This majestic bald eagle, held by Joanne Backsen from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, was the feature bird at the Raptors of the Midwest program held at the Sherburne NWR Wildlife Festival on October 8. - USFWS Photo by Ron Cleveland

A refuge volunteer face painter shows a visitor to the Wildlife Festival at Sherburne NWR his eagle design. - USFWS Photo by Ron Cleveland

More than 1,000 visitors attended the twelfth annual Wildlife Festival held Oct. 8, 2005, at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (Minnesota).

This wildlife-centered event celebrated National Wildlife Refuge Week and the 40^th Anniversary of Sherburne Refuge by offering nearly two dozen activities designed to help visitors learn about wildlife, Sherburne Refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System.  Activities included presentations on raptors of the Midwest and on archery hunting, a guided hay ride and bus tour, and interactive exhibits that provided opportunities for learning about plants, animals, and hunting. 

The event was made possible with assistance from the Friends of Sherburne, 96 volunteers, five partner organizations, and 17 business sponsors.