Saturday, October 11 marked a major milestone for GRHA as we celebrated the Ribbon Cutting for the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center—a project that reflects years of vision, partnership, and commitment to the Confluence region. This new Center represents the first phase of GRHA’s long‑term plan to expand conservation education, deepen community engagement, and strengthen stewardship of the Confluence floodplains.

This achievement was made possible through the foundational support of the Jay Henges Charitable Trust, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF)—partners who share GRHA’s mission to protect and restore the ecological richness of the Confluence.

More than 100 guests attended the celebration, including partners, supporters, volunteers, and community dignitaries and members. Speakers from several partner organizations offered inspiring remarks, including Steve Schulte, Carolyn Henges, Aaron Jefferies (Deputy Director MDC), Steve Ehlmann (St. Charles County Executive) Adam McLane (Missouri State Director, TNC), and Rex Schulz (Vice-President, Ducks Unlimited). Local news station KSDK Channel 5 covered the event, bringing regional attention to the importance of wetlands conservation and the role this new center will play in public education.

The day could not have been more fitting—clear skies, perfect fall weather, and even a passing flock of northern white‑fronted geese migrating south, a reminder of the living landscape this Center is designed to protect.

Words from Carolyn Henges

Carolyn Henges shared a moving reflection that captured the spirit of the day:

“The magic of natures return, the wonder of it all, the cycle of life that we must steward for continuation, the need to teach, the need to experience. Jay would be proud… as am I. So proud of this new education center. May it flourish and serve to teach countless generations the majesty and beauty of our world!”

What Comes Next

A formal dedication ceremony will be held once the final phase of the fundraising campaign is completed in Spring 2028, at which time GRHA will also install a donor recognition cairn/statue to honor the supporters who helped bring this vision to life.