Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge

Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in southeastern North Dakota along the western edge of the northern tallgrass prairie. The Wild Rice River flows through the Refuge and then through Lake Tewaukon. Established in 1945, the 8,363-acre Refuge is located in the Prairie Pothole Region, one of the most biologically productive areas on earth because of the high density of wetlands.

Remnants of once vast tallgrass prairie are still found on hillsides, around wetlands, and on small isolated tracts on the Refuge. Porcupine grass, big bluestem, Indian grass, switchgrass, and cordgrass are common. Bobolink, upland sandpipers, and other species are dependent on these prairies. Refuge wetlands provide habitat for migrating shorebirds as well as waterfowl. Blue-winged teal, mallards, gadwall, and pintail are some of the more common species that nest on the Refuge.

Refuge activity peaks during spring and fall migration when vast flocks of migrating ducks, Canada geese, and snow geese concentrate on the open bodies of water. Bald eagles follow the flocks feeding on weak and injured birds.

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