Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge looking north
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 Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Sussex County, New Jersey
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Location in New Jersey
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sussex County, New Jersey, Orange County, New York, United States |
| Nearest city | Sussex, New Jersey |
| Area | 5,100 acres (21 km2) |
| Established | 1990 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge |
The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is a special place that protects nature. It is part of the National Wildlife Refuge system in the United States. This refuge was created in 1990 to help keep important habitats safe.
The refuge stretches for about 9 miles (14 km) along the Wallkill River. It is located near the border of New York and New Jersey. Most of the refuge is in Sussex County, New Jersey. A smaller part is in Orange County, New York. A famous hiking path, the Appalachian Trail, goes through the refuge for about 2 miles (3.2 km). There are also four other walking trails for visitors to explore.
Contents
What is the Wallkill River Refuge?
The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 5,100 acres (21 km2) of land. Its main goal is to protect wetlands. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present near the surface, for all or parts of the year. These areas are very important homes for many animals and plants.
Protecting Wetlands and Wildlife
The refuge works hard to save habitats for many animals. This includes homes for birds that travel long distances, called migratory birds. It also protects the bog turtle, which is an endangered species. This means the bog turtle is at risk of disappearing forever.
Fun Things to Do at the Refuge
The refuge offers many outdoor activities for people to enjoy. You can go hunting or fishing in certain areas. There are also programs to help you learn about nature. You can take amazing photos of wildlife or simply watch the animals. Hiking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing are also popular activities.
Amazing Animals of the Wallkill River Refuge
The Wallkill River Refuge is a fantastic place to see many different kinds of animals, especially birds. The northern part of the refuge has special areas called "black dirt wetlands." Here, the refuge manages ponds to help migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.
Birds You Might See
Many types of ducks and other water birds visit the refuge. These include wood ducks, canvasbacks, mergansers, and mallards. They come to the refuge during their long journeys in spring and fall. Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are also common. You might spot red-shouldered hawks, northern harriers, and kestrels flying overhead.
Images for kids
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Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge looking north
