Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

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Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Welcome to the official Riverlands page! The Corps of Engineers is committed to stewardship, recreation, and education. Louis.
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Designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary (RMBS) encompasses a total of 3700 acres. Within the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a 1200 acre wetland and bottomland prairie restoration project. The RMBS is the embodiment of that commitment. RMBS hosts an abundance of waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors to delight birdwatchers of all age

s. January and February are especially busy with eagle-watchers from near and far who enjoy viewing our national symbol. The RMBS exemplifies a balanced management approach between sustaining the rivers as a national transportation corridor and recognizing the beautiful natural resources of the area. The project harnesses the power of the river to create wetlands, bottomland prairie, and marsh similar to that which existed prior to historical settlement of in the area. Across the Clark Bridge from historic Alton, Il, Riverlands is just 20 minutes from downtown St. RMBS is a convenient destination for outdoor recreation and spectacular landscapes. The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a place where individuals, families, schools, and other groups can visit to learn about the importance of balancing human culture and the health of our wild ecosystems. RMBS boasts flatland trails that take visitors out into our marshes, praries, and along the river; fishing and a spectactular view of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam at the Maple Island Access; access to the Ted and Pat Jones Confluence State Park where visitors can stand at the meeting of MIssissippi and Missouri Rivers; the chance to watch some the millions of birds migrating along the Mississippi Flyway; access to Ellis bay and the Mississippi Water Trail for kayaking; the beautiful Audubon Center; a frog pond and prarie garden right outside the visitors center; and educational programming almost every weekend. Come see for yourself everything we have to offer! We look forward to seeing you!

05/08/2026

Give Wildlife a Brake!

As this spring heats up, we are seeing more signs of the wildlife here at Riverlands. Here are some friendly reminders when visiting:

🐢 Stay alert. Hatchlings resemble goose droppings on the road. Pay attention to signs and be cautious driving in areas across from water.
🐢 Brake as necessary. If you can avoid hitting the animal, reduce your speed, honk your horn for geese, or tap your brakes to warn other drivers.
🐢 If assisting an animal cross the road (turtles) be sure to do so safely as to not injure the animal nor yourself; do not pick up by tails or legs and be careful with bitey types like snappers.
🐢 Be mindful that turtles often release water from their bladder when handled, so be sure to sanitize afterward.
🐢 Lastly, always obey speed limits and wear your seat belt!

Photo Credit: Marty McKay, Wildlife Crossing Sign

05/05/2026

PSA - EKO - Every Kid Outdoors - has returned to Riverlands for Spring 2026!

Visitors to the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary and The Audubon Center at Riverlands should be advised that Riverlands will host 200+ fourth grade students, teachers, and chaperones tomorrow, May 6th from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Many paths, pavilions, and recreation areas around the sanctuary will be utilized for field activities such as archery, fishing, birding, and more! Big Muddy Adventures () will also be utilizing the Riverlands Shelter while offering canoeing in Ellis Bay while Treehouse Wildlife Center will provide native animal presentations inside of the Audubon Center. Finally, Park Rangers will be leading archery off of Two Pecan Trail.

Visitors are welcome to recreate at Riverlands tomorrow. However, please be mindful of the EKO activities, school bus traffic, and safety concerns such as near the archery range. And don’t forget to practice Leave No Trace Principle #7: Be Considerate of Other Recreators when visiting.

Lastly, be prepared for students having tons of fun and connecting to public lands!

05/01/2026

May is National Water Safety Month so remember to play it safe whenever you’re in, on, or near open water (i.e. lakes, rivers, ponds etc.) and please al

04/24/2026

Making a difference, one bag at a time!

On April 11, 2026, The Rivers Project joined the Annual Confluence Trash Bash, a regional volunteer cleanup focused on local waterways. In partnership with Open Space STL, the Audubon Center at Riverlands, the Piasa Palisades Sierra Club and the Mississippi River Water Trail Association, the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary welcomed 75+ dedicated volunteers who spent the morning cleaning up Ellis Island, Lincoln Shields, and Ellis Bay via kayak. From 9–11 AM, they collected an impressive trailer load of trash, 8 tires, and a Styrofoam boat dock!

Thank you to everyone who came out to help keep Riverlands a clean and healthy habitat for wildlife and people alike!

04/15/2026

All trails at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary are officially open!

This includes the prairie trails of Two Pecan, Heron Pond - Paul E. Bauer Memorial Trail, and Teal Pond. These trails will be open throughout the recreation season (April 15 - October 15).

Trail Opening applies to water? It sure does! Ellis Bay is now open to paddle crafts including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, just be sure to wear your life jacket!

Thank you for helping to create a safe environment for migrating birds as they seek refuge here at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Don't forget to practice the Leave No Trace Principles while visiting Riverlands and all natural areas.

For additional questions, please visit the front desk at The Audubon Center at Riverlands or call the Rivers Project Office at 636-899-2600.

Happy Trails!

03/18/2026

These water-related fatality statistics illustrate what’s happening on our nation’s waters according to the leading provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Please wear your life jacket so you can avoid becoming a fatality statistic.

02/27/2026

🔥‼Announcement‼🔥

The Rivers Project will conduct a prescribed fire at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary today, February 27th.

This burn will occur along sections of Orton Road and Riverlands Way. Visitors are welcome to recreate at Riverlands; however, please avoid the burn area, be advised of smoke, follow all closure notices, and allow staff to operate safely.

Prescribed fire is an essential habitat management tool used to improve and sustain native prairie at Riverlands. Fire has many management benefits, including reducing invasive species and woody encroachment, recycling nutrients, exposing bare ground for seeding and planting, promoting germination, etc. which all benefit native plants and wildlife.

For any additional questions, please contact the Rivers Project Office at 636-899-2600.

02/26/2026

🌨️Ice Jam was an (arctic) BLAST!❄️

We want to extend a huge thanks to everyone who joined us for our annual winter celebration. Your enthusiasm to embrace the midwest winter and all it has to offer warms us up like a mug of hot cocoa after a day in the snow!

From the jam session in the museum gallery to wintery tours at the top of the dam, every corner of the museum was filled with warmth and joy. Thank you for bringing your family and friends to learn about winter recreation and ways to connect with the Mississippi River throughout the seasons.

Did you join us at Ice Jam? Share your photos or favorite part of the festival in the comments below!

A special shoutout to all the volunteers and partners who worked to make this event possible. Especially, the rockstars and fan favorites - The Pickin’ Daisies & Gateway Sled Dog Club! 🐶

Let’s jam again in 2027!

02/18/2026

🔥 PSA and Closure - Prescribed Burn Today!🔥

The Rivers Project will conduct a prescribed fire at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary today, February 18th, on Ellis Island. All public access to Ellis will be closed around 11:00AM. Visitors are welcome to recreate elsewhere at Riverlands. Please avoid the burn area, be advised of smoke, follow all closure notices, and allow staff to operate safely.

Prescribed fire is an essential habitat management tool used to improve and sustain native prairie at Riverlands. Fire has many management benefits, including reducing invasive species and woody encroachment, recycling nutrients, exposing bare ground for seeding and planting, promoting germination, etc. which all benefit native plants and wildlife.

For any additional questions, please contact the Rivers Project Office at 636-899-2600.

02/13/2026

We are almost ONE WEEK away from our favorite, winter festival - Ice Jam at the Dam 2026!

While the river ice might be gone, we hope you can join us to jam at the dam on Saturday, February 21st from 10:00AM - 2:00PM. Festivities will take place both in and outdoors to fully embrace winter along the Mississippi. Visitors can enjoy live music from the Pickin' Daisies, food trucks onsite, campfires, winter recreation booths, raffle prizes, free movies, crafts and more!

Highlights include:
🌟 10:00 - 2:00 | Animal Encounters by Treehouse Wildlife Center
🌟 11:00 | 1:00 | Sled Dog Demonstrations by the Gateway Sled Dog Club
🌟 12:00 | Mascot meet-and-greet with Louie - St. Louis Blues Mascot and Bobber the Water Safety Dog
🌟 10:00 | "Happy Feet" Showing | 12:00 "Balto" Showing

Event Page:
www.facebook.com/share/1CD1mewkEt/

02/02/2026

A groundhog’s weather prediction might be just for fun—but here’s a forecast you can really count on. Wearing a properly fitted life jacket ensures that your time in, on, or near the water stays safe and enjoyable. Be ready for the unexpected—it could save your life.

Address

301 Riverlands Way
West Alton, MO
63386

Telephone

+16368992600

Website

https://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Rivers-Project-Office/Riverlands-Migratory-Bird-Sanctuary/

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