Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

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,…

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…

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…

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge (Refuge) Winona office recently recognized John Lyons of Winona, MN as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year. John volunteers his time helping with fishing events, picking up litter, and installing Refuge signs. He has also been actively involved in the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters, serving…

The 4th of July is just around the corner. If you are heading to the Mississippi River for a boating or camping trip, just a reminder – no fireworks are allowed on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) because of their disturbance to wildlife as well as the litter they leave…

Due to high water levels on both the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) will be closed to ALL PUBLIC ENTRY beginning at 3:30 pm, Thursday April 20th. Public safety is our first priority, and we appreciate your patience during this time. We look forward to seeing you back at the Refuge…

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…

Earth Day Celebration: The Friends/Refuge will have a table at the Winona Earth Day Celebration taking place on Saturday, April 22 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help staff the table, please let Mary Stefanski ([email protected]) know if you are interested. Internship Opportunity: The Friends of Pool 9 are working with…

Youth Conservation Corps Crew Applications Open – The Winona District will be hiring three high school aged students (15-18) to participate in the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program again this year. Applications (attached) will be accepted through April 14, 2023. The announcement is also attached. The crew works for eight weeks, June 20 – August 11,…

The Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) will be hiring three high school aged students this summer to work on a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew. The YCC program will begin Tuesday, June 20 and end Friday, August 11, 2023. Crew members will work a 40-hour week, Monday…