As the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) celebrates its 25th anniversary, it proudly reflects on twenty-five gifts it has given to the Confluence floodplain. These gifts represent decades of dedication to partnerships, habitat conservation, policy advocacy, education, and community engagement. 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...

For a quarter of a century, the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) has stood as a steadfast guardian of the Confluence floodplain, ensuring that the rich ecosystems of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers remain protected for generations to come. Founded in 2000, GRHA has tirelessly worked to combat unsustainable development, preserve wetlands, and advocate for responsible conservation policies. A Legacy of Protection and Advocacy The Confluence floodplain is one of the most ecologically significant areas in the United States. It serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds, fish, and countless other species. However, over the years, commercial development has...

In 2023, Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) proposed the establishment of a Conservation and Educational partnership on the former private duck club, Whistling Wings. This proposal was actualized when GRHA Board member Jim Blair IV and Ducks Unlimited (DU) CEO Adam Putnam announced at the October 17th GRHA/DU Partnership Gala and signed a contract for GRHA to acquire the Whistling Wings Property from DU. This initiative seeks to align with the mission and vision of GRHA, DU, and its newest partner, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), celebrating and protecting the wildlife habitat and hunting heritage of the Confluence and Whistling...

Great Rivers Habitat Alliance has entered into an agreement with the Land Learning Foundation to collaborate on a 60-acre wetland restoration and mitigation project at the newly acquired GRHA Foster/Rollins Floodplains Conservation and Education Area. This mitigation effort will preserve the 60-acres permanently, establish lasting wetland habitat, and provide funds for management and future restoration projects in the area. For more information about the Foster/Rollins Floodplains Conservation and Education Area, visit:  Foster Rollins Conservation and Education Area – Great Rivers Habitat Alliance Design work has commenced, and construction is scheduled to start in late 2025 and continue through 2026. As...

Formed in 2004, the Confluence Conservation Partnership focuses on five key areas: long-term land protection, private land enhancement for wildlife, public land acquisition, policy, and education. It leverages diverse partnerships to protect the Confluence Region, which is largely privately owned, and has positively impacted over 32,000 acres since 2010. Key programs include USDA Farm Bill initiatives, DU easement programs, MDC cost share assistance, USFWS programs, and NAWCA. The partnership also combats floodplain commercial development through policy work and engages in outreach and education. Core partners originally included voluntary landowners, Ducks Unlimited, Missouri Department of Conservation, US Fish and Wildlife Service,...

GRHA's Efforts to Protect Wildlife and Natural Resources This past year, representatives from GRHA have been actively engaging with the City of O’Fallon to influence the development of the new Center for Advanced Skills in Law Enforcement (Training Center), with the aim of mitigating its impact on wildlife and preventing any future expansions. In December 2023, we were informed about the city’s intent to replace the existing shooting range on Firma Road. Despite the initial property plan being suboptimal for a 100-year floodplain, GRHA decided not to oppose the local enforcement agency's need for a new shooting facility. However, the...

A Decade of Partnership: GRHA/DU 10th Anniversary Gala Recap   On October 17, 2024, Ducks Unlimited (DU) and Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) hosted their 10th Anniversary Partnership Gala, bringing together more than 550 supporters to celebrate a decade of conservation success. It was an unforgettable evening of community, commitment, and purpose. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner, followed by spirited bidding on an array of unique silent and live auction items, including exclusive hunting experiences and one-of-a-kind artwork. The energy was high as attendees rallied to support DU and GRHA’s shared mission of habitat conservation. A major highlight of the evening...

Expansion of Richard Bong State Recreation Area: New Land for Conservation and Public Access The Richard Bong State Recreation Area is now 132 acres larger, thanks to a recent acquisition by Ducks Unlimited (DU). This newly acquired parcel, known as the "Wood Duck Reserve," protects a valuable mix of wetland and upland habitats that are crucial for waterfowl and other wildlife, while also opening new land for public enjoyment and access. The establishment and dedication of the Wood Duck Reserve on September 10, 2024, marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts. This project is a testament to the power of...

In October 2014, GRHA and Ducks Unlimited came together for an inaugural fundraising event and the signing of a partnership agreement. More than 300 people attended, and the event netted over $130,000 for conservation work in the Confluence through GRHA Conservation, policy programs, and DU's Big Rivers Initiative. That partnership has grown with more than four hundred in attendance last year and more than $200,000 raised for both organization's critical conservation missions. This year, the partnership's 10th Anniversary event will be held on October 17, 2024, from 5:30-9:30pm at the Factory in Chesterfield, MO.  The event is expected to sell...

Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (GRHA) enjoyed a great summer filled with successful fundraising events, all geared towards supporting vital conservation efforts. Here is a recap of the exciting events that made this summer memorable: Nilo Farms Sporting Clays Dove Warm-Up On August 22, 2024, the picturesque Nilo Farms hosted the Sporting Clays Dove Warm-Up, attracting sixty-four enthusiastic shooters for a day of fun and friendly competition. The weather was perfect for the event, which featured a thrilling flurry competition. Top honors went to Troy Thompson and Anthony Pozzi, both scoring an impressive ninety-three, making Troy Top Gun and Anthony Top...

Thanks to your support and sponsorship we have been growing our programs and impact on the Confluence. To continue to be nimble and effective, it was time to hire our second full-time staffer to help keep our operations and events on track! We are excited to introduce Hannah Hopson.  Hannah comes to us from the St. Charles County Government where she was a Human Resources Generalist. Hannah currently resides in O’Fallon with her husband Patrick. Hannah will be responsible for managing the day-to-day execution of our event fundraising operations, campaigns, membership operations, and ensuring that operational, event and marketing activities...

Best Wishes for The 2024 Season I hope this Newsletter finds you well and excited about the upcoming dove opener – our fall kickoff season. For many farmers and land managers, it has been a challenging summer fraught with flood events both from the Mississippi River and local rain events followed by recent droughty conditions. If you were not connected closely to the Confluence, you might have enjoyed the relatively mild summer we have had and not noticed the flood events and damage which serve as a reminder that in the Confluence we are never far from a 100–500-year flood...