Welcome from the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

News and Events

Areas Closed Due to Flooding

April 20, 2023

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

April 18, 2023

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

April 10, 2023

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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Friends March Meeting

March 28, 2023

The next regular meeting of the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters will be Thursday, March 3o, beginning at 4:15 p.m. at the Refuge office (102 Walnut Street, Suite 205). Click here for a PDF of the agenda. There are some fun events coming up if you want to be part of the planning process!

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Passing of Refuge Volunteer and Friends Member Beverly Spande

March 27, 2023

With a heavy heart we wanted to share that long-time volunteer and Friends Board Member Bev Spande passed away last week. You can find her full obituary here. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Central Lutheran Church, Winona. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Lunch will…

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Refuge Updates

March 17, 2023

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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