Stoney Slough National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stoney Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
 Stoney Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Barnes County, North Dakota, United States |
| Nearest city | Valley City, North Dakota |
| Area | 2,000 acres (810 ha) |
| Established | February 3, 1941 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
The Stoney Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in North Dakota, United States. It covers about 2,000 acres (810 ha) of land. This refuge helps protect different kinds of wildlife, especially birds that travel long distances.
Part of the land, about 1,120 acres (450 ha), is owned directly by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The rest, about 880 acres (360 ha), is protected through special agreements called easements. This means the government works with landowners to make sure the land is safe for animals.
Contents
What is Stoney Slough Refuge?
This refuge is a mix of wet and dry areas. It has wetlands, which are like marshy areas, and also higher, drier land. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages these areas to create good homes for animals.
Wetlands and Water
About 600 acres (240 ha) of the refuge are wetlands. These include four pools that usually have water all the time and two pools that might dry up sometimes. To help manage the water, there are canals and special structures. These can control the water levels, especially when there's a lot of melted snow in the spring.
Home for Migratory Birds
Stoney Slough is a very important stop for birds that migrate. Migratory birds are birds that fly long distances between their breeding grounds and their winter homes. Many snow geese and white-fronted geese stop here during their fall migration. It's a safe place for them to rest and find food on their long journey.
History of the Refuge
The Stoney Slough National Wildlife Refuge was created a long time ago, on February 3, 1941. It was set aside by special rules called Executive Orders from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He wanted to make sure this area would always be a safe place for birds and other wildlife to live and raise their young.
Who Manages the Refuge?
Today, the refuge is looked after by the Valley City Wetland Management District. It's also part of a bigger group of protected areas called the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge Complex. These groups work together to protect wildlife and their habitats in the region.
Visiting Stoney Slough
The refuge is located about 13 miles (21 km) south and 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Valley City, North Dakota. You can get there by taking Highway 1 South. While you're there, you can often see wildlife and take pictures from the roads that go near or through the refuge. It's a great place to observe nature!
