Welcome from the Friends of the Refuge Headwaters

News and Events

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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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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