Welcome from the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

News and Events

No Fireworks Allowed on the “Upper Miss” Refuge

June 29, 2023

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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Refuge Update and June Meeting

June 19, 2023

A big “Thank You” to all the Friends and Volunteers who assisted with the Project COMPASS fishing event and picnic! We had a great turnout, and everyone had a fun time catching fish that evening. We hope to see many of you next Wednesday, June 21 for the Damsels and Dragons presentation at the Winona…

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Damsels and Dragons Program

May 26, 2023

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) and Friends of the Refuge Headwaters (Friends) are co-sponsoring the program Damsels and Dragons of Wisconsin and Minnesota by naturalist and wildlife photographer Dan Jackson of Chaseburg, WI. The free program (donations welcome) will be held at the Winona History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, on Wednesday,…

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Refuge Fishing Location Change

May 23, 2023

Good morning Refuge Friends and Volunteers, due to a large tree, we will not be able to use the Hiawatha Valley Marine shelter and dock for the June 7 Project COMPASS fishing event. We will hold the event at the Kiwanis Shelter at the Spillway Landing on Prairie Island instead. This will mean shore-fishing instead…

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May Friends Meeting and Upcoming Events

May 19, 2023

Refuge Friends and Volunteers, please click for the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters minutes from the April 27 meeting and agenda for the upcoming May 25 meeting. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in the discussion. Next Thursday’s meeting will be held from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. at the Refuge office, 102 Walnut Street, Suite…

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Refuge Update / Friends Meeting

April 21, 2023

Hello Refuge Friends and Volunteers! This is National Volunteer Week and furthermore Global Volunteer Month. A big “THANK YOU” to everyone who has volunteered their time to the Refuge and community to make this a better place. Last year you logged over 300 volunteer hours on the Refuge, we truly could not do what we do without…

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