50 Years of Protecting Habitat In The Minnesota River Valley
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1976 by motivated residents to preserve wildlife resources threatened by commercial and industrial development. 50 years later, the refuge enhances urban habitat while offering community programs, environmental education and access to nature on the edge of the Twin Cities.
Enjoy Special 50th Anniversary Events and Activities!
- Refuge 50th Birthday Bash
- Find Your Wild Nature Art Contest
- Become a Trail Ranger
- Refuge Enhancements
Refuge 50th Birthday Bash
Join us for the Refuge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration! Celebrate 50 years of the Minnesota Valley Refuge with a day full of fun, nature, and community! Enjoy birdwatching, archery, arts & crafts, and a special panel featuring past refuge leaders sharing stories and memories from throughout the years. Winners of the Find Your Wild Nature Art Contest will be announced, with their artwork displayed during the celebration. Bring your family and friends and help us honor five decades of conservation, wildlife, and outdoor adventure at this unforgettable anniversary bash!
- Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
- Location: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425
- Activities: Bird walks, archery, arts & crafts, refuge leaders panel and more!
Find Your Wild Nature Art Contest:
Explore the wonders of the refuge while creating 2-dimensional art. This following types of art will be accepted: drawing, painting, photography, collage, oil, water color, crayon, marker, pen & ink, graphite, and digital art.
Explore Nearly 50 Miles of Trails!
Become a Trail Ranger today! Help keep our trails beautiful and welcoming by volunteering as the Refuge’s eyes and ears. Walk the trails at your own pace while picking up litter, reporting maintenance needs, and sharing flora and fauna discoveries. Enjoy the outdoors, give back, and make a lasting impact in your community. Click here to learn more and get involved.
Engage in Refuge Conservation and Stewardship!
Discover how we’re enhancing the refuge through exciting projects, habitat restoration efforts, and conservation initiatives that protect native plants, wildlife, and natural habitats. Connect with knowledgeable staff and volunteers and learn how our stewardship efforts support a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.
Click here to learn more about our work and ongoing stewardship efforts!
Find Your Wild Nature Art Contest:
Theme: Nature of Minnesota Valley
Eligibility: The contest will be judged within the following categories
- Kindergarten - 5th Grade
- 6th Grade - 8th Grade
- 9th Grade - 12th Grade
- Adult (18+)
Guidelines:
-The artwork has to relate to nature and wildlife found on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- It must be your original work
- Each participant can submit one entry only
- Entries must be submitted by Monday, September 7, 2026 at 5:00pm CT
- Not intended for professional artists
Entries must be completed by caretakers if artist is under 18.
Rules & Regulations:
To enter you must fill out the following and email entries to MinnesotaValley@fws.gov:
- First Name and Last Initial (ex. Ryland C)
- Title of Artwork
- Medium of Artwork (must remain 2-dimensional) - Collage, Crayon, Drawing, Digital, Graphite, Marker, Oil, Painting, Pen & Ink, Photography, or Water Color
- Answer in 50 words or less: How is your artwork related to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge?
Upload a Photo of your Artwork:
- Upload a clear JPG or PNG photo of the artwork. Make sure the image is sharp, well lit, and shows the entire artwork. This is the image used in judging - physical artwork will be collected and displayed if selected.
- Must name the photo correctly in this order:
- Age Category
- First Name
- First Letter of Last Name
- Title
- For example: 3rd Grade_Emily R_Under the Stars
- Phone Number (if submitting for a minor, please submit caretaker information instead)
- Email Address (if submitting for a minor, please submit caretaker information instead)
- Entries will conclude on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 5pm CT.
Winners will be contacted directly the week of September 13th. Winners must be able to drop off the physical artwork starting the week of September 13, 2026 during public hours at our Bloomington Visitor Center (3815 American Blvd E Bloomington MN 55425). Public hours are 10am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday.
Winning Artists will be presented with an award during an award ceremony on Saturday, September 26, 2026 for the refuge's 50th Birthday Bash. More info to come.
Artwork will be on display between September 26 - October 25, 2026.
Winners must be able to pick up their artwork beginning the week of November 1, 2026.
