Come celebrate the spring season and International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge’s annual Spring Celebration event. The public of all ages is invited to this FREE event on Saturday, May 13, at the Oak Savanna Learning Center!
At 7:30 a.m., the celebration begins with an early Bird Tour, which will end at approximately 10:00 a.m. Participants will meet at the Mahnomen Trail on County Road 9 for a hiking tour. The group will search for migrant songbirds such as warblers and sparrows, as well as raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Intermediate and experienced birders will enjoy this trip. Participants must pre-register by either calling or emailing the refuge.
All other activities will start at 10 a.m. at the new Oak Savanna Learning Center. This year’s featured presenter is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Monarch Conservation Coordinator, AnnMarie Krmpotich. At 10:30 a.m., she will share a captivating presentation about the monarch butterfly’s migration, adaptations, and habitat. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from a national expert!
At 11 a.m., a shorter, more leisurely bird hike will be offered for families and beginner birders, starting from the Oak Savanna Learning Center and traveling short, looped trails around the Center. Bring binoculars, water, and cameras. No pre-registration required.
The rest of the activities will run throughout the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gardeners can purchase a variety of domestic perennials and native wildflowers from the Friends of Sherburne. Master Gardeners will be onsite for consultation. Kids can make and decorate bird “binoculars” from paper tubes. Everyone is invited to learn more about pollinators, native plants, and birds 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. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Sherburne.
To register for the early Bird Tour, email the refuge at sherburne@fws.gov with your name and number of participants and phone number, or call (763) 389-3323 ext. 104 to leave this information. TTY users may access the refuge through the Federal Information Relay Service at 800/ 877-8339.
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.
