The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Sherburne NWR held the grand opening for the new Oak Savanna Learning Center Tuesday.

 

Nearly 130 people were there to help celebrate the new facility which will be used for educational purpose as well as accommodating school field trips, interpretive programs, and will be available as a meeting space for conservation groups. It is also the gateway to 30,700 acres of National Wildlife.

 

Before the ribbon cutting there were a few speakers, of which Gretchen Fischer, principal of Zimmerman Elementary School, spoke. Fischer is very excited for the learning center to be open so students from all over can learn firsthand the importance of nature.  

 

Sue Hix chair of the Be Wild campaign, Former Congress woman Michele Bachmann, Midwest Chief of Refuges Charlie Blair and Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius also spoke at the event which was followed by the ribbon cutting.

 

After the ribbon was cut guest were able to tour the building and check out the nature store. They were also welcome to go on the new floating dock, look at animal hides while learning what animal they belonged to and were welcomed to enjoy cookies, cupcakes, coffee and juice.   

 

The grand opening is very special not only for the public but for everyone involved as  Refuge staff, members of the Friends, community volunteers, and government leaders have spent over decade to make the project happen.  

 

Friends of Sherburne raised almost $250,000 and had more than 250 donors. The money was used to purchase tables, chairs, A/V equipment, Nature store furnishings, landscape, sidewalks, curb/gutter, patio sitting wall and wetland education stations. The building has two classrooms, indoor and outdoor bathrooms.