Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Sherburne invite families and nature enthusiasts to the 29th Annual Wildlife Festival on Sat., Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oak Savanna Learning Center. 

This free event celebrates National Wildlife Refuge Week (Oct. 13-19), Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day (Oct. 12), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 28) and all the wildlife that calls Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge home. 

Enjoy a fun-filled day on scenic granite trails featuring several booths with engaging, hands-on activities. Meet Puddles the Blue Goose, explore refuge wildlife and management, embark on a grazing goat tour, try your skills at a BB gun range, experience native seed cleaning, learn about Native American culture, observe live animals, discover aquatic invertebrates, watch a bird banding demonstration, test your home water nitrate levels and more! 

There will be delicious offerings from two local food vendors, with complimentary meals for kids 17 and under provided by L.L. Bean and National Wild Turkey Federation. Don’t miss the chance to bid on unique items at the Friends’ silent auction or shop at the Eagle’s Nest Nature Store.

Additional Highlights of the Festival:

• A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new amphitheater at 10:15 a.m., which will host various programs throughout the day focusing on local wildlife and habitats;

• A presentation at 12 p.m. by the Wildlife Science Center featuring some of Minnesota’s most remarkable raptors, including live hawks and owls.

• A captivating program at 1:15 p.m. by naturalist Al Batt on “spark birds,” encouraging participants to discover the joy of birdwatching.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors will have the unique opportunity to drive along several refuge service roads, providing access to areas typically closed to vehicle traffic.

Join in on the fun at the Oak Savanna Learning Center for the Wildlife Festival event, located ¼ mile west of refuge headquarters off Sherburne Co.Rd. 9 at 16797 289th Ave NW, Zimmerman, MN 55398. Look for event signs to guide the way. 

For more information, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/sherburne/ or contact them at sherburne@fws.gov or 763-389-3323.