Our Mission
Who We Are
CELEBRATING NEARLY 20 YEARS OF SUPPORTING THE MINNESOTA VALLEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Since the Refuge was established in 1976, citizens have been involved with the expansion and enhancement of the over 14,000 acres of protected habitat for both wildlife and lovers of the outdoors. The Purpose of MVRF is to assist the Refuge in accomplishing its mission.
Check out our 2024-2025 Annual Report for more information. Our 2024-2025 990 is available here.
Our Funders: RBC Foundation, No Child Left Inside, Hennepin County, Bosch Foundation, US FWS Retirees Association, Minnesota River Valley - Audubon Chapter, Burnsville Noon Rotary Club, Minnesota Valley Trust, CenterPoint Energy, Tennant Foundation
Our Objectives
Fundraise to support environmental education, habitat restoration, urban outreach, mentoring, arts throughout the metro area
Create opportunities for youth from under-resourced communities to engage with nature
Promote Refuge programs and advocate for local environmental issues
Welcome visitors and answer questions about refuge lands and programs
Manage the Nature Store at Visitor Center in Bloomington.
MVRF operates the Nature Store at the Bloomington Education & Visitor Centers to enhance our visitors’ experiences with educational materials related to the Refuge's cultural and natural resources as well as souvenirs and helpful items such as water bottles for the trails. Proceeds from the Nature Store help support MVRF.
Who We Are
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The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1976 to preserve and protect our beautiful river valley from being commercially developed so generations of families could enjoy the natural landscape, plants and wildlife. Stretching 70 miles with over 14,000 acres, it's home to thousands of animals and native plants. Before the Refuge was established, eagles could not be found. Now eagles flourish, with over 13 nests. The Refuge is also on the Monarch Butterfly flight path and plays a critical role in their lifecycle.
Ongoing restoration of habitats is a big part of the Refuge's purpose in preserving and protecting our natural world.
Bloomington Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors (and volunteers) have been very excited to see the store open! Please visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge website for the latest updates, including trail conditions.
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Visitor Center hours of operation vary seasonally. Before visiting either of our visitor centers, please call to make sure we are open. Staff may be working off-site conducting educational programs or out in the field. Both visitor centers are closed on all federal holidays, and may experience weather-related or other periodic closures. (Call for more information).
Trail conditions on the Refuge vary throughout the year. Be prepared, as you may encounter changes in trail conditions while hiking, including periodic flooding, wet or muddy areas, thorny vegetation, and rough ground. Bug spray, sunscreen, and drinking water are recommended during warm weather. Trails are not groomed in winter and may be snow-packed and icy. To protect wildlife, please stay on designated trails and keep pets leashed at all times while visiting the Refuge. Thank you, and enjoy your visit.
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Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends is a voluntary non-profit organization which receives its operational funding from its members and grants. The majority of money donated to Refuge Friends goes toward supporting the habitat restoration, environmental education, urban outreach, mentoring, arts, and other activities at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
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Over 14,000 acres. Learn more from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service!
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Bloomington Education and Visitor Center
3815 American Blvd. E, Bloomington, MN 55425
Phone: 952-854-5900
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center
15865 Rapids Lake Rd. (formerly Carver Highlands Dr), Carver, MN 55315
Phone: 952-361-4500
TTY: 1-800-877-8339