The DeSoto NWR float, with Puddles and volunteers, was honored with a third place award at the July 22 parade. - Photo by Dave Murcia

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge staff participated in this year’s Harrison County parade held in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

The refuge was awarded third place in the commercial division for their float at the event. This year’s theme was, “Feel the Pulse” and DeSoto NWR staff cleverly came up with a “float” that did just that. With help from the refuge system mascot Puddles and DeSoto volunteers, hundreds of on-lookers were reminded to visit their own national wildlife refuge.