Us. Fish & wildlife service Quivira National Wildlif Refuge - Tº º -- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LIBRARIES DEC () 5, 2003 DEPOSITED BY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA For uniola Jeans, the Big and Little Salt Marshes of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge have attracted thousands of nºigratory waterfowl, providing them with food, cover, * . . . . º, . . . . . . . . . and a place to rest during their long flights between breading andº wintering areas. About the Refuge This blue goose, designed by J.N. “Ding” Darling, has become the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. A Place Known for Wildlife Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) located in south central Kansas, lies in an area where the eastern and western prairies meet and blend. In 1955, the Migratory Bird Commission approved the purchase of land to create the Refuge, thus providing food, water, and nesting areas for migratory waterfowl in this area of Kansas. Quivira NWR is one of a network of over 500 refuges across the United States. Refuges are vitally important, providing habitat for hundreds of Species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and plants. National Wildlife Refuges are managed to protect endangered plants and animals, to provide for the needs of migratory birds, to preserve natural diversity, and to provide places for people to understand and enjoy wildlife. The name "Quivira" comes from a Native American tribe living in the area when the Spanish explorer, Coronado, visited in 1541. In quest of gold, treasures, and the fabled "Seven Cities of Cibola," he found instead fertile grasslands, abundant wildlife, and small agricultural villages. The Native Americans, and later, the early settlers, hunted waterfowl in these marshes. Shortly after the turn of the century, commercial hunting provided wagon loads of waterfowl to Kansas City restaurants and other eastern cities. With the decline of commercial hunting came the establishment of hunting clubs. The lands bought up by these clubs helped preserve valuable waterfowl habitat from further development. Moreover, these hunting clubs worked to improve the habitat to attract migrating birds. Canals and water control structures were later added, providing the entire area with a more dependable water Supply. Today, these marshlands remain a major stopover for thousands of migrating birds. Wildlife Throughout the Seasons Fall Flights Sandhill crames silhouetted at sunset. i Located where the relatively lush vegetation of the east blends into the more arid grasslands of the west, Quivira NWR supports numerous and varied plant communities. This variety of plant communities attracts birds common to both eastern and western North America. Over 300 bird species have been observed on the Refuge. Thousands of Canada geese, ducks, and other migratory birds, such as Sandhill cranes and shorebirds, pass through the Refuge from September to December. The shallow west edge of the Big Salt Marsh is a favorite roosting area for the Sandhill cranes. Endangered whooping cranes may make a brief visit as they move along their migration routes from mid- October through November. This is the best time to view these rare visitors. The whooping cranes may make a return visit in mid-March through mid-April on their way north to nesting areas. Winter and Spring Visitors American white pelicans in the marsh. Summer Residents Bald and golden eagles winter on the Refuge from November until March. Over 500,000 ducks and geese visit the Refuge until severe weather drives them southward to winter along the Gulf Coast and in Mexico. During March and April, the Refuge becomes a staging area once again for ducks, geese, shorebirds, American white pelicans, gulls, and other migrants en route to traditional nesting grounds in the prairie potholes of the north central United States and Canada. Summer residents include Swainson's hawks and Mississippi kites, while northern harriers, American kestrels, and red-tailed hawks are common throughout the year. Ring-necked pheasants and bobwhite quail are often seen in the Refuge grasslands and grain fields. Look for wild turkey along the edge of tree groves and shelter belts where they often seek food and cover. i Wild turkey (above left), black-tailed prairie dog (above right),white-tail deer (middle), mallards (far right) Managing Land for Wildlife - the Work of the Refuge Common summer nesting species on the Refuge include Snowy plovers and American avocets. Black-necked Stilts and white-faced ibis nests have been recorded in recent years. In addition, a colony of endangered least terns use the Salt flats at the north end of the Refuge as nesting habitat. Other wildlife frequently seen on the Refuge include white-tailed deer, black-tailed prairie dogs, beaver, raccoons, badgers, and coyotes. Bird watchers can pick up a Refuge bird list containing more detailed information at the Refuge headquarters. Quivira NWR is managed primarily to provide migratory waterfowl with food, water, and shelter. Other migratory birds, endangered species, and resident wildlife, such as deer and pheasant, also benefit from habitat management programs. Primary habitat management programs conducted on the Refuge include cooperative farming, grazing, prescribed burning, and water control. Farming for Wildlife Grazing Now and Them. In the cooperative farming program, crops are planted on the Refuge by local farmers who work on a share basis. Over 1,300 acres are planted with crops to provide food for the migrating birds and resident wildlife. The fields are rotated between winter wheat and milo, with cow peas planted periodically to enrich the soil. The farmers harvest their two-thirds share of the milo, leaving the Refuge share standing in the field as food for wildlife. Wheat fields are completely harvested, with the farmers receiving a three-quarters share. The remaining quarter of the harvest is left on the Refuge as food and cover for wildlife. Migrating geese browse on the tender young shoots of wheat growing in these harvested fields. Historically, great herds of bison grazed the grasslands of this area. They would graze an area only for a short time, then move on, thus allowing the native grasses to regrow and continue the cycle. Since bison no longer roam the Great Plains, Quivira NWR imitates this natural cycle of high intensity grazing over a short period of time with cattle. 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