Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people - welcome to YOUR national wildlife refuge! The Upper Miss. Refuge is one of 560+ national wildlife refuges across the country that provide a network of resting and feeding sites for migratory wildlife. The refuge is a phenomenal place to see birds during the spring and fall migrations, to see wildflowers blooming, and to get to know some of the incredible animals that call it "home" across all parts of the year. 

In our day-to-day work, we aim to provide the best possible habitat we can for wildlife! We work to conserve or restore wetland, forest, and prairie habitats by planting native species, removing invasive species, and by mapping and monitoring wildlife and plant habitats. Our staff work in the wildlife management, biology, maintenance, administrative, law enforcement and visitor services fields.

In addition to being a great place for wildlife, millions of people also enjoy refuge lands every year. Visitors come to watch birds, go for a paddle or a swim, take pictures, go hunting or fishing, motor boating or sailing, or attend school programs, public programs or special events. There are four District Offices that work together to manage the refuge, based in Winona, MN; Onalaska, WI; Prairie du Chien, WI; and Thomson, IL. This page is for the La Crosse District of the Refuge, based in Onalaska, WI. 

Volunteers help with many different projects, inside and outside! Some volunteer opportunities change year-to-year and season-to-season based on what the habitat needs and priorities are, but here are some projects we usually look for help with at least once a year. 

• Visitor Center volunteers - help welcome and orient visitors, pass questions on to staff, and share tips for things to do!
• Native gardening and landscaping - assist in maintaining garden beds around the Visitor Center and Lake Onalaska Overlook, help mow along the edges of the trail system
• Plant native species - help plant native trees, shrubs or flowers; spread native plant seeds
• Remove invasive plant species - dig, cut, pull or chemically treat invasive plant species
• Assist with special events or public programs
• Volunteer photographers: We so appreciate your help documenting the work we do and sharing photos of this beautiful place!
• Maintenance: help maintain sign kiosks and overlooks along the river, fill brochure boxes 
• Other projects may be available based on your interest and skills!