Bird Walks with Bob - Louisville Swamp on July 4, 2026

Meet at 8:00am at Louisville Swamp, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 3801-145th Street West in Shakopee.  Very near the Renaissance Festival site off US 169. Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring water, binoculars, and birding apps or guides.  Cal......More

Meet at 8:00am at Louisville Swamp, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 3801-145th Street West in Shakopee.  Very near the Renaissance Festival site off US 169. Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring water, binoculars, and birding apps or guides.  Call or text Bob 651-775-7982 if you have questions.  Inclement weather may affect this event.

Louisville Swamp Unit – Main Trailhead, 3801 145th Street West, Shakopee, MN, 55379, United States

Bird Watching Trek

July 5 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeBirdwatching Trek: Old Cedar AvenueJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing anddocumenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a num......More

July 5 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeBirdwatching Trek: Old Cedar AvenueJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing anddocumenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails,which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for includeTrumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireosand American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com, which is available on the Minnesota Valley NWR’s website. Capped at 25 participants. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Old Cedar Avenue: Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings

Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. We will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

July 18 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeBirdwatching Trek: Old Cedar AvenueJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing anddocumenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a nu......More

July 18 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am CDTFreeBirdwatching Trek: Old Cedar AvenueJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a spring bird walk. On these walks, the focus will be observing anddocumenting the species of birds that nest on the refuge. Over the summer we will visit a number of different trails,which will offer different species of birds to observe. Some of the species of birds we will be searching for includeTrumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Willow & Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated, Warbling & Red-eyed Vireosand American Redstarts. Birders of all skill levels are welcome on these walks. Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at the OCA parking lot at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required through Signup.com, which is available on the Minnesota Valley NWR’s website. Capped at 25 participants. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Old Cedar Avenue: Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in, but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Birdwatching Trek: Rapids Lake Image DetailsJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate t......More

Birdwatching Trek: Rapids Lake Image DetailsJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required. Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Monday, July 20, 2026 from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at the trailhead at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center. 15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315 Registration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center: Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at [email protected]. Event date and timeJul 20, 2026 8:00 am – Jul 20, 2026 10:30 am (CDT)Register HereEvent location nameRapids Lake Visitor CenterAddress15865 Rapids Lake RdCarver,55315MN

Rapids Lake Visitor Center, 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver, MN, 55315, United States

Martin County Birding Days

Martin County Birding Days August 8, 9, 2026 – 6:30 a.m. start Craig Mandel — 952-240-7647 Cost: $25 for MRVAC members, $35 for non-members Join us for a two day visit to Martin County. Some of the locations we may have time to bird in the county include Cedar Hanson, B......More

Martin County Birding Days August 8, 9, 2026 – 6:30 a.m. start Craig Mandel — 952-240-7647 Cost: $25 for MRVAC members, $35 for non-members Join us for a two day visit to Martin County. Some of the locations we may have time to bird in the county include Cedar Hanson, Bright Lake, Perch Lake and Timberlane County Parks. We should have time to visit some WPA and WMAs near Fairmont. Please contact Craig to register for this trip.

Super 8 by Wyndham Fairmont, 1200 Torgerson Drive, Fairmont, MN, 56031-0422, United States

MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group (SIG) Outdoor Bird Walk on second Monday evenings

Please join MRVAC Photography Special Interest Group for outdoor photography bird walks. We will meet at 5:30pm.  The location is Old Cedar Avenue Bridge.

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue Image DetailsJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migr......More

Birdwatching Trek: Old Cedar Avenue Image DetailsJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required. Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at the trailhead at Old Cedar Avenue. 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 Registration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Old Cedar Avenue: Restrooms and water fountains are available seasonally, from last frost to first frost typically. The restrooms are managed by the City of Bloomington. There is dedicated handicap parking. A portable restroom is available on site. Bluff and Hogback Ridge trails are nature surface. Bluff trail features a wooden boardwalk and has many steep inclines and declines approximately 0.25 miles in but connects to the Minnesota Valley State trail 3.4 miles in, which is a flat and paved path. The pedestrian bridge is a flat concrete path. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are no benches on the trails, but rest areas are located at the pavilion, Nature Play Area, and fishing pier. Trailhead is a

Old Cedar Ave Brdge, 9551 Old Cedar Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States

Bird Watching Trek

Birdwatching Trek: Louisville Swamp Image DetailsJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migr......More

Birdwatching Trek: Louisville Swamp Image DetailsJoin refuge naturalist Craig Mandel for a bird walk to learn about the birds that we find on the refuge. Learn about the different types of habitats at the refuge that support over 100 species of birds, many of which migrate through and nest on the refuge during certain times of the year. No experience needed, this program is intended for those interested in birding regardless of experience level. Registration required. Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (952) 854-5900. Date and Time: Monday, August 17, 2026 from 8-10:30am Location: Meet us at the trailhead at the Louisville Swamp North Trailhead (Main Parking Area). 3801 145th St W, Shakopee, MN 55379 Registration Information: Registration required. Capped at 25 participants, register for this event is available at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuges website. On their website, go to the events page and locate the event you would like to register for and click on the sign up link to register. Please indicate in your registration if you would like to receive a birding summary and species list from the walk. Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors. Distance covered is 1-2 miles total. The walk is easy active, slow moving, with plenty of stops along the way. What to Bring: Comfortable clothing is recommended, including boots for wet/rainy conditions on muddy trails. If you have them, bring along your own pair of binoculars and field guides. Volunteers have spotting scopes available for all to use as well. Accessibility: Accessibility at Louisville Swamp North Trailhead (Main Parking Area): Restrooms are located at the parking lot. There are no water fountains or dedicated handicap parking. Trail is nature surface and mostly flat, with a slight slope to reach the Mazomani trail. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are no benches in the trail area. Trailhead is a

Louisville Swamp Unit – Main Trailhead, 3801 145th Street West, Shakopee, MN, 55379, United States