Rockwood Island

Expanding a River Refuge

The islands and side-channels of the Middle Mississippi River offer great potential for restoring native plants, fish and wildlife.

ALC is working to conserve Rockwood Island for habitat restoration, public recreation and education. In partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, ALC has acquired more than 1,120 acres for conservation, including 400 acres of farmland to be restored as wetlands. The land will be managed as the new Rockwood Island unit of the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. New headquarters for the refuge are housed in a building that ALC funded and had constructed.

Rockwood Island’s riverfront access makes it ideal for bike trails, boat ramps, viewing decks and fishing. By drawing visitors, the project will help the economy of nearby Chester, Illinois, while helping restore the wildness of America’s greatest river.