Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Marshes and woodlands of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Location in the United States
Location	Marshall County, Minnesota, United States
Nearest city	Middle River, Minnesota
Area	61,500 acres (249 km2)
Established	1937
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website	Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge is a very special place in northwest Minnesota. It's a huge natural area where many different animals live safely. You can find everything from large moose and packs of wolves to many kinds of waterfowl and other birds here. In fact, 294 different bird species have been seen at the refuge! It truly is a wildlife wonderland.

Discover Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge

This amazing refuge covers about 61,500 acres (249 square kilometers). That's a lot of space for animals to roam! It is located in eastern Marshall County. The refuge was first created in 1937. Its main goal was to help produce and protect waterfowl. Back then, it was called Mud Lake Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.

Each year, more than 20,000 people visit Agassiz Refuge. They come to enjoy nature and watch the incredible wildlife.

A Home for Amazing Wildlife

Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge is made up of several different types of land. This variety helps many different animals find a home.

• About 37,400 acres (151 square kilometers) are wetlands. These are areas like marshes and swamps, perfect for ducks and other water birds.
• There are also 11,650 acres (47 square kilometers) of shrublands. These areas have lots of bushes and small trees.
• You'll find 9,900 acres (40 square kilometers) of forestland. These forests provide shelter and food for larger animals like moose and wolves.
• About 1,710 acres (7 square kilometers) are grassland. These open areas are great for many types of birds and small mammals.
• A small part, about 150 acres (0.6 square kilometers), is used for growing crops. These crops often provide food for the wildlife.

What is a Wilderness Area?

In 1976, a special part of the refuge was named a Wilderness Area. This means about 4,000 acres (16 square kilometers) of the refuge are kept as wild as possible. In a Wilderness Area, human activity is very limited. There are no roads or buildings, and people can only visit on foot.

This Wilderness Area includes a unique bog habitat. It's one of the most western places in Minnesota where you can find black spruce and tamarack trees growing in a bog. Inside this wild area are two bog lakes, named Kuriko and Whiskey.

The Refuge's Rich History

The Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge was established during a time when America was recovering from the Great Depression. Many people needed jobs. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a program that put young men to work on conservation projects.

CCC workers line up for food at Mud Lake NWR, 1937.

CCC workers helped build and improve many parts of the refuge. They dug ditches, built dikes, and planted trees. Their hard work helped create the refuge we see today. It shows how people can work together to protect nature for future generations.