August 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 31 from 10am-2pm

Engage in community science by helping tag monarch butterflies! This fun and educational activity is perfect for all ages and helps biologists track the monarch migration down to Mexico. Drop in at our pop-up tent outside the main entrance at anytime to get all your supplies! No previous experience required. This is a drop-in program. Please check website for program cancellation.

August 24 from 10am - 5pm

Come enjoy stories of nature in summer and reading outdoors! Everyone is invited to take a stroll along the edge of the prairie while following the pages of a children's storybook. All ages are welcome. More books are available inside the visitor center to read.

August 24 from 10am-12pm

Monarch butterflies are small but mighty insects that migrate south every winter. Join us to learn how and why they travel so far and make a Monarch butterfly inspired craft! This is a drop-in program with at-your-own-pace activities and complimentary snacks, provided by the Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends. All ages are welcome and no experience is needed. This is a drop-in program. Registration is optional. Sign up for reminders and cancellation updates.

August 25 from 8:00-10:30am

Join 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.

August 26 from 6-8pm

You've heard the phrase "Leave it better than you found it", right? Well, the refuge is taking it to a whole new level this summer. To wrap up our Summer Stewardship Series,  meet us at the North Louisville Swamp Trailhead for an evening of trash pick up in the parking lot and on the connecting trail.

No experience is necessary and will we be providing all of the proper supplies. Please have closed toed shoes, long pants, a water bottle, and bug spray.

This is a drop-in program with optional registration to receive updates on cancelations. A volunteer form will need to be signed upon arrival.

August 28 from 5:30pm - 7pm

When it comes to outdoor recreation, hiking is a great way to see new spots and get movement into your day! If you feel ready to take it to the next level, join refuge staff for a guided intermediate hike on our Rapids Lake trail. For this program, we will teach you how to turn baseline hiking into a more intense activity by showing you around the Rapids Lake unit - an area packed with an interesting natural history.

We will be walking for a distance of about 2 miles at a steady pace with no scheduled breaks. Experience in hiking is recommended to have before going to this program. If you are unsure about your skill level, you can join our Intro to Hiking programs held throughout the year. Registration is optional.