YOUTH OUTDOOR FEST, Saturday July 9th 2022, 10am - 2pm
Veteran's Freedom Park, Copeland Ave, La Crosse
In a collaborative effort between area businesses and non-profit groups, the La Crosse Parks and Recreation Dept. is providing an informational fun-filled day with activities designed for families and individuals interested in learning more about the activities we are so fortunate to have here in the Seven Rivers region. There will be demonstrations, entertainment, hand-outs, food and more! Follow the link for details: https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/parksandrec/YouthOutdoorFest
FOR78 will be partnering with Refuge staff to staff an interpretive station and provide information about the Refuge. If you would like to volunteer, please contact friends@for78.org

Friends of the Refuge – Miss. River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78) invites you to an evening with Teddy Roosevelt, as portrayed by Joe Weigand, considered to be the world’s premier Roosevelt reprisor.  As an actor and historian, Joe’s portrayals of Theodore Roosevelt in live performances, television and film, have people wondering if TR has come back to life.   

The Cargill Room at the Waterfront Restaurant will be the setting for a cocktail social (cash bar), 3-course meal and program by our presidential guest of honor. Roosevelt has been called the greatest Conservation President in U.S. history, and was responsible for creating the first National Wildlife Refuge, five National Parks, and the first 18 National Monuments.  FOR78 is dee-lighted to bring Roosevelt to life for an evening of good food, entertainment and a bit of history.  Seating is limited and tickets are required to attend.

5:30 Cocktail Hour • 6:30 Dinner • 7:30 Presentation

Tickets

$69.00 - FOR78 Members • $79.00 - Non Members
$125.00 - President’s Table (limited)
(Seating is limited to 125 people)

Please purchase your tickets by clicking the link below.
https://secure.givelively.org/event/friends-of-the-refuge-mississippi-river-pools-7-8/dinner-with-the-conservation-president-teddy-roosevelt

Your attendance will help FOR78 to continue their support of the educational programs and projects of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge - La Crosse District.  A portion of your ticket purchase is tax-deductible.

Details about Joe Weigand can be found at http://teddyrooseveltshow.com/index.html

We hope to share this wonderful evening with you!

Join FOR78 members as they talk about the many wonderful aspects of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge at the August meeting of this City of La Crosse program.

Bring your children (ages 3 - 7) to the Refuge to hear Refuge Friend Carol read children’s stories of pollinators and bees, then join Refuge Friend Jodi on a nature walk around the Visitor Center. Adults must be present.

Plant Biology Syllabus

February 20 & 27, March 6, 2019

Contact Information

Course Coordinator: Ruth Davis rdavis@for78.org  

Instructor: Dr. Melinda Knutson trilliumlax@gmail.com

For Description and to register go to Classes

Plant Biology Syllabus

February 20 & 27, March 6, 2019

Contact Information

Course Coordinator: Ruth Davis rdavis@for78.org  

Instructor: Dr. Melinda Knutson trilliumlax@gmail.com

For Description and to register go to Classes

You're Invited!

What: 4th Annual "Friends of the Refuge - Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8" (FOR78) Social

The Best of the Driftless Area

When:  Saturday, February 23, 2019     2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Where:  Holmen Public Library Community Room. 121 W. Legion St., PO Box 220, Holmen, WI
RSVP:  Please RSVP by Feb. 19th with your acceptance or regrets.
 
The FOR78 Board is in the midst of planning the 4th annual social “The Best of the Driftless Area” which will feature the film “Decoding the Driftless”, with producer and Emmy winner George Howe, cake from prize-winning baker (Food Network) Jennifer Barney who operates her Meringue Bakery out of her home in Stoddard, and Kickapoo Coffee.

We are anticipating the social will be held Saturday February 23 from 3-5 p.m.at the Brice Prairie Visitor Center.  I say anticipating because of the effects of the government shutdown.  Refuge staff are furloughed and cannot confirm the time of the event or even make a promise that the Visitor Center will be open by then.  

 In the meantime check out Friends of the Refuge –Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 on Facebook and vote for the cake flavor from Meringue Bakery for the social!

During the Social, you will have time to socialize with other "Friends", hear about “Friends” activities of the past year and renew your membership (if you have joined since last May, you do not need to renew). You may also renew online at www.for78.org/join

Help us Build Membership - Bring a Friend!!

Plant Biology Syllabus

February 20 & 27, March 6, 2019

Contact Information

Course Coordinator: Ruth Davis rdavis@for78.org  

Instructor: Dr. Melinda Knutson trilliumlax@gmail.com

To Register go to Classes

Plant Biology Syllabus

February 20 & 27, & March 6, 2019

If government shutdown continues, the classes will be held at the Holmen Public Library from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM instead of 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Contact Information

Course Coordinator: Ruth Davis rdavis@for78.org  

Instructor: Dr. Melinda Knutson trilliumlax@gmail.com

To Register go to Classes

Bird Biology Syllabus

January 9, 16, & 30, 2019

Contact Information

Course Coordinator: Ruth Davis rdavis@for78.org 

 Instructor: Dr. Melinda Knutson trilliumlax@gmail.com

For Description and to Register go to Classes

Due to issues with reserving space, the Jan. 23rd class has been rescheduled to Jan. 30. Location is the Holmen Public LIbrary.

Bird Biology Syllabus

January 9, 16, & 23, 2019

Contact Information

Course Coordinator: Ruth Davis rdavis@for78.org 

 Instructor: Dr. Melinda Knutson trilliumlax@gmail.com

 To Register go to Classes

General Information

Description

If you are looking for a new hobby or you want motivation to get outdoors, stretch your legs, and visit some refuges, parks, and state natural areas, bird watching is for you! Bird watching can be learned at any age.  In the discussion series we will continue with The National Geographic Guide to Birding in North America video course that we started in 2018.  The videos are provided by The Great Courses and taught by internationally respected birding expert James Currie. The course focuses on bird biology and tools and techniques for improving your bird watching skills.  The format will include viewing a 30-min. video, followed by 15-20 min. discussions. Dr. Knutson will lead the discussion, expanding the content and adding examples from her research and experiences. There will be ample time for questions and exploring ideas.  If you missed the 2018 sessions, no worries!  You will still learn a lot about birds and bird watching. 

Expectations and Goals

You will learn about bird biology, migration, birding by ear, bird photography, and take a peek into the lives of the many bird families we have in the Midwest.  We hope that you will become excited about birds and their habitats and expand your enjoyment of the great outdoors!  You will also learn more about how you can promote bird conservation at home and in your community.

Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge - La Crosse District Visitor Center, N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI. 

Course Schedule

Week 1

Jan 9 morning (10-12): Birding by ear AND Essentials of bird migration

Jan 9 afternoon (1-3): Waterbirds, shorebirds, & game birds AND Diurnal raptors

Week 2

Jan 16 morning (10:00-12:00): Doves to kingfishers AND Passerines: Flycatchers to thrushes

Jan 16 afternoon (1-3): Passerines: Thrashers to warblers AND Passerines: Tanagers to finches

Week 3

Jan 23 morning (10-12): Photography for birders AND Birding ethics and conservation

Additional Information and Resources

Coulee Region Audubon Club (http://www.couleeaudubon.org/): Local group promoting bird watching and bird conservation.  Occasional field trips.

Dunn, J.L., and J. Alderfer (Eds.). 2017. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 7th Edition. National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. Field guide.  Recommended by lecturer, popular with bird watchers.

Elphick, C.S., J.B. Dunning, Jr., and D.A. Sibley (Eds.). 2009. The Sibley guide to bird life and behavior. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Bird biology (not field guide); several books available, but I like this one.

Peterson, R.T., and V.M. Peterson. 2010. Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America, sixth edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Classic field guide, with arrows to field characteristics

Sibley, D.A. 2014. The Sibley guide to birds, 2nd edition. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Field guide.  Large format, more illustrations, companion to 2016 book below.  Too large to carry in the field.

Sibley, D.A. 2016. The Sibley field guide to birds of eastern North America: second edition. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Compact field guide

eBird; Sibley Birds; Merlin Bird ID; Audubon; NestWatch; Warbler Guide; Song Sleuth. Birding apps for ‘smart phones’

Bird Biology Syllabus

January 9, 16, & 23, 2019

Contact Information

Course Coordinator: Ruth Davis radavis@for78.org 

 Instructor: Dr. Melinda Knutson trilliumlax@gmail.com

To Register click go to classes

General Information

Description

If you are looking for a new hobby or you want motivation to get outdoors, stretch your legs, and visit some refuges, parks, and state natural areas, bird watching is for you! Bird watching can be learned at any age.  In the discussion series we will continue with The National Geographic Guide to Birding in North America video course that we started in 2018.  The videos are provided by The Great Courses and taught by internationally respected birding expert James Currie. The course focuses on bird biology and tools and techniques for improving your bird watching skills.  The format will include viewing a 30-min. video, followed by 15-20 min. discussions. Dr. Knutson will lead the discussion, expanding the content and adding examples from her research and experiences. There will be ample time for questions and exploring ideas.  If you missed the 2018 sessions, no worries!  You will still learn a lot about birds and bird watching. 

Expectations and Goals

You will learn about bird biology, migration, birding by ear, bird photography, and take a peek into the lives of the many bird families we have in the Midwest.  We hope that you will become excited about birds and their habitats and expand your enjoyment of the great outdoors!  You will also learn more about how you can promote bird conservation at home and in your community.

Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge - La Crosse District Visitor Center, N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI. 

Course Schedule

Week 1

Jan 9 morning (10-12): Birding by ear AND Essentials of bird migration

Jan 9 afternoon (1-3): Waterbirds, shorebirds, & game birds AND Diurnal raptors

Week 2

Jan 16 morning (10:00-12:00): Doves to kingfishers AND Passerines: Flycatchers to thrushes

Jan 16 afternoon (1-3): Passerines: Thrashers to warblers AND Passerines: Tanagers to finches

Week 3

Jan 23 morning (10-12): Photography for birders AND Birding ethics and conservation

Additional Information and Resources

Coulee Region Audubon Club (http://www.couleeaudubon.org/): Local group promoting bird watching and bird conservation.  Occasional field trips.

Dunn, J.L., and J. Alderfer (Eds.). 2017. National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 7th Edition. National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. Field guide.  Recommended by lecturer, popular with bird watchers.

Elphick, C.S., J.B. Dunning, Jr., and D.A. Sibley (Eds.). 2009. The Sibley guide to bird life and behavior. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Bird biology (not field guide); several books available, but I like this one.

Peterson, R.T., and V.M. Peterson. 2010. Peterson Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America, sixth edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Classic field guide, with arrows to field characteristics

Sibley, D.A. 2014. The Sibley guide to birds, 2nd edition. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Field guide.  Large format, more illustrations, companion to 2016 book below.  Too large to carry in the field.

Sibley, D.A. 2016. The Sibley field guide to birds of eastern North America: second edition. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Compact field guide

eBird; Sibley Birds; Merlin Bird ID; Audubon; NestWatch; Warbler Guide; Song Sleuth. Birding apps for ‘smart phones’

Come join us! The annual Waterfowl Observation Day, hosted by the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78) and the Friends of the Upper Mississippi (FUM), will be held Saturday, November 10th at the Brownsville Overlook between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Visitors will be able to view migrating birds that have stopped to rest and feed along their journey to their wintering grounds.

Binoculars, spotting scopes, and bird identification guides will be available for visitors to enjoy. Refuge staff and volunteers, along with members of FOR78 and FUM, will assist with bird identification and answer related questions. Please dress for cold weather!

Refreshments will be available during this event only, with all donations benefiting FUM. Members of FUM and FOR78 will have wildlife-themed items available for purchase.

The Brownsville Overlook is one of the best places along the river to view hundreds of tundra swans; diving and puddle ducks; bald eagles; and other birds. The overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minn., along Highway 26.

If you aren’t able to make the special event on November 10th, naturalists will be available at Brownsville Overlook on Saturdays and Sundays from November 3rd through November 18th between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., weather permitting.

- MORE –

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Join the Friends of Trempealeau Refuge for a special presentation by Andy Bingle from the International Crane Foundation!

Meet at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in the Outdoor Wonders Learning Center next to the Refuge Office. W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau, WI 54661

Don’t miss this special presentation!

LEARN about the differences between the rare Whooping Crane and common Sandhill Crane!

DISCOVER more about the cranes which call Trempealeau, WI home!

HEAR about the innovative projects at the International Crane Foundation

Fifth Annual Creepy Critters Special Event

In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week join us for our fifth annual Creepy Critters special event! Anyone who dares to learn about bats, frogs, lamprey, moths, owls, snakes, bees and more is invited to attend a FREE “Creepy Critters” trick-or-treat event on Thursday, October 18th starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center located on Brice Prairie.

This slightly scary adventure is appropriate for children and adults of all ages. Costumes are encouraged! Event activities will be held both indoors and outdoors; please dress for cold weather. The event will be held rain or shine.

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Tantalizing Tales and Discoveries! Inside the Visitor Center, guests may enjoy “Creatures of the Night” – live programming by nature humorist David Stokes, face painting, and a “bat cave” where visitors can experience life as a mother bat seeking her babies through her sense of smell.

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Creepy Critters “Trick-or-Treating.” Fill your brain with facts as you fill your bag with trinkets! Walk around our outside 1/3 mile trail loop while learning the truth behind myths of various “creepy critters” from our region. Live owls, falcons, lamprey, frogs, and a snake will also be on hand to contribute to the educational festivities. Step into puppet show tent for an interactive, imaginative performance!

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: "The Unhuggables: Animals Nobody Loves" Join us in the multipurpose room for an exciting 60 minute live animal program presented by environmental educator, David Stokes. Seating for the program is first come, first served.

We would like to thank our sponsors and partners:

Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Fisheries Center, the National Audubon Society, Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Mycology Club, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Technical College & WisCorps, as well as the many volunteers who support this event.

For more information, contact the La Crosse District Office at (608) 779-2399 or visit the facility located at N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI. Visitor center hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The center is closed Sundays and all federal holidays. Information may also be found on the Refuge’s webpage: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/.

Connect with our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/UpperMissNWFR

Refuge Event

Ever wanted to learn how the photographer gets that great photo? Join local photographer, Phil Addis, as he helps you set up for success with some of the tips and tricks that he has learned along the way. Phil has displayed his photographs at the La Crosse Public Library and through his Facebook page: @Phil S Addis Photography & Video. Bring your camera equipment such as lens, filters, tripod, and fully charged battery as well as water and dress for the weather. Program has informal classroom setting with an outside practice session during the “golden” light near the end of day. Everyone is welcome.

Refuge Event

Join Refuge Ranger Jamie for this special opportunity to walk the prairie during the twilight and evening hours. Celebrate the full moon and explore the creatures that go bump in the night. Everyone is welcome. Please bring flashlights, warm clothing, closed toe shoes, and water.

Refuge and FOR78 Event: As a pollinator enthusiast, Refuge Volunteer Scott Marshall, and Refuge Friends’ Group President, Ruth Nissen, invite adults to learn about the life of bees and pollinators. Populations of pollinators have been declining. Learn about their lives, their roles in the ecosystem, and how you can help. Live in a place without a backyard? Learn ways in how you can help, too! Everyone is welcome.

Refuge Event (This event is full.)

Refuge Ranger Jamie invites you to canoe and learn more about habitats and wildlife of Trempealeau Refuge.  Is the water part of the Mississippi River?  What makes this area unique?  This is a ranger led educational program.  All canoe experience is experience is welcome.  Children of 10 years and older may come with an adult.  Canoes and equipment are available to reserve or you can bring your own. Space is limited, registration is required and begins August 1; please call Refuge Ranger Jamie Bertram at 608-779-2230 by Friday, August 10.

Refuge Event

Join Ranger Katie for an informal walk to look and listen for birds, blossoms, butterflies, and more! Use your senses to explore how plants, insects, and other wildlife survive. Learn how the US Fish and Wildlife Service restores this habitat. We will walk up to 2 miles on paved and gravel trails. This program will start at the 3-panel kiosk outside the Visitor Center and end at the Lake Onalaska Overlook. Participants are invited to walk back at their own pace. Please note that the Visitor Center will not be open until 10:00 a.m., but outdoor restrooms will be available. Everyone is welcome.

Refuge Event

As a pollinator enthusiast, Refuge volunteer Scott invites you and your children to learn about the life of bees! Use hands on activities and observation while learning the special ways that you, the flowers, and the bees need each other. “Bee” prepared for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Refuge Event at the Visitor Center Led by  Ranger Jamie.

Bring your children and learn the prairie through art activities appropriate to each age group. This program is in partnership with a local teacher. Bring water, sun protection and curiosity! Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration is required by Wednesday, June 27, with Ranger Jamie at 608-779-2230.

International Migratory Bird Day
Migrate to the Marsh at Myrick Park
Saturday, May 5, 2018

Activities:

• 6:30 am: Bird walk with Coulee Audubon
• 7 am - 12 pm: Bird Banding with U.S.F.W. Biologists
• 9 am - 10 am: Family Birding Walk
• 9 am - 12 pm: Bird-themed Activities & Crafts
• 10 am - 11 am: Coulee Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Raptor Presentation

led by Dr. Melinda Knutson, Regional Biologist (Retired), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Free & Open to the Public: Registration Required

For a description of this course and registration information, please go to our Classes webpage.