National Wildlife

 Refuge

Trails

Upper Souris

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Welcome to Upper 

Souris National 

Wildlife Refuge

This goose, 

designed by J.N. 

“Ding” Darling, 

is the symbol of 

the National 

Wildlife Refuge 

System.

Welcome to Upper Souris National 

Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Upper 

Souris NWR was established in 1935 

as a refuge and breeding ground for 

migratory birds and other wildlife. 

The Refuge contains 32,084 acres 

and extends for over 35 miles along 

the beautiful Souris River Valley.

Upper Souris NWR is a special place 

for wildlife and people. As a national 

wildlife refuge, it is a place where 

the needs of wildlife come first. Be 

advised that certain activities are not 

permitted because they are unsafe, 

unlawful, or not consistent with 

Refuge goals and purposes. For a list 

of Refuge regulations, please pick up 

a general brochure from the Refuge 

headquarters or one of the kiosks. 

The Refuge is open to visitors from 

5:00 am to 10:00 pm. Pets are welcome 

when they are walked on a short leash. 

Remember that flowers, grasses, 

and trees support all kinds of wildlife 

– leave them as you found them. 

For your enjoyment, we have 

developed several different trails 

– a self-guided scenic drive, five 

nature trails, and two canoe trails on 

the Souris River. Information on the 

nature trails and the canoe trails may 

be found following the description 

of the Prairie-Marsh Scenic Drive.

Prairie-Marsh 

Scenic Drive

1. Pelican 

Nature Trail

Follow the signs at the west end of 

Lake Darling Dam to find the PrairieMarsh Scenic Drive entrance road. 

The scenic drive begins 1 mile south 

of the dam. There is a gate at the 

entrance to the drive; this gate is 

located south of the intersection of 

County Roads 6 and 11 (see map). 

The scenic drive is open to vehicles 

whenever the entrance gate is 

open. The scenic drive closes at the 

start of the State deer gun season 

and reopens the following spring 

as conditions allow. When the gate 

is closed outside of the State deer 

gun season, all visitors may park at 

the gate and walk, bike, or crosscountry ski the scenic drive. 

Numbered signs along the scenic drive 

correspond to the following points 

of interest. You are welcome to get 

out of your car and walk the coulees, 

roads, and prairie-covered hills in the 

immediate vicinity of the scenic drive. 

This trail offers a 1⁄2-mile interpretive 

hike to the Pool A Spillway. American

white pelicans, Canada geese, bluewinged teal, mallards, deer, muskrat, 

and mink are often seen in this area.

Wildlife are wary of strange noises and 

unexpected visitors – look carefully 

and be patient. This 

is a great place to 

watch wading birds, 

such as great blue 

herons feeding on

minnows, and frogs 

in shallow water. 

You are welcome to 

use the photo blind 

at the end of the trail 

to “hide” and let the 

wildlife come to you.
The CCC was activated by President 

Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 to 

alleviate widespread 

unemployment. Young 

men in the CCC 

worked on forest 

and conservation 

projects. The historic 

site of CCC Camp 

Maurek is located 

on the far side of the 

Souris River valley.

The dikes, nesting 

island, and water control structures in 

the marshes below were CCC projects 

to improve habitat for migratory 

waterfowl. Water control structures 

are used to raise and lower water levels. 

Water level management encourages 

the growth of food-producing aquatic 

plants and attracts a variety of 

marsh birds. Careful maintenance 

of water levels also stabilizes marsh 

vegetation and prevents flooding of 

nesting sites. Lowered water levels 

attract shorebirds that feed along the 

mudflat edges and shallow water.

Historically, native grasses developed

and flourished as a result of grazing 

and fire. Several hundred years 

ago, bison grazed 

vegetation to the 

ground before moving 

on. This type of 

grazing stimulated 

new growth of native 

grasses and wild 

flowers. To mimic 

bison grazing, the 

Refuge staff use cattle 

to graze the prairie 

every 2-4 years.

4. Viewing Area 

5. Grazing

As you drive this trail, see if you can 

identify the fruit-bearing bushes. 

Juneberries ripen in 

early July, producing 

bluish-red berries 

that look like small 

blueberries. In mid- to 

late summer, you can 

see chokecherries, 

which are shiny, 

bluish-black berries 

and a favored food 

of wildlife. Native

Americans dried 

chokecherries and ground them to 

use in pemmican, or mincemeat. In 

the fall, hawthorn and buffalo berry 

shrubs yield clusters of reddish fruit. 

Hawthorn berries look like small apples. 

The rows of trees in the long, narrow 

valley, or “coulee,” below are green 

ash. They were planted in the late 

1930s by the Civilian 

Conservation Corps 

(CCC). Green ash 

is a very adaptable 

hardwood that is 

extremely resistant 

to hot and cold 

temperatures. Native 

Americans used 

green ash wood to 

make bows. Early 

European American 

settlers found this hardwood 

especially useful for hammer and 

axe handles. Green ash is often 

planted in windbreaks which catch 

blowing snow. The snow gradually 

melts and provides an increased 

supply of moisture for plants.

2. Wildlife Food 

3. Green Ash 
When you get out of your car to view 

the native grasses, listen to the wind 

rustling through the 

prairie. The wind 

sweeps unhindered, 

rolling the grasses 

into wave after wave 

of undulating motion. 

Historically, the 

prairies often burned 

following a lightning 

storm. This was 

good for the grasses 

because fire removes dead plant 

material and adds nutrients to the 

soil. To mimic the lightning fires, the 

Refuge staff periodically burn prairie 

grasses in the spring or late summer. 

The rejuvenated grasses provide 

good protective cover for upland 

nesting ducks, such as mallards, 

gadwalls, and teal. Without this 

protective cover, raccoons, red foxes, 

skunks, and other predators find and 

destroy duck eggs and ducklings, 

severely limiting reproduction.

French fur traders in the 1800s 

called these long, narrow valleys with 

low drainage areas “coulees.” The 

coulees are frequented 

by numerous birds and 

animals that seek food

and shelter, especially 

in the winter, when 

cold winds sweep 

across the rolling 

native prairie. The 

coulees provide 

excellent travel 

lanes for wildlife.

6. Native Grasses 

and Burning

7. Coulees 

8. Cottonwood 

Nature Trail 

9. Creeping 

Shoreline 

This trail is named for the large 

number of cottonwood trees planted in 

the late 1930s by the 

CCC. Dead or alive, 

cottonwood trees have 

a valuable place in 

nature. Hawks, owls, 

and songbirds use 

the trees as perches, 

and northern flickers 

and woodpeckers 

use them as homes 

and dining areas.

Cottonwood Trail consists of two 

mowed grass loops. The first loop 

is 1⁄2-mile long and features a scenic 

overlook with a bench. The second loop 

is 1 mile long and continues from the 

overlook area west through the coulee 

and around the surrounding ridges. 

Underwater plants in the center of 

this pool are slowly filling this marsh!

As plants die, they decay. The decayed 

material falls to the 

marsh bottom and 

forms a mat called 

“humus.” Humus 

provides larger plants,

such as bulrushes and 

cattails, with a place 

to become anchored. 

In addition, grasses, 

such as the tall plumetopped plants called 

phragmites growing 

along the shore, will gradually 

occupy the fertile drying humus 

left behind by the aquatic plants. 

The process described above is 

called plant succession. As a result of 

succession, the shoreline of a marsh 

moves toward the center of the water, 

eventually filling in the marsh. 
Swenson 

Bridge

Renville County Memorial (Mouse River) Park andMouse River Canoe Trail

3

Centennial Wildlife Nature Trail

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R i v e r

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Greene

Grano

Swenson Bridge

Carter Dam(Dam 41)

Tolley

Renville County Memorial (Mouse River) Park,Mouse River Canoe and Boat Trail, and Centennial Wildlife Nature Trail

Grano Boat Ramp

Grano Crossing

Spillway Fishing Area

To Lansford and

U.S. Hwy. 83

Greene Crossing

Landings 1, 2, 3

NorthernPlains Railroad

To Mohall andU.S. Hwy. 83

To Mohall and State Hwy. 5

Greene Boat Ramp 

Eckert Ranch

To Kenmare

Oil Wells

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Highway 5 Fishing Area

Upper Souris

National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge boundaryFederal highwayState highwayCounty roadPaved roadGravel roadScenic driveNature trailRailroadOpen to boat fishing andcanoeing May 1 − September 30Refuge officeand visitor centerRestroomLinked symbols designateaccessible featuresInformation kioskWildlife observation areaTableBank fishingBoat launch - boat fishingCanoe trailCamping

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10. Biological 

Weed Control 

11. Duck’s 

Dining Room 

To maintain this area as a marsh, 

the vegetation must be managed. 

Periodically, the marsh bottom is 

allowed to dry, the vegetation is 

mowed, burned, or disked, and 

the marsh is reflooded. This sets 

back the succession process and 

promotes a mix of aquatic plants and 

open water that benefits wildlife.

Leafy spurge, a 3-foot tall invasive 

greenish-yellow weed, can invade 

grasslands and 

reduce the diversity 

of plant life by 

crowding out 

desirable plants. 

Spraying with 

herbicides has not 

stopped its spread, 

and spraying has 

the potential to 

contaminate surface 

and underground 

water. A more ecologically sound 

approach to controling this weed 

involves the introduction of flea 

beetles that feed exclusively on 

the plant and eventually kill it. 

Every year, Refuge staff collect 

flea beetles from thriving colonies 

and move them to new patches 

of leafy spurge. Over time, the 

flea beetles will control this weed 

without damaging desirable plants. 

This marsh is a duck’s dining room. 

A hen may bring her ducklings 

here for their first 

meal. With necks 

outstretched, the 

ducklings skitter 

across the water 

in pursuit of 

mosquitoes and 

water insects. 

Gradually, plant 

seeds replace 

animal matter as 

the duck’s major 

12. Alternative 

Nesting Sites 

food. When the water is drawn down 

to expose the mudflats, many types 

of long-legged shorebirds can also be 

seen feeding along the water’s edge.

Nesting sites for Canada geese were 

once scarce at Upper Souris NWR. 

Nesting females prefer a 

site that is protected from 

predators and surrounded 

by water. Muskrat 

houses are preferred 

by the geese but are 

limited in numbers 

based on the muskrat 

population. In an effort to 

provide additional high 

quality nesting sites, 

nesting islands have 

been built and nesting “tubs” have 

been installed throughout Refuge 

wetlands. Research has indicated 

that nesting islands and tubs 

increase nesting success. Nesting 

islands have natural vegetation while 

the tubs are filled with material such 

as flax straw to attract the nesting 

female. When the goslings hatch, a 

short jump to the water will place 

them in their natural environment.

This is the last stop on the scenic 

drive. Further along the road there 

is two-way traffic. Please drive 

carefully. We hope you enjoyed 

your visit. We encourage you to 

return during different seasons to 

experience new sights and sounds.

Nature Trails

Oxbow Nature 

Trail

Overlook Nature 

Trail

Pelican Nature 

Trail

Cottonwood 

Nature Trail

Five nature trails are available at 

Upper Souris NWR. Only hiking, 

snowshoeing, and cross country 

skiing are permitted. Motorized 

vehicles, bicycles, and horses 

are not permitted. Take only 

photographs and memories. Leave 

only footprints. Enjoy your walk.

A trailhead map of this nature trail 

is located at the Outlet Fishing 

Area. Your walk along this trail 

will take you on either a 1⁄2-mile 

or a 1-mile journey through prime 

river bottom habitat of the Souris 

River. The river bottom habitat is 

comprised of woodlands, grassland 

edges, and a river oxbow. An oxbow 

is the remains of an old river channel 

formed when a river cuts a new route 

through the land and isolates the old 

river bend from the new channel. 

This trail is accessible, except 

during wet weather, and benches 

are available along the route. 

Interpretive signs are provided to 

increase your enjoyment of this area. 

This trail begins at the information 

kiosk located southwest of the Lake 

Darling Dam. This mowed grass trail 

winds over the prairie grass-covered 

hills where a spectacular panoramic 

view of the Souris River valley 

will unfold before you. Bring your 

binoculars, sit on a bench, and watch 

the many types of waterbirds moving 

in and out of the marsh below you.

For a trail description, see the 

information in Stop 1 of the PrairieMarsh Scenic Drive description.

For a trail description, see the 

information in Stop 8 of the PrairieMarsh Scenic Drive description.
Centennial 

Wildlife Nature 

Trail

Canoe Trails

This trail is located at the north end 

of Renville County Memorial (Mouse 

River) Park. The mowed grass 

trail meanders through bottomland 

grasslands. The trail offers good 

bird watching opportunities. The 

trail length will depend upon how 

wet the meadows are, but it will 

be from 2 to 21⁄2 miles round-trip.

The two canoe trails and Lake 

Darling from the dam north to 

the Highway 28 crossing are open 

May 1 to Sept 30. Please observe 

all safe boating regulations, and 

remember that high winds and 

large waves can occur at anytime.

When canoeing on the Souris River, 

look for colorful wood ducks and 

hooded mergansers. Both of these 

species nest in tree cavities. Nesting 

boxes have been mounted on trees 

to provide alternative nest sites. 

Also, look for beaver lodges along the 

river bank. Large mounds of sticks, 

mud, and vegetation identify these 

homes which may house up to six 

beavers. The lodges have underwater 

entrances. As fall approaches, beavers 

store caches of sticks next to the lodge 

and feed on the bark during the winter.

Only non-motorized watercraft are 

allowed on this trail. The 3-mile 

(6 miles round-trip) trail begins at 

the parking lot located southeast of 

the Outlet Fishing Area. The first 

part of the trail involves paddling 

through three ponds (Goose Pen 

Ponds) and a short section of cattails 

to get to the Souris River. The 

cattail opening is poorly defined – 

look for a narrow opening. When 

you reach the downstream dam 

that blocks the river, you need 

to turn around and return to the 

starting point. No take-out facilities 

are available at this downstream 

point. Boat fishing is allowed, but 

swimming is not permitted.

Only canoes and small boats with 

motors are permitted on this trail. 

This 5-mile (10 miles round trip) trail 

begins at the boat ramp in Mouse 

River Park and extends upstream 

(north) to the Refuge boundary. No 

take-out facilities are available at 

the north end of the trail – you must 

return to the beginning of the route 

or to Swenson Bridge to take-out. 

Swenson Bridge, located 4 miles 

upstream from the park, offers a 

crossing where canoes can be taken 

out or launched from the County Road 

3 right-of-way. Boat fishing is allowed, 

but swimming is not permitted. 

Beaver Lodge 

Canoe Trail

Mouse River 

Park Canoe Trail
A growing body of scientific evidence 

has linked accelerating climate 

change with observed changes in fish 

and wildlife, their populations, their 

migratory patterns, and their habitats. 

But, if we act now, the damaging 

effects of climate change can be 

reduced. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service is implementing a partnership 

driven and science-based strategic 

plan for addressing the impacts of 

climate change. To find out more and 

learn how you can help, go to http://

www.fws.gov/home/climatechange/. 

Equal opportunity to participate in and 

benefit from programs and activities 

of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is 

available to all individuals regardless 

of physical or mental ability. Dial 711 

for a free connection to the State relay 

service for TTY and voice calls to and 

from the speech and hearing impaired. 

For more information or to address 

accessibility needs, please contact 

the Refuge staff at 701 / 468 5467, or 

the U.S. Department of the Interior, 

Office of Equal Opportunity, 1849 C 

Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.

The Refuge headquarters and visitor 

center is located southeast of Lake 

Darling Dam and is open from 

8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through 

Friday, except on Federal holidays. 

To reach the Refuge headquarters, 

take Highway 52 to 1 mile northwest 

of Foxholm, then north 7 miles 

on County Road 11. The Refuge 

headquarters can also be reached 

by traveling 18 miles north of Minot 

on Highway 83, then west 12 miles 

on County Road 6. Visit the other 

national wildlife refuges in this area 

including J. Clark Salyer NWR, Des 

Lacs NWR, and Lostwood NWR.

Refuge Office and 

Visitor Center

Foxholm

Souris River

Souris River

Des Lacs

NWR

J. Clark

Salyer

Upper NWR

Souris

NWR

Burlington

Minot

Berthold

SASKATC HEWAN

N. DAKOTA

Kenmare

Upham

Towner

Mohall

Bowbells

Carpio

Lostwood

NWR

Westhope

52

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5

8

8

28

28

2

2

52

83

256

MANITOBA Des LacsRiver

Stanley

Bottineau

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Climate Change 

Accessibility 

Information
Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

17705 212th Avenue NW

Foxholm, ND 58718

701 / 468 5467

701 / 468 5600 fax

uppersouris@fws.gov

http://www.fws.gov/uppersouris

For State relay service

TTY / Voice: 711

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

http://www.fws.gov

For Refuge Information

1 800 / 344 WILD

January 2014