ZIMMERMAN -- Students and wildlife enthusiasts will have a new education building to use when visiting the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

Work will begin this fall on a new 4,000 square-foot building which will include educational classrooms and bathroom facilities.

Refuge Manager Steve Karel says they haven't had any space for educational classes since 2010 when their old schoolhouse building was condemned.

The refuge attracts about 80,000 visitors every year including 500-600 students who visit on field trips.

The $1.5-million facility will be paid for through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife budget. Karel says they are also working with the Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge to raise additional money for additional amenities like microscopes, a dock and landscaping.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Monday at 10:30 a.m.

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