Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association

06/02/2026

Friends - tonight is our annual highway cleanup along our adopted stretch of Highway 32! 🛣

Meet at 5:00pm at the old Lee Nursery site, approximately 5 miles south of highway 2.

We would love if you could help us make our section of highway beautiful!

It may be a little warm, so please bring water and also dress appropriately for the season and terrain. Bug spray and gloves are also not a bad idea!

Bags and vests will be provided.

05/28/2026

🐻 Our intern Hannah found some treasures while out walking Tamarac Trail this week - bear AND moose tracks! 🫎

🫎 Mama moose looks like she may have been accompanied by a young calf based on the little track alongside!

05/20/2026

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🐝Happy World Bee Day! 🐝

There are over 20,000 bee species worldwide and 4,000 are native to the United States. Did you know that Minnesota is home to more than 500 species of native bees? Minnesota’s diverse bees range in size, shape and color: blue orchard bees, green sweat bees, big fuzzy black and gold bumble bees just to name a few.

While native bees provide many services for us as humans, their innate beauty is more than enough reason for us to appreciate and care for these little critters! As you meander through your garden or local park today, be sure to say hello to any bees you see along the way.

Photo is of a White-clothed Longhorn Bee (Xenoglossa albata) coming in for a landing. The flower is a Dalea.

05/12/2026

New Bog Walk at Sundew Bog - coming soon!

Please mind the "mess" - the old bog walk was removed this winter to make way for a newer and safer one.

04/29/2026

04/08/2026

🐦Midwest Region Migratory Bird Biologist, Kris Spaeth, is at Rydell NWR this week putting special bird deterrent film on all of the windows in the visitor center and office.

🏙️ This will greatly reduce the occurrence of bird-window collisions, while offering the same viewing opportunities as before!

🏡This is also a step people can take in their own homes to prevent bird-window collisions for more enjoyable and safe birdwatching!

04/06/2026

Each year, billions of birds migrate across the Western Hemisphere, traveling thousands of miles along ancient flyways that connect continents, countries, and communities. The Birds on the Move documentary series celebrates these extraordinary journeys, and the people working across the Americas to protect them every step of the way. The first episode is out now on YouTube, watch at the link in comments!

04/01/2026

Thinking spring and gardening now that it's getting nicer?
Check out Cornell Lab of Ornithology's new Garden for Birds initiative!