J. Clark Salyer NWR Scenic Trail
Welcome to the J. Clark Salyer NWR Scenic Tour. Visitors are in for a treat as they venture along the 22-mile trail that includes marshes, wooded river bottoms, and sandhills. Visitors never know what awaits them beyond the bend.
Five large freshwater marshes are created using water control structures on the Souris River. Water levels are managed to stabilize marsh vegetation, prevent flooding of nesting areas, and encourage growth of food-producing aquatic plants. Canada geese and many ducks use the man-made islands for nesting.
The refuge has become a favorite spot for birds of all descriptions to stop on their migrations north and south. More than 300 species of birds have been observed since the refuge was established. Nearly 125 species nest here.
Refuge visitors may find LeConte's sparrow in one of its few habitats in the Midwest. This small, interesting bird, which is uncommon and difficult to see, seeks meadows with tall grassy areas.
Credit: Gary Eslinger/USFWS
Seventy-five miles of the Souris River wind through the refuge. Over the years, the meandering river has changed its channel many times, creating loops or oxbows in the river.
The oxbow is habitat for tree-nesting ducks and their broods. The wooded areas of the river provide habitats for animals such as porcupine, deer, and moose.
Prescribed burns are now used by wildlife managers to improve native grasslands. Timely burns suppress many of the less desirable plants and allow the native species to flourish.
Johnson Bridge is where our Scenic Trail crosses the Souris River. Historians believe the Native Americans used a crossing about 100 feet west of the bridge. Be on the lookout for beavers, red squirrels, wood ducks, and hooded mergansers.
Ten thousand years ago, the sandhills you see now were once part of a beach on glacial Lake Souris. Wind formed the ridges by sweeping loose sand into dunes at the edge of the lake.
The sandhills are home for deer, turkeys, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, red squirrels, snowshoe hares, many songbirds and coyotes.
In addition to the wildlife, wildflowers dot the landscape. The wild lily and the prairie wild rose, North Dakota's state flower, are common.
As you can see, the Scenic Trail allows visitors a closer look at the plants and animals that inhabit the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. We hope you've enjoyed your visit!
Credit: Gary Eslinger/USFWS
Credit: Gary Eslinger/USFWS
