Armed with GPS units, teams, will “race” by attempting to complete a series of challenges, located on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Teams will be given a set of coordinates for a specific location, which they will find using a handheld GPS unit. Once at that location, teams must work together to complete a task. When that task is successfully completed, teams will receive the next set of coordinates for the next location. Those who finish all tasks and arrive at the finish first, win!
Sound like fun? You may bring your own GPS unit or borrow one for the day. The event will begin at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center located at 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL 61285. Prior to the race, we will hold an introductory GPS course at 9:00 a.m. to learn how to use the unit. The race will then begin at 10:00 and conclude around 1:00 p.m.
Registration is required for the race! A team is comprised of a minimum of two people and a maximum of six. Teams will drive and walk to their designations. There is no cost to enter; the event is open to all ages.
Registration deadline is Thursday, August 20. Call 815-273-2732, extension 116, or email pam_steinhaus@fws.gov to register or receive more information.
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most-visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, MN, to Princeton, IA, protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.