(Great Blue Heron Rookery, Courtsey USFWS)

Maga-Ta-Hopi WPA

Maga-Ta-Hopi is the closest WPA to Huron, with 1,455 acres to explore. Located 7 miles west of Huron, the WPA boasts over 2 miles of mowed trails. If you'd like to take your walk/hike off the pavement, these trails provide a unique prairie experience, as hiking trails are particularly rare in grassland habitats. Before you head off on your hike, brush up on your native prairie plants at the demonstration area located at the trailhead. If you enjoy traversing by GPS or compass, pick up instructions and locations for the GPS/Compass trail at the information kiosk located at the trailhead. As you head northwest on the trail, you will arrive at an observation deck that overlooks a great blue heron/double-crested cormorant rookery that is active when the wetland is full. The trail then winds up towards the little red school house, where "Bluebird Trail" winds through the shelterbelt to the east. Maga-Ta-Hopi WPA is also home to the Huron Prairie Fest, a free educational opportunity for the whole family being held May, 2005.

(Pronghorn Antelope, Courtesy USFWS)

Harter WPA

One of the District's newest WPAs, Harter WPA was purchased in 2003. Previously owned by conservationist, June Harter, the rolling terrain and expansive mixed-grass prairie of Harter WPA provides habitat for pronghorn, sharp-tailed grouse, upland sandpipers, and chestnut-collared longspurs among many others.

(Beaver, Courtsey USFWS)

Cain Creek WPA

With a densely wooded area on the north edge and a winding creek making its way through the entire WPA, Cain Creek WPA provides an opportunity to see a diversity of wildlife. Beavers are present on the creek and the wooded area is an excellent area to look and listen for warblers, vireos, woodpeckers, flycatchers, chickadees, nuthatches, and thrushes amongst others.

LeClaire WPA

If you are looking for a great place to view waterfowl, LeClaire WPA is one of the best places to be. The semi-permanent wetland that traverses the entire WPA from north to south stays particularly attractive to waterfowl in dry years, as it very seldom goes dry.

(American Avocet, Courtsey USFWS)

Bauer WPA

Canada geese and waterfowl are abundant on Bauer WPA during wet years. But the WPA is also a great place to bird during dry years for shorebirds! The open shorelines and mud flats on Bauer WPA provide optimal habitat for migrating shorebirds, particularly during late summer and early fall when the wetlands have drawn down after the snow melt and spring rains.

(Purple Prairie Clover, Courtsey USFWS)

Trechler WPA

Located in the northwest corner of Hand County, Trechler WPA is a good spot to look for wildflowers. Plan a trip during the spring and look for pasque flower, daisy fleabane, wood lily, goatsbeard, purple coneflower, and prairie smoke. Or visit during the summer to see sunflowers, prairie clover, common yarrow, golden aster, prairie coneflower, silverleaf scurfpea, American vetch, scarlet globemallow, wooly verbena, and wavyleaf thistle (a native, non-noxious thistle). In the fall, goldenrods and milkweed still abound.

(Winter WPA, Courtsey USFWS)

Winter WPA

If quiet reflection in a tranquil environment is what you are looking for, Winter WPA may be just the place you are looking for. Hike up to the hilltop overlooking the lake below, and all you see around you is solitude and waving grass. It's the perfect place when you just need to get away.

(Prairie Chicken, Courtsey USFWS)

Campbell WPA

If you are looking for the elusive prairie chicken, Campbell WPA is one of your best bets. A lek is located nearby and sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens can both be found on the WPA, as well as a great variety of other wildlife. In addition, the prairie has never been disturbed, so native plants can be found just as they were hundreds of years ago. Campbell WPA also showcases a neat wetland complex with a nesting island during wet years.