Features

  • Repaired VC Access Road

    DeSoto Reopens after Flooding

    DeSoto Refuge and Visitor Center Reopened. Some sections of refuge remain closed due to flooding and flood damage.

  • Catapillar on Milkweed

    Mmmm, Milkweed!

    Keep an eye out for emerging milkweed. This is the only plant monarch caterpillars will eat, so consider this while planning your garden!

    Milkweed Seed Finder

  • FWS Journal

    DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge News

    See the latest activities, events and conservation work at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge.

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  • Facebook

    Follow DeSoto on Facebook

    Keep up to date with the latest wildlife sighting, news and events through our Facebook page.

    Follow DeSoto on Facebook Here

News

Iowa Junior Duck Stamp Program

Junior Duck Stamp Winner 2019_2020

The Junior Duck Stamp Program uses art and science to teach students in grades K-12 the value of wetlands and the waterfowl that use them. Judging of Iowa entries will be held in March with an award ceremony for all 100 winners in April. Iowa entries must be postmarked by March 15. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is the new coordinator for the Iowa Junior Duck Stamp!

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Refuge Activities

Wetland Discovery

The refuge visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn about upcoming events and activities on the refuge click on the link below.

Event Calendar January / February

America the Beautiful Passes

Interagency Senior Pass

Senior Lifetime, Senior Annual, Interagency Annual, Military, Disabled Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park (4th Grade) passes, along with the Federal Duck Stamp and Refuge Specific Passes, are available at the DeSoto Visitor Center.

More Information
Steamboat Bertrand Museum

Steamboat Bertrand Museum

Bertrand Steamboat Museum

The DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge visitor center features the Steamboat Bertrand Museum. This museum houses over 250,000 artifacts excavated from the buried wreck of the Steamboat Bertrand

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About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online