(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.)

It’s midsummer at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, and there’s much to see at the Eagle’s Nest Nature Store as well as on refuge trails and along the Wildlife Drive. After being closed for in-person shopping for more than a year, the Eagle’s Nest Nature Store is now open for shopping at the Oak Savanna Learning Center location as follows:

• Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Patrons planning a refuge visit for wildlife viewing, photo opportunities, hiking, or a tour of the Wildlife Drive should add a trip to the Eagle’s Nest at the Learning Center to their itinerary. Patrons can enjoy browsing the new merchandise and also have the satisfaction of knowing that all purchases will be supporting the refuge by supporting the Friends of Sherburne. Online shopping is also available at SherburneEaglesNestStore.com.

Lots to See at the Refuge!

Prairie flowers are in their glory, and wildlife viewing is good, especially earlier in the morning and later in the day. And with smoky haze from distant wildfires in the atmosphere, sunset photos are spectacular. 

Want an insider’s look at where to find the birds? Download the new birding map at ExploreSherburne.org/birding-map.

With the hot, dry weather, fewer mosquitoes are around than usual, but other biting insects may still find hikers on the trails. Remember that these small creatures are food for others up the food chain. And for wildlife viewing and photography from a bug-free vehicle, there’s always the Wildlife Drive, where volunteer Roving Interpreters are on duty again to answer questions and share their insights about refuge habitat and wildlife.

About Friends of 

Sherburne NWR

Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that nurtures an appreciation for and the conservation of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge through education, volunteerism and philanthropy. Find us on Facebook or at ExploreSherburne.org.

Store location: Oak Savanna Learning Center, 16797 289th Ave NW, Zimmerman, MN 55398