Welcome from the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

News and Events

Mississippi River Flooding Could Hamper Boat Access

April 2, 2020

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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Winter on the Refuge Photo Contest – Judging Delayed

April 1, 2020

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos to the Winter on the Refuge Photo Contest! We are excited to view and judge all the photos, though due to the current COVID-19 situation we are postponing this activity. We hope to be able to judge and pick winners by July 1, 2020. Jennifer Froehly of the…

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offices Relocate

March 30, 2020

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) offices previously located at 51 East 4th Street in Winona, MN have relocated. Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020 they are located at 102 Walnut Street in Winona. The Refuge Headquarters office which oversees the 260 mile refuge from Mississippi River…

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March Meeting of the Friends Canceled

March 20, 2020

The regularly scheduled monthly Friends of the Refuge Headwaters meeting was scheduled for next Thursday, March 26. Given the health and wellness guidance currently in place for all of us, it has been decided that it is in everyone’s best interest to forgo this month’s meeting. We will hope for a better situation in April. …

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Whitewater Master Naturalist Course

March 16, 2020

Friends and Volunteers, please see the flyer (right – click image to open .pdf) announcing the spring Master Naturalist training program offered by the University of Minnesota Extension at Whitewater State Park. If you have questions, please contact Whitewater State Park Lead Interpretive Naturalist Sara Holger at 507-312-2308 or by email at [email protected].

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Looking for a Job this Summer?

March 5, 2020

The Winona District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) will be hiring four students this summer to work on a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew. The YCC program will begin Monday, June 22 and end Friday, August 14, 2020. Crew members will work a 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, 7:30…

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