About Us
Eastern forest dramatically gives way to the western prairie at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge which was established in 1989. Prior to European settlement, this area teemed with waterfowl, upland birds, bison, wolves and other prairie wildlife. Currently, the refuge is 3,200 acres of prairie-wetland habitat that provides resting and nesting cover for more than 200 species of migratory and game birds, including the charismatic greater prairie chicken. Habitat restoration over the past two decades has resulted in dramatic increases in waterfowl, shorebird and grassland bird numbers, while active management keeps these habitats thriving. Birding is the most popular activity of visitors to the refuge however, other wildlife-dependent recreation is also offered. The refuge has been named an Important Bird Area by the Minnesota Audubon Society.
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.
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect prairie pothole habitat for waterfowl production.
Our History
1989 - Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge is established.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge is complexed with Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District. They work together as a network of lands providing habitat to migrating waterfowl.
