Friends of Pool 9 present 2 free events on March 9

Posted: February 27, 2024

News Release: Immediate

Contact Person: Ric Zarwell, Friends of Pool 9

1-563-419-4991

Email:  Refuge100AnniversaryRicZ@gmail.com 

Free Events  Celebrate

100th Anniversary of Upper Miss. River Refuge

One hundred years ago, a group of concerned citizens banded together to protect the Upper Mississippi from being turned into farmland. This group, spearheaded by Will Dig, who created the Isaac Walton League, petitioned congress in 1924  to create the largest wildlife preserve at that time, The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This Refuge set aside 261 miles of the Mississippi River from Wabasha Minnesota to Rock Island IL and  protected over 240,000 acres of the Mississippi River floodplain. Currently the Refuge is home to hundreds of species of fish, mammals, and birds, in addition it is  a migratory stop for swans, pelicans, and many other birds. The Refuge  brings 3.7 million annual visitors to the area for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other recreation.

In celebration of this 100^th anniversary, the Friends of Pool 9, a non-profit group whose mission is to preserve the cultural and natural resources within Pool 9 (between Locks and Dams 8 & 9) is hosting two free events on Saturday, March 9 to commemorate the  100th anniversary of the  beloved Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge . More information about the refuge may be found at https://www.uppermiss100.com/

AT TJ Hunters Banquet Hall on Main Street Lansing, Steven Marking will present his performance entitled “A Visit from Will Dilg”(the father of the refuge) plus jhe will show his film “Our Mighty Mississippi” beginning at 2 P.M.  Marking is a seasoned performer with an incredible voice who sang professionally for a decade in New York City, before following his heart back to the beautiful and peaceful Mississippi River.  During warm months Marking  performs for the American Cruise Lines on the big paddlewheel boats on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers; and creates remarkable river films.

The same day, March 9, at 7 p.m. until close at TJ Hunters,  Big Blue Sky will delight audiences with lively music celebrating the beauty of the river. Well-known in the area, the popular group Jon “Hawk” Stravers and his band Big Blue Sky will create a party-like atmosphere, with abundant camaraderie among all those who love and use the Refuge.. Jon “Hawk” Stravers and Big Blue Sky create original easy listening, folk-rock type music, much of which is focused on connections with the rivers and forests within the Driftless Area.  CDs will be available for purchase. .Often playing in SW Wisconsin and NE Iowa, the group has amassed a loyal following. Stavers is also well known for his research on tracking red-shouldered hawks and his data on cerulean warblers.

Both events will take place at  TJ Hunters Banquet Hall, 377 Main Street, Lansing, Iowa, where lunch, cash bar and dinner will be available

The Friends of Pool 9  (FOP9), the 93 square miles of publicly owned refuge available to all between Lock and dams 8 & 9 will present these free events to celebrate 100 years of amazing recreational opportunities throughout the refuge.  A second purpose is to show appreciation and honor the scores of volunteers who have participated on annual river clean-up days, education activities for nearby school districts such as MRAD (Mississippi River Adventure Days), Kids Fishing Days, help at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Tree Planting Projects on new islands, and various other activities.

Friends of Pool 9 is a 501( c )( 3 ) non-profit organization which conserves the cultural and natural resources within Pool 9, and fosters wise public use and enjoyment of the Refuge and the Upper Mississippi River.  For more information, please go to “events” on the FOP9 website: friendsofpool9.org , or visit the FOP9 FaceBook page.   A free will donation at the events will help support the activities of the FOP9. Membership in FOP9 is free to anyone who supports the goals of the organization.

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