Come celebrate the spring season and World Migratory Bird Day at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge’s Annual Spring Celebration event. The public of all ages are invited to this FREE, family-friendly event on Saturday, May 18 with programming at the Blue Hill Trailhead (8 am to 10 am) and the Oak Savanna Learning Center (10 am to 1 pm).

 

At 8 am, the celebration begins with a Bird Tour, which will end at approximately 10 am. Participants will meet at the Blue Hill Trail on County Road 9 for a hiking tour and binoculars will be available to borrow. The group will search for migrant songbirds such as warblers and sparrows, as well as raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds.

 

As well, there will be volunteer interpretive rover presence on the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive from 8 am to dusk to highlight birds, pollinators, and points of interest along the 7.3 mile auto tour. Enjoy the Wildlife Drive at your own pace! The Wildlife Drive entrance is located off of County Road 5 between County Road 4 and 9.

 

At 10 am, a variety of family-friendly activities kick off at the Oak Savanna Learning Center and are available until 1 pm. Kids can make and decorate a colorful bird kite and other crafts, while learning more about the birds that call the refuge home. Gardeners can consult with Master Gardeners and purchase a variety of donated domestic perennials and native wildflowers from the Friends of Sherburne’s Plant Sale. Everyone is invited to learn more about birds, pollinators, and native plants through interactive displays staffed by local experts! The Eagle’s Nest Nature Store will also be open, featuring a variety of books, clothing, jewelry and gifts. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Sherburne and lunch is available for purchase from a local food truck.

 

At 11 am, Tami Vogel, our featured presenter from The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC), will begin her “Keeping Wild Families Together” talk! Spring is the busiest season for the WRC - in the next month more than 100 patients will come through their doors every day. Learn about their education programs and how they try to keep wild families together, leaving critical space in the hospital for patients who truly need medical care. This presentation is suitable for all ages.

 

At 12 pm., a shorter, more leisurely and family-friendly guided hike will be offered, starting from the Oak Savanna Learning Center and traveling short, looped trails around the Center.

 

The Oak Savanna Learning Center is located ¼ mile west of refuge headquarters off Sherburne County Road 9 at 16797 289th Ave NW, Zimmerman, MN 55398; look for event signs. For more information contact Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge at (763) 389-3323, sherburne@fws.gov, or www.fws.gov/refuge/sherburne.