Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kossuth County, Iowa, United States |
| Nearest city | Bancroft, Iowa |
| Area | 3,334 acres (13.49 km2) |
| Established | 1938 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
The Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in Kossuth County, Iowa. It was created in 1938 to be a safe home and breeding spot for waterfowl (like ducks and geese) and other birds that travel long distances.
The word "slough" (pronounced "slew") means a wet, marshy area. This particular slough is what's left of an ancient riverbed from before the ice age. Its name, "Union Slough," comes from how it connects two different river systems. It links the Blue Earth River in Minnesota with the East Fork of the Des Moines River. The land here is very flat. Sometimes, the direction the water flows can even be changed by the wind!
The refuge covers about 3,334 acres (1,349 km²). It sits on the eastern edge of the tallgrass prairie region, which is a type of grassland. This area of the Northern Great Plains is mostly used for farming, with lots of corn and soybean fields. Because of this, Union Slough is a super important place. It provides a vital home for many different plants and animals. These creatures depend on the tallgrass prairie and wetland habitats to survive.
Contents
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area of land and water. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages these refuges. Their main goal is to protect wildlife and their natural homes. They also help to make sure that different types of animals and plants can continue to thrive.
Why Refuges are Important
Refuges like Union Slough are very important for several reasons. They give animals a safe place to live, feed, and raise their young. This is especially true for migratory birds. These birds travel thousands of miles each year. They need safe places to rest and eat along their journey. Refuges also help protect rare or endangered species. They keep their habitats safe from human development.
The Unique Habitat of Union Slough
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge has two main types of habitats: wetlands and tallgrass prairies. Both are very important for different kinds of wildlife.
Wetlands: A Watery Home
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present near the surface, for all or part of the year. They include marshes, swamps, and bogs. At Union Slough, the slough itself is a wetland. Wetlands are like natural filters for water. They help clean the water and prevent floods.
Animals of the Wetlands
Many animals love to live in wetlands. Waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans, use these areas for nesting and feeding. Other birds like herons and egrets can be seen wading in the shallow waters. Frogs, turtles, and various fish also call the wetlands home. These areas are buzzing with life, especially during spring and fall migrations.
Tallgrass Prairie: A Sea of Grass
The tallgrass prairie is a type of grassland ecosystem. It used to cover huge parts of the central United States. Now, most of it has been turned into farmland. Union Slough helps protect some of the remaining tallgrass prairie. This habitat is known for its very tall grasses and colorful wildflowers.
Life in the Prairie
The tallgrass prairie supports a different set of animals. Small mammals like mice, voles, and ground squirrels live among the grasses. They provide food for predators like foxes and hawks. Many types of insects, including butterflies and bees, also depend on the prairie plants. These insects are important for pollinating the wildflowers.
Protecting the Future
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service works hard to manage Union Slough. They make sure the habitats stay healthy for the animals. This includes managing water levels in the wetlands. They also work to restore and maintain the tallgrass prairie. Their efforts help ensure that future generations can enjoy this special place. It also means that the birds and animals will always have a safe home.
