BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Minnesota River Valley - Audubon Chapter - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://mrvac.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Minnesota River Valley - Audubon Chapter REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260713T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260713T193000 DTSTAMP:20260311T143106Z CREATED:20260311T140613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T143106Z UID:10000264-1783963800-1783971000@mrvac.org SUMMARY:MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings DESCRIPTION:Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. \nWe will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/mrvac-photography-special-interest-group-sig-outdoor-bird-walk-on-second-monday-evenings-3/ LOCATION:Old Cedar Ave Brdge\, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T103000 DTSTAMP:20260326T001221Z CREATED:20260326T001221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T001221Z UID:10000269-1784361600-1784370600@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:July 18 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDT\nFree\nBirdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue\nJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks\, the focus will be observing and\ndocumenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails\,\nwhich will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for include\nTrumpeter Swans\, Sandhill Cranes\, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers\, Yellow-throated\, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireos\nand American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. \nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Saturday\, July 18\, 2026\, from 8-10:30am \nLocation: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue. \n9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN 55425 \nRegistration Information: Registration required through Signup.com\, which is available on the Minnesota Valley NWR’s website. Capped at 25 participants. \nPlease indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. \nActivity 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. \nWhat 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. \nAccessibility: Accessibility at Old Cedar Avenue: \nRestrooms 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 URL:https://mrvac.org/event/bird-watching-trek-9/ LOCATION:Old Cedar Ave Brdge\, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260720T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260720T103000 DTSTAMP:20260622T122851Z CREATED:20260622T122851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T122851Z UID:10000272-1784534400-1784543400@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:Birdwatching Trek: Rapids Lake \nImage Details\nJoin 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. \nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Monday\, July 20\, 2026 from 8-10:30am \nLocation: Meet us at the trailhead at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. 15865 Rapids Lake Rd\, Carver\, MN 55315 \nRegistration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants\, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website\, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. \nPlease indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. \nActivity 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. \nWhat 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. \nAccessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center: \nRestrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom\, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. 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. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails\, but are present inside and outside the visitor center. \nThe 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. \nEvent date and time\nJul 20\, 2026 8:00 am – Jul 20\, 2026 10:30 am (CDT)\nRegister Here\nEvent location name\nRapids Lake Visitor Center\nAddress\n15865 Rapids Lake Rd\nCarver\,\n55315\nMN URL:https://mrvac.org/event/bird-watching-trek-10/ LOCATION:Rapids Lake Visitor Center\, 15865 Rapids Lake Road\, Carver\, MN\, 55315\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260808T063000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260809T130000 DTSTAMP:20260622T125649Z CREATED:20260622T125342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T125649Z UID:10000273-1786170600-1786280400@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Martin County Birding Days DESCRIPTION:Martin County Birding Days \nAugust 8\, 9\, 2026 – 6:30 a.m. start \nCraig Mandel — 952-240-7647 \nCost: $25 for MRVAC members\, $35 for non-members \nJoin us for a two day visit to Martin County. Some of the locations we may have time to bird in the county include Cedar Hanson\, Bright Lake\, Perch Lake and Timberlane County Parks. We should have time to visit some WPA and WMAs near Fairmont. Please contact Craig to register for this trip. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/7316/ LOCATION:Super 8 by Wyndham Fairmont\, 1200 Torgerson Drive\, Fairmont\, MN\, 56031-0422\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260810T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260810T193000 DTSTAMP:20260311T143219Z CREATED:20260311T143219Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T143219Z UID:10000265-1786383000-1786390200@mrvac.org SUMMARY:MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings DESCRIPTION:Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. \nWe will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/mrvac-photography-special-interest-group-sig-outdoor-bird-walk-on-second-monday-evenings-4/ LOCATION:Old Cedar Ave Brdge\, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260815T103000 DTSTAMP:20260622T135904Z CREATED:20260622T135904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T135904Z UID:10000274-1786780800-1786789800@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue \nImage Details\nJoin 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. \nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Saturday\, August 15\, 2026 from 8-10:30am \nLocation: Meet us at the trailhead at Old Cedar Avenue. \n9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN 55425 \nRegistration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants\, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website\, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. \nPlease indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. \nActivity 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. \nWhat 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. \nAccessibility: Accessibility at Old Cedar Avenue: \nRestrooms 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 URL:https://mrvac.org/event/bird-watching-trek-11/ LOCATION:Old Cedar Ave Brdge\, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260817T103000 DTSTAMP:20260622T143016Z CREATED:20260622T142923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T143016Z UID:10000276-1786953600-1786962600@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:Birdwatching Trek: Louisville Swamp \nImage Details\nJoin 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. \nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Monday\, August 17\, 2026 from 8-10:30am \nLocation: Meet us at the trailhead at the Louisville Swamp North Trailhead (Main Parking Area). \n3801 145th St W\, Shakopee\, MN 55379 \nRegistration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants\, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website\, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. \nPlease indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. \nActivity 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. \nWhat 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. \nAccessibility: Accessibility at Louisville Swamp North Trailhead (Main Parking Area): \nRestrooms are located at the parking lot. There are no water fountains or dedicated handicap parking. Trail is nature surface and mostly flat\, with a slight slope to reach the Mazomani trail. 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 no benches in the trail area. Trailhead is a URL:https://mrvac.org/event/7321/ LOCATION:Louisville Swamp Unit – Main Trailhead\, 3801 145th Street West\, Shakopee\, MN\, 55379\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260823T103000 DTSTAMP:20260622T143527Z CREATED:20260622T143527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T143527Z UID:10000277-1787472000-1787481000@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:Birdwatching Trek: Rapids Lake \nImage Details\nJoin 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. \nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Sunday\, August 23\, 2026 from 8-10:30am \nLocation: Meet us at the trailhead at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. \n15865 Rapids Lake Rd\, Carver\, MN 55315 \nRegistration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants\, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website\, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. \nPlease indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. \nActivity 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. \nWhat 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. \nAccessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center: \nRestrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom\, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. 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. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails\, but are present inside and outside the visitor center. \nThe 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. \nEvent date and time\nAug 23\, 2026 8:00 am – Aug 23\, 2026 10:30 am (CDT)\nRegister Here\nEvent location name\nRapids Lake Visitor Center\nAddress\n15865 Rapids Lake Rd\nCarver\,\n55315\nMN URL:https://mrvac.org/event/bird-watching-trek-12/ LOCATION:Rapids Lake Visitor Center\, 15865 Rapids Lake Road\, Carver\, MN\, 55315\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T103000 DTSTAMP:20260622T143955Z CREATED:20260622T143955Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T143955Z UID:10000278-1787990400-1787999400@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:Birdwatching Trek: Bloomington Ferry \nImage Details\nJoin 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. \nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Saturday\, August 29\, 2026 from 8-10:30am \nLocation: Meet us at the trailhead at the Bloomington Ferry Trailhead \n11255 Bloomington Ferry Rd\, Bloomington\, MN 55438 \nRegistration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants\, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website\, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. \nPlease indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. \nActivity 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. \nWhat 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. \nAccessibility: Accessibility at Bloomington Ferry: \nThere are no restrooms or water fountains at this location. There are no dedicated handicap parking spots. Bloomington Ferry and River Bottoms trails are natural surface\, mostly flat\, with entries to trails moderately sloped. Minnesota Valley State Trail is handicap accessible\, paved and mostly flat\, with access via a pedestrian bridge. 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 no benches in the area. Kiosk is a URL:https://mrvac.org/event/bird-watching-trek-13/ LOCATION:Bloomington Ferry Unit – Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260914T193000 DTSTAMP:20260311T143328Z CREATED:20260311T143328Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T143328Z UID:10000266-1789407000-1789414200@mrvac.org SUMMARY:MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings DESCRIPTION:Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. \nWe will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/mrvac-photography-special-interest-group-sig-outdoor-bird-walk-on-second-monday-evenings-5/ LOCATION:Old Cedar Ave Brdge\, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T193000 DTSTAMP:20260311T143402Z CREATED:20260311T143402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T143402Z UID:10000267-1791826200-1791833400@mrvac.org SUMMARY:MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings DESCRIPTION:Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. \nWe will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/mrvac-photography-special-interest-group-sig-outdoor-bird-walk-on-second-monday-evenings-6/ LOCATION:Old Cedar Ave Brdge\, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR