News and Notes from The River
Roz Schnick, 2024 National MRPC Stewardship Award
Congratulations
Roz Schnick, The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) 2024 National Stewardship award recipient for her
leadership with Operation Pollination on a State & National level.
Roz is the La Crosse County WI MRPC Commissioner appointed by WI
Governor Tony Evers. WI MRPC is so proud of Roz for her outstanding
award. WI Chairperson Sherry Quamme presented at the national meeting recently held.
Roz Schnick is a long time member of Rotary International and holds degrees and certifications in the natural sciences. She has been instrumental in leading the WI Mississippi River Parkway Commission program to develop a stronger Pollinator Program which has transitioned to becoming a national and even international effort.
Roz is an author, a researcher and a scientist that sees the possibilities and strengths of partnerships converging to create positive change and result in protecting the environment and endangered insect populations. It is via her vision that several organizations have embraced her cause including:
- Rotary International
- The National Mississippi River Parkway Commission
- Wisconsin and Minnesota State Departments of Natural Resources
- The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative-Mayors
- US Forestry Service
These and any others came together to sign an official proclamation and agreement on Sept. 28, 2023 to further work on formally and officially achieving improved pollinator habitat creating the National Great River Road Pollinator Trail.Roz has been instrumental in her work with Sabrina Chandler and Chris Stein to create training programs and website available pollinator habitat resources for anyone wanting to create pollinator habitat. She has created "how-to" documents, brochures, fliers about creating pollinator habitat for a multitude of age categories which are easily understood and show what to do on any scale.
Her work reaches all 10 States and beyond. She is a genius at connecting with groups, regions, individuals and organizations. Roz is infectious and her enthusiasm for this knows no boundaries...
Roz Notes: I am truly humbled by the 2024 Stewardship Award from the Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) given to me on September 20, 2024, for my efforts related to Operation Pollination starting with the launch of the Mississippi River Operation Pollination (OP) Partnership Project on September 28, 2023. We are hoping to soon launch a MRPC- OP Trail Challenge that would involve developing and coordinating OP trails along the whole length of the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico...
New manmade island in the works on Mississippi River
RED WING, Minn. — There are many beautiful sights along the Mississippi River, everything from the water to the landscape around it, and soon, there will be another addition.A manmade island is currently under construction on the Mississippi River near Red Wing, Minnesota, and Bay City, Wisconsin. Those behind the project said the island will take on a few key roles.
"Lake Pepin is filling in, so, it`s continuing to come in, sediment is filling it in, we`re losing places to even put that material," Rylee Hince, executive director of the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance, said. "The corps doesn`t know what to do with that material from the channel, this is one opportunity for a beneficial use project."
Hince says this project will benefit the species that occupy the space and rely on it for shelter, acting as a way to boost the ecosystem. There`s also an added benefit for the residents living near the lake.
"Lake Pepin is filling in, so, it`s continuing to come in, sediment is filling it in, we`re losing places to even put that material," Rylee Hince, executive director of the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance, said. "The corps doesn`t know what to do with that material from the channel, this is one opportunity for a beneficial use project."
Hince says this project will benefit the species that occupy the space and rely on it for shelter, acting as a way to boost the ecosystem. There`s also an added benefit for the residents living near the lake.
...Full Story Here
The Great River Road
16 songs inspired by the Mississippi River
... by Johnny Cash, Tina Turner, Eric Church and more
... as anyone who spends a lot of time driving knows, you need a good playlist...
- "Big River," by Johnny Cash (bonus points if you add this rocking cover by The Secret Sisters)
- "Shenandoah," by Trampled by Turtles
- "My Home Is In The Delta," by Muddy Waters
- "Crossing Muddy Waters," by John Hiatt
- "Roll On Mississippi," by Charley Pride
- "Coast," by Shane Smith & the Saints
- "Proud Mary," by Ike & Tina Turner
- "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man," by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn
- "An Alien in Minneapolis," by Ondara
- "Living in the Mississippi Valley," by Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge
- "Mississippi Heavy Water Blues," by Barbecue Bob
- "Mornings In Memphis," by Justin Townes Earle
- "Mississippi Moon," by Eric Church
- "Watching The River Go By," by John Hartford
- "Ol` Man River," by Paul Robeson
- "Miss The Mississippi And You" by Merle Haggard & The Strangers
Discover Wisconsin Does The Great River Road
From summer tourist destinations to fall foliage and everything in between, Discover Wisconsin has the Great River Road covered...
...The Great River Road Scenic Byway
...Full Story HereLast but not least, The Great River Road Scenic Byway serves as a Wisconsin classic when it comes to scenic drives. This 250-mile byway winds along the Mississippi River and goes through over 30 river towns.
The colors along this scenic byway burst in the fall, providing some of the best views of fall foliage in Wisconsin. Many of these towns are the oldest in the entirety of the Midwest, so be ready to get your history on! This drive isn’t just a history lesson though, it’s a place for foodies, wine maniacs, outdoor enthusiasts, and the easygoing alike. If you’re looking for the best places to visit along The Great River Road, be sure to check out our ‘The Wisconsin Great River Road – An All American Road’ , where we highlight some of our favorite destinations along the scenic byway...
Selena Notes: Please check the link for all the DW videos....
One Of America`s Most Underrated Highway Drives Is A Scenic Route Crossing 10 States
There`s no better way to experience America`s scenic beauty than with a classic road trip. While stunning and storied U.S. road trip routes like the historic Route 66 or the beach-lined Pacific Coast Highway get all the glory, the unsung routes deserve just as much attention. Stretching across 10 states and covering 3,000 miles, the Great River Road is considered the longest scenic byway in the U.S. and amongst the most underrated.Dotted with hundreds of riverside villages, historic sites, and miles of awe-inspiring scenery, the route runs along the mighty Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana, spanning some of the country`s most beautiful and renowned destinations. Whether you aspire to drive all of its 3,000 miles or opt for a bite-sized portion of the journey, a trip down the all-American Great River Road is perfect for a family-friendly road trip or a solo bucket list tour of the Midwest. Buckle up and get ready to travel the greatest river road in the United States.
Upper Mississippi River refuge celebrates 100 years of protection for fish, wildlife and habitat
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the core of a major flyway for migrating birds and one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts saved it from being drained 100 years ago, but the next century brings new challenges.
High up on a bluff above the Mississippi River, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist positions a spotting scope to get a closer view of a marsh. It’s teeming with ducks.
Mallards, northern pintails and gadwalls dunk the front halves of their bodies under the surface to reach aquatic plants and mollusks. Further out, near the main river channel, a flotilla of American White Pelicans catch fish in their yellow bills, while Canada Geese fly in v-formations above.
In November, colder temperatures will draw even more birds, including tundra swans, says Billy Reiter-Marolf.
“Just in this area alone, we counted a peak of about 350,000 birds,” he said. “… Up and down the refuge, we get millions of waterfowl throughout the fall migration.”...
...Full Story Here
Wisconsin Mississippi River Interpretive Centers
Embracing the summer travel season at The Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center
As the warmth of summer envelops the Midwest, the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center is thrilled to welcome travelers exploring the picturesque Great River Road Highway 35. This season, our learning center is geared up to provide enriching experiences for visitors of all ages.
Summer is the perfect time for family adventures. Looking for that extra special experience this summer? One last hurrah before summer is over? Consider traveling the Great River Road down to La Crosse for the weekend or travel beyond for a longer period of time. Discover the scenic beauty along The Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway. The journey offers a breathtaking experience along the Mississippi River, showcasing some of the most stunning landscapes in Wisconsin...
Discover Wisconsin’s La Crosse & Beloit, fall getaways for Chicagoans
As fall settles into the Midwest, Chicagoans like me begin craving a peaceful escape from the city. Luckily, just a short drive away, La Crosse and Beloit, Wisconsin, offer the perfect mix of natural beauty and small-town charm. Whether you`re up for outdoor adventures, fall festivals, or cozy dining, these two towns provide the ultimate autumn getaway.La Crosse: a river town full of fall beauty
Just a four-hour drive from Chicago, the La Crosse Region is nestled along the Mississippi River and makes for an ideal fall escape. As the season unfolds, the bluffs light up in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating breathtaking, picture-perfect views.
Top fall activities in La Crosse:Grandad Bluff Park
Towering 600 feet above the Mississippi River, Grandad Bluff offers breathtaking views of the river and tri-state area. Visitors can hike this famous landmark or drive to the iconic overlook. The fall colors make it even more spectacular—pack a lunch or coffee and take in the scenery....
...Full Story HereKen Notes: Nice to see Chicago press cover La Crosse and the river...
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