BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Minnesota River Valley - Audubon Chapter - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Minnesota River Valley - Audubon Chapter 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:20260413T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260413T103000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20260114T054742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T054742Z UID:10000235-1776067200-1776076200@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue \nJoin 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\n.\nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Monday\, April 13\, 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-20/ 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:20260413T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260413T193000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20260210T170111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T144734Z UID:10000252-1776101400-1776108600@mrvac.org SUMMARY:CANCELLED! MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings DESCRIPTION:April 13\, 2026 Photography SIG bird walk is cancelled because of severe weather predicted for early evening. \nPlease 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-mondays/ LOCATION:Old Cedar Ave Brdge\, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T100000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20260122T053112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T144652Z UID:10000249-1776499200-1776506400@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Nine Mile Creek Birding Trip DESCRIPTION:Nine Mile Creek Birding Trip\nApril 18\, 2026\n8:00 am\nRob Daves\n612-710-2626 \nWe’ll be looking for early migrants and visiting a prairie remnant to see early spring wildflowers.\nDifficulty: A few very steep trail segments on an otherwise easy grade along the creek. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/nine-mile-creek-birding-trip/ LOCATION:Nine Mile Creek Trailhead\, 1826 W 106th Street\, Bloomington\, Minnesota\, 55431 ORGANIZER;CN="Rob Daves":MAILTO:rob_daves@yahoo.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T170000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20260114T053523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T053523Z UID:10000234-1776499200-1776531600@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION: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. \nDate & Time: Saturday\, April 18th from 8:00-10:30 a.m. \nLocation: Bass Ponds – 2501 86th St. E\, Bloomington\, 55425 MN \nRegistration 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. \nActivity Level: Easy-active\, but with a short but steep downhill walk from the parking lot. We will walk slowly and make frequent stops. \nMeet Us: Meet at the upper Bass Ponds trailhead near the parking lot. Please consider carpooling with others in your party due to limited parking. \nWhat 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. \nAccessibility: 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. \nProgram 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. \nThe 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. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/bird-watching-trek-19/ LOCATION:Bass Ponds\, 2501 86th St. E.\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States ORGANIZER;CN="Craig Mandel":MAILTO:EgretCMan@msn.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T103000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20260114T055201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T055237Z UID:10000236-1776585600-1776594600@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Watching Trek DESCRIPTION:Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue \nJoin 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\n.\nQuestions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900. \nDate and Time: Sunday\, April 19\, 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-21/ 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:20260423T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260423T210000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20260226T170008Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T171312Z UID:10000255-1776970800-1776978000@mrvac.org SUMMARY:MRVAC Chapter Meeting\, April 23\, 2026 (In Person and Zoom) DESCRIPTION:Heather Holm\, “What’s the Buzz with Native Bees?” \nSocial/snack time starts at 7pm.  Program begins at 7:30pm. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/mrvac-chapter-meeting-april-23-2026-in-person-and-zoom/ LOCATION:MVNWR – Bloomington Visitor Center\, 3815 American Blvd. E.\, Bloomington\, 55425\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T170000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20260123T170549Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T170549Z UID:10000250-1777100400-1777136400@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Hastings Bird Festival DESCRIPTION:Hastings Area Earth Day Birding Festival\nand\nYouth Birding Competition \nFor 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. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/hastings-bird-festival/ LOCATION:Carpenter Nature Center\, 12805 St. Croix Trail S.\, Hastings\, Minnesota\, 55033 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260425T103000 DTSTAMP:20260503T100216 CREATED:20251215T131019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T135417Z UID:10000217-1777104000-1777113000@mrvac.org SUMMARY:Bird Walks with Bob - Bass Ponds on April 25\, 2026 DESCRIPTION:We will meet at 8:00am at Bass Ponds Trailhead in Bloomington. \nPlease 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. URL:https://mrvac.org/event/bird-walks-with-bob-bass-ponds-on-april-25/ LOCATION:Bass Ponds\, 2501 86th St. E.\, Bloomington\, MN\, 55425\, United States END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR