Welcome from the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

News and Events

News from the Refuge

June 1, 2020

We hope everyone is well and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. We at the Refuge have been assured that field work will start up again in the near future and perhaps will lead to some volunteer opportunities once again. Unfortunately, we have cancelled all of the regular fishing events with Project Compass for…

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A Message from Mary Stefanski

April 18, 2020

Friends and Volunteers, I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. In my last message I said we were moving and we are now officially at 102 Walnut Street. Unfortunately, the open house/party will need to wait as none of us have been allowed to work on-site to unpack boxes or put…

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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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