J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge along Souris River, North Dakota.
J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area along the Souris River featuring wetlands, grasslands, and river valley habitats spread across a large area. Multiple water control dikes divide sections of the refuge to manage water levels and create diverse environments for wildlife.
The refuge was founded in 1935 as Lower Souris National Wildlife Refuge and renamed in 1967 to honor John Clark Salyer II. This change reflected growing recognition of his contributions to wildlife conservation efforts.
Indigenous peoples including the Arikara, Assiniboine, Cheyenne, Hidatsa, Lakota, and Mandan inhabited this region for centuries before European arrival. Their presence shaped the land and remains part of the area's identity today.
The visitor center and headquarters are located near Upham and accessible from U.S. Highway 2 via State Highway 14. Plan visits during daylight hours and use marked trails and observation areas to explore the different habitats safely.
The refuge serves as a critical stopping point for hundreds of bird species during their seasonal migrations between northern and southern regions. This role makes it an important destination for anyone interested in observing bird movements and studying migration patterns.
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