GRHA and St. Charles County Parks Enter Into Agreement

In 2025, Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and several other nonprofit, youth, veteran, and first‑responder groups to offer public hunting opportunities, a program that has been a tremendous success.

GRHA is now taking the next step by forming a public–private partnership with St. Charles County to expand public access and education. The St. Charles County Council recently approved an agreement for the County Parks Department to collaborate with GRHA on the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetland Education and Conservation Center, advancing a shared mission to protect habitat, expand outdoor recreation, educate the public and strengthen the region’s conservation legacy. Under this partnership, the Henges Center will be jointly operated by GRHA and the St. Charles County Parks Department, with continued guidance from MDC.

As part of the agreement, St. Charles County will fund construction of a new 5,000‑square‑foot education center and assume ongoing operational costs. GRHA will continue to maintain its headquarters in the former clubhouse. This collaboration underscores our collective commitment to wetland preservation, responsible recreation, and public access.

Recognizing the ecological importance of the Mississippi–Missouri river confluence—one of North America’s most significant migratory corridors—and honoring the properties existing conservation easement, 400 acres of the property will remain designated “inviolate refuge.” This ensures no hunting or public disturbance during fall and spring migration, preserving essential refuge habitat for all wildlife.

This new partnership builds on the earlier agreement between GRHA and MDC, which included MDC funding to support the property’s purchase and protect its vital waterfowl habitat. During the offseason, the collaboration will expand educational programming, offer additional limited public access, and provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor exploration. During migratory bird hunting seasons (August 15–March 15), access to the entire property will be restricted to accommodate mentored hunts led by MDC. Additional controlled hunting opportunities will be offered through GRHA and partnerships with other conservation‑based and nonprofit organizations serving veterans, first responders, women, and youth.

At GRHA, our mission has always been to protect the Confluence 100-year floodplain and preserve the region’s waterfowl habitat. This project represents one of the most significant conservation opportunities in our history, and we are honored to lead this effort as we expand future public access.