Establishing the wildlife refuge for the Upper Mississippi River created the template for modern conservation advocacy
2024 marks the 100-year anniversary for the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which was a huge victory for the endangered wetlands along the river—and for the Izaak Walton League, the young conservation group that successfully pushed to establish the refuge.
By successfully advocating for establishment of the refuge, the League also created the template for modern environmental advocacy, combining the first mass membership of an environmental organization, a professional staff, lobbying in Washington and in four states and passionate pleas for action published in the League’s magazine, Outdoor America.
The 100,000 members provided unprecedented grassroots power that helped achieve buy-in and approval from Congress, the White House and from policymakers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. The protection afforded by the refuge prevented private developers from converting the wetlands to agriculture and other uses. Today, the refuge still serves as an oasis for fish and wildlife and remains a critical part of the Mississippi flyway for migrating birds.
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is an enduring example of how we can and must take action to save the nation’s waterways and ensure a future with clean water. We will need bold steps and new generations of stewardship to address a range of problems—pollution, sedimentation and invasive species to name a few.
Use these resources below to learn more about the history of the Refuge and the challenges it faces today.
Get Involved with the Refuge
March 8 and 9, 2024: Lansing, Iowa
“A Visit from Will Dilg” program, and river film by Steven Marking
March 8, 2024, 8-11 AM - For students from De Soto and Lansing School Districts only
March 9, 2024, 2-4 PM - With live music by Jon “Hawk” Stravers and Big Blue Sky, 7 PM to close
T.J. Hunters Banquet Hall, Lansing, Iowa
April 20, 2024 to April 21, 2025
"In Common Interest: A Story of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge"
National Mississippi River Museum, Dubuque, Iowa
This display explores 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 the wetlands along the river. A passion project of conservation, together they created a refuge for both wildlife and people, which continues today. The exhibit is co-hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Izaak Walton League of America.
February 28, 2025
A Visit from Will Dilg
University of Dubuque
Baritone, riverlorian (river historian), photographer, and filmmaker Steven Marking will bring to life the inspiring true story of Will Dilg and showcase a beloved river with A Visit From Will Dilg and Songs From Our Mighty Mississippi.
Take Action to Support Clean Waterways
You can help carry on the 100-year legacy of the Upper Mississippi Refuge. Take action today to ensure this irreplaceable treasure remains protected for future generations.