It has been a busy and rewarding stretch for GRHA, and we could not be more grateful for the incredible support behind every event. Here's a look back at two sold-out gatherings and a look ahead at everything still to come this year! Wild Game Dinner: Another Sellout!Our Wild Game Dinner on February 5th at the Racquet Club sold out once again, bringing together friends, members, and supporters for a great evening in support of the Confluence! A special thank you to our generous meat donors, whose contributions made the menu (and the night) possible. We are already looking forward...

The St. Charles City Council delivered a landmark decision on May 19, voting 7–1 to exclude data centers from all permitted and conditional uses within city limits—a decisive victory for residents, environmental advocates, and organizations like GRHA that have long raised concerns about the risks posed by large-scale digital infrastructure, particularly within sensitive landscapes like the well field district and 100-year floodplain. This vote permanently finalizes the city’s earlier moratorium and marks a turning point in a months‑long debate over Project Cumulus, a proposed billion‑dollar AI data center near the city’s well field and Highway 370. The project had drawn...

On Thursday, May 28, GRHA presented an update on the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center to the St. Peters Board of Aldermen. GRHA Board members Jim Blair and Chris Hyams delivered a strong presentation sharing the vision and outlining the Center’s first‑year programs and the ongoing partnership with St. Charles County Parks. GRHA was honored to present an update on the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center. The presentation also highlighted the Center’s first year of programs, its growing impact. The presentation was warmly received, with deep appreciation of the early impacts from...

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that Great Rivers Habitat Alliance reflects on the recent passing of three of our Founding members—Adolphus A. Busch IV, Garth Fort, and James M. Schloeman. Each of these remarkable individuals helped shape GRHA’s mission, identity, and enduring commitment to protecting the Confluence floodplain. Their leadership, passion, and generosity laid the foundation for an organization devoted to safeguarding one of North America’s most ecologically significant landscapes.  Adolphus A. Busch IV On May 30, 2026, we lost our co‑founder, Adolphus A. Busch IV, whose visionary leadership and fierce dedication to conservation were instrumental in...

  GRHA Statement: It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our co-founder, Adolphus A. Busch IV. His visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and fierce passion for wildlife conservation profoundly shaped our organization and defined our mission to protect the Confluence.This loss is felt deeply by our entire community. We reflect with immense gratitude on his immeasurable contributions—not only as a driving force behind our organization, but as a steadfast champion for wildlife, conservation, and the Confluence ecosystem we so dearly cherish.We remain fully committed to honoring his enduring legacy by continuing the vital work he championed.Our thoughts and...

  Friends of GRHA, Ameren is moving forward with the Eastern Missouri Grid Transformation Project in Lincoln and St. Charles Counties. This project would place new or expanded transmission lines directly through one of the most important migratory bird corridors in North America and across sensitive wetlands and bottomland hardwoods that protect our communities from flooding. This is a critical moment for public input. Ameren is accepting comments on its project website, and your voice can influence the outcome! Ameren Project | Map of Proposed Project   GRHA is doing everything we can to stop this project including an upcoming meeting...

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on both the challenges and triumphs of the past year. From expanding conservation programs to strengthening partnerships, our mission has never been more vital. This special 25th anniversary year for Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) has been filled with momentum, new opportunities, and meaningful moments in the field—reminders of why this landscape matters to both people and wildlife. We want to thank you for standing with us as we work to protect and enhance the Confluence. The Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetland Education and Conservation Center has been central to that progress....

Exciting progress continues at the Henges Center as GRHA builds innovative conservation, education, and research partnerships. These collaborations will provide curriculum opportunities, expand wetland management into the critical spring migration period, and maximize the property’s benefit to wildlife. The Center is transforming into a world-class destination for habitat restoration, outdoor education, and community engagement. This vision depends on your generosity. In 2026 we kick off the Wings for the Future campaign with a goal of $11 million to complete the property acquisition from Ducks Unlimited and fund needed restoration and infrastructure improvements. Thanks to lead gifts from the Jay Henges...

Conservation Milestones 1. Habitat Protection: GRHA has permanently protected 968.7 acres in fee title and influenced another 65,000 acres of critical wetland habitat through various partnerships. 2. Foster-Rollins Floodplain Conservation and Education Area: GRHA launched this initiative to protect and restore 181 acres of floodplain habitat along the Mississippi River in partnership with the Mysun Charitable Foundation, Robert J. Trulaske Family Foundation, The Conservation Fund, and the Land Learning Foundation. This area serves as a conservation site and an educational resource for the community. 3. 400 acre Waterfowl Refuge:  The Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center: In...

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...

Highway 79 Corridor Update: A Major Conservation Win Development pressures along Highway 79 continue to be a central focus of our advocacy. This corridor remains highly vulnerable—its floodplain integrity, wildlife habitats, and community resilience are all at risk from poorly planned development. GRHA is committed to ensuring that infrastructure decisions honor the ecological and cultural significance of these lands. Recently, a critical 117‑acre property within the corridor, owned by NC Investments LLC, was listed for sale, bringing development threats uncomfortably close. GRHA learned that a developer had already expressed interest in acquiring the property and begun due diligence and permitting...

Our 11th Annual Partnership Gala was truly a night to remember. With record‑breaking attendance and fundraising, the event highlighted the power of collaboration and the deep commitment our supporters share for protecting the Confluence region. The evening featured an incredible silent and live auction, raffles, inspiring videos and remarks from partners and conservation leaders, and an outpouring of generosity from donors who believe in GRHA’s mission. The success of this year’s Gala directly strengthens our ability to advance floodplain conservation, expand wetlands restoration, and grow education and outreach programs that connect people to the ecological importance of the Confluence. Special...