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Hamden Slough
National Wildlife Refuge
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 Refuge Overview: Located in the prairie pothole region of western Minnesota, Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge was formed in 1989 with approval from the Migratory Bird Conservation. The refuge wad created to protect waterfowl nesting and migration habitat from the threat of drainage and intensive agricultural use. Since 1989, nearly 3,000 acres have been purchased for the refuge using Migratory Bird Conservation Funds, a portion of which include Federal Duck Stamp dollars. Tim McCabe/USFWS |
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| Wildlife and
Habitat: Hamden Slough is primarily wetland basins,
spring-fed marshes, and rolling prairie uplands. The refuge also
encompasses the 1,300 acre Hamden Lake basin. The old lake, which
historically had been an incredible wildfowl hunting and viewing
area, was drained some years ago. The Fish and Wildlife Service
is now working to restore the lake and its marshes. The Hamden
Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides nesting and migration
habitat for a number of wildfowl species, including blue-winged
teal, mallards, canvasbacks, green-winged teal, shovelers, redheads,
northern pintail, gadwalls, American widgeon, lesser scaup, and
Canada geese. |
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Recreation Opportunities: Hamden
slough is open to the public and provides excellent opportunities
for wildlife observation, hiking, and environmental education.
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Additional Resources
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