The 24,149 acre Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge was established for the protection of migratory birds and other wildlife. It is located in Iowa and Illinois along the Mississippi River Flyway, one of the major routes for migrating waterfowl. Each year in the spring and fall hundreds, if not thousands, of geese and ducks utilize the refuge to rest and refuel on their migration. Common species include Canada geese, mallards, trumpeter swans, wood ducks, blue and green-winged teals, northern shovelers, hooded mergansers and other waterfowl. The river floodplains are important sites not only for migrating birds but year-round residents as well.

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National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. At Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities including wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, paddling, biking, skiing, snowshoeing and mushroom and berry picking.

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      Our Species

      Weather you enjoy birding, watching mammals or looking for reptiles and amphibians you will enjoy a trip to Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. This special place is home to more than 270 species of birds, 35 species of amphibians, 60 species of reptiles, 100 species of fishes, 50 species of mammals and hundreds, if not thousands, of species of plants, fungi and insects.