T he EagleWatch story began in 1989. Mary Rivers and a group of Wabasha, MN residents were looking for ways to protect and promote the beauty and integrity of the city's Mississippi River frontage. They focused on one of Wabasha's most unique features - its large, year round population of American Bald Eagles. Wabasha's eagle population swells during fall and spring migrations, creating one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the continental United States. In 1990, an EagleWatch Observation Deck and Outdoor Information Center were built on the Mississippi River frontage in downtown Wabasha and staffed by volunteers.
Volunteers help located eagles and explain eagle activities in terms visitor can understand.
The Wabasha EagleWatch Observation Deck is the only facility of its kind that is staffed consistently through the eagles' wintering months in the United States. The EagleWatch volunteers believe that educating the public and speaking out on the eagle's behalf will help maintain eagle populations for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. The American Bald Eagles from the Wabasha area are better off than most others because their habitat includes the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This national wildlife refuge protects the eagles from continued human interference and development. While this area remains beautiful and wild, there are threats from those who would like to see it become more profitable.