see early spring wildflowers.
Difficulty: A few very steep trail segments on an otherwise easy grade along the creek.

CANCELLED! MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings
2026-04-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
April 13, 2026 Photography SIG bird walk is cancelled because of severe weather predicted for early evening.
Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks.
We will meet at 5:30pm. The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-04-13 08:00 - 10:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
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
.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Monday, April 13, 2026, from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

MRVAC Chapter Meeting, March 26, 2026 (Zoom Only)
2026-03-26 19:30 - 21:00 | MN
John Mittermeier of American Bird Conservancy, “Search for Lost Birds”

Bird Watching Trek
2026-03-22 08:00 - 10:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
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
.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Bird Watching Trek
2026-03-21 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
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.

MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) - March 9, 2026
2026-03-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Penn Lake Library, 8800 Penn Ave. S, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
Please join us for MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group meeting on March 9, 2026 at 6pm at Penn Lake Public Library in Bloomington. Meet fellow photographers and get ready for 2026 Spring migration. Bring your laptops and photos (edited and raw) for a discussion about how you caught your best shots and how you edit for best results. We’ll also discuss outdoor venues for our Photography SIG starting in April.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-03-08 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
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: Sunday, March 8th 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.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-03-07 08:00 - 10:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
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
.
Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900.
Date and Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

MRVAC Chapter Meeting - February 26, 2026 (Zoom Only)
2026-02-26 19:30 - 21:00 | MN
Bryce Robsinson, Cornell Lab Red-tailed Hawk Project
Bryce will outline the work of the Red-tailed Hawk Project, including many stories of surprising things the working group has learned in their investigation into the unknowns of this common species. He co-created the Red-tailed Hawk Project, a group that aims to fill gaps in our understanding of the life history and evolution of the species. Bryce W. Robinson, Ph.D. is postdoctoral researcher at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where his research focuses on the evolution of diversity in the Red-tailed Hawk.

Bird Watching Trek
2026-02-14 08:00 - 10:30 | Wilkie Unit Trailhead, 7701 County Road 101 E., Shakopee, MN, United States
Birdwatching Trek: Wilkie Trailhead
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, February 14, 2026 from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the kiosk at the Wilkie Unit Trailhead.
7701 County Road 101 E, Shakopee, MN 55379
Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com, which can be accessed via 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 the Wilkie Unit Trailhead:
There are no restrooms or water located at this trailhead. The Minnesota Valley State Trail is a paved flat route, and the Blue Lake Trail is natural surface and mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches or rest areas along the route. The trailhead is

MRVAC Photography SIG Meeting - February 9, 2026
2026-02-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Penn Lake Library, 8800 Penn Ave. S, Bloomington, MN, 55431, United States
Our February 2026 Photography Special Interest Group get-together will cover E-Bird and Photography. Shanda Fisher will walk us through the process of uploading photos to an E-Bird checklist. She will discuss how her birding and bird identification skills have improved through photography. She will also share a few of her images from prior checklists she created during her travels and share a few stories.
For additional information, contact MRVAC Photography SIG Coordinator, Shanda Fisher, 612-719-0981 (cell phone).

Bird Watching Trek
2026-02-07 08:00 - 10:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
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, February 7, 2026 from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Boreal Stargazing Night
2026-02-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Richfield Commnity Center, 7000 Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, MN, 55423, United States
Boreal Stargazing Night
February 6, 2026 | 6 p.m. — 9 p.m.
Richfield Community Center
Shanda Fisher | 612-719-0981
Enjoy family-friendly activities, displays, and art, inspired
by the cosmos. MRVAC will be there with a table, too!
Bundle up and head outside for guided stargazing, viewing
the moon and other celestial objects through telescopes,
learning to identify winter constellations, and hearing the
myths and stories behind them. Warm up by the bonfire
with hot cocoa as you take in the beauty of the February
night sky. All ages welcome. This event is free with
registration required at bit.ly/Richfieldstargazing26

NE Minnesota & Sax Zim Bog Birding Days
2026-02-02 07:00 - 2026-02-04 13:00 | Day’s Inn & Suites by Wyndham Duluth by the Mall, 909 Cottonwood Avenue, Duluth, MN, 55811, United States
NE Minnesota & the Sax-Zim Birding Days
February 2 — 4, 2026
$25 for MRVAC members, $35 for non-members
Join us for a three day visit, to NE Minnesota & the Sax-
Zim Bog. Some winters it can be a great location to observe
several species of birds that overwinter in Northern
Minnesota. There can be a variety of finches, corvids,
shrikes, and several different species of owls. Please contact
Craig to register for this field trip.

Bird Watching Trek - Program canceled
2026-01-25 08:00 - 10:30 | Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
This walk has been canceled due to the extreme cold weather predicted for the 25th.
Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue
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: Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 8-10:30am
Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue.
9551 Old Cedar Ave S, 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 Old Cedar Avenue:
Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Bird Watching Trek - Bass Ponds - Note the trailhead meeting location change.
2026-01-17 08:00 - 10:30 | Bass Ponds, 2501 86th St. E., Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
Birdwatching Trek: Bass Ponds
Image Details
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

Photography SIG Meeting
2026-01-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Highland Park Public Library, 1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, 55116, United States
Kick off the new year with the Photography SIG for an evening of social engagement and photo skill-building. Bring your laptop, photo editing tools, and photos from your digital stash. The group will share their techniques and you’ll go home with a nicely edited photo plus new ways of editing the rest. Peter Hartzel will present and facilitate the meeting. https://peterhartzelphotography.com/
Meet at Highland Park Public Library and Community Center in St. Paul, first floor meeting room.
Questions or need more information, contact Shanda Fisher, Photo SIG Coordinator at 612-719-0981.
