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Environmental Education Services

Schools and educational groups are welcome to use the Refuge for environmental education programs. Teachers and group leaders are asked call the office prior to the field trip to inform the staff of their plans. Contact person: Public Use Specialist, phone: (763) 389-3323 ext. 13. TTY users may reach the Refuge through the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8335.

• The date and time of your visit

• The number of students and adults

• The areas of the Refuge you plan to use

• The program topic

• A contact person and phone number

This 7.3 mile loop road passes several wetland pools, prairie openings and woodlands where wildlife may be observed in their natural habitat. The Wildlife Drive features two observation platforms with permanently mounted spotting scopes and two half-mile hiking trails: the Prairie Trail and the Woodland Trail. (see Refuge Map )

This 4.5 mile trail is divided into three loops with the short loop being 2 miles long. The trail passes through oak woodlands and restored grasslands and skirts the edge of Buck Lake. A spur trail provides access to the top of Blue Hill, one of the highest points in the county, where an observation platform provides access to a scenic view of the Refuge. (see Refuge Map)

This three mile trail is divided into three loops with the short loop being one mile long. The trail passes through oak woodlands and restored grasslands and skirts the edge of several shallow marches. Outdoor toilets and a picnic table are located near the start of the trail. (see Refuge Map)

This meeting space may be reserved by any group planning environmental education activities at the Refuge. School House facilities include the following: folding tables, 40 chairs, propane heat and two restrooms. At the completion of the event, the group is responsible for clean-up of the School House to return it to the condition they found it in upon arrival. Garbage is to be bagged and taken back with the group. The key to the School House will be checked out to the teacher or group leader at the Refuge office on the day of the program unless other arrangements are made.(see Refuge Map)

During the winter months, 30 pair of snowshoes are available for use by organized groups for environmental education programs on the Refuge. Reservations must be made in advance.

A Wetlands Trunk and a Prairie Trunk are available to educators and group leaders for free loan. Each trunk contains a curriculum guide with lesson plans for elementary, middle, and high school levels, activity props, videos, books, puppets and posters. A trunk may be kept for two weeks unless other arrangements are made. Educators are responsible for picking up and returning the trunk to the Refuge.

A 14-minute video highlighting the history, habitat management, wildlife and recreational opportunities at Sherburne National Widllife Refuge is available for free loan. The video provides an excellent introduction to the Refuge and is recommended for classroom viewing prior to a field trip.

A curriculum guide focused on the oak savanna, a globally endangered habitat being restored on the Refuge, is available for loan to teachers organizing environmental education field trips to the Refuge. The core of the curriculum consists of eighteen lesson plans, designed for three age levels (elementary, middle and high school), which provide guidance for hands-on activities to help students explore, understand and appreciate the oak savanna.

Refuge staff are available to assist teachers and group leaders in planning their field trip to the Refuge. It is the responsibility of the teacher or group leader to provide the leadership for the on-site programs. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Refuge office at (763) 389-3323 ext. 13.

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