Neil Bohach and Rick Kreuger, Minnesota  NR Firearms Safety Instructors and Sherburne Refuge volunteers, instruct visitors in proper use of air rifles, at the Wildlife Festival. - Photo by Kim Farah.

Dave McKenna, refuge volunteer, talks with visitors about the bird, bat and butterfly houses he built and donated to the Friends of Sherburne Silent Auction, during the Wildlife Festival at Sherburne NWR. - Photo by Kimberly Farah

Bob Bengson, Range Tech-Fire Fighter, watches and assists a young recruit using the fire hose, during the Wildlife Festival at Sherburne NWR. - Photo by Kimberly Farah

The red-bellied snake and other reptiles at the Minnesota Herpitological Society's exhibit, facinated young visitors attending the Wildlife Festival at Sherburne NWR. - Photo by Michael Stemper

More than 1,600 visitors attended the 13th Annual Wildlife Festival, October 7, at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

This wildlife centered event celebrated National Wildlife Refuge Week and the 41^st Anniversary of Sherburne Refuge, offering over two dozen activities for the visitors to learn about wildlife and the refuge. 

Activities included presentations on raptors, reptiles and cranes, a guided hay ride, nature walk and bus tour, and interactive exhibits that provided opportunities for learning about plants, animals, hunting, decoys, binoculars, prescribed fire and more. 

The event was made possible with assistance from the Friends of Sherburne, 115 refuge volunteers, four partner organizations, and 23 business sponsors.