​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.
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Our objectives include:

• 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 Bookstore at the Refuge Education and Visitor Center in Bloomington, Minnesota 

Blufftop Nature Store
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. ​

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. 

Check out our 2022-2023 Annual Report for more information.