MRW played a key role in the local Refuge office getting approval to fill the vacant Park Ranger (Visitor Services) position. With construction scheduled to begin next year on the La Crosse District headquarters/visitor facility, one major duty of this position will be to develop an environmental education program centered around this facility and restored sand prairie. With that in mind, please  welcome Paula Ogden-Muse to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge/La Crosse District. In mid-January, Paula will put aside her flat hat at North Cascades National Park, where she's worked as an education specialist and in other roles since 1985, and begin work in the Park Ranger (Visitor Services) position. Paula notes that when she's not working, you might find her exploring the new territory or enjoying local farmers' markets, and always keeping an eye out for birds. She and her husband, Jeff, will live in Onalaska with their two cats.

We look forward to Paula and Jeff's arrival and wish them all the best as they travel halfway across the country in January!