Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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The Lower Dam Recreation Area in summer
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 Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Southwestern Idaho and eastern Oregon, United States |
| Nearest city | Nampa, Idaho |
| Area | 10,548 acres (16.481 sq mi; 42.69 km2) |
| Established | February 25, 1909 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Deer Flat NWR |
The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a special place where many animals, especially birds, can live safely and raise their young. It's like a big, protected home for wildlife! This important National Wildlife Refuge is found near Nampa, Idaho. It surrounds a large lake called Lake Lowell.
Many birds, like mallards and Canada geese, stop here to rest or spend the winter. They travel along a major bird highway called the Pacific Flyway. Because so many birds use this area, the American Bird Conservancy called it a "Globally Important Bird Area."
The refuge has two main parts. One part is Lake Lowell and the land around it in Canyon County, Idaho. The other part includes many small islands in the Snake River. These islands are spread out across several counties in Idaho and Oregon. The refuge has different types of natural areas. These include open water, wet areas called wetlands, grassy fields, and forests along rivers.
There is a visitor center at the Lake Lowell part of the refuge. This is where people can learn about the animals and plants. Volunteers also help with projects to protect the wildlife here.
Wildlife and Habitats
Animals need different kinds of places to find food, stay safe, and raise their babies. The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge works hard to keep these different habitats healthy. The refuge has wetlands, forests along rivers, dry uplands, and even some farm fields near Lake Lowell. It also includes 101 islands in the Snake River. All these areas provide homes for many different creatures.
A Look Back: History of the Refuge
The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge has a long and interesting history. It was created over 100 years ago to protect birds.
How It Started
President Theodore Roosevelt officially created the bird refuge at Deer Flat Reservoir (now Lake Lowell) on February 25, 1909. This was one of 17 projects designed to use man-made lakes to help migratory birds. James H. Lowell, who led a local water group, helped make sure this area was included.
Important Dates
Here are some key moments in the refuge's history:
- 1902: The U.S. Reclamation Service (now the Bureau of Reclamation) was formed to bring water to western lands. They started looking for a place for Deer Flat Reservoir.
- 1905: James H. Lowell began buying the land that would become Lake Lowell.
- 1906: Workers started building the large dirt walls (embankments) for the lake.
- 1909: Water was first let into Lake Lowell. President Roosevelt signed the order making it a bird refuge.
- 1935: Workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps helped fix the dams that were damaged by waves and ice.
- 1937: President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Snake River Islands Refuge. Thomas Horn became the first manager of the refuge.
- 1938: Workers from the Works Progress Administration helped build roads and buildings at the refuge.
- 1948: Deer Flat Reservoir was renamed Lake Lowell to honor James H. Lowell.
- 1963: The Snake River Islands Refuge joined with the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.
- 1975: The Visitor Center, where you can learn about the refuge, was finished.
- 1979: Part of the movie Bronco Billy, starring Clint Eastwood, was filmed at the refuge.
- 2009: A special walking path called the Centennial Trail was built across the historic upper dam.
