CELEBRATING OVER 10 YEARS OF SUPPORTING THE MINNESOTA VALLEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Welcome to Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends (MVRF), the official citizen support group of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (MVNWR). 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.
Whether you have visited the Refuge once or hundreds of times, this is a special place for you to enjoy and provide support for the mission of the Refuge to “work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance the fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefits of the American people.”
Our Nature Store
MVRF operates the Nature Stores 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 sales support the Blue Goose Bus Fund, which provide student transportation for learning excursions at the Refuge.
MVRF engages others in what is happening at the Refuge, thanks to our numerous volunteers who serve at the front desk. Our essential tools include staffing face-to-face experiences and educating the public through our web presence and social media to increase awareness of the Refuge and the local and political events that shape its future.
Hikes, Tours, Kids Education, and so much more!
Amidst all the indoor activities we do as Friends, we also take hikes and tours. Let us not forget that we must first enjoy the wild places and wild things that are the Refuge. We share our passion for the Refuge wilderness with others – particularly children – and encourage everyone to participate in the wonders of the outdoors. Learn more about some of our feature events in the What We Do section.
Whether you have visited the Refuge once or hundreds of times, this is a special place for you to enjoy and provide support for the mission of the Refuge to “work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance the fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefits of the American people.”
Our Nature Store
MVRF operates the Nature Stores 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 sales support the Blue Goose Bus Fund, which provide student transportation for learning excursions at the Refuge.
MVRF engages others in what is happening at the Refuge, thanks to our numerous volunteers who serve at the front desk. Our essential tools include staffing face-to-face experiences and educating the public through our web presence and social media to increase awareness of the Refuge and the local and political events that shape its future.
Hikes, Tours, Kids Education, and so much more!
Amidst all the indoor activities we do as Friends, we also take hikes and tours. Let us not forget that we must first enjoy the wild places and wild things that are the Refuge. We share our passion for the Refuge wilderness with others – particularly children – and encourage everyone to participate in the wonders of the outdoors. Learn more about some of our feature events in the What We Do section.