Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Recognizes Volunteers

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…

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No Fireworks Allowed on the “Upper Miss” Refuge

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…

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Areas Closed Due to Flooding

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…

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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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Refuge Updates

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…

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Refuge Updates

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,…

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Looking for a Job this Summer?

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…

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Volunteers Needed for Invasive Buckthorn Removal

Volunteers are needed Wednesday Jan 4 and Wednesday Jan 11 to help with invasive buckthorn removal at McNally Landing. Biologist Froehly will be cutting buckthorn from 9am to 3pm each day, though volunteers can choose to help for half a day, or even a couple hours—any time is helpful! Volunteers will be pulling cut buckthorn…

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Refuge Updates

This is an early heads-up that Project COMPASS fishing will be held on Wednesday, May 10 at the Huff Street dock and the fishing and picnic will be Wednesday, June 7 at the Hiawatha Valley Marines Shelter. Both events start at 5:00 p.m. Anyone looking for a summer job? We will be hiring two Biological…

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Refuge Updates

Friends Meeting: Tomorrow, Thursday, September 22, 4:15 p.m. at the Hiawatha Valley Marines Shelter on West Lake Winona (Dacota Street). Click here for the agenda. Swan Watch Bus Tour: The swan watch bus tour is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15 departing from the Huff Street Visitor Center in Winona at 9:00 a.m. and returning at 2:30…

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