Unique types of vegetation also abound in this water environment. Extensive stands of phragmites, cattail, and bulrush are interspersed with the open water providing important year-round wildlife cover. Most of the trees now growing on the refuge were planted as windbreaks shortly after the refuge's establishment. The introduction of this new habitat has attracted many birds and mammals such as fox squirrels and mourning doves which were previously uncommon or unknown around Sand Lake. Common shelterbelt trees include green ash and Russian olive.
Natural species growing near lakeshores include cottonwoods and willows.
At first glance the grasslands do not appear to be overrun with wildlife, but life abounds beneath the grassy cover. If you could peel back the grasses you would discover hundreds of grassy tunnels built by field mice. Hawks often seen soaring over the grasslands know of their existence as do red fox and striped skunks which search for food on the grasslands. Nesting ducks and secretive birds also hide in the tall grass cover. A walk through the grasslands will produce many other surprises.