Access to “Soar” at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
By Kelly Blackledge, Visitor Services Manager, Tamarac NWR, MN
The “Soar” art piece and ample viewing space at the Tamarac NWR, MN| Greg Stetz
Visitors posing by “Soar” at the Tamarac NWR, MN| Greg Stetz
The Friends of Tamarac, along with refuge staff, have a long-standing vision of creating a place for people of all abilities to soar into the woods and connect with nature. After the completion of the Tamarac Discovery Center and amphitheater, which provides an accessible hub for environmental education programming, it was time to move to the next phase of creating accessible trails. A need for a picnic site and a place to install a commissioned art piece titled “Soar” all came together this summer with a path to Eagle Eye Overlook. A team of volunteers and staff worked together to plan the accessible sidewalk from the Discovery Center through the woods to the overlook.
Memorial dollars instigated the Friends to commission an outdoor art piece by Patrick Shannon, a local metal artist who grew up near the refuge. He was thrilled at the invitation as the refuge holds special meaning for Shannon. The Fish and Wildlife Service paid for the concrete sidewalk, and the Friends raised funds for the terrace that features the art, benches, and accessible picnic tables. An online giving event was held with matching dollars that sealed the deal. The site was completed, and a dedication event was held in August of 2021. It was truly a heartfelt celebration amidst a tough year through the pandemic. It is now a “must-see” spot to visit when coming to the refuge, and everyone can access this beautiful place in the woods where the eagles soar.