Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Phillips County, Kansas, United States |
| Nearest city | Kirwin, Kansas |
| Area | 10,778 acres (43.62 km2) |
| Established | 1954 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge |
The Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Kansas, United States. It's like a protected home for many wild animals and plants. This refuge was created in 1954. Its main job is to help keep wildlife safe and healthy. It's especially important for migratory birds, which are birds that travel long distances each year.
A big dam called the Kirwin Dam was built nearby in the early 1950s. This dam created a large lake, or reservoir. This reservoir provides all the water the refuge needs to support its amazing wildlife.
Home for Wildlife
The Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is located along the North Fork of the Solomon River. This area is unique because it's where two types of grassland meet: the tallgrass prairie and the shortgrass prairie. This mix of grasslands helps many different kinds of plants and animals to live here.
Besides grasslands, the refuge also has wetlands (swampy areas) and cropland. More than 300 different species of animals call this refuge home. These include birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Birds of the Refuge
Many birds use the refuge, especially during their long journeys. Some birds here are even threatened or endangered species. This means they are very rare and need special protection. About 28 other types of birds that need protection use the refuge when they migrate. Nine different bird species also build their nests here.
When conditions are just right, up to a million ducks and geese can gather at the refuge! Large groups of shorebirds also fly through in late summer. You can see hundreds of great blue herons and double-crested cormorants nesting in the trees that are flooded with water. When the water is low, interior least terns also nest here.
Other Amazing Animals
The refuge is also home to populations of greater prairie chickens. These are cool birds known for their booming calls. You can also find black-tailed prairie dogs living in their underground towns. These small mammals are important for the prairie ecosystem.
Fun Things to Do
The Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is not just for animals; it's for people too! You can visit and enjoy many activities.
- Car Tours: Drive through the refuge to see the sights from your car.
- Wildlife Observation: Bring your binoculars and watch for birds and other animals. It's a great place for nature photography too!
- Boating: Enjoy time on the water in the reservoir.
- Fishing: Try to catch some fish in the refuge's waters.
- Hiking: Explore the trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery on foot.
- Hunting: In certain areas and seasons, hunting is allowed.
- Educational Programs: Learn more about wildlife and conservation through special programs.
There is also a visitor center where you can get information. A museum is also on site, where you can learn about the history and nature of the refuge.
