DECEMBER 2025 | ISSUE XV

Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary 

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. As we complete celebrations of our 25th anniversary, we proudly reflect on twenty-five gifts given to the Confluence floodplain. These gifts represent decades of dedication to partnerships, habitat conservation, policy advocacy, education, and community engagement.

25 Years, 25 Gifts: GRHA’s Conservation Legacy

Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetland Education & Conservation Center Campaign

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 Charitable Trust, Missouri Department of Conservation, and The Nature Conservancy, we have already raised more than $7 million toward that goal (63%).

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Mentored Hunts: A Great Success

This year, GRHA hosted youth, first-time hunter, women, veteran, and first-responder hunts at the Henges Center. Through the Missouri Department of Conservations (MDC) Mentored Hunt program, youth and first-time hunters were introduced to the traditions of waterfowl hunting while learning conservation ethics.

For many, it was their first sunrise over the marsh, their first encounter with waterfowl, and their very first harvest. Watching excitement and confidence growing in these new hunters reinforces why programs like this must continue.

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LARGE CROWD AT THE HENGES CENTER RIBBON CUTTING

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.

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ST. CHARLES PARTNERSHIP – NEW EDUCATIONAL CENTER TO BE BUILT

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.  

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Highway 79 Continues to Concern

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.

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11th Annual Partnership Gala Breaks Records

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.

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Thank You!

As we wrap the celebration of 25 years and close out 2025, we extend our deepest gratitude to our supporters, members, partners, and friends. Your commitment fuels our mission and ensures that the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance continues to thrive.

Thank you for the last 25 years of conservation! Here’s to another twenty-five of protecting the places we love.

2026 EVENT CALENDAR

February 5  GRHA Game Dinner - The Racquet Club

April 2       GRHA Spring Clays Shoot - Strathalbyn

July TBD    GRHA Wetlands Habitat Management Workshop – Henges Center

July TBD     GRHA Golf Tournament – Glenn Echo CC

August TBD Fall Dove Warm Up – Sporting Clays Shoot – TBD

October 2-3  Duckfest – St. Paul

October 15   12 Annual GRHA and DU Partnership Gala – The Factory

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