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“actively protect and manage the diverse ecosystems in the area”
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 with ambitious goals and a multifaceted mission. The mission of the Refuge is to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage the diverse native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and sedge meadow. These were the native habitats existing on the Refuge’s 5600 acres prior to Euro-American settlement. The Refuge serves as a major environmental education, volunteer and outdoor recreation hub for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. The Refuge also strives to provide assistance to local landowners as they improve their lands for wildlife habitat. Lastly, the Refuge tries to increase scientific knowledge and understanding of the prairie and savanna through ongoing, targeted and innovative research. The Refuge achieves all of these goals through community involvement and by working and partnering with others.
I have lived in Des Moines and Ames for a total of about 45 years and never knew this place existed until a friend of my wife told her about it. We drove down yesterday for a day's outing,... Read more
It is a very large public nature park with native grasses and bison. They have an audio tour you can take by car to see the expansive park. The land is beautiful and it is great that it is a... Read more
A hidden gem. I had never heard of this place until friends that live closer to it clued me in. It was well worth the trip. The visitor/information center is very large and informative. It's... Read more
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Hours
- Sun: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Mon - Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Pets Allowed
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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