Popcorn & Program Speaker Event: 100 Years of the Upper Miss National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

“1924 to 2024: 261 River Miles and 244,000 acres of wetland habitat, protected for 100 years.”

Ed Britton, Wildlife Refuge Manager, will present the incredible story of the Upper Miss Refuge, which is celebrating 100 years as a protected habitat, free and open for all to enjoy. Complimentary Potosi beer and popcorn as long as supplies last. Wildfowl displays, 6 pm to 7 pm. Program at 7 pm.

At 261 river miles and 244,000 acres of wetland habitat, it is the longest, most visited (by people and wildlife) Refuge in the lower 48. It extends from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois, with many access points bordering Jo Daviess County.

A massively successful lobbying effort by the nation’s hunters and anglers to stop the imminent draining of thousands of acres of Upper Miss wetlands for farming convinced Congress to establish the Refuge in 1924.

Ed’s presentation will cover the origins of the Refuge, species monitored and protected, the history and function of the Upper Miss lock and dam system, activities sponsored by the Refuge, and current projects underway to help preserve Refuge habitat for the benefit and enjoyment of us all. We thank the Potosi Foundation for the complimentary beer and the Apple River State Bank/First Community Bank of Galena for sponsoring JDCF’s adult education series.

Photo (c) Barbara Baird.