Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is 21,820 acres of prairie grasses, salt marshes, sanddunes, canals, dikes, and timber. Quivira is named for a tribe of Indians who were so named by Coronado in 1451.

Little Salt Marsh and Big Salt Marsh are ancient basins that have seen hundreds of thousands of waterfowl who arrive for food, cover, and a place to rest on migration trips.

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the Refuge. Original prairie, stabilized sand dunes and 15 acres of century old cottonwoods encourage long walks. Mammals prosper here and reptiles and amphibians abound along with resident bird species and birds passing through to complete cycles of life. In 2002, Quivira was officially recognized as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Committee.

For more information contact the Refuge Manager at (620) 486-2393. Log on at http://quivira.fws.gov.

Contact the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau to obtain a copy of the area Wildlife Watching publication.

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