U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service logos, Southwest Region 2 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
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Habitat

Resource management programs at Hagerman NWR are directed at preserving and improving habitat for wildlife. Approximately 600 acres are farmed to provide food for waterfowl. Milo and corn provide high energy foods during extremem cold. Green browse (wheat, rye, or other small grain) is a staple for wintering geese. The refuge crops that help keep the geese on the refuge reduce damage to crops on nearby private lands.

Earthen dikes create shallow marshes for waterfowl. The marshes are drained in spring and summer to promote growth of vegetation such as wild millet, sedges, and smartweed. When flooded in the fall, the marshes provide food for waterfowl, primarily ducks.

Uplands are managed and restored by periodic burning, controlled grazing, and replanting of native grasses and forbs. Prairies protect the soil and supply food and cover for many species of native and migrating wildlife.
Photo by Rick Cantu, USFWS.