Potters Marsh is not just a place – it is a river restoration success story. Located within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, the construction of Lock and Dam 13 downstream of the refuge area in the late 1930s drastically affected this unique backwater area. Sediments and silt accummulated behind the dam, filling in and seriously degrading wetlands, backwater lakes and marshes. Selected in the early 1990s to be restored under the Army Corps of Engineers’ Environmental Management Program, Potters Marsh once again provides essential habitat for wintering fish, scores of migratory birds and other wildlife.
Join Prairie Rivers Network and Upper Mississippi River refuge staff on Saturday, June 30 to explore Potters Marsh by canoe. There will be two programs, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Participants must be 12 years of age (accompanied by an adult) or older. Canoes and life vests will be provided or participants can bring their own equipment. This event is free, but space is limited. Preregistration is required. Canoes and life vests will be provided or participants can bring their own equipment. For additional information, contact Cecily Smith, csmith @ prairierivers.org, 217.351.0927.
