May Friends Meeting

The Friends of Refuge Headwaters monthly meeting is next week Thursday, May 28th at 4:15 p.m. at the Winona District Office (102 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Winona, MN 55987). We’d love to have you join us—whether you’re interested in learning more about the Friends group or looking to get involved in planning upcoming events and activities on the refuge. Click here for the meeting agenda.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped with tree planting this week! The trees look fantastic, and thanks to your hard work, that area is well on its way to becoming a thriving floodplain forest. Our next tree planting days are scheduled for June 10th and 11th. If you’d like to lend a hand and enjoy some time outdoors, please reach out to Biologist Jennie (jennifer_froehly@fws.gov).

Project COMPASS Fishing Events:
For those volunteering on Wednesday, May 27th, participants often arrive early, so please meet us at the Huff Street fishing dock (next to the Winona Visitor Center) between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. The event runs from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. The forecast looks sunny and warm, so please prepare accordingly with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. Feel free to wear your volunteer gear if you have it. We truly appreciate your support—let me know if you have any questions. And if you’d still like to volunteer next Wednesday, there’s definitely room to join us!

We are also looking for volunteers for the fishing and picnic event on Wednesday, June 24th at the Hiawatha Valley Marine Shelter on West Lake Winona. The event begins at 5 p.m., with volunteers meeting at 4:30 p.m. If you’d like to help, please RSVP to me (stephanie_edeler@fws.gov or 608-769-4408). No fishing experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to make these events memorable for participants!