About Us
Most of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge was marginal farmland before it was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 2000. With the help of land stewards, partners, volunteers and funding through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Conservancy restored more than 20,000 acres that now make up the core of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. At the time, this was is the largest prairie-wetland restoration ever undertaken in U.S. history. Today, the refuge is a key part of a patchwork of preserves and wildlife areas in the region that include some of Minnesota’s best remaining prairies. In addition to attracting wildlife including sandhill cranes and greater prairie chickens, the refuge also provides natural flood control, clean drinking water to local residents and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Our Mission
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Every national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge was created for a special purpose. Some were created to protect migratory birds, others to protect threatened or endangered species or unique habitats, while others fulfill another special purpose. All activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was founded.
Our History
2000 - Most of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge was marginal farmland before it was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 2000. With the help of land stewards, partners, volunteers and funding through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Conservancy restored more than 20,000 acres that now make up the core of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. At the time, this was is the largest prairie-wetland restoration ever undertaken in U.S. history.
2004 - Congress authorized the establishment of Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge and the Conservancy began restoring more than 3,000 acres of wetlands and 17,000 acres of prairie at the refuge.
2012 - The Conservancy completes the restoration work on the refuge and continues to play a role by helping maintain the prairies and wetlands.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is administered out of the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. Staff are shared between these refuges. Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges are complexed with Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge and the Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District.
