Swan Watch Update

The swans are here, along with other migrating birds, but the swans are the most impressive with their beauty, size, and when in large masses, hearing the deafening sound of their calls to one another. Take a drive to the Brownsville Wildlife Overlook, located at 13502,14286 Great River Rd, about 3 miles south of Brownsville,…

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Volunteer Thank Yous and Clean Up

Thank you to everyone who volunteered this year and to everyone who made it to the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet! You were all so great at Refuge Trivia and I should have realized that our volunteers are all geniuses! Congratulations to Bart Theiler for being the Volunteer of the Year! He helped with so many refuge events and…

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September Friends Meeting and Upcoming Refuge Events

We have several upcoming events and volunteer opportunities including, BaseCamp, Friends Meeting, Project COMPASS, and Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. Celebrate with Friends of Refuge Headwaters, Sanborn Canoe, Prairie Island Campground, Frozen River Film Festival and the Izaak Walton League this weekend August 16-18th! There are fun activities and several of them are tied to the Refuge’s 100th Anniversary.…

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Friends at Basecamp 2024

This 100th Anniversary Event at Prairie Island was originally scheduled for June 21-23, but due to high water, it has been rescheduled to August 16-18. FORH’s participation in the event involves Sue O’Brien leading a group of canoe/kayak enthusiasts out of Verchota Landing on Friday, the 16th from 1-3 p.m. If you have an interest…

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July Friends Meeting and Volunteer Updates

We are happy to be hosting the next Friends regular monthly meeting this Thursday, July 25th 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.…

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Call for Volunteers

We will be planting 100 potted trees on Tuesday, July 2 in Nelson, WI starting at 9:30 am and could use some help! Staff will be digging holes ahead of the planters so no digging is required, unless you want the workout! Staff will also utilize a UTV to transport trees to holes. Volunteers will…

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June Friends Meeting and Volunteer Update

We are happy to be hosting the next Friends regular monthly meeting this Thursday, June 27th 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.…

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Mississippi River Flooding Limiting Boat Access

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge), Winona District is urging boaters to take precautions in the coming days regarding flooding on the Mississippi River. Boaters should be vigilant as flood waters will have significantly changed conditions at traditional access, camping, and day-use sites. Excessive current, turbid water, and submerged and floating…

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May Friends Meeting and Upcoming Events

Project COMPASS Fishing Events – Volunteers needed for Wednesday, May 29th at the Huff Street dock and Wednesday, June 12th at the Hiawatha Valley Marine Shelter on West Lake Winona. Both events are from 5 pm to 6:15 pm. Please RSVP to Stephanie ([email protected] or 608-769-4408). Friends Meeting – We are happy to be hosting the next…

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April Friends Meeting

Our upcoming Friends of Refuge Headwaters meeting is this Thursday, April 25th 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 upcoming meeting agenda.

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