Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in Polk County, Minnesota.
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in Minnesota that contains restored prairie and wetland habitats. The landscape features numerous small ponds and marshes surrounded by grassland and scattered woodland areas.
The refuge originated from a restoration project that began in the early 2000s and transformed degraded land back into natural habitat. This reclamation effort stands as one of the largest ecological restoration projects of its kind in North America.
The refuge's name reflects the glacial landforms that shaped the rolling terrain. Today visitors notice how water and grass create a habitat that draws birds from across the continent for breeding and migration.
The refuge is located in a rural area and is easily accessible by car from nearby towns. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing since the terrain is often wet and muddy depending on the season.
A remarkable aspect of the restoration was reversing decades of drainage work by filling in ditches to bring water back to the land. This effort rapidly created wetlands that now provide food and shelter for thousands of migratory birds.
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