What We Do

During the spring and summer, water is removed from the shallows of several impoundments to allow for the germination of natural wetland plants. Later in the year, after the plants have matured and produced an abundance of seeds, the impoundments are flooded. Waterfowl and other marsh birds feast upon these natural seed sources during migration and through the winter. Drawing the water down in the moist soil areas also produce mudflats that nourish shorebirds during their spring and fall migrations. 

Select refuge lands are offered to local farmers under the cooperative farming program. In exchange for a share of the crop, local farmers cultivate and plant the refuge’s fertile lands to produce corn, milo, and winter wheat. The refuge’s share is left unharvested in the field. These flooded agricultural fields of unharvested crops draw ducks and geese onto the refuge where they are able to feed and rest. Well-nourished ducks and geese depart the refuge in early spring to migrate north.

The refuge also works to control invasive plant species. These plants can clog pipes, inhibit water flow, and out-compete beneficial native plants. Thus, invasive species present a significant obstacle to resource management and contribute to less than maximum productivity of agricultural fields for waterfowl food. Invasive or undesirable species occurring at Cross Creeks NWR include alligatorweed, parrotfeather, spatterdock, kudzu, privet, castor bean, Apple of Peru and Japanese stilt grass.  

The Comprehensive Conservation Plan provides a framework for fulfilling the purposes of the refuge.