Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Rice shacks on Big Rice Lake in 1937
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 Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Aitkin County, Pine County, Minnesota, United States |
| Nearest city | McGregor, Minnesota |
| Area | 18,208 acres (73.69 km2) |
| Established | 1935 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge |
The Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in northern Minnesota. It was created in 1935 to protect nature. This refuge covers about 18,208 acres (73.69 km2) of beautiful forests and wet, spongy areas called bogs. Here, you can explore different natural homes, like lakes, rivers, bogs, and thick hardwood forests.
Contents
Discovering Rice Lake
Rice Lake is at the heart of this refuge. For thousands of years, this 4,500-acre (18 km2) lake has provided lots of wild rice. This wild rice is a super important food source.
Wild Rice and Waterfowl
Every autumn, the huge amount of wild rice attracts hundreds of thousands of waterfowl. These are birds like ducks and geese that live near water. Many American Indians also come to harvest the wild rice. They use traditional methods that have been passed down for generations.
Rice Lake is especially famous for its enormous number of ring-necked ducks. Because so many different types of birds stop here during their long journeys, the Rice Lake Refuge has been named a Globally Important Bird Area. This special title was given by the American Birding Association.
Exploring the Sandstone Unit
The Sandstone Unit is another part of the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It covers about 2,045 acres (8.28 km2) and is located in Pine County. This area became part of the refuge in 1970.
Forests and Rivers
Long ago, the Sandstone Unit was known for its very tall white pine forests. Today, you can still enjoy a natural and peaceful setting. A part of the Wild and Scenic Kettle River flows through this unit.
Wildlife in Sandstone
If you enjoy birdwatching, you'll find many different kinds of birds here. Especially in spring and fall, you can spot many neo-tropical migrants. These are birds that travel long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. Other animals you might see include black bears, sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, and many songbirds.
Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge
The Rice Lake Refuge also helps manage another small refuge. This is the one-half-acre Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge. It is located in Mille Lacs Lake.
