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FWS biologist shows volunteer how to cut branch.
Volunteer Event June 27

Volunteers will remove invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species and haul recently downed wood to open up and support vital outcrop habitat, home to the rare ball cactus, one of three native cacti to the state of MN. Volunteers will also spread native seed once areas have been opened. This event is open to all, and any necessary training will be provided.

Please Register for the event through our coordinator, Great River Greening.

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Shallow wetland with rock shoreline and emergent green plants and blue sky
East Pool Drawdown

In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Refuge is attempting to conduct a major drawdown of East Pool. This will benefit waterfowl, shorebirds, and fish by exposing mudflat habitat, promoting vegetative growth, and reducing suspended soil sediment. Learn more about this project and how it fits into other habitat projects in the Upper Minnesota River watershed.

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Three river otters peeking their heads above water
Restoring the Upper Minnesota River

Work has started on a years-in-the-making project to restore the Whetstone and Minnesota Rivers around Ortonville, MN, just north of the Refuge. Learn more about this project, its many contributors, its implications for fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.

Learn more about fish passage , and how Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge fits into the big picture.

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge was originally purchased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on May 21, 1975. The refuge currently includes 11,586 acres in Big Stone and Lac qui Parle Counties, in Minnesota.

Visit Us

The Auto Tour Route is open the first Monday in April to the first Monday in December unless otherwise noted in the alerts on our Home Page.  

Connect with your natural heritage as you experience wildlife, diverse habitats and magnificent granite outcrops at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge.

Location and Contact Information

      A refuge volunteer helps repair a boardwalk
      Seeking Volunteers!

      We are seeking volunteers to help with seasonal activities on the Refuge. These include regular maintenance tasks, mowing, trail improvements, invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species       treatment, and more. Come join us out on the prairie!

      What We Do

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC