The community neighbors one of the most visited refuges in the entire National Wildlife Refuge System — the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Yet Winona, Minn., youth who congregate less than two blocks from the mighty river that forms this refuge, have never been on its natural shore. Nor have they dipped a paddle or cast a line in its waters. A humble fishery biologist from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s La Crosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office hoped to change that. After speaking with the director of Rock Solid Youth Center in Winona, my hope began changing to reality.  

Rock Solid reaches out to at-risk youth to provide them with constructive activities and positive role modeling. Staff members there said they would be delighted to offer an outdoor activity that brought their youth in touch with the natural world around them. But to make it happen, I would need help. After speaking with folks from the Service’s headquarters for the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the nearby Winona District, it was clear they shared my interest in providing some outdoor opportunities for these kids. I was also able to enlist support from the Wenonah Canoe company, who provided the use of several free kayaks for the event. Members of a local church were willing to mentor the youth on canoeing and kayaking skills and provide a light meal following our adventure.

Thanks to the generosity of all of these organizations, my hope became reality on May 14 and July 21, 2008. The result was two beautiful summer afternoons of paddling canoes and kayaks on the refuge followed by a tasty meal of hotdogs. The weather was delightful; the company unique; and the refuge, as always, a place of peace and sanctuary for human souls and wildlife alike.