ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is celebrating 100 years in action.
3.7 million visitors annually come to the Mississippi River corridor and refuge to enjoy the scenic region and the recreational opportunities offered. The 261-mile refuge is the longest river refuge in the continental U.S., beginning near Wabasha, Minnesota and passing through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois before ending near Rock Island.
Visitors come from near and far to see tundra swans, canvasbacks and other waterfowl, as well as bald eagles in numbers rarely seen in other locations of the continent. Each season offers new perspectives and exceptional recreational opportunities for paddlers, anglers, wildlife watchers, photographers, hunters and many outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearly 250,000 acres of floodplain forests, river channels, marshes and prairie offer premium habitat for resident and migratory wildlife. Located in the middle of the Mississippi Flyway, the refuge is critically important for migrating waterfowl, particularly tundra swans and canvasbacks. The refuge is also an Audubon Important Bird Area, providing habitat to over 300 bird species.
The refuge is hosting a 100th Anniversary celebration at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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