November 2026

Upper Mississippi River Conference

River Action

November 4 & 5

River Center

Davenport, Iowa

This year’s theme is The Future of the River. Speakers and sessions focus on how river advocates continue to move forward in the face of so many environmental challenges. In addition, we look to the next generation of stewards who we will support through our Next Generation Summit program.

Popcorn & Program: Wild Turkey- An IL Conservation Success Story

Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation

November 6, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Galena Territory Association Social Hall

Galena, Ill.

In the not too distant past, wild turkeys were extinct in 18 states. How did they make such a dramatic comeback? With Thanksgiving, we thought it a great time to do a program on these birds which figure so prominently in America’s story. 

Stonework at Weaver

Driftless Area Land Conservancy

November 6-7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Weaver Road Segment-Driftless Trail

County ZZ & Weaver Rd.

Dodgeville, Wis.

Volunteer to help create a durable, sustainable trail that can withstand heavy use and the challenges of the Driftless landscape. We’ll use stone to build and reinforce trail features. Staff will demonstrate the techniques and guide volunteers throughout the workday. Learn a new skill and see your hard work become a lasting part of the trail.

Winter Sky Guided Astronomy Hike

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

November 7, 7:30-10 p.m.

Lanesboro, Minn.

Join us for a night of celestial exploration. This unique event begins indoors in our StarLab, then weather permitting we’ll head outside to our prairie for a guided night hike. With help of a high-powered laser, we’ll identify the constellations and planets. Dress for the weather and bring your curiosity.

Bird Walk: Sand Point

Frontenac State Park

November 7, 9 a.m.

Off US 61

North of Lake City, Minn.

Walk through the riparian forest and along the beach to Sand Point for late fall migration.  Bring binoculars. The trail 2 miles long well maintained and flat.

Mississippi Musings: Community & the River

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization

November 7, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MWMO Stormwater Park & Learning Center

Minneapolis, Minn.

Explore how collective action, organizing and storytelling can create meaningful environmental change.  Friends of the Mississippi River will share stories and explore the “science of community,” while artist and organizer Shanai Matteson discusses climate justice and building resilient communities. Hands-on activities and light refreshments provided. Free event, but registration is required.

Waterfowl Observation Day

Friends of Pool 7 & 8

November 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Brownsville Overlook

Brownsville, Minn.

Come and enjoy the spectacle of tundra swan migration on the Mississippi River.

Environmental Film Series Sneak Peek

November 15, 3-5 p.m.

St. Ambrose Galvin Fine Arts Center

Davenport, Iowa

We’re getting ready for the 2027 film series with this free sneak peek film. Join us for Every Little Thing featuring Terry Masear and how she rehabs even the most fragile of patients through her hummingbird rescue. Also see trailers for our other film selections and stay after for a reflection speaker.

“We Are the River” Film Screening & Panel Discussion

Mill City Museum

Minneapolis, Minn.

November 19, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Join us for a screening of the new documentary film, “We Are the River: How the Mississippi Shaped Minnesota.” This film brings to life the stories of the river old from the perspectives of Dakota elders, aquatic ecologists, paddlers, stewards and wildlife enthusiasts. Following the screening, stay for a panel discussion.

Invasive Brush Removal

Mississippi Valley Conservancy

December 19, 9 a.m.-Noon

Trempealeau Lakes Nature Preserve

Trempealeau, Wis.

Help us continue our invasive removal project. By removing invasive brush, we’ll give our new young trees a fighting chance to survive. All ages and skills welcome. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring water, sturdy footwear and a thermos for sipping coffee or hot chocolate! To sign up go to Mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Audubon Society

December 14-January 5

For more than a century, the bird count has brought together thousands of volunteers across the Americas to count birds for conservation.  By participating, volunteers collect data that power critical bird conservation work. Join or start your own bird count group, explore the data, watch the intro webinar and register to participate at www.audubon.org 

Big River Magazine Fundraiser

Two Fathoms Brewing

December 20

2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Winona, Minn.