Rydell National Wildlife Refuge set to host summer events
Jul. 3—ERSKINE — Rydell National Wildlife Refuge is hosting events for children in the area this summer including an introduction to archery day, a fishing day, and an owl pellet dissection seminar starting on Saturday, July 16.
At an archery introduction class at Rydell Refuge, attendees will use the Hoverball Archery System featuring arrows with soft foam-tipped arrows and floating targets for a safe and fun introductory experience to the sport of archery, a release said.
This family-friendly event is for youth ages 8 to 16 on Saturday, July 16, free and no pre-registration is required.
The following Saturday, July 23, the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association is set to host the 5th Annual Youth Fishing Day.
The event is geared for youth ages 15 and younger, but attendees over the age of 16 are welcome to come with a valid Minnesota DNR fishing license.
Anglers are encouraged to bring their own gear such as rods and reels for there is a limited amount of fishing tackle available. Bait and lunch will be provided for all participants.
The annual fishing day will also include a fish cleaning demonstration along with a casting seminar and contest. Participants who catch their first fish, the biggest fish of each species and the winner of the casting contest will receive certificates and other prizes will be handed out throughout the day.
"Stay tuned for more information on this event in the coming weeks. Pre-registration will likely be required," the release said.
The third and last event of the summer will be a youth owl pellet dissection seminar from 10 a..m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. With the help of staff, attendees ages 8 to 16 can come and dissect a lab-sterilized owl pellet in a fun learning environment, the release said.
"Owl pellets are the undigested parts of an owl's food such as hair and bone, that are coughed up through the beak," the release said.
The seminar is free and no pre-registration is required.
All events are hosted at 17788 349th Street SE in Erskine, Minn. Parents are encouraged to attend these events with their children.
For more information or questions, contact Refuge Manager Gregg Knutsen at
(218) 686-4329
or
