Regional Director and Keynote Speaker Robyn Thorson. - FWS photo

Volunteers serve fish during the 75th celebration. - FWS photo

Genoa alumni and current staff celebrate 75 years of conservation. - FWS photo

More than 600 people from 16 different states and 2 foreign countries joined the Genoa National Fish Hatchery in celebrating its 75th anniversary, on August 8.

Attendees were treated to a wide variety of environmental education and interactive events that included role playing historical speakers that interpreted events of importance that took place in the Upper Mississippi River Region. 

Presentations on the pearl button industry,  Native American civilizations that used the River, the last battle of the Blackhawk War, which happened just south of the hatchery, and Ding Darling, Iowa native and conservationist,  well known for being the father of the Federal Duck Stamp, were scheduled throughout the day.  

Also included in the events were displays showing the work of our fellow River partners such as the Corps of Engineers, The National Wildlife Refuge System's Upper Mississippi River stations, USGS's Upper Midwest Science Center, and Dairyland  Power Cooperative. 

The event also focused on mentoring tomorrow's conservation stewards, our children.  Kids events included a Junior Duck Stamp competition, a kids fishing tank (for some hands on rainbow trout catching fun!), coloring contests, a fishing game and a touch tank filled with river critters such as bullfrogs, freshwater mussels, turtles, and minnows.  

A special postmark was also designed by a local artist for the day, and she was honored at the event.  The event was topped off with speakers important both on a Regional and National scale.  Regional Director Robyn Thorson was the keynote speaker, with Joe Moran representing the National Fisheries Office.  Karrie Jackelen spoke representing Congressman Kind and his district, and presented the hatchery with a Congressional Declaration honoring the hatchery. 

Past employees and their families were honored at the podium with some hatchery outreach items, and a historical pictorial put together by Dave Radloff of the Regional Fisheries staff.  

Local river folk musicians Roger and Mandy LaBarge and our Friends Group’s own jazz musicians Chuck and Regina Chihak were also on hand to entertain participants.

In an effort to help future generations of hatchery employees, the mementos from the day are being placed in a special time capsule for future generations to plan for their 150^th anniversary!