Wild Rivers Conservancy

Wild Rivers Conservancy Conserving our Wild & Scenic Rivers - The St. Croix & Namekagon

Wild Rivers Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of the St.

Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Ready to go to work for a Wild & Scenic Riverway?Now hiring! Conservation Outreach Specialist - Play a pivotal role in c...
06/17/2026

Ready to go to work for a Wild & Scenic Riverway?

Now hiring! Conservation Outreach Specialist - Play a pivotal role in connecting communities and partners with our important work of inspiring stewardship to forever ensure the rare ecological integrity of the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway.

The Conservation Outreach Specialist supports and advances Wild Rivers Conservancy’s watershed stewardship, land protection, forestry, and climate resiliency initiatives through outreach, education, partnership development, and project coordination. This position plays a key role in connecting landowners, communities, volunteers, and partners to stewardship opportunities that protect and enhance the ecological integrity of the St. Croix River watershed. The Conservation Outreach Specialist is an integral member of the Conservancy’s natural resources team and supports the organization’s strategic priorities focused on protecting and enhancing the natural resources and ecosystems of the St. Croix watershed.

Working under the direction of the Natural Resources Manager, this position will lead outreach and engagement efforts that promote conservation stewardship, climate resilience, and habitat protection throughout the watershed.

🌟View the posting and learn how to apply here: https://wildriversconservancy.org/careers/
Apply by 6/21 or until the position is filled.

06/11/2026

Trip Planning Tuesday!

Are you dreaming about the perfect way to wander down the St. Croix or Namekagon River? Wondering whether your journey calls for a canoe, a kayak, or simply drifting along atop a tube? Before you embark, it helps to get to know the river’s mood for the day—our website shares daily river levels, like a little window into the river’s thoughts.

Next, consider the sort of adventurer you are. Are you a seasoned paddler, gliding with confidence? Borrowing gear from one of the friendly outfitters? Bringing your own trusty equipment? Planning to camp beneath the stars along the riverbanks?

Here are a few gentle pointers to help you choose your perfect river companion—or feel free to ask us for suggestions, like a guide seeking the right quest for a traveler.

Choose a kayak if you’re new to paddling or simply want a nimble, easygoing craft. Most kayaks are solo vessels—though some come in tandem for pairs who like to wander together. Since you sit low and close to the water, a kayak lets you slip gracefully through nearly any stretch of the river. Many seasoned paddlers love the sense of freedom they bring—like wings upon water.

Choose a canoe if the river is calm, you’re traveling with two or three companions, or you’re carrying gear for riverside camping. River canoes tend to be long and slender—perfect for slicing through gentle currents. Just remember, steering a canoe through lively rapids is a bit of a dance, one that calls for cooperation and teamwork.

Choose an inner tube when the day is lazy, the water is shallow, and you simply want to float your worries away. The Namekagon has several beloved stretches perfect for drifting and daydreaming.

For more information, stop by one of our visitor centers, or visit our website at NPS.gov/SACN

NPS Image: A group of kayakers float down a glassy river surrounded by greenery on both sides.

Join us on our next hiking club outing, this Saturday, June June 13 • 10 AM - 12 PM. We will be exploring the lower St...
06/09/2026

Join us on our next hiking club outing, this Saturday, June June 13 • 10 AM - 12 PM.
We will be exploring the lower St. Croix vistas of Afton State Park.

The Wild Wanderers Hiking Club invites people of all ages to explore the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway through guided hikes in some of the most beautiful lands that define our region. We strive to encourage a love of the outdoors, connections to nature, others, and ourselves, through shared appreciation for our natural environment.

🌟 Afton State Park offers amazing views of the St. Croix River across a variety of landscapes. We'll be able to walk along the banks of the river, wander through prairie fields, and trek through tall trees.

Register here: https://wildriversconservancy.org/events

🚐 Parking will be free at Afton State Park during this event due to National Get Outdoors Day.

📸 Craig Blacklock

Wild Rivers Conservancy and Washington County Parks are teaming up to offer beginner paddling classes at Square Lake Par...
06/05/2026

Wild Rivers Conservancy and Washington County Parks are teaming up to offer beginner paddling classes at Square Lake Park this summer!

We’ll start on dry land going over important safety lessons, kayak paddle strokes, and techniques to enter a kayak. Once you’re on the water, we’ll start close to shore to practice your new skills before we head out as a group to explore the shores of Square Lake. And before you know it, you’ll be ready to explore the lake at your own pace.

Suitable for ages 12 and up. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No previous paddling experience required. All equipment including life jacket, kayak, and paddle will be provided.

Get tickets here: https://wildriversconservancy.org/events

🛶Monday, July 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM

🛶Monday, July 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM

🛶Monday, July 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

🛶Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Teachers! Celebrate the end of the school year by joining us on the St. Croix River for our summer teacher workshop.Our ...
06/03/2026

Teachers! Celebrate the end of the school year by joining us on the St. Croix River for our summer teacher workshop.

Our summer workshop will get us on the St. Croix River, networking and having great conversations about our Rivers Are Alive programming, as we kayak from Interstate State Park to Osceola Landing. When we make it back to Osceola Landing, you’ll experience 1-2 of our classes, based on the interests of our participants. Prepare for a day spent outdoors while discovering more opportunities for learning for you and your students!

This is a fully supported event. You will be provided with premium kayaks, paddles, and PFDs, as well as a shuttle service to the start of the paddle. Please bring your own lunch. Snacks will be available.

Register here: https://wildriversconservancy.org/events

📍 Osceola Landing, Shafer, MN
🗓️ Thursday, June 18 • 10 AM - 3 PM
🎟️ $20
🛶 Paddle Length: 6 miles
✅ Paddle Difficulty: Good for beginners

Now hiring! Conservation Outreach Specialist - Ready to play a pivotal role in connecting communities and partners with ...
06/01/2026

Now hiring! Conservation Outreach Specialist -

Ready to play a pivotal role in connecting communities and partners with our important work of inspiring stewardship to forever ensure the rare ecological integrity of the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway?

The Conservation Outreach Specialist supports and advances Wild Rivers Conservancy’s watershed stewardship, land protection, forestry, and climate resiliency initiatives through outreach, education, partnership development, and project coordination. This position plays a key role in connecting landowners, communities, volunteers, and partners to stewardship opportunities that protect and enhance the ecological integrity of the St. Croix River watershed. The Conservation Outreach Specialist is an integral member of the Conservancy’s natural resources team and supports the organization’s strategic priorities focused on protecting and enhancing the natural resources and ecosystems of the St. Croix watershed.

Working under the direction of the Natural Resources Manager, this position will lead outreach and engagement efforts that promote conservation stewardship, climate resilience, and habitat protection throughout the watershed.

View the posting and learn how to apply here: https://wildriversconservancy.org/careers/

📸 Alice Berquist

☕ Do you love drinking water, or coffee? We thought so! You are the perfect candidate to own a cool new Wild Rivers Cons...
05/27/2026

☕ Do you love drinking water, or coffee? We thought so! You are the perfect candidate to own a cool new Wild Rivers Conservancy 16oz tumbler.

We have a selection of retail goods for supporters who love showing off their love for the Riverway. The catch is, we are only selling at a handful of our in-person events. Stop by Rustic Roots Winery tomorrow night to pick something up, Thursday 5/28, from 4 -7 PM, for our community give back night.

Simply mention you’re there for us, and $1 from every glass of wine, beer, or cider purchased will be donated to help protect the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers.

Learn the basics of fishing with us this summer!Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish? Or want your kids to learn bu...
05/26/2026

Learn the basics of fishing with us this summer!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fish? Or want your kids to learn but you don’t have the gear? Let Wild Rivers Conservancy bring the fishing to you!

With help from the National Park Foundation, we’ll have everything your family needs to catch your first fish. Learn fishing basics such as equipment use, fish species identification, fishing regulations & ethics. You’ll even get to try out some Junior Ranger Angler activities.

Sign up here: https://wildriversconservancy.org/events

🐟 Lily Lake Park | Stillwater, MN
Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM

🐟 Silver Lake Beach | North St. Paul, MN
Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM

🐟 Beach Park | Lindstrom, MN
Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM

🐟 Veterans Memorial Park | Spooner, WI
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM

🐟 Lake Elmo Park Reserve | Lake Elmo, MN
Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Come enjoy a glass of wine, cider, or beer for a good cause.Join us at Rustic Roots Winery on Thursday, May 28th, for a ...
05/24/2026

Come enjoy a glass of wine, cider, or beer for a good cause.

Join us at Rustic Roots Winery on Thursday, May 28th, for a special Give Back Night in support of the Conservancy.

Simply mention you’re there for us, and $1 from every glass of wine, beer, or cider purchased will be donated to help protect the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. Bring your friends and come enjoy a relaxed evening in an a beautiful setting.

📍Rustic Roots Winery (20168 St Croix Trail N, Scandia, MN 55073)
🗓️ May 28, 2026 | 4pm-7pm

Address

1015 North Cascade Street
Osceola, WI
54020

Telephone

+17154833300

Website

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