Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
 Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Crittenden County, Arkansas, United States |
| Nearest city | Turrell, Arkansas |
| Area | 5,484 acres (22.19 km2) |
| Established | 1961 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge |
The Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Crittenden County, Arkansas. It is a large area of land, about 5,484 acres (22 square kilometers), set aside to protect wild animals and their homes. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service takes care of this refuge.
Contents
Discover Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge
Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1961. Before it became a refuge, this land was owned by a group called the "Wapanocca Outing Club." This club, started in 1886, was a place where people went for hunting. Now, it is a safe haven for many different kinds of wildlife.
Where is Wapanocca Located?
This important refuge is found in Arkansas, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) west of the mighty Mississippi River. It is also close to the city of Turrell, Arkansas. The land here was once a big curve or "bend" in the Mississippi River itself. This history helps explain why the refuge has so much water and wetlands.
A Home for Amazing Animals
Wapanocca is a vital stop for many birds, especially those that travel long distances. It is like a rest stop on a superhighway for birds called the Mississippi Flyway. Many different kinds of birds, including warblers and other birds from the tropics, stop here during their long journeys.
You can also find some amazing resident birds at Wapanocca. These include the elegant great blue heron, the beautiful common egret, and even the majestic bald eagle. These birds rely on the refuge for food, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young.
Different Habitats at Wapanocca
The refuge is made up of several different types of land, each important for different animals.
- Open Water: About 600 acres (2.4 square kilometers) of the refuge is open water. This is perfect for ducks, geese, and other water birds.
- Swampland: There are 1,800 acres (7 square kilometers) of swampland. Swamps are wet, wooded areas that provide unique homes for many creatures.
- Bottomland Hardwood: About 500 acres (2.0 square kilometers) are covered in bottomland hardwood forests. These are forests that grow in low-lying areas, often near rivers.
- Cropland: The refuge also has 1,200 acres (4.9 square kilometers) of cropland. These fields are often managed to provide food for migrating birds.
- Grassland: Finally, there are 400 acres (1.6 square kilometers) of grassland. Grasslands offer open spaces for different types of wildlife.
All these different habitats work together to make Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge a rich and diverse home for countless animals and plants.
