Savanna-Area Events for 100th Refuge Anniversary

In Common Interest: A Story of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge, National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque. Exhibit opens 20 April 2024, in conjunction with the "2024 Party for the Planet" at the Museum & Aquarium. The display will explore the origin-story of the Refuge through the unique partnerships of individuals, grassroots activism and Federal policies that came together in a common interest of conserving these wetlands. A passion project of conservation, together they created a refuge for both wildlife and people, which continues today. The exhibit is co-hosted by both the USFWS and the Izaak Walton League of America and will run for a year ( 20 April 2024 – 21 April 2025)
May 15 or 23: Blue Goose Media Tours
Centennial Celebration - Saturday June 8, 2024
- Location: Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center and Spring Lake Unit of Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Savanna District
- Open House Style Event with presentations and activities for people of all ages! Such as:
  - Golf Cart tours (view an eagle nest, beaver lodge and other features of Spring Lake).
  - Bird ID walks (be sure bring binoculars if you have them).
  - Fish ID with learn to cast station.
  - Meet the faces of the Refuge!
  - There will be exhibitors set up at both locations. We look forward to your visit!
Music and Art Fest - Sunday June 9, 2024 at the Smokestack, Dubuque: 100th Anniversary of the Upper Mississippi Refuge with Big Blue Sky. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and the 100th anniversary of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge. Featuring the music of Big Blue Sky and special guests Sun Green. With pop-up art, live story-telling and much more. Proceeds from the event will be used to invest in wildlife habitat conservation in Dubuque County.
Living Lands and Water Barge Party, Thursday June 13, 2024 (note: links to 2023 event)
Youth Fishing Clinic, September 21, 2024, at Frog Pond Unit, on Highway 84, south of Savanna, IL
- Advance registration required
- Mobility accessible
- We will start with a fish identification program followed by fishing instruction and equipment distribution – then fishing!
Refuge bus and golf cart tours (year round, advance registration required)
4th Friday Refuge Adventures, May-October (registration suggested)