Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week

October 9, 10:07 PMMinneapolis Hiking ExaminerDon Begalle

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Sherburne NWR.  Photo by Tim Kiser.

In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt established the country's first national wildlife refuge.  Today, the Fish and Wildlife Service oversees 550 refuge or management units totaling 150 million acres (nearly double our national park acreage).  Set aside mainly as habitat, these lands are also open to quiet recreation like hiking and birdwatching.  From October 11-17, the nation is celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week.  Whether you frequent these places or have never been, this week is a good time for a visit. 

Minnesota plays host to more than a dozen refuges or other management sites and two are close to home.  The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) follows the Minnesota River for 34 miles, from Fort Snelling State Park to near Jordan, MN.  The Sherburne NWR encompasses more than 30,000 acres.  It is southwest of Princeton and just north of Sand Dunes State Forest. 

The Minnesota Valley NWR is composed of eight units (7 offer public trails and/or water access).  Combined, the units offer 25 miles of hiking trails and many connect to other state or local trails.  Two visitor centers conduct public programs and serve as information sources for the refuge.  The Bloomington Visitor Center is at one end of the refuge and near the Mall of America.  The Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center is near the other end and located just south of Carver, MN.

The Sherburne NWR sits in a transitional zone where tallgrass prairie meets deciduous forest (or what is left of both).  Currently there isn't a visitor center, but two kiosks provide maps, checklists, and visitor information (locations are shown on the map).  If you have a car (or a bike), a good starting point is the Wildlife Drive, a 7+ mile tour with a great view of an eagle's nest and two pullouts with short interpretive trails.  Follow this with hikes on the 3-mile Manhomen Trail and/or the 4.5-mile Blue Hill Trail (don't miss the spur for the climb up Blue Hill). 

• Please tread lightly.  Recreation is encouraged, but conservation and preservation come first.          
• Wildlife is often abundant (of course!) so toss some binoculars in with your usual hiking gear. 
• Bathroom facilities and drinking water may not be present at some locations.  Plan ahead. 
• In-season hunting is often allowed on Refuge lands.  Here are the Minnesota hunting dates.  Hunter's (blaze) orange is a good idea if you are hiking this time of year. 
• Refuges are generally free and open during daylight hours.  Access to some areas may change with the seasons.  Check with the Refuge for details. 
• No camping is allowed.