Are you itching to get outside?  Do you want to get your kids unglued from the TV and video games? The answer to these questions should be a resounding YES!  It’s been a mild winter and we need to get outside and so some exploring. Come to the Curing Cabin Fever VI Geocaching Event (GC70BNM) on March 25^th. Some folks are versed in Geocaching while others don’t even know how to pronounce it.  For those not familiar, it’s pronounced (JEE-oh-CASh-ing).  It is a high-tech treasure hunt using a hand-held Global Positioning System receiver (GPSr) to find a treasure or cache. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and “treasure,” usually toys or trinkets of little monetary value.  The event will be held at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL.

You can make your reservation by submitting a “log your visit”; “will attend” on Geocaching.com or call the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center at: 815-273-2732 ext. 116. Please include the TOTAL number of people that plan on attending.  This free event is geared towards beginners, however all levels are welcome.  You don’t need to own a GPSr, you can borrow one of ours for the day.  If you do bring your own, please be sure to have your cable to connect to the computer for downloading cache locations. Come and be prepared to cure your Cabin Fever.
We also need experienced geocachers to volunteer and help us with the field practice.  If you would like to volunteer either call or let us know when you log in.

Event Schedule:

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   Introduction to Geocaching Class.

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Let’s go Geocaching!

Armed with GPS units, teams, will “race” by attempting to complete a series of challenges located on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Teams will be given a set of coordinates for a specific location which they will find using a handheld GPS unit.  Once at that location, teams must work together to complete a task. When that task is successfully completed, teams will receive the next set of coordinates for the next location. Those who finish all tasks and arrive at the finish first, win!

Sound like fun? You may bring your own GPS unit or borrow one for the day. The event will begin at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL 61285. Prior to the race, we will hold an introductory GPS course at 9:00 a.m. to learn how to use the unit. The race will then begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude around 1:00 pm.

Registration is required for the race! A team is comprised of a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 6. Teams will be driving and walking to get to their designations.

Registration deadline is August 11th. Call 815-273-2732 ext. 116 or email pam_steinhaus@fws.gov to register or receive more information. There is no cost to enter and is open to all ages.

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is sponsoring free smartphone photography workshops for all ages that are new to the smartphone technology. Workshops will be held at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center on  July 13, 23; August 27 and September 24, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Participants will learn basic photography principles, useful camera accessories and photo-editing apps to create unique and amazing photographs. Pick a date and join us for this fun workshop.

We are adding an additional class on Wednesday, August 24 from 9 – Noon.

Each participant will need to bring a fully charged smartphone and charger. Space is limited to 10; please contact Pam Steinhaus at 815-273-2732, ext 116 for further information and to register for the workshop.  The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center is located at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL.

Migration is in full swing. This is a perfect time to get a glimpse of those migrates as they travel to their perspective breeding grounds.  Join experienced birders as we travel through largest sand prairie in Illinois. You will learn about some of the history of the former Savanna Army Depot, current habitat management and get a chance to see various species of birds. The van will leave from the Lost Mound Office promptly at 4:00 pm and will return at 7:00 pm. Participants are to meet at 3:45 pm Tours are free, but seating is limited. Contact the refuge office at 815-273-2732 to register.

Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are hosting Refuge Golf Cart Tours that travel through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.  The tours are free and open to all ages.  Trips are the 1st & 3rd Thursday and the 3rd Saturday of every month from May through September. The Golf Cart will leave promptly at 8 a.m. from the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center located at 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL and will return at 10 a.m.  Participants are asked to arrive at 7:45 am. Registration is required and seating is limited.

Monthly Bird Walks are held year round on the 2^nd Saturday of each month from 9 – 11 a.m. Participants will meet at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center at 8:45 a.m. and carpool to various locations on the refuge.

Registration is required for all activities. Please call the refuge office at 815-273-2732 to make your reservation or email at stewardsumrr@gmail.com. Please check the calendar of events for other activities.

Even though it feels more like Spring, the 2016 Clinton Bald Eagle Watch is right around the corner.

Check out the flyer below for more information.

Join Bob Walton and the Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge as we travel into the night to listen for the hoots, wails, and shrieks of owls on Saturday, November 21 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. We will meet at Thomson Causeway Amphitheatre for a short “pre-owlin” program and then head into the darkness for a little prowling. Bob will converse with the owls, with a chance of drawing them closer for a good view.

The Thomson Causeway is located on the west side of Thomson, IL.  Once you reach Thomson, go west on Main Street and south onto Lewis Ave. Travel this road until you reach the campground and take the first right.  The amphitheater is located near the shower house. GPS address is 41 56.952 N  90 07.014 W.

For more information or to register for the program, contact the refuge office at 815-273-2732. Registration is suggested but not required.  Listen to WCCI, 100.3 FM for any cancellations. You can also register by sending an email to stewardsumrr@gmail.com.  Be sure to check out www.stewardsumrr.org for upcoming events.

Organize a team and come and participate in the 4th Annual Amazing Refuge Race.  It’s free and fun for the entire family.