About Us

The Refuge is found in the Sandhills of north-central Nebraska, as a sanctuary among the Sandhills. The Sandhills region is the largest remaining tract of mixed and tall grass prairie in North America. The Refuge is located 25 miles south of Bassett, Nebraska.

Currently, the Refuge is only open for hunting. Birdwatching, wildlife observation and photography are among the opportunities that will be provided to the public in the future. There is no projected date for the opening of the Refuge, though one will be established upon the completion of a management plan. The Refuge is administered through Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Complex office located in Valentine, Nebraska.

Our Mission

Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established with a purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and waters. All activities on those acres are reviewed to ensure that they are compatible with this purpose.

The primary purpose of the Seier Refuge is to preserve, restore and enhance the ecological diversity and abundance of migratory and resident wildlife. Management of the Refuge will provide the opportunity for wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and hunting of wildlife. Environmental education and interpretation will be developed for the visiting public to learn about the valuable natural resources and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Our History

The Seier Ranch was originally homesteaded by John and Louise Seier’s grandparents in the mid-1800's. The land remained in the family until they donated their 2400 acre working cattle ranch to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in October of 1999. John and Louise Seier did not have any immediate family, but did have a love of wildlife and an interest in preserving that wildlife so they left a living legacy that serves as a wildlife sanctuary. The John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge is the first refuge in Rock County, Nebraska.

Other Facilities in this Complex

 The John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Complex. 

Bison at Fort Niobrara
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge! Located just 5 miles east of Valentine NE on HWY 12. Come take a drive, hike or float through the refuge to take escape the daily grind and unwind with all the native plants and wildlife that the Refuge has to offer. While you are at the Refuge you...
National Wildlife Refuge
Valentine,NE
North, Middle, and South Marsh Lakes at Valentine NWR
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge
The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is located in the heart of the Sandhills in north-central Nebraska. The Refuge is a unique and ecologically important component of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The native grass prairie found in the hills, meadows, wetlands, lakes, marshes and valleys...
National Wildlife Refuge
Valentine,NE
A pair of trumpeter swans rest in the open water of a cattail marsh. The swans are white with black bills. One of the swans has its next extended as it sits more alert, watching the photographer. The swan in the foreground is more relaxed, with its neck bent and its head facing downward.
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1931, is located 28 miles north of Oshkosh, Nebraska in Garden County at the southwestern end of the Nebraska Sandhills. It is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as part of the Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Ellsworth,NE
Lake Creek Valley at Lacreek NWR
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge’s wetland resources create a sanctuary within the semi-arid Great Plains landscape, and provides a wide diversity of uses for wildlife and humans alike. Refuge staff manage water levels to reflect natural conditions and restore native plant communities of the Lake...
National Wildlife Refuge
Martin,SD
car on auto tour with mountains in background and white geese in foreground
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
The North Platte National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Nebraska Panhandle, near Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The Refuge was recognized as an important place for migratory birds with fall concentrations of Mallards (250,000); Canada geese (11,000) and Bald eagles. President Woodrow Wilson established...
National Wildlife Refuge
Minatare,NE