Question 1

When and why was the refuge established?

Accepted Answer

The refuge was established in 1965 to restore the wildlife values of the St. Francis River Basin and to promote the health and well-being of migratory birds and their habitats.

Question 2

How big is the refuge?

Accepted Answer

30,700 acres

Question 3

What is a National Wildlife Refuge?

Accepted Answer

One of the over 570 federal refuges nationwide, part of a network that includes 150 million acres of land managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The needs of wildlife come first on refuges, but refuges also provide opportunities for our “Big 6” recreational opportunities: wildlife observation, hunting, fishing, photography and environmental education and interpretation.

Question 4

How did the refuge get its name?

Accepted Answer

It is named after Sherburne County.

Question 5

How can I contact refuge staff?   Or what is the refuge address?

Accepted Answer

Come to Headquarters or call (763) 389-3323.  Refuge address is 17076 293rd Ave. NW, Zimmerman, MN  55398

Question 6

How can I get a job at a refuge?

Accepted Answer

Come to the Refuge Headquarters and speak to a staff member.

Question 7

What can I do to help at the refuge?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of Volunteer opportunities- see the “Get Involved” page on the refuge website or contact Headquarters for information.

Question 8

How many ponds/pools are on the refuge?

Accepted Answer

There are 22 pools/impoundments and 4 natural lakes on the refuge.

Question 9

Why are some of the roads closed on the refuge?

Accepted Answer

From March 1st through August 31 the refuge is designated wildlife sanctuary to allow wildlife to breed and raise their young and is closed to all public access except for the three hiking trails, the Wildlife Drive, the St. Francis canoe route, and fishing access sites.

Question 10

Why am I seeing people out on the Prairies with bags?

Accepted Answer

They are part of the Volunteer Seed Collector group.

Question 11

From where does the St. Francis River originate?

Accepted Answer

The St. Francis River is a tributary of the Elk River which flows into the Mississippi. It enters the Northwest corner of the refuge and feeds into the St. Francis pool. It then winds through the Northeast side of the refuge, through Long Pool and Rice Lake and exits the Southwest corner of the refuge.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Refuge