Welcome from the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

News and Events

Volunteer Updates and Upcoming Friends Meeting

January 14, 2026

Thank you to everyone who helped us on Saturday for the Annual Kids’ Ice Fishing Event! The event was a success with 50 kids attending. Many of the families I spoke with had never been ice fishing before. We couldn’t have done this event without all of your help and without the donations of food,…

Ice Fishing for Kids

December 19, 2025

The annual Kid’s Ice Fishing Event is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the McNally Boat Landing on Prairie Island Drive, Winona, MN. This event is co-sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Friends of the Refuge Headwaters. Come fish with us! Children (recommended ages 6 through…

August Friends Meeting – One Week Early

August 18, 2025

We are happy to be hosting the next Friends regular monthly meeting this Thursday, August 21st beginning at 4:15 pm in the Refuge Office (102 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Winona). Please note that this is a week earlier than our regular schedule. Join us to learn more or to become a participant in planning upcoming events…

July Friends Meeting

July 18, 2025

We are happy to be hosting the next Friends regular monthly meeting this Thursday, June 24th beginning at 4:15 pm in the Refuge Office (102 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Winona). Join us to learn more or to become a participant in planning upcoming events and activities on the refuge. Click here for the upcoming meeting agenda.

Project COMPASS Picnic and Fishing Event – RESCHEDULED

June 25, 2025

Rescheduled and looking for volunteers: Project COMPASS Picnic and Fishing Event – Due to the predicted thunderstorms today, we are rescheduling the Project COMPASS picnic and fishing event for next Wednesday, July 2nd. We are still looking for volunteers for this fun fishing and picnic event! It will be at the Hiawatha Valley Marine Shelter on…

June Friends Meeting and Volunteer Opportunity

June 21, 2025

We are happy to be hosting the next Friends regular monthly meeting this Thursday, June 26th beginning at 4:15 pm in the Refuge Office (102 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Winona). Join us to learn more or to become a participant in planning upcoming events and activities on the refuge. Click here for the upcoming meeting agenda. Project COMPASS…