Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and Sand Dunes State Forest were the host sites for the annual Sherburne County Environmental Education Days held on September 19-21. The event, a cooperative effort between five agencies, was attended by 375 students and 46 teacher/parent chaperones from five area schools. 

Agencies involved included the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the University of Minnesota Extension Service for Sherburne County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Forestry Division, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District.

The Friends of Sherburne provided monetary support to defray the cost of the program for the schools.  Seven refuge staff and two refuge volunteers were among the twenty-five instructors presenting programs during the week. 

The refuge was responsible for two stations:1) Wildlife Management - the Bald Eagle and 2) Friendly Fire- the Benefits of Prescribed Burning. Teacher evaluations show that this day of environmental education programs at the Refuge and the State Forest is a highlight of the school year for the students. 

Many teachers say that they refer back to the EE Days activity sessions in lessons they teach throughout the school year.