Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Becker County, Minnesota, United States |
| Nearest city | Audubon, Minnesota |
| Area | 5,944 acres (24.05 km2) |
| Established | 1989 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Minnesota, United States. It is a National Wildlife Refuge, which means it's a protected area for wild animals. This refuge is located near Audubon, Minnesota, in Becker County, Minnesota. It helps protect important natural areas for many different creatures. The refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Discover Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is where two different types of nature meet. Forests from the eastern United States end here. They give way to the wide-open prairie lands of the west. Before people settled here, this area had many kinds of plants. This made it a perfect home for lots of wildlife.
A Home for Amazing Wildlife
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a safe haven for many animals. In the past, animals like waterfowl, bison, and wolves lived here. Today, it's still a vital spot for many birds. These include shorebirds, songbirds, and birds of prey. They rely on the shallow water and prairie areas that have been brought back to life.
When the refuge is fully restored, it will be a huge area. It will have almost 6,000 acres (24 km2) of connected wetland and prairie habitat. This large space will give animals plenty of room to live and thrive.
Bringing Nature Back to Life
The main goal of Hamden Slough Refuge is to restore the land. They plan to bring back 3,000 acres (12 km2) of wetlands. They also want to restore 2,250 acres (9.1 km2) of upland grass. This work helps create safe places for over 200 types of birds. These birds use the refuge for resting and nesting.
Restoring the habitat has already made a big difference. More shorebirds and prairie songbirds are now living here. This also creates chances for people to enjoy nature. You can watch wildlife and learn about caring for the land. The refuge is a great example of how to protect our natural world.
Helping the Refuge Grow
About half of the land needed for the refuge has been bought. This land was purchased from people who wanted to sell it. It will take a lot of effort to finish building the refuge. They expect it will take about 15 to 20 more years of work. The total cost to buy land and build the refuge is estimated to be around $10,000,000. This investment helps protect nature for future generations.
