To date, 240 acres have been acquired by the refuge. In addition to restoration work on the refuge, staff work in cooperation with private landowners in the 12,000 acre Whittlesey Creek watershed to protect and restore important riparian habitat through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Habitat restoration is directed at reducing sediment loading in Whittlesey Creek through log jams, road culvert replacement and other in-stream habitat work. Reforestation of riparian areas is also completed to reduce erosion and provide additional habitat for migratory birds. The refuge also uses chemicals to control invasive species.