Help Survey Great Blue Heron Nests

Friends and Volunteers, this is the time of year when the Refuge surveys the number of great blue heron nests and nest trees in the rookeries. Participants will walk from the Mertes’ landing, across the ice about 1/3 mile, to the heron colony and then walk around on the island. This activity involves a fair amount of walking but it is flat and it’s not a race. It will probably take between 2-3 hours, so bring a snack, something to drink, ice cleats for your shoes, and dress for the weather. 

The count will take place on Wednesday, February 21 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Mertes’ Boat Landing (the landing is on the WI side of the Winona bridge past the entrance to Dick’s Marina).

Please RSVP to Refuge Biologist Michelle Turton by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20 if you can help. She can be reached at [email protected] or 507-494-6234.