2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601Phone: 989-777-5930
or e-mail us at Shiawassee@fws.govAbout Us
The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1953. The National Wildlife Refuge System began on March 14, 1903, with Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Pelican Island, Florida.
History of the Refuge
Over 10,000 years ago, much of east-central Michigan, including the present-day Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), was covered by a large, glacial lake. Evidence of this ancient lake bed can still be seen as you look across the landscape. The terrain is very flat, hence the reason why many local people call this area "The Flats."
The first people came here about 5,000 years ago. This area was an attractive hunting and gathering area for many early cultures and later Native American tribes, like the Odawa and Ojibwa. Ducks and geese flocked to this vast area of wetlands and rivers. Other animals including otter, fisher, marten, elk, moose, and bear were also found here.
The Flats was thought of as a swampy wilderness area and received little human impact until the late 1800's when the lumber industry expanded into this area. Coal mining began in the early 1900's and lasted until the late 1930's. In 1903 farmers began converting the land for crops and by 1950, a system of pumps, drainage tile, ditches, and dikes were in place, making this an extensive agricultural area.
Shiawassee NWR was established on October 21, 1953, to restore and enhance this historically significant wetland for migratory waterfowl. The refuge contains 9,427 acres of bottomland-hardwood forests, marshes, pools, fields, and croplands. An additional 7,500-acres could be added in the future. Four rivers meet on the refuge - the Flint, Tittabawassee, Cass, and Shiawassee.
Hours of Operation:
The refuge headquarters is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on all Federal holidays. Refuge visitors are welcome to stop by if they have questions or need assistance.
Green Point Environmental Learning Center, 3010 Maple Street, is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (October through April). From early May through September, Green Point is also open on weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed all Federal holidays. Check the Calendar of Events page for further details about special hours.
Trails are open seven days a week, during daylight hours only. Note that trails may be closed for visitors' safety during goose and deer hunting. Contact the refuge for more information or watch for signs in the parking lots.
Refuge Regulations
Enjoy your visit, but remember, protecting wildlife, plants, and their habitats is our priority. Regulations exist for the welfare of wildlife, as well as for your safety. Please comply with the following list of regulations when you do visit. The list is not inclusive.
- Obey posted "Closed Area" and "Refuge Boundary" signs
- Stay on established roads and trails
- Boating is allowed on navigable waterways flowing through the refuge
- Boat access into the marsh and pool units of the refuge is not allowed
- Overnight mooring of watercraft is prohibited in all areas of the refuge
- Pets, including horses, are not allowed
- Collecting, removing, or damaging artifacts, plants or animals, including insects is prohibited
- Snowmobiles, ATV's, and other motorized vehicles are not allowed within the refuge boundaries
- Camping is not permitted
- Open fires are not permitted
- Possession or use of fireworks or explosives is not permitted
- Spotlighting wildlife is not permitted at any time
- Possession or use of alcohol is not permitted
- Please take all litter with you
Refuge Staff
The refuge is managed by the following team of dedicated staff.
Refuge Manager - Steve Kahl
Assistant Manager - Ed DeVries
Refuge Wildlife Biologist - Jim Dastyck
Biological Technician - Don Poppe
Visitor Services Manager - Becky Goche
Park Ranger - Tom Horb
Refuge Officer - Joe Hughes
Private Lands Biologist - Michelle Vander Haar
Administrative Officer - Mary Ann Gillette
Engineering Equipment Operator - David Peters
Tractor Operator - Vacant
For more information contact:
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601Phone: 989-777-5930
or e-mail us at Shiawassee@fws.gov
