VOLUNTEER

There are many different types of volunteer opportunities through Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends. 
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INFORMATION DESK
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Positioned at the main entrance of the Bloomington Education & Visitor's Center, inside the Blufftop Nature Store
  • ​Greet and welcome guests to MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge
  • Help customers find and purchase items at the Nature Store
  • Field questions about trails, wildlife sightings, management, etc. 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Programs are available at the Refuge's Bloomington & Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Centers and in nearby elementary schools.
  • ​Remind Chaperones of guidelines for exploring on the Refuge
  • Help students use equipment, such as field microscopes, binoculars, and compasses
  • Assist practicum interns with handing out materials and answering questions

URBAN OUTREACH
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Activities are stationed 80% in the community (City Parks, after-school programs, etc), and 20% at the Visitor Center
  • ​Work with diverse youth and families
  • Be sensitive to cultural and language barriers
  • Encourage and uplift participants to engage with nature

TRAIL RANGER
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Located on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife trail system

​Hike trails and report on conditions and visitor activity levels

HABITAT RESTORATION
  • ​Weeding and maintaining the butterfly/pollinator gardens at the Visitor's Center
  • Invasive species removal on the trails
  • Seed collection of prairie grasses and flora
​​Interested in volunteering? Email us: hello@mnvalleyrefugefriends.org