Refuge Updates

A quick reminder about the paddling event on Thursday, July 14 out of the McNally Landing on the Prairie Island Dike (Winona) beginning at 9:30 am. Click here for details. Registration was due by the end of today but as a volunteer you can have until the end of tomorrow to register with Leslie Watson by phone 507-494-6220 or email [email protected].

If you didn’t see the news release and you are a Facebook user, consider following the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters Facebook page. The refuge news releases are posted there and on the website very quickly after they are issued thanks to Heidi Bryant. You can get to the Friends web page at friendsoftherefugeheadwaters.org/ and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/friendsrefugeheadwaters/

Speaking of paddling, Retired Ranger Ed Lagace and Volunteer Jay McLaren finished posting the canoe trail that goes into Aghaming Park. A big “Thank You” to both of them, and also for the boat-load of barrels they picked up while they were out there.

Anyone looking for a job? The Myrick Park Center in LaCrosse, WI is currently hiring a full-time permanent Environmental Education Program Manager. Click here for the flyer. The application deadline is July 24.

Mayflies are hatching and turtles are moving! Please watch for turtles crossing the road and assist them if you can do so safely. Place them in a safe location in the direction they were traveling. Remember to pick them up by the shell behind the front legs and hold them to the side or you will get wet! Do not pick up snapping turtles unless they are small enough that you can lift them by grasping the shell behind the back legs, that neck can reach a long way back! Or better yet, use a shovel to assist them to a safe location.

As a reminder our office does issue the America the Beautiful, or better known as “National Park Passes.” We have the Senior (persons 62 and over) annual ($20) and lifetime ($80); Regular annual ($80) and Access Pass for persons with disabilities (free). We recommend calling before coming over just to make sure someone is in the office.

FYI, our office will be CLOSED Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12/13.