National Eagle Center, Wabasha, MN
Our trip began on Friday, October 2, the first destination was the National Eagle Center located on the bank of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, Minnesota. The center has multiple purposes, including as an eagle museum, an observation point to watch wild eagles nesting alongside the river, and as a refuge for permanently injured eagles. During our visit, we were able to observe the eagles up close in a confined room that the eagles live in. The caretaker on-duty gave us a short introduction to the three bald eagles currently residing there and then proceeded to answer questions we had. After visiting with the eagles, the class began freely exploring the museum, which provides information on eagles’ historical symbolism, cultural importance, ecology, and much more. The National Eagle Center gave us all a new appreciation for our nation’s animal and did an excellent job educating us on the species. It was a great way to start our trip!
US lock & dam, Alma, wi
After a nice lunch at Nelson Cheese Factory, we arrived at US Lock and Dam 4 in Alma, WI. We met with the lockmaster, Judy, who explained the function of the lock and dam. The structure facilitates trade up and down the Mississippi by creating a fluid and consistent method of transportation for barges. This is done by the dam creating different pool height levels on each side of the structure. The lock’s part is to open and close when a barge approaches and adjust to the appropriate level. During our visit, a barge entered and cleared the lock- a perfect time to visit. Construction of the lock and dam occurred during the mid-1930’s as part of a New Deal project to create jobs and improve the Mississippi waterway. Upon our departure, Judy left us each with a bag full of information about dam safety, as well as other souvenirs to remember our visit.
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Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Trempealeau, WI
The next stop of day 1 was the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge located on the Mississippi River in southern Trempealeau county. The refuge is home to a stunning variety of landscapes including vast prairies, oak savannas, bottomland hardwood forests, and marsh and backwater areas. There are also ample opportunities for hiking, biking, birding, canoeing and fishing.
Though the visitor’s center was closed to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, we were able to listen from one of the observation decks as Wildlife Specialist, Stephanie Edeler gave a virtual presentation about the refuge. She explained how this refuge was a part of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge System and was a critical habitat for hundreds of species of animals. Namely, the many species of migratory birds that rely on this stop along the Mississippi Flyway. We observed many of these birds, such as coots, pelicans, egrets, and more as we hiked the Kieps Island Dike Trail.
Though the visitor’s center was closed to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, we were able to listen from one of the observation decks as Wildlife Specialist, Stephanie Edeler gave a virtual presentation about the refuge. She explained how this refuge was a part of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge System and was a critical habitat for hundreds of species of animals. Namely, the many species of migratory birds that rely on this stop along the Mississippi Flyway. We observed many of these birds, such as coots, pelicans, egrets, and more as we hiked the Kieps Island Dike Trail.
Cowsmo compost, cochrane, wi
On Friday October 2nd, we arrived in the Waumandee valley at Cowsmo Compost farms. Today, the number of dairy farmers across America’s dairyland is 8,000 in comparison to 1983 when there were over five times that amount (43,000). While the change in the number of farmers is evident, cow numbers have remained stable, according to the Rosenows. John Rosenow gave us a glimpse of his 850 acres but making sure to highlight the composting operations in specific. After the cows have produced waste, their stalls are cleaned using recycled freshwater from a nearby pond. The waste is flushed onto a grate where liquid and solid particles are separated with solids being piled high into neat rows, called windrows. The Rosenholm dairy operation turns this waste into a sizeable profit. Eventually, it is turned into an earthy smelling soil supplement for those who are looking to enhance the nutrient quality of their soils. The Rosenows use the compost for their own crops, but not in excess thus limiting phosphorus runoff. With his Jack Russel terrier in tow, John continues to walk us through the calf pens, describing to us the animal’s food. He picks up a clump and explains the feed is comprised of silage, alfalfa, and several byproducts such as linseed. The farm has many employees from Mexico and every year the owners travel with their employees back home to learn about their families. Environmentally and culturally friendly, Cowsmo Compost left a lasting impression on all of us.
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