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Eastern forest dramatically gives way to the western prairie at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Hardwood forest stretching from the Atlantic seaboard rapidly shifts to the vast western prairie at this picturesque refuge.
Before its settlement, this diverse vegetation was attractive to wildlife and the area teemed with waterfowl, upland birds, bison, wolves, and other prairie wildlife.
During the 1870s, John James Audubon’s niece asked Minnesota’s governor to name the area after her famous uncle.
The Department of the Interior’s largest wildflower seeding is growing adjacent to the Hesby Wetland and attracts many animal and human visitors.
Wildflowers are critical in restoring the food web for prairie nesting birds. The increased plant diversity attracts insects, which deposit eggs and larva, providing a rich protein source for spring chicks and ducklings.
When fully restored, the refuge will provide the largest contiguous block of wetland prairie habitat in the region, encompassing nearly 6,000 acres.
The National Audubon Society designated this refuge as an Important Birding Area in 2004. Recent refuge habitat restorations have resulted in a dramatic increase in waterfowl, shorebird and prairie songbird populations.
Many visitors have been attracted to the refuge as a birding hot spot. April, May and June are exceptional months for wildlife viewing. Since 2003, prairie chickens have danced and nested on the refuge, and a public viewing blind is available on the "booming ground."
Eagles, hawks, falcons and owls are attracted by the abundant migratory birds, and can be seen hunting American coots on Homstad and Bisson lakes, and Hesby Wetland. Spring and fall migrations can be viewed from the refuge office, and township and county roads.
Outdoor Activities |
