The Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has reopened on weekends thanks to nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer work by University of Minnesota Extension Master Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteers, according to an April 22 announcement. The center had previously been closed for several years due to staffing shortages.
The reopening is significant as it restores public access to exhibits, classrooms, and natural habitats along the west side of the Minnesota River. The initiative also supports ongoing restoration efforts at the site through a partnership between University of Minnesota Extension volunteers and staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Amy Rager, Extension educator for the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program, said about involving volunteers: “The volunteers are committed. They want to do things that matter. During the planning stages, I thought they would love this project.” Kirby Hoberg, a Master Naturalist volunteer, added: “It’s been an honor to help reopen, and keep open, the Rapids Lake Visitor Center.”
The collaboration included prairie restoration projects, removal of invasive species with funding from a Conservation Partners Legacy grant, planting an accessible pollinator garden near an old barn foundation, and reopening weekend operations with trained volunteers. Sarah Inouye-Leas from FWS said: “This partnership has helped us reduce impacts from invasive species, enhance habitat for pollinators by installing native prairie gardens and engage with a broader network of volunteers.” Vicki Sherry from FWS noted: “This project not only helped us restore important prairie and oak savanna habitats, but the volunteers have been instrumental in reopening the visitor center in Carver to the public.”
To become certified as a Master Naturalist volunteer through University of Minnesota Extension—which operates within cooperative extension and land-grant education according to its official website—individuals complete 40 hours of training plus a capstone project benefiting environmental education or conservation efforts. Volunteers designed an accessible pollinator garden as one such project.
University of Minnesota Extension contributes research-driven strategies statewide through local offices in every county according to its official website. It offers hands-on learning opportunities focused on community advancement according to its official website, provides research-backed solutions for community challenges according to its official website, is supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture according to its official website, and delivers services aimed at helping Minnesotans address issues while seizing new opportunities according to its official website.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for youth-focused programs at Rapids Lake led by local 4-H educators Devarati Bhattacharya (Carver County) and Kaitlyn Albers (Scott County), with support from Master Naturalist volunteers who will assist in designing camps as part of their capstone projects.
