What We Do
Refuges deploy a host of scientifically sound management tools to address biological challenges. These tools span active water management to wilderness character monitoring, all aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach to benefit both wildlife and people.
Management and Conservation
Moist Soil Units
Wapanocca NWR annually manages about 190 acres of moist soil units that provides native seed-bearing plants, or high-energy foods that are planted such as millet or milo. These impoundments are flooded throughout the winter. The moist soil units are interspersed throughout the refuge, making it an important stopover area for migratory waterfowl.
Reforestation
Much of the previous agricultural land located within the refuge is being restored to forest. This creates much needed habitat for migrating neotropical songbirds as well as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other forest-dwelling wildlife.
Open Water
Wapanocca Lake is a 600-acre lake surrounded by 1,800 acres of seasonally flooded bottomland hardwood forests. The lake's water level is fluctuated throughout the year to provide habitat and food for wintering waterfowl as well as inviting areas for recreational fishing and kayaking.