Rydell National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rydell National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Polk County, Minnesota, United States |
| Nearest city | Erskine, Minnesota |
| Area | 2,120 acres (8.6 km2) |
| Established | 1992 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Rydell National Wildlife Refuge |
The Rydell National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in northwestern Minnesota. It covers about 2,120 acres (8.6 km²), which is like a huge park! This refuge was created in 1992 to protect wildlife. Each year, over 7,800 people visit this amazing place. Rydell Refuge has many different types of land, including forests with maple and oak trees, wet areas called wetlands, grassy plains, and spongy bogs.
Contents
Discover Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
Protecting Wildlife First
At places like Rydell, protecting animals and their homes is the most important thing. All activities people do here must be safe for the animals. This means the refuge is a safe haven for many creatures.
Even though wildlife comes first, there are still many fun things for visitors to do. You can go fishing, observe animals, take photos, and learn about nature. Rydell Refuge offers all these activities and more!
Exploring the Refuge: Trails and Activities
The refuge has a visitor center where you can get information about the animals and plants. It's also the starting point for the trails. There are about 7 miles (11 km) of paved and gravel trails.
You can hike, bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on five different trails. Along the trails, you'll find special spots like observation blinds and gazebos. These are great places to quietly watch and photograph wildlife. If you have a disability, transportation is available by arranging it beforehand.
Amazing Animals of Rydell Refuge
Rydell Refuge has many different types of habitats. This means it's home to a wide variety of animals. Many birds, like ducks, geese, and swans, use the wetlands for feeding and nesting. They also use the nearby grasslands and woodlands.
Swans, Eagles, and More
Trumpeter swans, which were once on Minnesota's threatened species list, now nest here every year. They were brought back to the area before it became a refuge. You might also spot Bald eagles and osprey hunting for food. Sometimes, even gray wolves are seen in the refuge.
Resident Animals
Many animals live in the refuge all year long. These include white-tailed deer and black bears. You might also see ruffed grouse, barred owls, and pileated woodpeckers. Smaller animals like long-tailed weasels, red foxes, river otters, and beavers also call Rydell home.
Special Programs at Rydell
The Friends of Rydell Refuge Association offers tours on electric golf carts. You need to arrange these tours in advance. The refuge also hosts an annual deer hunt for people with disabilities. This hunt helps nearly 20 hunters each year.
Why Rydell Refuge is Important
The main goals of Rydell National Wildlife Refuge are:
- To provide safe places for birds to nest, feed, and rest. This includes waterfowl and other birds that migrate.
- To be a great place for people to learn about nature and the environment.
- To protect the forest and prairie homes for animals that live there all the time.
- To offer fun ways for people to watch wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
