HENGES
WETLANDS EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION CENTER
Legacy
Formorethan25years, GreatRiversHabitat Alliancehasbeena trustedvoicefor floodplainprotectionin theConfluenceregion. Ourworkhasprotected thousandsofacres, strengthenedregional partnerships,and deliveredlasting environmental, economic,and communitybenefits.
In 2026, we kick off a new venture, the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center and transform it into a world-class destination for wildlife habitat, outdoor education, and community engagement Through partnerships with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Nature Conservancy, Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, and many veteran and first responder groups this vision is off to great start. This vision will only be realized through your generosity We need your help to complete the acquisition and ensure this property serves wildlife and the community FOREVER!
By giving, to this campaign, you help ensure that people of all ages and abilities can connect with the hunting heritage and wildlife of the Confluence. Your support fuels habitat restoration, youth mentorship, and refuge for millions of migratory birds and threatened species.
Eachyear,staffattheHengesCenterworktoprovidemorethan 2.5millionduck-use-daysthroughagriculturalcrops,moist-soil plants,andinvertebrate-richwetlands.Thepropertyalsosupports habitatforpasserines,raptors(includingnestingbaldeagles), bats,fish,deer,othermammals,amphibians,andreptiles.
Developing innovative partnerships in education and research will influence and celebrate the wildlife and hunting heritage
The Henges Center will enable the creation of innovative conservation, educational, and research partnerships. These partnerships will provide curriculum opportunities to develop and scale technology and knowledge that ensures both people and nature thrive. Increased management by our habitat experts, employing innovative wetland management techniques including extending the management into the critical spring migration period will maximize the property’s benefit to wildlife Developing innovative partnerships in education and research will influence and celebrate the wildlife and hunting heritage of the Confluence and safeguard its protection in perpetuity.
HABITAT
The History
In1958MoBuderestablishthe785acre WhistlingWingsPropertyincludingthe330acreinviolaterefugetoprovidecritical migrationhabitatforhis“boysandgirls”…the ducks!In2025GRHAenteredintoacontract toacquirethepropertyandbegantobuildon theconservationlegacyoriginallysetby expandingtherefugeto400acresand implementingcuttingedgemoist-soil managementonmorethanhalfofthe propertiesacreage,managedbyrenowned experts.Maintainingthispropertyforwildlife iscrucialforthefutureoftheConfluenceas arefugeandmigrationcorridorduringfall andspringforamyriadofwildlifespecies. Positionedonthe“EasternFront”against urbanexpansionfromtheCityofSt.Charles, thesiteisvitalformaintainingoutdoor recreation,huntingheritage,agriculture andthemissionofGRHA.
The site currently hosts millions of migratory bird-use-days annually and will now welcome people to enjoy the wonders of floodplains and the spectacle of spring and fall migrations Annual workshops will promote habitat management ultimately impacting the quality of habitat provided in the Confluence and beyond We hope you will join GRHA in our excitement and support this trailblazing vision for public/private wildlife conservation partnerships.
Philanthropic
T O T H E M I S S I S S I P P I
A LIVING MODEL OF FLOODPLAIN STEWARDSHIP
Our mission is to reconnect communities with the Mississippi River and its vital floodplains. This transformative property will serve as a living example of how people and nature can thrive together.
Visitorsexperiencebestpracticesin:
SustainableAgriculture
OutdoorRecreation
EnvironmentalEducation
WildlifeHabitatManagement
TOGETHER WITH OUR PARTNERS, WE ARE CREATING AN OUTDOOR OASIS THAT DEMONSTRATES HOW HEALTHY WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAINS SUPPORT CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, FLOOD STORAGE, WILDLIFE, AND VIBRANT COMMUNITIES.
EXPANDING OUTDOOR ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY
The property will operate as a premier educational site dedicated to promoting the critical importance of wetlands and floodplains Through hands-on learning and immersive experiences, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how these natural systems protect and sustain all life.
Wearecommittedtoprovidingoutdoor educationandaccess,including:
Publichuntingopportunities
Huntersafetytrainingprograms
Youthengagementinitiatives
Programsforfirst-timehunters
Veteran-focusedopportunities
Womeninoutdoorsinitiatives
Firstresponderprograms
Educatorpartnerships
THESE EFFORTS ENSURE BROADER ACCESS, BUILD SKILLS, AND FOSTER LIFELONG CONNECTIONS TO CONSERVATION.
THE GOAL
GRHA has a goal to raise $11,000,000 to complete the acquisition of the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center. Thanks to lead gifts from the Jay Henges Charitable Trust, Missouri Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy and the Costello Family/CK Power, we are off to a great start with more than $7 million raised to date (65%).
To keep the vision of the Jay and Carolynn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center moving GRHA needs to raise an additional $4,000,000 dollars over the next 2 years to complete the acquisition of the property from Ducks Unlimited and cover costs of initial restoration and infrastructure improvements.
By supporting this campaign, you help bring the Jay and Carolyn Henges Wetlands Education and Conservation Center to completion, strengthen conservation throughout the floodplain, and protect a landscape that sustains wildlife, local communities, and clean water for generations
Together, we can protect what matters most, now and forever.
V E R Y G I F T H E L P S U S :
Protectandrestorecritical floodplainhabitat
Mentorthenextgenerationof conservationistsandhunters
Providerefugeformillionsof migratorybirds
Ensurepublicaccessand inclusiveoutdoorexperiences
Naming & Underwriting Opprtunities
Namethe152-acreGreatRiversWetlandBasin oneofthelargest andmostvitalwaterfowlrefugesintheConfluenceregion.
$1,000,000
ViewingTower NamingRights
WetlandPool Naming
UTVUnderwriting
Helpcompletea15x15ft,30fthighcoveredviewingtower overlookingtheGreatRiversBasin.
Nameoneof12managedwetlandpoolswithintherefugeand huntingunits.
SponsoroneofsixUTVsusedtotransportyouthandmentored hunters Includeslogorecognition
Fundnewaccessibleblindsbuiltformentoredyouthhunts.
$130,000
$100,000each
$25,000each (8available)
Supportconstructionofadedicatedgoosehuntingpitformentored Canadagoosehunts $25,000
Annualsponsorshipsupportingammunitionforyouthand mentoredhunts.
$15,000annually
There will be a large dedication area in the center of the properties Headquarters featuring an active wetland and rock wall with bronze mallard and pintail ducks coming to roost Surrounding the wetland will be a cattail fence with recognition plaques for those who support this effort
