Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends

05/29/2026

It’s SPRING and our 4-legged friends from Diversity Landworks are back at the Rapids Lake north savanna area hungrily chewing away at buckthorn and other invasive plants. Fencing was installed at the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center in preparation for goat arrivals in May. Termed “prescribed grazing,” this chemical free method of controlling invasive plants is critical to preserving native plants that in turn support native birds, bees and butterflies. When you become a member of the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends, you help support conservation initiatives like these. There's still time to become a member during Membership May. Go to: mvrfriends.org/

Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS.

05/28/2026

Before Membership May ends, don’t miss an opportunity to become a Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends member. When you join this month, not only will your membership be matched dollar for dollar up to $2000, but you can be proud knowing you’re supporting youth education, habitat conservation and more at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge! Join today: mvrfriends.org/

Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS.

05/27/2026

As birds migrate this spring, collisions into windows and glass pose a significant hazard - causing billions of bird deaths annually. One way to help prevent these collisions is by putting collision tape on your windows at home. The Nature Store at the Bloomington Visitor's Center of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge now has Feather Friendly Collision Tape in stock in white and black dots. This product reduces bird collisions by over 95%, according to independent studies and real-world results. Stop by to learn more or stock up: mvrfriends.org/blufftop-nature-store

05/25/2026

Become a Refuge Friends member this week and your membership fee will be matched by private donors up to $2,000. Double your impact and ensure the Minnesota Valley stays protected for seasons to come: mvrfriends.org/becomefriend

Perk: When you become a member, you will receive a soft cover book about the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, written and illustrated by a previous Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge intern.

05/23/2026

Membership can be more than just a subscription! We are looking for a few more volunteers. Could you fit the bill? Volunteering as a graphic designer is just one example of how you can share your time and talent toward conservation. Have another way you would like to help? Just drop us an email and let's explore the opportunities. Contact us at [email protected]

05/22/2026

If there was a Refuge Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award, Craig Mandel would take the prize. Starting even before the Bloomington Education and Visitor Center opened in 1989, he is most likely the longest serving refuge volunteer at Minnesota Valley.

Craig began by leading interpretive programs, sharing his passion for birds and wildflowers. He also worked with field trip students helping them connect with nature. Seeing the wonder in the eyes of children are some of his earliest and favorite memories.

Craig considers being recognized as a preeminent birder in the Twin Cities as one of his greatest volunteer accomplishments and we couldn't agree more! His refuge bird walks and Introduction to Bird Watching Workshops attract the highest number of participants across all refuge nature programs.

Craig credits his experience as a volunteer with his personal growth and satisfaction in sharing his knowledge and passion for nature with others. Craig loves the contradiction of the refuge, a premier natural space within an urban environment.

As one of the founding board members of what is now Refuge Friends, Craig also liked channeling support toward efuge projects that he felt were important to the public and to refuge conservation.

Interested in attending one of Craig's birding hikes? Check out the current Refuge Calendar of Events. Dont have binoculars? No problem! Binoculars are available for check-out at the Refuge Information Desk at no cost.

05/21/2026

Nature is the best teacher. Your membership keeps our education programs free and accessible for all Minnesota kids, teachers, schools and communities. Friends provide annual funding of more than $30,000 to provide free field trip transportation to thousands of children who might not otherwise be able to come. Become a family member during the month of May and receive a free Nature Explorer Pack to enhance your family nature adventures all year long.

05/16/2026

Minnesota gardens can fight habitat loss by planting native species like Wild Bergamot, Golden Alexanders, and Purple Coneflower, which support pollinators with nectar and host sites. By planting diverse, season-long blooms, minimizing pesticides and keeping fall leaves, gardeners can establish vital pollinator corridors, improve local ecosystems, and support Minnesota's bees and butterflies.

Photo credit: Photo of Tagged Monarch Butterfly on Purple Cone Flower by Joanna Gilkeson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

05/13/2026

May is a peak month for our local pollinators, and the secret to their success is simple: Native Plants like Wild Lupine, Golden Alexanders, and Milkweed. These plants are are more than just beautiful, they are the life support system for the Minnesota Valley’s bees, butterflies, and birds. 🐝✨ Unlike ornamental plants, native flowers have co-evolved with our local wildlife for thousands of years, providing the exact nectar and pollen they need to thrive.

Why it matters:
- Milkweed is the host plant for Monarch caterpillars. No milkweed, no Monarchs! 🧡
- Deep Roots: Native plants have incredibly long root systems (some up to 15 feet deep!), which help prevent erosion and keep our valley’s water clean.
- Food Security: One out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators.

You can help! Consider adding a native "pocket garden" to your yard or balcony this summer. Every bloom counts toward a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Photo Caption: Photographer Michael Kurtz took this photo of Bergamot also known as Bee Balm in the Summer of 2025. It is a favorite of many pollinators!

05/12/2026