Welcome
Des Lacs NWR encompasses more than 19,500 acres along the Des
Lacs River from the Canadian border to a point eight
miles south of Kenmare, North Dakota. A mix of natural
lakes and managed wetlands in the valley provide a haven
for migrating and nesting waterfowl and marsh birds.
Spring visitors can enjoy the courtship dance of western grebes. Four other species of grebes also nest on the Refuge. During summer, American white pelicans are easy to spot as they feed on small fish. Broods of ducklings of various ages paddle through the marshes. Giant Canada geese commonly nest on the Refuge, producing between 150 and 200 young annually.
Christmas Bird Count Program for Kids!
Have a young birder on your hands? Then we have great news for you! Every year for over a century, “Christmas Bird Counts” (CBC's) have been organized across America through the National Audubon Society, mainly for adults, during mid-December and early January. Young kids with their families are often not included with this important rigorous “citizen science” effort...so a California Sonoma Birding Group created the CBC 4 Kids and families. “CBC 4 Kids” is stand-alone half day event instilling some of the important basic ingredients of this grand old Audubon tradition. The objective is to have fun and potentially create a “hometown team” of birders and conservationists for the future while encouraging families to enjoy and respect nature together. It is a wonderfully simple, healthy, holiday celebration for almost any school, youth group, Audubon Chapter or nature center, wildlife refuge or local community...Anywhere! For the first time, Des Lacs Refuge is offering CBC 4 Kids on Saturday, December 17 from 8:00 to 11:30am. Participants will get outside with friends, have fun and help birds – all at the same time. Activities will center on identifying and counting local wintering birds, learning about simple steps that can be taken to help birds and preparing bird treats that participants can take home. Some “birdy” door prizes will also be awarded! Kids of all ages are invited and parents are welcome to join. Participants should bring warm clothing as a portion of the program will be outside, if weather permits. Stay tuned to the Des Lacs Refuge Facebook page for more information, or contact Jennifer Jewett at 385-4046, x 221.
Read an interview with Refuge Manager, Chad Zorn, about the Improved Boat Dock Road in the Kenmare News
ATTENTION HUNTERS
Please visit the refuge hunting link to view hunting regulations for the Refuge and to see the link to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for complete regulations and proclamations.
Des Lacs NWR Named Globally Important Bird Area
Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge was officially named one of America's top 500 Globally Important Bird Areas (IBA) by the national non-profit organization, American Bird Conservancy (ABC), in recognition of its significance in the ongoing effort to conserve wild birds and their habitats.
