The refuge has more than 5,100 acres (21 km2) of land and is managed primarily for conservation of wetlands, including habitat for migratory birds and the endangered bog turtle. Where compatible, the refuge offers outdoor recreation opportunities including hunting, fishing, interpretation, environmental education, photography, wildlife viewing, hiking, canoeing and cross-country skiing. At the northern end of the refuge, in the black dirt wetlands, the refuge manages a series of waterfowl impoundments for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Wood ducks, canvasbacks, mergansers, mallards and many other species frequent the refuge during spring and fall migrations. Raptors commonly use the refuge as well, with red-shouldered hawks, northern harriers and kestrels frequently observed.
