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Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

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Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is located in the United States
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
Location Coffey County, Lyon County, Kansas, United States
Nearest city Hartford, Kansas
Area 18,463 acres (74.72 km2)
Established 1966
Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge

The Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a special place for animals. It is a wildlife refuge located near Hartford, Kansas in the state of Kansas, United States. This refuge covers parts of Coffey and Lyon Counties.

It was created in 1966. This happened as part of a big flood control project. The project was managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service takes care of the refuge. They manage about 18,463 acres (75 square kilometers) of land. Most of this land is in the floodplain of the Neosho River.

Home for Wildlife

The refuge has different types of natural areas. These include prairie grasslands and timber forests. There are also shallow wetlands and farm fields. All these areas are managed to help animals. They provide food and safe places to live. Many migratory birds and other animals call this refuge home.

Birds on the Move

The Flint Hills Refuge is very important for waterfowl. These are birds like ducks and geese. They stop here when they travel long distances. This happens during their spring and fall migrations. You can see thousands of mallards and blue-winged teal. Many Canada geese and snow geese also visit.

Other Amazing Animals

Besides waterfowl, many other birds live here. You might spot shorebirds and majestic bald eagles. Wild turkeys and bobwhite quail also make their homes here. The refuge is also home to bobcats and white-tailed deer. Many types of warblers can be found too.

The refuge is known as an Important Bird Area. This means it is a key place for birds. In winter, many bald eagles stay here. Dozens of red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and rough-legged hawks also spend winter here.

Fun Things to Do

The Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge offers many activities. These activities let you enjoy nature. They also help you learn about wildlife.

  • Boating
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Museum/Visitor Center
  • Wildlife Viewing
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