Grassland and forest areas are very important to raptors and songbirds and, therefore, will be maintained and enhanced for nesting and migrating species. There have been alarming declines in many grassland bird populations in recent years. The refuge has an active grassland restoration and management program. Big bluestem, little bluestem, indiangrass, and switchgrass, all species native to North America, are being planted on former farm fields throughout the refuge to provide breeding habitat for declining grassland bird species. Our cooperative farming program also provides opportunities for local farmers to harvest hay in late summer from the refuge.
Invasive species continue to be an increasing problem both on and off the refuge.
The refuge has an active biological control program for purple loosestrife, a beautiful but undesirable wetland plant that outcompetes native wetland vegetation. We are working to reduce the dominance of these species both on and off the refuge.