J. Clark Salyer
Upham, ND 58789-9307
Plan Your Visit
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for wildlife observation, hiking, canoeing, photography, hunting, and fishing. Visitors can explore the refuge’s diverse habitats while enjoying activities that support wildlife appreciation and understanding.
Young visitors can enhance their adventures with tools and activities available at the refuge office. We offer:
- Educational brochures
- Nature‑themed games
- Two “Connecting People with Nature – Let’s Go Outside” backpacks, each filled with kid‑friendly field tools and guides. Backpacks may be checked out by individuals or groups and must be returned to the refuge office.
Before you go
Visit our Rules and Policies page for important guidance.
Questions?
Call our office: (701) 768-2548
The Refuge office is located 2 miles north of Upham, ND off of Highway 14.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors, and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference.
Volunteers: Gain new experiences and meet new people while helping to advance wildlife conservation.
Friends: Join neighbors in helping refuges restore habitat and expand access to green space.
Landowners: Learn how you can partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to voluntarily restore land.
Local Groups: Find out how communities can work with refuges, wildlife, and people.
Youth: Explore paid and unpaid opportunities to learn and develop leadership skills.
Services
At this field station, we provide the following public services:
- A small contact station offering local hunting information and wildlife‑viewing resources.
- Educational brochures.
- Environmental education programs for local schools and community groups.
- Administration of cooperative agriculture programs.
- Issuance of Special Use Permits.
- Reviews of projects related to energy development when they involve U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service interests.
About
Originally named the Lower Souris Refuge, this site was renamed in 1967 to honor John Clark Salyer II, the "Father of the National Wildlife Refuge System." The refuge encompasses over 58,000 acres, including 23,000 acres of wetlands and 36,000 acres of uplands such as native prairie and wooded river bottoms. It is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area and a regional site in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, supporting over 270 bird species. The refuge also preserves historically significant sites like the Johnson Pony Truss Bridge and water control structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.