Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Morrison County, Minnesota, United States |
| Nearest city | Little Falls, Minnesota |
| Area | 13,540 acres (54.8 km2) |
| Established | 1992 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge |
The Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in central Minnesota, USA. It was created in 1992 to protect a huge area of natural wetlands. Wetlands are like soggy lands where water covers the soil, perfect for many plants and animals.
This refuge is super important for many birds that travel long distances. It's a key stop for them during their migration. It's also home to one of the biggest groups of Sandhill cranes that nest in Minnesota.
About Crane Meadows Refuge
The Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge covers a large area in Morrison County, Minnesota. It's part of a big watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common spot, like a river or lake. Here, the watershed includes several lakes and rivers, like Rice Lake, Skunk Lake, Mud Lake, the Platte River, and the Skunk River.
The refuge was set up to protect these important water areas. It also helps to keep the land around them healthy. The total planned area for the refuge is about 13,540 acres. Right now, about 2,000 acres are protected.
What You Can See Here
Crane Meadows is a mix of different natural habitats. These are like different types of homes for plants and animals.
- Wetlands: These wet areas are full of sedge meadows and stands of wild rice. Wild rice is a type of grass that grows in shallow water.
- Tallgrass Prairie: This is a type of grassland with very tall grasses. It's a native habitat, meaning it's been there for a very long time.
- Oak Savanna: This habitat has scattered oak trees with grasslands in between. It's a beautiful and important ecosystem.
These different habitats provide food and shelter for many kinds of wildlife. The refuge is especially known for its large population of greater sandhill cranes. These tall, graceful birds love to nest in the wetlands.
Helping Nature
The refuge is also the base for a special program called the Federal Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. This program works in Morrison County to help restore wetlands that have been drained.
They do this by working with landowners who agree to help. It's a voluntary program, meaning people choose to participate. This helps bring back important wetland areas for wildlife. It shows how people can work together to protect nature.
