About
Thousands of Bald Eagles live, winter or travel through Wabasha, Minnesota. Eagle sightings are a daily experience, and seeing hundreds in a single drive is common place during the migration seasons.
For many people in Wabasha, the tremendous comeback of the Bald Eagle is an incredible environmental success story and a chance to give something back. This opportunity served as the impetus for a small band of dedicated individuals to become Eagle Watch.
Eagle Watch, Inc., was a wholly grassroots organization formed in 1989. The organization’s mission was to welcome to Wabasha people who shared a passion for the Bald Eagle, and provide them with even more than a “good view.” Spearheaded by Wabasha resident Mary Rivers, the organization grew to 74 volunteers in only one year. The group’s original goal was to create an observation deck staffed with knowledgeable people.
In 1990, the Eagle Watch Observation Deck and Outdoor Information Center were open and the Mississippi River frontage was bustling with activity. Volunteers staffing the deck were given Bald Eagle identification training by the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center and other experts in the field. This small group generated much energy and the news spread quickly. The Wabasha deck and group of volunteers drew at least 5,000 guests annually from around the world.
Within a few years, Eagle Watch gained a reputation as an eagle authority as well as a public service. The Eagle Watch organization in Wabasha began developing strong relationships with other like-minded public and private organizations, including, but not limited to: US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, The Sierra Club, Izaak Walton League, MN and WI Departments of Natural Resources and other specialized bird/raptor facilities and associations across the United States.
The Outdoor Information Center became a small storefront, and soon two rescued eagles were full-time residents. The staff and volunteer base continued attracting new people with diverse talents. Soon daily education presentations were offered, outreach programs were being requested for school visits, Native American ceremonies and military events.
Eagle Watch transformed into the National Eagle Center. Bubbling with enthusiasm, the people and mission of this organization could no longer be contained and a new goal was set. A state-of-the-art facility was to be built; a model constructed and accented with sustainable products to reflect the philosophy of the organization and its mission. The National Eagle Center joined forces with the City of Wabasha and together the center was built.
